Lexington, Kentucky, USA
August 5, 2009
Fusarium head blight, also known
as “head scab,” was widespread in Kentucky winter wheat fields
during the past growing season.
University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture
specialists encourage growers to make pre-planting decisions to
ensure good stand establishment this fall and to lessen the risk
of Fusarium head blight being a problem next spring.
Fusarium head blight can affect seed quality by lowering the
germination percentage, said Chad Lee, UK grains crop
specialist. Growers need to have their seeds’ germination tested
before fall planting to ensure good stand establishment.
UK Regulatory Services offers seed testing services. Growers can
send samples directly to UK or submit them through their county
extension agricultural and natural resources agent.
“It is important for producers to test the germination
percentage of their seed before planting every year and
especially in years like this one where the disease is
widespread,” said Cindy Finneseth, UK seed testing coordinator.
“Some may also want to have a fungicide-treated germination test
done.” Fungicide seed treatments may improve germination.
Samples should include about 2 pounds of seed and represent the
entire seed lot. Producers should store seed in a container or
bag that is not easily ripped open. The test generally takes
about two weeks to complete.
“If the test shows poor germination of seeds, one of the easiest
things growers can do is clean the seed lot again to remove
scabby seed,” Finneseth said.
Seed fungicide treatments are fairly inexpensive considering the
benefits they provide, said Don Hershman, UK extension plant
pathologist. Fortunately, most of Kentucky’s wheat seed, with
the exception of saved seed, is already treated with fungicides,
which helps not only with disease prevention but with stand
establishment, he said.
Standard and treated germination tests at UK Regulatory Services
cost $7 each. If growers want both tests, they should notify the
lab when they submit samples. Kentucky residents get one free
standard germination test a year, but they must request it.
Individuals should send a note along with their samples
requesting a free test. Forms to submit samples are available
online at
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/RegulatoryServices/.
With Kentucky’s crop rotation system of wheat following corn,
the state’s wheat crop is at risk every year for developing
Fusarium head blight, but weather conditions during flowering
determine whether the disease will develop and damage the crop,
said Dave Van Sanford, UK wheat breeder. Disease development
favors wet conditions; if the conditions are dry during
flowering, Fusarium head blight will likely not be a factor.
To lower the risks of Fusarium head blight development, growers
should consider planting different varieties with at least
moderate resistance to the disease and varieties with varying
flowering dates. They should avoid planting varieties that are
very susceptible to the disease.
“If you plant multiple varieties that flower at different times,
you’ll be spreading out your risk, not only for Fusarium Head
Blight but for other diseases,” Van Sanford said.
In addition to lowering disease risks, planting varieties with
different flowering dates spreads out the harvest and minimizes
the potential for crop damage from a spring freeze.
Since Kentucky winter wheat is susceptible to many diseases each
year, growers should pay attention to the disease resistance
profiles of the varieties and know the complimentary disease
management program, Van Sanford said.
UK College of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission,
reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and
extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.
By Katie Pratt |
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