This is the critical time to apply fungicides for leaf disease control and many growers are asking for more information about the wheat disease situation in the state. The wheat is heading and flowering in southeast and south central Kansas this week. Wheat in central Kansas is mostly in the boot stages of development with the most advanced fields beginning to head this weekend. The wheat in southwest Kansas continues to struggle with drought and freeze damage and growth stage varies widely among fields.

By Mary Lou Peter
Kansas State Research and Extension

COLBY, Kan. – By the very nature of his work as an extension agricultural economist, Kansas State University’s Dan O’Brien is used to reaching out to farmers, agri-businesses and others with the latest research-based information pertaining to grain market analysis. And he’s added another tool to help disseminate that information.

Jim Shroyer
Kansas State

In central Kansas, many fields of wheat were covered in a thick coating of ice on April 11. By itself, a coating of ice on the surface of leaves and stems will usually not cause direct damage unless the wheat is tall enough that the weight of the ice breaks the wheat over and causes lodging. Ice can also cause leaves to become water-soaked and mushy, but this will not affect new leaves.