[Fhb-update_ma] FHB Update from MD, 05/09/13

[FHB Updates - Mid Atlantic SWW Region]

The risk of economically significant scab levels continues to be low. Wheat
has begun to flower and although the showers have been favorable for
infection, temperatures have been somewhat below optimum for the preceding
week. The result is few spores have been produced and are mature enough to
cause infection as the crop comes into flowering. Scab will not occur if the
crop is not yet flowering. The forecasting system is very effective in
predicting scab outbreaks that cause damage to wheat that is in flower
through early dough. However, low risk does not mean that there will be no
infected heads where flowering has begun. But without more moisture and
higher temperatures disease development will be insignificant. For a crop
that has not yet flowered there is NO risk of infection at this time.
Fungicides for scab management must be applied when the crop has begun to
flower to be effective. No fungicide applications for scab are warranted at
this time. Continue to monitor the scab forecasting website as your crop
approaches flowering to help determine the need for fungicide applications.

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

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at
http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu