University of Minnesota Extension Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma says disease pressure remains light in wheat research plots despite the first appearance of leaf rust this season. “The non-inoculated trials are very, very clean,” said Wiersma. “We found a few pustules of leaf rust in the spreader rows, but I think it’s inconsequential for the rest of the season because most of our varieties have excellent resistance.” Wiersma said Fusarium head blight remains the disease growers should watch most closely. However, “the heat this weekend and the warm nighttime temperatures are probably more detrimental to yield than any disease.”
