June 3, 2010

Growers can learn about the latest wheat varieties and view many of them in the field at a June 15 wheat tour near Wilber. The event, sponsored by UNL Extension, will begin at 6 p.m. in a wheat variety plot hosted by Steve Wiese.

The event begins with a sponsored meal at 6 p.m. at the Louis-Milan Post 101 American Legion building in Legion Park on the south side of Wilber. At 6:30 p.m., guest speaker Ray Ward, soil scientist and owner of Ward Laboratories, Kearney, will provide the latest nutrient management information for wheat. At 7 p.m. participants will drive to the plot site.

The wheat plot will include 22 wheat varieties and 14 experiment varieties, said Randy Pryor, extension educator in Saline County. Tour speakers will include:

• Steve Baenziger, UNL professor and wheat breeder, who will discuss variety options for southeast Nebraska
• Stephen Wegulo, UNL extension plant pathologist, who will discuss the spread of wheat diseases in southern Nebraska and the yield effects of foliar diseases of wheat. The site includes replicated fungicide treatment strips for wheat diseases.

The field is located about two miles south of Wilber on Highway 103 on the east side of the highway. Several area agribusinesses are sponsoring the evening meal.

For more information about the tour, contact Randy Pryor at the UNL Extension Office in Saline County at 821-2151 or e-mail rpryor1@unl.edu or see the program flyer.