The welcome moisture for spring wheat increases the threat of Fusarium head blight (FHB), commonly known as head scab. FHB significantly reduces both grain quality and yield.

The disease thrives in wet weather and high humidity. FHB that causes head scab produces vomitoxin, specifically deoxynivalenol (DON). This lowers the milling and baking quality of wheat flour. Dan Melaas, technical service representative for BASF covering North Dakota, explained that threshold limits at the elevator begin as low as 1 to 2 parts per million. Quality grade reductions can range from $0.25 to $2 per bushel.

Fungicide application at the correct time is critical. Melaas said Feekes Growth Stage 10.5.1 is the best timing for FHB applications, which is when the plant is in early flowering with anthers extruded in the center of the head.

Read more on the increased threat of head scab in spring wheat here.