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Winter Wheat Update as of May 31, 2007

Winter wheat fields are in fast forward mode. Surprisingly, the wheat is early, with much of the crop 3-5 days ahead of normal. Early fields in Essex/Lambton have headed and had Folicur applied. In Huron/Bruce, advanced fields are heading, and the majority of the crop in the major producing regions will head this weekend (June 1-3). Current weather forecasts include rain just after heading, which increases the risk of Fusarium. Optimal timing for Folicur or Proline is Day 2 (Day 0 is when 75% of heads have cleared the flag leaf).

Leaf disease levels remain low in most fields. Physiological fleck continues to seen in some fields, and is quite impacted by variety. Fields closer to the lakes have moderate levels of powdery mildew. Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus symptoms are showing in an increasing number of fields, at higher levels than would be preferred. Aphids are still present, with some fields above threshold (15 aphids/stem pre-heading, 50 aphids/stem after heading). Aphids are now being found in spring cereals as well. With the higher levels of aphids in winter wheat, spring cereals may be even more at risk. Scout! If control is warranted, please contact Jen (519 272 4268) or Peter (519 318 7769) to set up some trials, and validate threshold levels. There is little Ontario data on the impact of aphid control in cereals.