On Monday April 21st we assessed winter injury at our Chilton WI variety test site. Some ice damage was present, however the damage was isolated to low lying areas. Wheat stand and tiller counts were excellent outside of these areas. The growth stage was a Feekes growth stage 3 or Zadoks growth stage 15 (five leaves unfolded) 29 (main shoot and 9 tillers). At our Lancaster plots (4/23/08) wheat stands were excellent across the board. This included our planting date and variety trial plots. The growth stage in our variety trial planted late September was a Feekes growth stage 3 or Zadoks growth stage 16 (five leaves unfolded) 29 (main shoot and 9 tillers). Yield potential at both locations is excellent.
Weather dependent we are rapidly approaching jointing in southern WI so be cautious if you intend to apply 2,4-D for weed control.