Farmers evaluating FHB risk

The recent rain followed by hot, humid conditions can be a breeding ground for disease. 

Cereal Specialist, Sara Tetland says a key concern right now as plants start to hit the heading stage is Fusarium Head Blight (FHD).

"Fusarium head blight develops in that warm temperature 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and requires humidity for about 12 to 24 hours. So a lot of farmers are kind of in that situation now and trying to make that decision on whether they should spray or not."

Durum and wheat are more susceptible to FHB than barley and oats with plants the most susceptible around flowering. 

Tetland says farmers will want to be evaluating their risk assessment now and trying to make that decision on whether they should spray or not.

"If the environmental conditions are setting up for it, we want to get out there as early as we can to try and prevent it. Once you can actually see the symptoms on the plant, it's it's too late to do anything."

Fusarium Head Blight was a key issue in the Prairies back in 2016.