Wheat head armyworm adult moths (F. diffusa) are starting to emerge in increasing numbers, plus we are starting to find larva in Umatilla County. The following numbers are total moths collecting in our 25 sites. The largest numbers in individual traps were found near Holdman Rd, west of Kings Corner with 37 adults, and also south of Myrick with 21 adults. We expect about a 2-3 week delay between adults emerging and larva hatching. We will continue to keep posting numbers. If you desire more details about specific counts please call my office at 541-278-5403.
Adults Larva
14-Apr 0 0
21-Apr 4 0
28-Apr 7 0
5-May 1 0
12-May 17 1
19-May 157 2
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Stripe Rust Infections Reaching Treatment Levels
STRIPE RUST CONTINUES TO INCREASE:
Stripe rust has been developing rapidly in Walla Walla and nearby parts of Umatilla County. Since the first observation by Xianming Chen in plots in Walla Walla on April 29, stripe rust has been reported to be widely spread. Plants of a field of ‘Declo’, a susceptible hard red winter wheat cultivar, were quite uniformly infected. Up to 20% incidence was reported in some fields grown with ‘Tubbs 06’ or a mixture of ‘Rod’ and ‘Tubbs 06’.
Dr. Mike Flowers reports significant infection in OSU trials in Hermiston, Pendleton, and Lexington.
Dr. Stephen Guy reported significant infection in one replication of ‘Lambert’ in the variety trial near Walla Walla. Some fields have been sprayed with fungicides in this region. Rust is developing in the Central Ferry area (Columbia County, southeastern WA). Based on Dr. Kim Campbell, ‘Xerpha’ (a soft white winter wheat with a moderate level of high-temperature adult-plant resistance) had infection type 5 and 10-20% severity. Rust has been reported in commercial fields in this area.
Stripe rust management in the PNW:
The current stripe rust situation is similar to what we forecasted in January, little bit more severe than last year, but should be less than 2005. The low temperature and high moisture conditions in the past several weeks and predicted for the next two weeks have been and will be favorable for stripe rust. Under such conditions, fields grown with susceptible cultivars (such as Declo, Buchanan, Finley, Finway, Palatin, and Eddy) should be sprayed. Depending upon locations, cultivars with low to moderate levels of high-temperature adult-plant resistance (such as Farnum, Xerpha, and Baurmeister) may need to consider spraying. Cultivars with high levels of resistance (such as Eltan, Madsen, Stephens, and many others) may not need to spray. Now is the critical time for growers in the Walla Walla, central WA, and nearby regions to check their fields and spray if necessary. Growers in the Palouse region (Whitman County of Washington and Latah county of Idaho) and further north should start to check wheat fields, and consider spraying if rust develops to 5-10% of severity. People also need to consider the fact that several cultivars (such as Tubbs, Tubbs 06, Brundage 96, and many others) are not uniformly resistant, susceptible plants can be found in these crops. Fields grown with such cultivars may need or not need spraying depending upon locations, and a 20% severity threshold may be used to make decision.
This report is based on information provided by Xianming Chen, WSU and Mike Flowers, OSU.
Stripe rust has been developing rapidly in Walla Walla and nearby parts of Umatilla County. Since the first observation by Xianming Chen in plots in Walla Walla on April 29, stripe rust has been reported to be widely spread. Plants of a field of ‘Declo’, a susceptible hard red winter wheat cultivar, were quite uniformly infected. Up to 20% incidence was reported in some fields grown with ‘Tubbs 06’ or a mixture of ‘Rod’ and ‘Tubbs 06’.
Dr. Mike Flowers reports significant infection in OSU trials in Hermiston, Pendleton, and Lexington.
Dr. Stephen Guy reported significant infection in one replication of ‘Lambert’ in the variety trial near Walla Walla. Some fields have been sprayed with fungicides in this region. Rust is developing in the Central Ferry area (Columbia County, southeastern WA). Based on Dr. Kim Campbell, ‘Xerpha’ (a soft white winter wheat with a moderate level of high-temperature adult-plant resistance) had infection type 5 and 10-20% severity. Rust has been reported in commercial fields in this area.
Stripe rust management in the PNW:
The current stripe rust situation is similar to what we forecasted in January, little bit more severe than last year, but should be less than 2005. The low temperature and high moisture conditions in the past several weeks and predicted for the next two weeks have been and will be favorable for stripe rust. Under such conditions, fields grown with susceptible cultivars (such as Declo, Buchanan, Finley, Finway, Palatin, and Eddy) should be sprayed. Depending upon locations, cultivars with low to moderate levels of high-temperature adult-plant resistance (such as Farnum, Xerpha, and Baurmeister) may need to consider spraying. Cultivars with high levels of resistance (such as Eltan, Madsen, Stephens, and many others) may not need to spray. Now is the critical time for growers in the Walla Walla, central WA, and nearby regions to check their fields and spray if necessary. Growers in the Palouse region (Whitman County of Washington and Latah county of Idaho) and further north should start to check wheat fields, and consider spraying if rust develops to 5-10% of severity. People also need to consider the fact that several cultivars (such as Tubbs, Tubbs 06, Brundage 96, and many others) are not uniformly resistant, susceptible plants can be found in these crops. Fields grown with such cultivars may need or not need spraying depending upon locations, and a 20% severity threshold may be used to make decision.
This report is based on information provided by Xianming Chen, WSU and Mike Flowers, OSU.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Wild weather and Stripe rust update
Weather is on everyone's mind in the West this week. Winds topped 102 mph on Rattlesnake Mt. in south eastern Washington and numerous reports of winds in the 50 mph range were reported on Monday in the Columbia Basin in Oregon. Snow in the foothills and frost the last two mornings in the valleys would to keep weather on our minds.
While late frosts can damage heads, for the moment cool temperatures are keeping the wheat crop looking good for the first week of May. As cool temperatures linger, we would typically expect to have one hot week in May, and so we know warm temperatures will eventally come, and if rains don't arrive with them, many of the shallow soil areas to run out of soil moisture in a hurry.
Cool temperatures have slowed wheat development may delay stripe rust development on susceptible varieties. Stripe rust was found in the Walla Walla area last week at very low levels, and growers should be scouting their fields to look for infection levels on suspectible varieties.
While late frosts can damage heads, for the moment cool temperatures are keeping the wheat crop looking good for the first week of May. As cool temperatures linger, we would typically expect to have one hot week in May, and so we know warm temperatures will eventally come, and if rains don't arrive with them, many of the shallow soil areas to run out of soil moisture in a hurry.
Cool temperatures have slowed wheat development may delay stripe rust development on susceptible varieties. Stripe rust was found in the Walla Walla area last week at very low levels, and growers should be scouting their fields to look for infection levels on suspectible varieties.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
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.
• 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.
Monday, April 5, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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.
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.
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