June 17, 2008
Topeka Capital-Journal, KS
WICHITA — Kansas farmers have a new worry as they harvest their winter wheat.
Photo: Head scab (Fusarium head blight) on the left and two white heads caused by injury (insect feeding) to the wheat stem on the right (R. Taylor).
Kansas State extension plant pathologist Erick DeWolf says head scab is showing up in wheat fields in eastern and central Kansas. The fungal disease can reduce grain yield and quality.
Kansas Wheat reported today in its harvest update that some fields in eastern Kansas could see yield losses of 50 percent to 70 percent. North-central Kansas could have a 10 percent yield loss, and south-central Kansas could see a more moderate 2 percent to 3 percent yield reduction.
Kansas Agricultural Statistics says 2 percent of the state’s crop has been harvested. It rates wheat condition as 24 percent poor to very poor. About 33 is in fair condition, with 37 percent rated good and 6 percent excellent.
http://cjonline.com/stories/061708/bre_wheat.shtml