The Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center is active for the 2024 growing season. These tools provide daily estimates of disease risk for wheat and barley in 35 states. The risk map is currently showing areas of moderate and high risk in the Southern US. Growers in these areas should consult with local University Extension or other advisors to evaluate the need for fungicide applications.

Tips for using the tool: The tool shows the disease risk for susceptible wheat varieties for todays date. You can select earlier assessment dates by clicking on the calendar menu at the top of the risk map. Use the menu button on the upper left to view risk maps for wheat varieties with other levels of genetic resistance to Fusarium head blight. This menu also provides options for viewing additional map features or restricting area displayed to just the major wheat production areas.

Risk maps based on 2, 4 or 6 days of forecasted weather can help users anticipate future trends in disease risk. These maps are available by selecting the 2d, 4d and 6d buttons to the right of the calendar menu.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University