Wheat in much of north central and northwestern portions of Kansas is now at the heading and flowering stages of growth. These growth stages are vulnerable for infection by Fusarium head blight. Wheat in many areas of central, south central and southeastern regions of the state are mostly past flowering and into the early stages of grain development. Although there is still some risk of infection during grain development, the risk of severe disease is lower than when wheat is flowering.

The risk of severe head blight is moderate to high in most areas of Kansas. This estimate of disease risk assumes that wheat varieties are susceptible to head blight. Adjusting the assessment to estimate the risk of severe disease for moderately susceptible or moderately resistant varieties, such as Everest, WB4469, Zenda, greatly reduces the risk of severe disease. To view these risk maps, select the menu button from the upper left corner of the webpage. Then select the desired resistance level from the menu. Growers with fields that are still flowering in high risk areas should apply fungicides to help suppress the risk of severe Fusarium head blight. 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