Wheat in much of central Kansas is now at the heading and flowering stages of growth that are most vulnerable for infection by Fusarium head blight. The risk is currently low for most areas of the state. The risk of severe head blight will likely increase over the next 48-72 hours as the region experiences more rainy and humid weather. You can see estimates of disease risk based on forecasted weather conditions by selecting the “48” or “72” buttons from the menu above. Growers may want to apply a fungicide to help suppress the risk of severe Fusarium head blight along with foliar diseases that are also active in the region such as stripe rust. Growers should use fungicides such as Prosaro, Caramba or Miravis Ace that are known to suppress head blight. Other fungicides provide little or no protection from head blight.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University