The head scab model is currently showing low risk across most of Michigan, however this may change with predicted moisture.

Stripe rust has been detected in several counties across Michigan, and growers are urged to scout fields. Stripe rust can develop quickly and result in significant yield loss. Be sure to scout your fields and be aware of disease pressure in your area. The goal is to keep the flag leaf as free of disease as possible throughout the flowering and grain-fill periods. To achieve this, a fungicide may be warranted during or soon after the flag leaf stage, particularly when a fast-moving disease such as stripe rust is present. If stripe rust is detected in your fields and there is still some time before a head scab fungicide application, a fungicide application now may be warranted. There are plenty of fungicide products that do and excellent job of managing stripe rust, for the complete list, see our multi-state fungicide efficacy guide: https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/fungicide-efficacy-for-c….

If the crop is very close to flowering a fungicide applied at flowering to reduce risk of head scab and DON will also do a great job at providing protection of the flag leaf.

Winter wheat development in Michigan ranges from flag leaf to head emergence, with flowering expected within the next week or two. Leaf diseases have been minimal to date, with only limited reports of powdery mildew, Septoria blotch and leaf rust. 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.

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. Fungicide products that provide good protection from head scab and stripe rust include Miravis Ace, Prosaro, Prosaro Pro, and Sphaerex. If applying fungicide products for head scab protection, don’t forget to use directional nozzles to increase coverage of the heads. Fungicides applied for head scab suppression will also assist in protecting the foliage.

A discussion on managing wheat and barley diseases and head scab can be found as part of our MSU virtual breakfast series https://www.canr.msu.edu/field_crops/virtual-breakfast/

Wheat and barley disease management discussion for 2023 is posted here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-TanpnqtEE&t=59s

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