[Fhb-update_ma] FHB Update from MD, 05/03/10

[wheat at essc.psu.edu]

Wheat that managed to be planted near the fly-free date in the southern parts of Maryland is heading and very close to flowering. Several periods of 80+ °F temperatures this spring has moved plant development along ahead of last year. Late planted fields are delayed. To best use this tool it is important to try to determine when the crop will be flowering, because best scab suppression with the recommended products Prosaro and Caramba must be applied as close to flowering as possible. Conditions have not been favorable for large-scale production of spores so far this season. However, this week (May 2 - May 9) is forecast to have several warm rainy days that will stimulate spore production. The risk level may change by the end of the week. Remember, to avoid unintended increases in vomitoxin, once the crop has headed, do not use products containing strobilurin fungicides like (Headline, Twinline, Quadris, Quilt, or Stratego).

 --Arv Grybauskas, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Maryland