The current focus of the prediction effort is on areas of central IL, IN; southern OH and portions of southeastern PA where wheat is approaching or already at the heading and flowering stages of growth that are critical to the development of Fusarium head blight. The risk map indicates large areas of moderate and high risk of severe disease for much of this region. Growers in these states should consult with local University Extension or other advisors to evaluate the need for fungicide applications.

Tips of using the tool: The tool shows the disease risk for susceptible wheat varieties for today’s 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 areas displayed.

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.

You can activate graphs of recent weather and trends in disease risk by clicking on the map. The bottom graph panel displays the disease risk for wheat varieties with different levels of genetic susceptibility to Fusarium head blight.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University