Nathan Kleczewski, Extension Specialist – Plant Pathology; nkleczew@udel.edu
We continue to see low levels of Stagonospora and Septoria as well as spot blotch in small grains. In most fields, these diseases still occur in the lower canopy. Powdery mildew is still present in some fields at low levels. I first detected a few sparse pustules on a susceptible wheat variety in a test plot on Tuesday. Variety trials in Middletown and Georgetown remain relatively free of disease. We have seen some abiotic flecking that may be related to the temperature drop we had several days ago. Wheat is between Feekes 6-8, with a few fields at Feekes 10. Barley has headed out in most areas. Continue to monitor the lower canopy as plants move past flag leaf, which will likely occur rapidly with increasing temperatures. The forecast is also calling for rain in the early part of next week.