MAY 1996
Wheat &
Barley Production
Tips
By Jochum Wiersma
University of Minnesota small grains specialist
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Prairie Grains is the
official publication of
the Minnesota
Association of
Wheat Growers,
North Dakota Grain Growers Association,
South Dakota Wheat,
Inc., and the
Minnesota Barley
Growers Association.
Orange Wheat Blossom Midge
The orange blossom wheat midge has received much attention in the weeks leading up to spring planting. To the point of becoming unnecessarily alarming, in some cases. For most growers in the Northern Plains, there is no need to switch to other crops merely because of the midge concern. Do monitor closely for the insect, however. It can be effectively controlled with insecticides, even in areas with very high midge numbers, if the application is timed correctly.
Information the key
The OWBM will be easier to
monitor and control if you know what to look for. Many
growers probably have never actually seen this small fly.
That is why I encourage you to contact your ag chemical
dealers, extension educator, or the MN Wheat office and
pick up a copy of a video about the OWBM before the
growing season begins. This Canadian-made video will show
you the biology of the insect, its behavior, and the
correct way to scout for this tiny insect. Minnesota
readers will also find a fact sheet about the insect in
this issue of Prairie Grains, compliments of Dow Elanco,
the University of Minnesota Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) Program, the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers
and the Minnesota Wheat Council.
But don't forget other potential pests
Including aphids, which can cause substantial damage. The timing to control aphids is not the same as for OWBM. Both insects can cause economic losses but with scouting and correct timing of treatments, they can be controlled.
Spraying equipment
If the OWBM becomes a problem, the narrow time frame in which to spray may tax the services of aerial applicators, and some of you may decide to spray for the OBWM yourself. To make sure your spraying equipment is up to the job, you need to know whether it has enough ground clearance to prevent crop damage, has adjustable boom height to at least 40 inches above the ground, and has the correct nozzles. Research has shown that the boom has to be at least 12 inches above the canopy when using a 110-degree flat fan nozzle. This distance increases as you go with a more narrow nozzle; assuming your wheat crop is at least 25 inches tall, you will need a minimum of 40 inches.
Barley, oats not affected by OWBM
The susceptibility of barley and oats to the OWBM is minimal; thus these crops should be considered as viable small grain alternatives to wheat in growing areas where the OBWM has been a severe problem, such as north central N.D.
Wheat and barley management survey
Preliminary results from a survey of wheat and barley growers in Minnesota indicated that their biggest production, weed, and disease problems in both crops last year were excess moisture, foxtail, and scab. The stem maggot was the most extensive insect problem for wheat in Minnesota, and in barley, aphids.
A drawing from those who returned the survey (and I thank you) yielded the following winners of a crop disease management guide: L.D. & J Butenhoff, Barnesville; William Moore, Jr., Hallock; Jerrold Itzen, Herman; Robert Lund, Dawson; Benike Farms, Birchdale; Greg Bogestad, Donaldson; Pieper Farms, Williams; Marvin Hedlund, Oslo; Robin Johnson, Warren; and Roger Brakke, Moorhead.
Weeds to Watch
Eastern black nightshade, green
and yellow foxtail, smart weed, and Canadian Thistle were
some of the problem weeds in 1995. And we can't forget
wild oats, which was a widespread nuisance. The wet fall
of 1995 hampered cultural or chemical weed control
measures; thus, weed control will require more attention
this year.
I can't overemphasize the importance of timing; to maximize herbicide effectiveness, treating weeds at their most vulnerable stage of development is critical. Keep in mind the risk of herbicide resistance if you have been relying on certain herbicide groups over an extended period of time (over four years). Strategies to avoid herbicide resistance include crop rotation, rotating herbicide families, using herbicides with different modes of action, using herbicide tank mixes with different modes of action, and integrating cultural, mechanical and chemical weed control methods.
Photo Credits: Sask. Agriculture & Food