The extreme heat and humidity across much of Ontario last week has had a major impact on several crops, some doing well and some not so well.
Heat-loving crops such as corn had a vibrant week, moving quickly through the leaf stage, but spring cereals in the flowering stage and crops with poor root development were harmed by the heat.
On this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has a warning for all wheat growers: Fusarium is widespread and a nasty disease. Timely harvest is essential, especially in lodged fields. Plus, we hear about avoiding fleabane seed formation, why rapid growth syndrome (pictured above) is a no-no, which plants tolerate standing waterlogging best, and the value of straw.
summary:
- The beast returns: Fusarium infestation in wheat crops
- If you live in a rainy area, you’re barely keeping your head above water.
- Heavy rains also occurred in flashes — up to 6 inches of water within an hour.
- Hay took a big hit
- Northeast Nebraska receives 21 inches of rain in three days
- But Ontario has some great crops.
- How long can submerged plants survive? It depends on the vegetation above the water surface and the type of plant.
- The corn plants were growing a new leaf every 3 days and 2.5 days, even in the heat of the day.
- I can hear the corn growing
- When it comes to wheat, the heat was no good.
- Don’t be discouraged, the earning potential is still high
- Wheat harvest began one to two weeks earlier than expected.
- The heatwaves have undoubtedly hurt the cool-flowering cereals (oats, barley, wheat).
- New Group 12 Herbicides Registered for Corn and Beans This Year
- What are these patterns…the angles the disc ripper ran
- The spread of residues is very significant. Is this a carbon penalty?
- Doubling of residues will have an impact on the soil, not only on nitrogen fixation but also on temperature differences and other factors.
- Rapid Growth Syndrome looks bad, but it’s okay
- Why do crops do so well after wheat? Improving soil structure, internal drainage and adding autumn-seeded crops help with weed suppression.
- Fleabane in wheat (missed spots) — Don’t let it go to seed. Control after harvest. Can be sprayed with MCPA ester. 0.5 litre per acre will stop seed formation but will not kill it.
- Warning! The ugly beast called Fusarium
- Not at 1996 levels, but maybe in places like the bed.
- Get out there and scout. Your departure date is important.
- Early heading crops are less infected
- It was delayed by just one week and suffered a major defeat.
- Lodged wheat is likely to have much higher DON levels. It’s a moisture issue.
- What is the value of straw? Both in cents per pound and in nutritional level.
- Check out our Wheat Agronomy Guide here
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