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