EXTENSION REPORT

Wheat Fungicide Spray Program

Small grain acres have greatly increased again this year. The crop perspective at this point looks good.  Predicting yields is difficult as much will depend upon the weather from now through May.  Even though it has been fairly wet up until now we typically have dry weather in May which is good for this crop.  

Do not hesitate to spray your wheat with a fungicide.  Maximize your crops potential.  Of all of the areas where wheat is grown in Alabama, south Alabama and especially southwest Alabama, it always pays to spray fungicides on small grains. 

The research conducted by Malcomb Pegues and Dr. Katherine Burch at the Gulf Coast Research and Experiment Station give our growers some very valuable information.  In 2004 and 2005 the results were similar.  Every fungicide applied resulted in a 9 to 14 bushel yield increase and significant increase in wheat quality.  In 2006, when disease pressure was at a low, the fungicide tests resulted in a 3 to 9 bushel yield increase and a significant increase in wheat seed test weight.  As of February 29, our disease pressure on wheat has been low, however if the moisture continues and temperature increase so will the rust and other diseases.

Even though research so far has shown it pays to spray in southwest Alabama. it is important for growers to know the disease package of the varieties in order to improve management practices.  Of the varieties of wheat planted in South Alabama this year the variety LA 841 has the best disease package.  LA 841 was developed by Dr. Steve Harrison, LSU Wheat Breeder.  LA 841 has such a good disease package that 95 % of the wheat growers in Louisiana will not apply a fungicide to this variety.  This would be a grower’s choice.  Dr. Harrison did recommend that growers in our area apply a fungicide to the LA 482 however.  This is a new release variety.  It should have an equal or better disease package than the LA 841.  However, since it is a new release he recommends growers do not take a chance and do apply fungicides to the LA 482.

Fungicides can be looked at in three categories.  Tilt 3.6E and Propimax EC are curative fungicides.  These are best to use when the disease is already present.  Quadris 2.08FL, Proline 480SC and Headline 2.09E are preventative fungicides.  These fungicides are applied to give a longer term prevention of the disease.  They typically give a two week and sometimes a three week protection.  Quilt and Stratego 250EC are a mixture of both the curative and preventative fungicides. 

Since disease pressure is expected to be high growers should scout their wheat once a week up until flag/boot stage.  After that time twice a week scouting is recommended. The first application of a fungicide should go out at the flag leaf stage.  You can apply a cheap fungicide first and wait and see or a quality fungicide first.  This is a grower’s choice.  I would recommend a quality fungicide first and then possibly add another fungicide later if needed. 

Aphids are also present in our wheat and oat fields.  The threshold for treatment is 5 aphids at the Boot/flag leaf stage and 10 aphids at the head emergence stage.  At the soft to hard dough stage trying to control aphids is of no value.

Upcoming Programs

Estate Planning Workshops will be held at the following locations: Bay Minette Council Chambers/Civic Center on April 2 & 3 from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Fairhope Public Library on April 7 & 8 from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Bay Minette Public Library on April 16 & 17 from 2:00 -4:00 p.m., and Fairhope Public Library on April 21 & 22 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Call the Baldwin County Office at 937-7176 or 943-5611/928-0860, ext. 2222 to register for these workshops.

Email address: rpetcher@aces.edu

Phone number: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.