Wheat Fungicide Trials

As some may know Penn State Extension is continuing a wheat fungicide trial and we have a site in Franklin County. This trial is looking at early applied (Feekes 5-6) fungicide with a follow up at emergence to the typical fungicide application at boot to emergence. So far there are no notable differences among treatments but it is interesting to note that powdery mildew is present in all treatments. The severity of the infection is quite minimal so little can be said about performance among treatments, however it is present. Dr. Collins of our SE Research station, a pathologist by training, has stated that this fungus likes 50-70 degree weather the best so if it warms up significantly it could slow the infection. Looking ahead at the forecast it appears in the near future we will likely keep conditions favorable for infection. If you are scouting for this pathogen look for lesions as noted on the bottom leaf in the photo. These lesions will have a small amount of white 'fuz' in and around them. This may be visible with the human eye but you can definitely see it with a 10x hand lens. I will keep you up to date as this study continues to unfold.