New variety, Xerpha, raisings some concerns

The new winter wheat variety, Xerpha, is experiencing some of the vulgarities that Mother Nature can throw at her here in the Pacific Northwest. Various reports from across eastern Washington showed an assortment of responses to the growing conditions created by above average temperatures in February, followed by a couple of weeks of cold weather. Tim Paulitz, USDA ARS plant pathology researcher, noted some brown discoloration, and browning of the subcrown internodes in some fields of Xerpha in the Ritzville/Lind area last week. Additional field experience with this new variety will tell us a more complete story of its suitability for different growing conditions found across eastern Oregon and Washington, until then we will continue to gather information and see what the final outcome is at harvest time.

While some concerns were raised about the discoloration being from intolerance to herbicide applications, feedback from both Dan Ball and Joe Yenish, university weed scientists, is that current research indicates a good level of crop safety if label precautions are followed. More studies are underway and additional information will be available perhaps later this spring.

Xerpha, released in 2008, is adapted to a broad range of production areas and consistently ranks among the top cultivars in all agronomic
categories in the PNW. It was released as a replacement for Madsen and Eltan based on its high grain yield potential, test weight, cold tolerance, and high-temperature adult-plant resistance to local races of stripe rust.

With wheat development still ahead of “normal” we continue to see the potential for impact to our local wheat fields from late spring frosts, but for today we are happy with recent rain showers and the continuing advance of spring. We just keep glancing over our shoulders at the fresh snow each morning on the Blue Mountains, keep our thermal coveralls handy and wait for warmer temperatures to return.

Insect ID class - 4 openings

Recent cancellations have created 4 openings in the Train-the-Trainer Insect Identification Short Courses to be held in Hermiston, Oregon. Call (541)278-5403 or email us (mary.corp@oregonstate.edu)TODAY if you are interested in joining the class! This is a busy time, but skills learned will benefit you for years to come as you make informed decisions about insect pest management saving your operations potentially thousands of dollars.

• Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center, May 3-5, 2010, Hermiston, OR (2 openings)
• Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center, May 6-8, 2010, Hermiston, OR (2 openings)

The 20-hour short course is designed to train University Extension field faculty, Extension Master Gardeners, agency professionals, and crop consultants on identification of insects - both beneficial and pesky bugs.

The training will include many hands-on aspects:
• collecting, mounting, and identifying insects,
• using a stereo microscope, and
• using an insect key.

Training will also include insect management and creation of an educational display. Class enrollment is limited to 20 individuals at each site.
For additional information visit our Insect Id webpage.

Winter grain mite making an appearance

A damaging infestation of winter grain mite (Penthaleus major) was reported in a Timothy grass field at Valleyford, Spokane County, earlier this week (March 29)by Diana Roberts, Washington State University Area Agronomist. She also notes there are reports that infestations are widespread in Kentucky bluegrass fields in Spokane County. Farmers should check their fields without delay as this is the peak season for the pest. Affected areas appear as brown, circular patches in a field.

The mite is best viewed with a hand lens as it is only about 1 mm long. The body appears blue-black, roundish, and with 8 bright, red-orange legs. In 2009, Oregon State University Extension published a bulletin on the mite at
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/em/em8976-e.pdf

Hosts of the winter grain mite include many crops in the grass family, plus some broadleaved plants. It is seldom an economic problem in wheat, but can be damaging in perennial grasses such as Timothy and orchardgrass. Populations peak in March and April, especially following mild winters. Rain can reduce the mite populations drastically, especially in wheat. However, grass seed crops are more susceptible to prolonged damage.

March madness: Wheat weed control options

March madness this spring has cherry trees in full bloom, and apple blossoms ready to pop open. Recent above average temperatures have hastened the arrival of spring and now wheat growers are hoping for April showers for their wheat fields. With April 1st coming just next week, growers are also facing a cutoff date of applications of some herbicides especially in Milton-Freewater and the adjacent Walla Walla Valley areas.

A quick check with MiltonFreewater fruit and grape growers today, indicates that leaves are starting to emerge on horticultural crops in the Walla Walla Valley, which raises the need for additional care to be taken as herbicide applications on wheat as other crops are ahead of “normal” development. Grapes continue to be the most sensitive crop found in the area. Herbicide drift can injure foliage, shoots, flowers and fruits. If injury is severe enough, or occurs repeatedly, it can cause reduced yield, poor fruit quality, and occasionally, vine death.

For downy brome control, Powerflex and Olympus Flex are good choices. Powerflex offers a 9 month plantback restriction which offers some flexibility in future planting decisions. Dan Ball, OSU Weed Scientist recommends a full 3.5 oz rate for a spring application of Powerflex. It has good crop safety, and while he has noted some yellowing with Powerflex under cool application conditions but he hasn’t seen this to affect yield.

For more information visit OSU Extension Cereal Central webpage.

Soil Borne Wheat Disease Expands

The wheat disease, soilborne wheat mosaic virus, has made itself known this spring in parts of the Walla Walla Valley in southern Washington and northeastern Oregon. This is the second time it has appeared, but this time it is more noticeable and wider spread than 2 years ago according to local crop consultant Jerry Zahl of Walla Walla. Two years ago affected areas were small and limited to low lying areas. This time around more fields are affected and larger areas are showing symptoms. Spofford area near Milton-Freewater, Oregon and in the Mill Creek and Russell Creek areas east of Walla Walla, Washington are again seeing the disease.Visit www.cerealcentral.com for more information.

Weather's Impact on Business

Weather's Impact on Business...
I was interviewed today on the potential impacts of weather on PNW wheat crops, check it out!

AgriNews - News - Markets

AgriNews - News - Markets

Posted using ShareThis