Winter barley is heading in central Michigan. The Fusarium Risk Assessment Map currently shows low risk, however moisture may increase risk potential. Fungicides for management of head scab should be applied once heads have fully emerged, up to 7 days post head emergence, with recent research demonstrating 4 days post head emergence being optimal for head scab and DON suppression. Fungicides applied for head scab suppression will also assist in protecting the foliage.

Winter wheat development in Michigan ranges from flag leaf to boot stage, with flowering expected within the next week or two. Leaf diseases have been minimal to date, with only limited reports of powdery mildew and Septoria blotch. To date stripe rust has not been reported in Michigan. For optimal head scab and DON suppression fungicides should be applied from the beginning of flowering up to 7 days post the beginning of flowering. Fungicides applied for head scab management will also provide protection of the flag leaf. A discussion on managing wheat diseases and head scab as part of our MSU virtual breakfast series can be found here https://www.canr.msu.edu/field_crops/virtual-breakfast

--Martin Chilvers, Associate Professor, Field Crop Pathology, Michigan State University