[Fhb-update_ma] FHB Update from MD, 05/16/11

[FHB Updates - Mid Atlantic SWW Region]

The risk of scab developing on flowering wheat in the northern tier of counties in Maryland is now medium. This region should have wheat begin to flower this week. The weather forecast for this week is potentially very favorable for scab. There is a stalled or slowly moving system that will generate showers, thunderstorms and will create extended periods of high humidity within a favorable temperature range for spore development, dissemination and infection processes. If rain develops as forecasted, I fully expect to see the risk level change to high in some areas. Wheat coming into flower, particularly in the northern tier and potentially late-planted wheat in the central shore area, should be considered for fungicide application. Prosaro at 6.5 fl oz/A or Caramba at 14 fl oz/A are recommended. Specific rainfast periods are not known for these products. At a minimum a 3-4 hr period of drying to allow product to dry and be absorbed on plant surface will reduce runoff and impr
 ove efficacy. Because of the 48 hr REI for these products the labels state there is a chance of some runoff if rain occurs within 48hrs of application.

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

 For more details, go to the FHB Risk Assessment Tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/riskTool_2011.html