Gary Bergstrom, Extension Plant Pathologist, Cornell University
For any New York grower whose winter wheat or barley is in the early stages of flowering, please note that the Fusarium Risk Assessment Tool (http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/) is now projecting a moderate or even severe risk of a Fusarium head blight epidemic in many areas of the state. The application window in which reasonable FHB suppression can be expected from an application of Caramba, Prosaro, or Proline fungicide only extends to 5-6 days from the beginning of flowering (Feekes 10.5 in barley and Feekes 10.5.1 in wheat). Flowering is completed in most winter cereals in New York. Attention now shifts to assessing the risk of FHB in spring wheat and barley as these crops approach heading and flowering in the weeks ahead.
