By Scout Nelson
The recent stretch of sunny, dry weather with strong winds has helped dry out fields, allowing farmers to continue planting. However, it has also brought challenges to small-grain crops such as wheat, barley, and oats. The high daytime temperatures at the soil surface have caused a condition known as heat canker in young seedlings.
Heat canker appears as a yellowish band near the soil surface on the seedling stems. This band, which measures about 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide, is a result of tender plant tissue being damaged or “cooked” by the intense surface heat. As the seedlings grow, these yellow bands rise upward along the plant as the leaves elongate.
If the hot and dry conditions continue for several days, multiple yellow bands may form on the same plant. Additionally, strong winds may cause the leaf tips to snap off at the weakened yellow band area, giving the field a ragged and uneven look.
Despite the visual damage, this condition is usually temporary. Experts advise that heat canker does not impact the plant’s future growth or yield potential. The seedlings generally recover on their own once weather conditions improve.
Heat canker is a weather-related stress that tends to affect only the most sensitive young tissues during early growth stages. While it may look concerning, there is no need for panic or replanting.
“This yellow band...moves upward and away from the soil surface.” This quote highlights how the symptom develops and shifts as the plant grows.
Regular field checks and monitoring will help identify any other issues. Overall, small grain crops should continue growing normally as temperatures moderate and new growth emerges.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Wheat, Weather