Fusarium Head Blight Risk Remains Low

The risk window for Fusarium Head Blight infection is rapidly closing as wheat across the state progresses through flowering. Lack of rainfall and low humidity has kept the risk level for infection low statewide (Image 1). A few pockets may still present themselves but for the most part if the model is accurate (which it has shown to be over the last few years) we should have a relatively scab free year. 

Image 1.  Fusarium Head Blight Assessment Tool Risk Map on 5/24/2012.

In scouting our Arlington wheat plots in preparation for this blog article I noted a few varieties showing significant stripe rust incidence and severity (Image 2). This pathogen has been prevalent in the southern U.S.  and was expected at some point.

 Image 2. Stripe rust on wheat in WI.