[Fhb-update_ma] FHB Update from PA, 05/06/10

[wheat at essc.psu.edu]

Wheat is in Growth Stage 9 to 10 in most areas of the state.  Heading and flowering will likely be considerably earlier than normal due to the warm spirng conditions.  Currently the risk of head scab is low, but other diseases such as powerdy mildew are present and some fields have been treated with fungicides.  Heading will likely start in early planted fields in southern counties by May 10 with flowering occurring 3-5 days later.  It will be important to monitor weather conditions and the risk for head scab using this model during the next two weeks.  Wheat is most vulnerable to infection during flowering and the early stages of grain development. Severe outbreaks of Fusarium head blight are most likely to occur when extended periods of high relative humidity occur prior to and during these growth stages.

 --Greg Roth, Extension Agronomist, Pennsylvania State University 

 For more details, go to the FHB Risk Assessment Tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/riskTool_2010.html