Scouting wheat

    The risk of significant yield losses from leaf rust in Kansas has increased dramatically this past week. Leaf rust was discovered in commercial fields and variety demonstration plots in Sumner County, located in south-central Kansas, on April 24. The leaf rust was present on the F-1 and
F-2 leaves, with an incidence of less than 10 percent and severity less than 2 percent in both Jagger and Jagalene. Leaf rust was also observed on Jagalene and Jagger in northern Oklahoma. The disease was slightly more advanced in Oklahoma. Leaf rust was observed at trace levels on Overley near Stillwater, Okla., but the disease has not yet been detected on Overley in Kansas. Overley is very susceptible to leaf rust, and this variety will likely become diseased soon. also. Producers who have planted varieties such as Jagger, Jagalene, Overley, Tam 111 and 2137 should be scouting vigorously.   
    K-State recommends a fungicide application for fields that will have a yield potential of 30 bushels per acre or better. Products such as Quilt, Tilt, Stratego and Headline are good treatment options. The yield response for foliar fungicides in Kansas will typically fall between 4 and 13 percent, with the yield average response of 10 percent. The cost of a fungicide and application ranges between $20 and $27 per acre. The price of wheat is still very strong.
    We have a great publication in our office titled “Identifying and Managing Wheat Rusts.” It has some good color pictures and a list of control options.  Stop by and pick one up or call (620) 227-4542 for more information.