Sawfly management in wheat requires a diversified approach using a number of tools. Growers who know which fields have greater levels of infestation can help manage the effects of sawfly this year as well as next year. Fields with high infestations should be harvested first, if possible.
Winter wheat in the Nebraska Panhandle continues to be rated above average with most of the wheat rated good to excellent. Winter wheat in the west central, south central, and eastern areas is more varied, as described in this wheat progress and condition report.
Spring is the ideal time to apply nitrogen (N) to winter wheat to ensure top yields. Adequate N levels promote tillering, large head size, and are the primary factor determining the protein level of the grain at harvest. There are a few things to consider to optimize N applied to wheat.
Figure 1. Aerial imagery was collected at bean emergence using a drone. All dark green rows correspond to plots with different rates of char (10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 tons/acre).
Figure 1. Field peas (left) and chick peas are part of the growing pulse crop industry in western Nebraska. Register by Jan. 16 for the Pulse Crops Workshop, Expo or both to engage with industry representatives and growers and learn about the latest research.
Learn about and engage with the expanding pulse crop industry at two events being held in western Nebraska this month: the Pulse Crops Workshop Jan. 17 at Bridgeport and the Pulse Crops Expo Jan. 18 at Grant. Check the agendas and register for one or both events by Jan. 16.
Some growers in western Nebraska had their best winter wheat yields ever in 2017 while others had some of their lowest yields. Moisture availability and disease were among the factors. See breakdowns by area.
Planting certified wheat seed offers a number of advantages, often including the most recent genetics and higher yield and quality, over bin-run seed. And, when hidden costs are includes, costs for the two options can be similar.
