Head scab risk remains low across most North Carolina wheat-growing regions, including in the scab-prone northeast corner. For wheat planted conventionally, a scab-targeted fungicide is unlikely to be profitable. However, if wheat is planted no-till behind corn and especially if the wheat variety is susceptible or moderately susceptible to scab, a fungicide may be advisable.

Optimal timing to apply a scab-targeted fungicide is early to mid-flowering, or up to a week later. The best timing for barley is about a week after 100% of heads are just emerged. Scab is not effectively managed by applications prior to flowering in wheat and full heading in barley. The most effective fungicides for scab reduction are Miravis Ace, Prosaro Pro, and Sphaerex. Do not apply strobilurin-containing products after flag leaf.

For a wheat variety's scab resistance level, find it at the NC OVT site: https://ncovt.medius.re/wheat. Look under Attributes. Scouting for scab symptoms can be done starting about 2 weeks after flowering and until the wheat starts to dry down.

--Christina Cowger, Small Grains Pathologist, USDA-ARS, NC State University