Wheat has headed out and started to flower in some locations on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. It is a good time to scout if you are at flag (more than likely), boot (swelling before head emerges) or the head has fully emerged. A picture of flowering wheat from April 20, 2017 in Somerset County can be seen below. Look for the anthers to emerge from the center of the wheat head first. You may also read Nathan Kleczewski’s posts below on the risk of FHB right now and sign up for updates through the prediction center .
Nathan Kleczewski Field Crops Disease Blog on FHB:http://extension.udel.edu/fieldcropdisease/2017/04/19/time-to-sign-up-for-fusarium-head-blight-prediction-updates/
Mid-Atlantic Update (4/20/17)
Most wheat is at flag leaf or the boot stage in many parts of Delaware, and some early-planted wheat in Southern regions of Maryland are starting to head out. Once wheat has headed, expect flowering to start in 3-5 days, Currently there is a chance for rain in the forecast within the next 5-7 days. However, dry weather over the past 2-3 weeks has not been favorable for spore production and disease potential. I do not expect the forecasted rains will have a significant impact on FHB risk forecasts over the next week given our recent dry spell.
–Nathan Kleczewski, Extension Field Crop Plant Pathologist, University of
Delaware
