By Scout Nelson
Small grain fields across Minnesota are seeing rising concerns with Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) and Bacterial Leaf Streak (BLS). These diseases are common in this season, with varying impacts on grain production.
Bacterial Leaf Streak is appearing late in the grainfill stage. While its presence is noticeable, losses from BLS are expected to be minor due to its late appearance.
However, Fusarium Head Blight poses a more serious challenge. Current field conditions favor FHB development, and this week is considered ideal for assessing early infections. The disease often causes tombstone kernels—lightweight, shriveled grains to be easily removed during harvest. Removing these infected kernels while combining is the simplest and most cost-effective way to reduce deoxynivalenol (DON) in the harvested grain.
“BLS is appearing relatively late in the grainfill period, and yield losses caused by the disease will be relatively small.”
Unfortunately, it is still too early to predict if the ongoing favorable conditions will cause widespread late-season FHB infections. These late infections are harder to manage since the kernels may look normal but still contain enough DON to lower grain quality and trigger market discounts or rejections.
“The same cannot be said for FHB, as the conditions continue to favor disease development.”
Armyworms are now being reported at treatable levels in the eastern beach ridge of the Red River Valley. The treatment threshold stands at 4 to 5 larvae per square foot, any time before harvest.
“Be cognisant of the preharvest interval (PHI) for your insecticide of choice, as many products labeled for use against armyworms have a PHI of 14 days or more.”
Growers are reminded to monitor both disease levels and pest thresholds closely as harvest approaches. Understanding field conditions will help protect both yield and grain quality this season.
Photo Credit:istock-fotokostic
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, General