Carrie Knott, Extension Agronomist-Princeton, University of Kentucky
Bill Bruening, Small Grain Variety Testing, University of Kentucky
Dave Van Sanford, Wheat Breeding and Genetics, University of Kentucky
Lloyd Murdock, Emeritus Extension Soil Specialist, University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky Wheat Science Group will hold a Wheat Field School – EMERGENCY
WHEAT FREEZE EVENT at the UKREC in Princeton KY. This free program consist of a series of short information sessions as well as a hands-on training to assess wheat damage in the field. UK specialists suggest that participants attending the meeting in Princeton bring whole plant wheat samples from their farm to assess and compare to non-damaged wheat.
Last night temperatures dipped below 24°F for several hours throughout Kentucky. Winter wheat at the jointing (Feekes 6) growth stage, was likely damaged by these cold temperatures.
Read MoreLast night temperatures dipped to or below 24°F for several hours at many locations throughout Kentucky (Table 1). For winter wheat that has reached the jointing (Feekes 6) growth stage, damage (Figure 1) can occur to the developing wheat head, which is above the soil surface at jointing, when temperatures are 24°F or below for at least 2 hours.
Read Moren Kentucky there is a complex of aphid species that feeds on wheat. The bird cherry oat, the English
grain (Fig.1), the greenbug, and the corn aphids are the most important species. Their role as vectors of plant viruses, particularly Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV), branded them as the key pest on
wheat grain production. These aphid species overwinter as nymphs, and can be active when temperatures are above 45⁰ F. It is known that BYDV infections are more damaging when they occur in early growth stages of the wheat plant. Thus, aphids have more opportunities to infect young plants under this climatological circumstances.
The UK Wheat Science Group with support from the Kentucky Small Grain Growers' Association will offer three hands-on training sessions on managing wheat in Kentucky - GREEN-UP (March 8th) - PRIOR TO FLOWERING (April 26th) - PRE-PLANT (TBA).
Read MoreDon Halcomb was the 2017 UK Wheat Science Service Award recipient. Sam Halcomb accepted the award for Don at the 2017 UK Winter Wheat meeting in Hopkinsville.
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