By Scout Nelson
The risk of Fusarium head blight, commonly known as scab, is on the rise in the northern part of the Red River Valley, particularly over the weekend. Recent rains and forecasted high humidity are contributing to the increased scab risk across the state, with susceptibility varying between wheat varieties.
Fungicide Selection:
For effective management of Fusarium head blight, fungicides like Miravis Ace®, Prosaro®, Prosaro Pro®, and Sphaerex® are recommended. These products typically suppress the disease by 45-60% and are rated as "good" for their efficacy.
Conversely, Tebuconazole (found in Folicur generics) is considered "fair," offering 20-25% suppression. It's crucial for farmers to adhere to the fungicide's label directions, paying close attention to pre-harvest intervals and maximum usage rates to ensure both effectiveness and compliance.
Fungicide Timing:
In spring wheat and durum, the optimal time for applying fungicides to control scab and deoxynivalenol (DON) is during early flowering, extending up to 7 days afterward.
Although application on fully headed wheat can still provide some level of scab suppression, the most significant benefits occur when applied at the onset of flowering.
For barley, fungicide application should coincide with full-head emergence and can continue for up to 7 days later to achieve maximum efficacy. It is critical to wait for full-head emergence in barley to ensure adequate fungicide coverage and disease suppression.
By carefully selecting the appropriate fungicides and timing their application accurately, producers can significantly mitigate the impact of Fusarium head blight, protecting their crops and ensuring agricultural productivity.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Wheat