Wheat

Stripe Rust Widespread in Wheat But Mostly At Low Levels

May 6, 2016

Report of this week's wheat disease survey: On May 3 stripe rust was observed for the first time at the UNL Havelock Farm in Lincoln, where incidence was low and severity ranged from trace to high. t the Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead on May 3, infections had spread from small hot spots one to two weeks earlier to larger areas in research plots, and leaf damage was apparent Wheat growth stage at these two locations ranged from flag leaf emergence to heading. On May 5, field surveys found stripe rust to be widespread in the west central and southern Panhandle of Nebraska. The flag leaf had not emerged or was just starting to emerge in these parts of the state. Wheat mosaic virus was identified in Deuel County.

Two wheat fields in western Nebraska — Figure 1. A good fall, mild winter, and plenty of soil moisture are all contributing to what could be a high-yielding wheat crop for Nebraska growers this year. (Left) This wheat field 12 miles sotheast of Ogallala looked a little ragged after 4-5 inches of wet snow, but was expected to return to normal growth. (Right) Most of the snow had melted by May 3 in this wheat field near Sidney. (Photos by Bob Klein and Karen DeBoer)

Above Average Wheat Yields Expected Across Nebraska

May 5, 2016

Although Nebraska’s planted wheat acres are at record lows, producers should expect high yields. Favorable growing conditions, including a mild winter and abundant precipitation, has Nebraska wheat positioned to achieve wheat yields not seen in the past five years. However, farmers should scout carefully for wheat rust and be prepared to treat any outbreaks in a timely manner.

Wheat field in Saline County April 28, 2016 — Figure 1. A healthy-looking wheat field in Saline County on April 28. Recent rains boosted wheat growth, but created conditions favorable for wheat disease. Growers are encouraged to scout and treat if necessary to protect the flag leaf. (Photos by Stephen Wegulo)

Conditions Favorable to Disease Growth in Wheat

April 29, 2016

Wheat field surveys in southeast and south central Nebraska (Lancaster, Saunders, Saline, Filmore, Thayer, Nuckolls, Webster, and Clay counties) on April 27-28 found little disease in growers’ fields. The wheat crop looked healthy and was growing vigorously (Figure 1) thanks to the recent rains.

stripe rust on wheat — Figure 2. Stripe rust on the upper leaves in a research plot at the ARDC on April 21

After Rains, Some Wheat Diseases Increasing

April 22, 2016

Following rains across much of the state last week, wheat diseases appear to be increasing, based on field surveys this week. Reported diseases include powdery mildew, stripe rust, and leaf spot.

Bowl of white noodles — Advancements in a new line of hard white wheat make it possible to develop white whole grain products that are more popular in the marketplace. The USDA research effort was led by Robert Graybosch, plant geneticist and research leader of the ARS Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit in Lincoln.

ARS Lincoln Research Leads to Whiter Wheat

April 20, 2016

Getting rid of gray discoloring in foods such as fresh noodles, breads, and refrigerated biscuits is now possible, thanks to a new white hard wheat breeding line developed by USDA scientists in Lincoln.

Photos of 3 wheat fields: with stripe rust, leaf rust, and healthy — (From left) Figure 1. A hot spot of stripe rust in a research plot at the ARDC near Mead on April 14. Figure 2. Leaf rust in a research plot at the ARDC near Mead on April 14. Figure 3. A healthy wheat field in Thayer County on April 13. (Figures 1-8 by Stephen Wegulo)

Stripe Rust & Aphids Confirmed in Nebraska Wheat

April 15, 2016

Wheat disease surveys on April 8 and April 12-14 found stripe rust and leaf rust at trace to low levels in south central and southeast Nebraska and in the Panhandle. Given the locations of outbreaks in Banner County this spring are the same as when the disease was identified in seedlings last fall, the two rusts may have overwintered. See more reports and management recommendations.

Wheat Condition and Soil Moisture Reports

April 8, 2016

This week the National Drought Monitor rated almost 25% of Nebraska as "abnormally dry," a major change from 0% since Jan. 1. Most of the affected area was along the southern tier of Nebraska counties.

Nebraska Wheat Condition 60% Good-Excellent

April 5, 2016

For the week ending April 3 temperatures varied widely across Nebraska, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Parts of the Panhandle experienced below normal temperatures, while large portions of eastern Nebraska experienced temperatures up to five degrees above normal.

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