Wheat fields in Kentucky are currently at or fast approaching anthesis (Feekes growth stage 10.51). The risk of Fusarium head blight (FHB) across the state is currently low, but that could change with the forecast of possible rains this week. If the decision to apply a fungicide is made, it is important to use an effective fungicide. Research from the University of Kentucky has shown that several products provide good efficacy against FHB and contamination of grain by associated mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON). For specific information about product efficacy, review the publication, "Fungicide Efficacy for Control" of Wheat Diseases available on the Crop Protection Network website (https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/).

--Dr. Carl A. Bradley, Professor and Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

In Virginia, wheat is currently at varying growth stages across the state. On Friday April 25, many fields were at the boot stage (Feekes 9) or beginning to head (Feekes 10.1 to 10.3), while in some areas and in early maturing varieties heads have fully emerged (Feekes 10.5).

For those choosing to make a fungicide application, the optimal timing for managing scab is at early flowering (Feekes 10.5.1) and up to seven days afterward. Reminder: Do not use products that contain strobilurins (FRAC 11) to manage scab.

Warm, humid, and wet conditions leading up to and during flowering favor infection by the scab-pathogen. As of April 28, 2025, conditions in Virginia are not favorable for disease development in flowering wheat. However, for fields expected to flower in the coming days or weeks, monitor your local weather closely and consult the Fusarium Risk Tool for updates on disease-conducive conditions.

--Douglas S. Higgins, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech Eastern Shore Agriculture Research and Extension Center

Wheat on the Eastern shore of Maryland is heading and should start flowering within a week or so. Wheat in the north-western part (Frederick, Carroll, Hartford counties) is also close to heading or has started heading.

The FHB fungal pathogen infects the wheat plants at the flowering stage (when the yellow anthers emerge from the heads), which is the stage at which the application of fungicides is conducted in wheat. The FHB map currently does not show high risk, especially for a genetically resistant variety. However, keeping an eye on the forecasts and weather patterns over the next few days as your wheat flowers is recommended.

If you are planning to apply fungicides for FHB, remember that triazole-containing fungicides (Miravis-Ace, Prosaro, Prosaro-Pro, and Sphaerex) should be used to control FHB. In addition to scab, they can also control other fungal pathogens like powdery mildew. Strobilurin-containing fungicides should not be used at this stage.

--Nidhi Rawat, Small Grains Pathologist, University of Maryland

Thanks to dry weather, head scab risk is low across North Carolina and surrounding states. This means that for wheat planted conventionally, a scab-targeted fungicide is unlikely to be profitable. However, if wheat is planted no-till behind corn and especially if the wheat variety is susceptible or moderately susceptible to scab, a fungicide may be advisable.

Optimal timing to apply a scab-targeted fungicide is early to mid-flowering, or up to a week later. The best timing for barley is about a week after 100 pct of heads are just emerged. Scab is not effectively managed by applications prior to flowering in wheat and full heading in barley. The most effective fungicides for scab reduction are Miravis Ace, Prosaro Pro, and Sphaerex. Do not apply strobilurin-containing products after flag leaf.

For a wheat variety’s scab resistance level, find it at the NC OVT site: https://ncovt.medius.re/wheat. Look under Attributes.

--Christina Cowger, Small Grains Pathologist, USDA-ARS, NC State University

Especially for susceptible wheat varieties, the head scab risk is moderate to high in the southern part of the Coastal Plain and Tidewater. This includes the counties of Brunswick, Columbus, Pender, Duplin, Onslow, Bladen, Jones, Carteret. This applies to wheat that is flowering. Since the coming week is predicted to be dry, the risk for wheat that will be flowering in the next 2 weeks should be lower. A fields risk is based on how conducive the weather is (wet, warm) in the 2 weeks prior to when the field flowers.

Risk levels given by the forecasting website (wheatscab.psu.edu) apply to conventionally planted wheat. Especially for susceptible varieties, wheat planted no-till into corn residue is likely to benefit from a scab-targeted fungicide regardless of the risk forecast.

To get your varieties FHB resistance levels, visit the NC OVT site and find the variety here: https://ncovt.medius.re/wheat. Then look under Attributes.

Optimal timing to apply a scab-targeted fungicide is early to mid-flowering, or up to a week later. Scab is not effectively managed by applications prior to flowering. The most effective fungicides for scab reduction are Miravis Ace, Prosaro Pro, and Sphaerex. Do not apply strobilurin-containing products after flag leaf.

--Christina Cowger, Small Grains Pathologist, USDA-ARS, NC State University

NC wheat ranges from jointing in the west to boot stage in the south and flag leaves out in the east. Wheat is vulnerable to scab infection at flowering. Flowering will take place mainly from mid-April through the first week of May. The forecasting tool estimates scab risk for wheat flowering on the day that is selected (www.wheatscab.psu.edu). High relative humidity and mild temperatures increase risk. If risk is moderate to high, the best time to apply fungicide to wheat is early- to mid-flowering or even a few days later. In winter barley, the best time for a scab-targeted fungicide is around 6 days after full heading.

Products with highest efficacy against scab include Miravis Ace, Sphaerex and Prosaro Pro. Products containing strobilurins should be avoided. If small grains are planted no-till into corn debris and especially if the variety is not moderately resistant, it is advisable to apply a fungicide even if forecasted risk is low.

--Christina Cowger, Small Grains Pathologist, USDA-ARS, NC State University

As of March 31, 2025, the Fusarium Head Blight risk forecast model indicates low risk for the main wheat-producing areas of the state (this can change quickly with storms coming through later this afternoon). In the south and central parts of the state, wheat growth is primarily in the late heading and/or early flowering stages. It is advised to keep monitoring the Fusarium Risk Tool to make an informed decision if a fungicide is needed for FHB management. Several county agents have reported wheat fields with heavy infections of powdery mildew and stripe rust infections. Check the 2025 Georgia Pest Management Handbook for wheat and oats disease control fungicide selection. Follow label instructions. For more or specific information contact your UGA local ANR county agent.

--Alfredo Martinez-Espinoza, Professor and Extension Specialist , University of Georgia

The Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center is active for the 2025 growing season. These tools provide daily estimates of disease risk for wheat in 35 states. The winter wheat crop is still at the early stages of vegetive growth. Winter wheat in parts of southern TX and LA will probably reach the flowering stages of growth that are most vulnerable to head blight over the next few weeks. The maps of disease risk indicates that the probability of severe head blight is low for most of the US today.

Tips for using the risk tools:

By default, the maps shows the disease risk for susceptible wheat varieties for today’s date. You can select earlier assessment dates by clicking on the calendar menu at the top of the risk map. Clicking on the map will activate graphs that display a 14-day summary of weather and disease risk for the selected location.

Use the menu button on the upper left to view risk maps for wheat varieties with other levels of genetic resistance to Fusarium head blight. This menu also provides options for viewing additional map features or restricting area displayed to just the major wheat production areas.

Risk maps based on 2, 4 or 6 days of forecasted weather can help users anticipate future trends in disease risk. These maps are available by selecting the 2d, 4d and 6d buttons to the right of the calendar menu.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University

The Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center is active for the 2025 growing season. These tools provide daily estimates of disease risk for wheat in 35 states. The tool shows the disease risk for susceptible wheat varieties for todays date. You can select earlier assessment dates by clicking on the calendar menu at the top of the risk map. Clicking on the map will activate graphs that display a 14-day summary of weather and disease risk for the selected location.

Use the menu button on the upper left to view risk maps for wheat varieties with other levels of genetic resistance to Fusarium head blight. This menu also provides options for viewing additional map features or restricting area displayed to just the major wheat production areas.

Risk maps based on 2, 4 or 6 days of forecasted weather can help users anticipate future trends in disease risk. These maps are available by selecting the 2d, 4d and 6d buttons to the right of the calendar menu.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University