Wheat - High Yield Goals - When to Spray

Wheat heads are emerging in Central Indiana and Rust is present. It is getting close to the right time to apply a fungicide for optimum Fusarium head scab suppression. In "order" to get the most benefit of a fungicide application for head scab, the wheat heads should be flowering. The optimum timing is Feekes 10.5.1, highlighted in the images above. Research indicates that fungicide applications 5-7 days past Feekes 10.5.1 can be very beneficial. However, applying a fungicide prior to flowering will limit the benefits.

Wait until 50% or greater of the plants are at the Feekes 10.5.1 growth stage.

Recommended product is: Caramba Fungicide @ 13.5 oz/A.

Always follow product labels.

More information can be found at: https://crop-protection-network.s3.amazonaws.com/publications/cpn-3001-wheat-optimizing-fungicide-use-for-fusarium-head-blight-scab-and-associated-mycotoxins.pdf

Melanie Burk
317-495-8926