The latest Extension information on wheat production and management practices from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Crop Growth and Development
Understanding plant development can be helpful for making management decisions. The optimum timing of fertilizer, irrigation, herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide applications are best determined by crop growth stage rather than calendar date.
The impact of various crop stresses such as frost, heat, drought, disease, insect damage, or weed competition can be more accurately predicted with a clear understanding of the relationships between crop growth stage and plant response to stress.
Major growth stages:
- Germination
- Seedling
- Tillering
- Stem elongation (jointing)
- Booting
- Heading
- Flowering (anthesis)
- Milk
- Dough
- Ripening
Additional Resources
- Estimating Winter Wheat Grain Yields (Nebraska Extension)
- Freeze Injury to Nebraska Wheat
- Wheat Kernel Damage (Source: Oklahoma State University)
- Plant Development--Growing Degree Days (Source: USDA)
- Tillering Patterns and Wheat Plant Stresses (Source: USDA)
Related Articles
Extension Crop and Pest Reports (June 24-28)
June 28, 2024
Extension educators share their observations in fields across Nebraska this week.
Wheat Disease Update for June 14, 2024
June 14, 2024
As of this week, stripe rust has been observed in all wheat-growing regions of Nebraska. Leaf rust has expanded range as well but is not expected to significantly impact yield.
Extension Crop and Pest Reports (June 10-14)
June 13, 2024
Extension educators share their observations in Nebraska fields this week.
Nebraska-developed Wheat Variety to Address New Fungal Threat
June 12, 2024
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is releasing a new wheat variety, NE Prism CLP, that stands out for its resistance to fungal disease, including fusarium head blight.
Wheat Stem Sawfly Flights Peaked, New Reports of Range Expansion
June 12, 2024
In addition to confirming the presence of wheat stem sawfly in new Nebraska counties this year, Nebraska Extension anticipates fairly high pressure from the crop pest this growing season.