The answers to the questions from two weeks ago are at the end. Old-timers say wheat has nine lives. It’s safe to assume wheat has used up eight and is on its last one after this growing season. As of now it appears the wheat heads escaped the cold snaps in April with little obvious damage to the head or stems but the stem damage may show up if hot, dry conditions set in. A few fields this past week did exhibit some obvious head damage but the damage appeared to be scattered.
For the head, if there is damage to the stamen (male flower) we will know at bloom. The weather this past week has included rain for some although some wheat is exhibiting water stress. The biggest positive has been the moderate temperatures almost ideal for pollination and grain fill so let’s keep everyone’s fingers crossed.
The problems the wheat has now relate more to the drought and recent heat than the cold. Yes the wheat is short but taller wheat isn’t necessary for yield. You may notice some dark greenish-blue wheat, some where the lower leaves are senescing, and some that just looks short on water. Part of this relates to soil moisture and in some fields it relates to the lack of a fully developed root system. The key is a healthy head and flag leaf combined with a decent root and vascular system. And of course some rain. The biggest concern is now that the wheat is heading it is becoming too late for fungicide application for rust species.
On the positive side, while rust is present in Oklahoma so far disease pressure is extremely light in Kansas (a little rust was identified in Stafford County). If leaf disease can hold off and the weather cooperates, an acceptable crop is possible in many fields. If the weather cooperates, harvest will most certainly be much later than the last several years. That leaves the window open for leaf diseases to impact yield and as for winter and summer annual weed pressure. The weed pressure can result from several factors; short wheat, thin stands, and fields not sprayed for weed control for various reasons. Now for last week’s questions.
1. The major factor in determining what type of soil can form is the parent material, the rocks and mineral the soil forms from.
2. An essential nutrient is necessary for the plant to complete its life cycle.
3. Oxygen is not an input for photosynthesis.
4. The EPA classifies pesticides as either general or restricted use
5. Consumption of standing forage by livestock is termed grazing.
Finally, here’s hoping everyone has a safe, enjoyable Memorial Day and takes at least a moment or two to remember those who gave their lives in service of their country.