Fusarium Update

Low levels of Septoria and powdery mildew are evident, along with isolated reports of leaf rust. As 90% of the yield comes from the top two leaves, monitoring wheat fields for disease progression is essential. In most fields, growers will be able to delay fungicide decisions until Proline or Folicur timing for fusarium control.

Based on US prediction models, most of the wheat areas below the Great Lakes are at moderate to high risk for Fusarium Head Blight. Areas such as Kentucky are showing significant fusarium infection in fields. According to Don Hershman, University of Kentucky, the disease is showing up at high levels and is considered the number one disease problem this year in Kentucky.

In Ontario based on DONcast the risk has been less due to drier conditions. You can monitor fusarium risk on the site-specific DONcast available at www.weathercentral.ca

It is extremely important to estimate a heading date and update this heading data as it gets close to a spray decision. Once heading is imminent, the observed weather will be factored into the model and the DON forecast will change frequently. Early fields are approaching the stage for fusarium control. For fusarium head blight control, Proline or Folicur should be applied from Day 2 to Day 4. Day 0 is when 75% of the wheat heads are fully emerged.