USA
June 26, 2014
The 2014 spring wheat planting season was drawn out in many areas due to cool soil temperatures and wet, rainy periods. Despite the odds, many Pacific Northwest (PNW) spring wheat fields are right on track, although unusual weather patterns are leaving some growers guessing which pests may affect their fields this season. To help ensure a successful season, agronomists and university experts from the PNW strongly urge growers to scout fields with extra care this year.
“By preparing now and identifying potential problem areas, growers can take early action to prevent minor issues from growing into larger causes for concern later in the season,” explains Don Drader, Syngenta agronomic service representative in Washington. “Careful planning and integrated management will help ensure growers achieve a healthy spring wheat stand with maximum yield potential.”
Here are several important early-season considerations for spring wheat growers in the PNW:
Identify issues, scout fields early
Scouting is important at multiple stages of the growing season, and it’s best to start early. The first scouting trip should be to identify early-season pests that are already present as they have a greater impact on younger, more vulnerable plants. It’s important to eliminate these threats before they become established in wheat fields. After pests are identified, plans can be made for initial crop protection product applications. Remember to scout two to three weeks after the first application to ensure good pest control and, as always, it’s good to maintain consistent scouting practices throughout the season. Increase the frequency, as needed, during periods with high potential for pest outbreaks or when local reports indicate specific pests have been confirmed in area wheat fields.
Control weeds before they control your fields
Specific weed appearances may be hard to predict early in the season, but by monitoring their presence and making timely herbicide applications, growers can help to maintain and improve crops’ performance. When weeds like wild oat emerge, they can negatively affect spring wheat yields if left uncontrolled. As few as 10 wild oat plants per square yard can reduce yields by up to 10 percent. “I recommend that wheat growers diversify their herbicide programs by using products containing different modes of action (MOAs). For example, rotating a group 1 herbicide like Axial® XL, a group 1 and group 4 herbicide like Axial Star and a group 2 herbicide like Sierra™ will help control weeds while also helping prevent the development of resistant weed populations,” said Drader. Growers can determine which group their herbicide falls under by looking at the label.
Nip insects in the bud
In terms of insects, spring wheat growers in the PNW should keep a close eye out for aphids and cereal leaf beetles this season. Adult cereal leaf beetles and larvae feed on the narrow strips of tissue between the leaf veins, leaving long white scars on leaves. This feeding damage can reduce yield quality, grain quality and plant vigor. Syngenta recommends using an insecticide like Warrior II with Zeon Technology® to help protect wheat from cereal leaf beetle damage.
Many other insects can be prevented by using a quality seed treatment insecticide. Growers who planted untreated seed should be on the lookout for signs of wireworm damage. Wireworms are found in cool, moist soils high in organic matter and feed on roots and underground shoots which can reduce stands up to 80 percent.
Determine diseases with field data
Predictions and early reports indicate stripe rust presence may be lower this year compared to previous years; however, Xianming Chen, research plant pathologist USDA-ARS, Washington State University, stresses the need for growers to pay close attention to what is happening in their own fields. “Growers need to keep in mind that many diseases such as stripe rust, can transfer from winter wheat to spring wheat,” Chen explained. “It’s important to pay attention to disease issues around your area and in other crops, and be prepared for any outbreaks.” To help mitigate diseases, like stripe rust, Syngenta recommends applying a preventative fungicide, such as Quilt Xcel®. Not only does it help prevent diseases but it has physiological benefits to For more information about stripe rust presence in the PNW, visit www.striperustalert.wsu.edu.
As long as growers employ sound management practices like scouting and are proactive with crop protection product applications, Drader is optimistic about crop conditions this season.
“Considering the unpredictability of pests this season, consistent scouting will be the key to a strong year,” says Drader. “Find what works best within your growing area, and stay ahead of pest pressure to ensure maximum yield and profit potential.”
Product performance assumes disease presence.
©2014 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some crop protection products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Warrior II with Zeon Technology is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Warrior II with Zeon Technology is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment on blooming crops and weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift onto blooming plants while bees are foraging adjacent to the treatment area.Axial®, Quilt Xcel®, Sierra™, Warrior II with Zeon Technology® and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
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