NDSU North Central Research Extension Center Crop Protection Specialist T.J. Prochaska says wheat stem sawfly was a challenge for North Dakota small grain growers this year. “Depending on where you were in the state, it was hit or miss. There wasn’t as much noted in the eastern half of North Dakota. The two big areas are in the northwest and southwest.” There was minor lodging in small grains. “We also found premature bleaching heads,” he says. “That’s the initial suggestion there could be a plant disease or insect issue taking place. We discovered wheat stem sawfly damage in Mountrail, Burke and Renville counties.” North Dakota State University is working on a new small grain variety to address wheat stem sawfly resistance, but Prochaska says it could take some time. In preparation for 2020, small grain growers can select better varieties, rotate crops and learn how to better manage beneficial insects to control wheat stem sawfly. Prochaska was part of Tuesday’s 2019 Crop Outlook and International Durum Forum.
News Categories
Latest RRFN Podcasts
Subscribe to RRFN
Get a weekly digest from RRFN to stay up-to-date on all the latest news in agriculture.