In Illinois, wheat will start flowering within the next few days in much of the state. We are currently experiencing temperatures in the 90s after a long period of cool wet weather. Due to these temperature swings, it may be harder than usual to predict when flowering will begin. Wheat fields should be monitored every other day for flowering and a fungicide should be applied when most of the heads are at the early flowering stage or as soon as possible afterward.

--Jessica Rutkoski, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Depending on the location and the variety maturity, wheat in Kentucky is at Feekes growth stage 10.51 (early anthesis) or beyond. Most wheat fields in the most southern areas of Kentucky would likely have been at Feekes 10.51 last week or before. Many wheat fields that are closer to southern Indiana or southern Illinois would likely be at the Feekes 10.51 stage now or soon will be. For most of the state, FHB risk is low, but there are some areas that show medium to high risk. Many of these areas showing risk are those in which wheat likely was at Feekes 10.51 last week. The risk is likely due to weather that was received last week (rainy and cooler conditions). Within the next few days, the risk map model will likely account for the very hot and sunny days that currently are occurring, which will reduce the risk of FHB greatly.

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

Wheat in much of central and eastern Kansas will be heading and flowering this week. These growth stages are vulnerable to Fusarium infection. Dry soil conditions are the dominate factor affecting wheat in central Kansas. However, some areas of eastern Kansas have received more rain this spring. The disease models are now showing moderate and high risk in the eastern portions of the state. This period of risk is a little out of sync with the crop since most wheat in this region of the state likely flowered a 4-7 days ago. Growers in this area should take a closer look at the situation as fungicide applications may be warranted where yield potential is reasonable. Seed production fields would be a top priority.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University

The Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center estimates disease risk for wheat and barley.

Wheat in KS, MO, IL, IN is now at or approaching growth stages that are vulnerable to Fusarium infection. There are some areas of moderate and high risk in these states. Growers in these areas should be watching weather for additional periods of humid, rainy weather that could stimulate disease.

Tips of using the tool: The tool 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. The risk maps based on 2, 4 or 6 days of forecasted weather are accessed by selecting the buttons to the right of the date selection menu. Use the menu button on the upper left corner of the map to active risk maps for wheat varieties with other levels of genetic resistance to Fusarium head blight.

Please note that the colors showing the different levels of disease risk changed this year. The lowest level of disease risk is now represented as yellow on the risk map. Moderate and high levels of risk are represented orange and red, respectively.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University

Wheat is currently flowering on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Growers with susceptible varieties planted are advised to spray head scab fungicides (Prosaro/ Caramba/ Miravis-Ace). However, if your planted wheat variety is resistant, the predicted risk for FHB is not high, so you can skip using the FHB fungicide application. Please note that if you are concerned about other fungal diseases like powdery mildew in your crop, you should still opt for the FHB fungicides at this stage. Strobilurin containing fungicides should not be sprayed at this stage. These fungicides do not need to be tank-mixed with another product for spraying. The fungicide products should be applied at the full rate recommended by the manufacturers. In the Northern counties, we are still around a week away from flowering.

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

Head scab risk has been low across Michigan, likely driven by the exceptionally dry conditions experienced across most of the state. Flowering in our head scab trials in central Michigan (East Lansing) began May 27th. It should be remembered that best fungicide timing for head scab control occurs from flowering (10.5.1) through seven days post the beginning of flowering. Fungicides applied at this time will also assist with protection of the flag leaf and foliage from late season diseases.

--Martin Chilvers, Associate Professor, Field Crop Pathology, Michigan State University

'Wheat in the Eastern Shore and the Southern part of the state is flowering (yellow anthers showing up on the heads) currently. Hopefully, you did not select a highly susceptible variety to begin with, as the FHB risk is increasing for such varieties. Growers with highly susceptible wheat varieties planted and having their wheat flowering, are advised to spray head scab fungicides (Prosaro/ Caramba/ Miravis-Ace). However, if you planted an FHB resistant variety, the head scab risk is predicted low currently. Powdery mildew is being observed across several fields this year, depending upon the planted variety. If you see high levels of powdery mildew on flag leaves and heads do not spray strobilurin containing fungicides, instead opt for FHB fungicides, as these control all fungal diseases. In the Northern counties, we are still around 7-10 days away from flowering.

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

Scab risk across the majority of PA remains low through the weekend despite forecasted moisture, mainly because of unseasonably cool temperatures. However, for barley that will be heading across southern and central western PA in the first half of next week, a protective fungicide application may be advised for susceptible or very susceptible varieties. Check your risk level any time at wheatscab.psu.edu.

--Alyssa A. Collins, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University

Wheat in the Eastern Shore of Maryland will be flowering (50% of the main tillers showing yellow anthers) in a couple of days. Although the weather has been wet since the weekend, the temperatures are rather low for widespread FHB development. Therefore, the epidemiological models are predicting low risk currently and for the next 4-6 days. However, with more rains coming, growers are advised to keep a close eye on the FHB risk over the coming days. In case the risk escalates, the recommended head scab fungicides are Prosaro/ Caramba/ Miravis-Ace/ at wheat flowering or within 4-5 days afterwards. Strobilurin containing fungicides should not be sprayed at this stage. In the northern counties, wheat is booting, and still roughly around 1-2 weeks away from flowering.

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

As of April 19, 2022, in Central Texas (Hill county), wheat are in the heading stage (Feekes 10.1-10.5). Wheat varieties in evaluated areas include WB Cedar and Terrell 8861. General observation is that wheat heads continue to develop normally with no indication of FHB infection.

As of April 19, 2022, in Southwest Texas (Williamson county), wheat are in the heading stage (Feekes 10.1-10.5). Wheat variety in evaluated are include TAM 304. General observation is that wheat heads continue to develop normally with no indication of FHB infection.

As of April 19, 2022, in the Texas Panhandle (Potter county), wheat second stem node is visible (Feekes 7). Wheat variety in evaluated are include TAM 114. General observation is that wheat have not started heading and FHB risk is unknown. Temperature in this area of Texas remains cyclical with alternating lows and highs. Conditions remain dry and war/hot with occasional high winds.

--Ken Obasa, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist, Texas A&M University