B 938

Bulletin 938
Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Pierce Paul, Department of Plant Pathology
Jim Beuerlein, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
Mark Loux, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
Ed Lentz, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
Ron Hammond, Andrew Michel, and Bruce Eisley, Department of Entomology
Robert Mullen, School of Environment and Natural Resources
The Ohio State University
Copyright 2008, The Ohio State University

Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring
that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status. This statement is
in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA.
Keith L. Smith, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and
Director, Ohio State University Extension
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868
8/084Mxxxxxx
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Foundation of Wheat Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Growth and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Variety Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
High-Quality Seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Crop Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Land Selection and Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Planting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Seeding Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Row Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Wheat for Double Cropping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Harvesting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Producing Other Classes of Wheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Soil Fertility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Identifying Wheat Growth Stages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Disease Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Weed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Insect Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2007 Producers of Wheat, Barley, Rye, Spelt, and Triticale . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Tables
Table 1: Value ($/Ac) of a five-percent yield increase as affected
by yield and grain price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Table 2: Pounds of seed needed to plant from 1.2 to 2.0 million seed/ac
with seed of different sizes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Table 3: Seeds per foot of row for different row spacings
and target seeding rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Table 4: Nitrogen recommendations for wheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Table 5: Grain yield response to spring N (70-80 lb/A) at different application
times Custar (2000-2006) and South Charleston, Ohio (2005-2006). . . . . . 11
Table 6: Grain yield response to spring nitrogen (70 lb/A) applied
at different growth stages Custar, Ohio (Lentz, 2003). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Table 7: Phosphorus recommendations for wheat
at various yield potentials and soil test levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Table 8: Potash recommendations for wheat at various yield potentials,
CEC, and soil test levels only grain removed not straw. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Table 9: Potash recommendations for wheat at various yield potentials,
CEC, and soil test levels grain and straw removed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Table 10: Grain yield response to spring N (80 lb/A) and sulfur
(20 or 40 lb/A) Lentz and Mullen, 2005-2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Table 11: Efficacy of wheat seed treatments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Table 12: Wheat disease thresholds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Table 13: Efficacy of fungicides for wheat disease control based
on appropriate application timing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Table 14: Herbicides for use in wheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Table 15: Weed response to herbicides in small grains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Table 16: Herbicides for control of winter annual grasses in wheat. . . . . . . 21
Table 17: Insecticides used on small grains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Introduction
Soft red winter wheat is very important to the economy of Ohios farm and food-related
industries. Wheat is the most widely grown food crop in the state, occupying 0.9 to 1.3
million acres each year. Low prices, production problems, poor weather, and disease outbreaks occasionally reduce production on some farms. University and producer field research trials have shown many advantages for having wheat in a crop rotation with corn
and soybean. In Ohio, adding wheat to a corn-soybean crop rotation increases the corn
and soybean yields by at least five percent. In addition to the increased soybean and corn
income due to wheat in the rotation, the overall productivity of fields can be improved
following wheat harvest by the addition of lime and fertilizer, land leveling, tiling, subsoiling, removing rocks, or eliminating problem weeds, all without disturbing a crop and
during a time of year when the work load is reduced. Other hidden benefits of including wheat in the rotation include improved soil quality through the addition of organic
matter and the improvement of ground water quality by limiting nitrogen loss during
winter and spring. Additionally, a corn-soybean-wheat rotation aids in weed control and
helps reduce pathogen populations that attack the three crops. Wheat is a profitable crop
to produce and, in a three-year rotation, increases the profitability of the other crops in
the rotation.
Foundation of Wheat Production

Attempting to produce ultra-high wheat yields by using extra inputs is usually not profitable for most Ohio wheat producers. That is because the climate of Ohio limits maximum
wheat productivity. Ohios weather is often too wet for wheat in April and May, resulting
in serious disease and loss of yield. Late June is usually too hot and kills our crop well before it has time to reach its maximum yield potential. When we have one of those rare dry
springs with low disease levels followed by a cool June with a long grain-filling period, the
yields of some fields have reached 120 bushels per acre or more (most varieties have yield
potentials over 180 bushels per acre). Typically, the grain-filling period for wheat in Ohio
lasts for only 13 to 21 days (Figure 1). The combination of poor weather and the presence
of disease limits the productivity of Ohio wheat to about three bushels per acre per day.
With little disease and ideal weather, productivity will be as much as six bushels per acre
per day. Because those really good growing seasons (long grain-fill period and no disease)
are rare, wheat should be managed for the more normal weather (Figure 1).
Adverse weather prevents us from taking advantage of high-management inputs such as
high seeding rates, plant growth promoters, extra nitrogen, etc. For example, a research
study was conducted at three locations in 1999 and 2000 to compare high and low levels
of inputs to determine their effect on winter survival, tiller production, heads per acre,
and yield. The high management system included a seeding rate of 30 seeds per foot of
row, 50 pounds of nitrogen fall-applied followed by 100 pounds in April, and the application of fungicide at various times. The low-management system used a seeding rate of 20
seeds per foot, 25 pounds of nitrogen in the fall, 75 pounds in the spring, and no fungicide. The high-management system cost $31.00 per acre more than the low-cost system
but produced only 2.7 (89.2 vs. 91.9) more bushels of grain per acre. The extra seed and
nitrogen alone raised costs by $16.00 per acre which, at todays prices, would be over $30
per acre.
Those studies and many other similar studies indicate that in Ohio, the most prudent and
profitable production system is one of defensive management: planting after the fly-safe
date to dodge diseases; holding seeding and nitrogen rates down to reduce disease and
lower the cost of production; using resistant varieties instead of applying fungicides, etc.
This management system will not produce the maximum possible yield in those rare
really good years, but it will be the most profitable system most years when the weather
is not ideal for maximum yields. Also, high yields and a reduced cost of production are
necessary for wheat to compete economically for a spot in our crop rotation sequence.
Some guidelines to help minimize the factors limiting wheat yields and to lower production costs are presented in this publication.
Figure 1: Effect of grain-fill period, weather, and disease on wheat yield.

Bu/Ac
160
no disease, good weather
21
avg. disease and weather
120
6.0 bu/ac/day
4.5 bu/ac/day
poor weather, disease

13
3.0 bu/ac/day
80
40
00
8
12
16
Days of Grain Fill
20
24
Growth and Development

Wheat is a cool-season, dry-land crop, and the most widely adapted of all the cereal
grains. It is planted in late September through October following soybean harvest in
Ohio. Following germination and emergence, each plant forms several tillers (1-30 as
time and weather permit) and then enters a dormant state as temperatures decrease
in late fall. The dormant state is a survival mechanism that permits plants to survive
harsh winter weather. When dormant, there is no growth and respiration is very low, so
that carbohydrates in the root and crown as well as growing points are preserved until
temperatures above freezing permit further growth and development. Exposure to cold
weather, or vernalization, is also required for wheat to initiate its reproductive phase. The
amount of exposure needed for vernalization is a combination of both temperature and
time and varies among varieties adapted to different environments. For example, the vernalization requirement may be satisfied by as many as 45 days with temperatures below
40 degrees or as few as five days with temperatures below 20 degrees.
Wheat typically resumes vegetative growth in late March or early April, depending on
soil and air temperature. As a result of vernalization, the growing point of each tiller
resumes cell division and will produce a stem with four to five leaves and a grain head.
The number of tillers that develop a grain head depends on the amount of carbohydrates
produced by plant leaves. Typically, the lower the plant population the more grain heads
there will be, and at very low populations a single plant could have 20 or more heads. The
first heads to develop usually produce more grain than later forming heads, so the most
productive arrangement is to have more plants with fewer tillers. This extensive tillering
ability is the reason wheat yield is not affected greatly by a wide range in plant population. Grain yield is the product of the number of heads per acre, the number of seeds per
head, and the size of each seed. A grain yield of 100 bushels per acre could be satisfied by
a combination of 4,200,000 heads, each with 20 seeds weighing 14,000 seeds per pound.
2
Typically, the number of heads per acre varies from one to three million, each containing
15 to 40 seeds with a weight of 13,000 to 17,000 seeds per pound.
Variety Selection
Select wheat varieties with high yield potential, high test weight, good winter hardiness,
and good straw strength. Actually, most of the adapted varieties already have those characteristics. Select varieties with adequate resistance to the diseases prevalent in your area
of the state. Information about variety characteristics can be obtained from seed companies and from the university performance trials where test results from multiple sites and
years are presented. Always plant more than one variety each year to reduce the risk of
disease losses and to spread out harvest dates so that the grain is harvested when it is of
maximum quality. Select varieties with resistance to wheat spindle streak mosaic, powdery mildew, and leaf rust. Varieties with moderate resistance to Stagonospora blotch and
excellent resistance to Fusarium head scab are now available. Avoid varieties susceptible
to Fusarium head scab at all cost.
Information on wheat variety performance and disease susceptibility can be obtained in
the annual Ohio Wheat Performance Trial, Ohio State University Horticulture and Crop
Science Department Series 228, available at county Extension offices or on the Internet at:
http://www.agcrops.osu.edu/.
High-Quality Seed
Make sure the seed you purchase is of high quality by asking the sales person about seed
size, germination percent, foreign matter, weed seeds present, damaged seeds, and the
percent of other varieties in the bag. This information is usually on the bag or seed tag
and is available from the seller. It is important to get this information before making a
purchase so you will know the quality of the seed being purchased. All seed should have
been thoroughly cleaned and have a germination rate of 90 percent or better.
Crop Rotation
Wheat should follow soybean in the crop rotation. A three-year rotation of corn-soybeanwheat is optimum for sustained yield of all three crops. Adding wheat to a corn-soybean
crop rotation increases the corn and soybean yields by at least five percent. When soybean and corn are valued at $8.00 and $3.00 per bushel, respectively, adding wheat to the
crop rotation increases the income from each acre of soybean and corn by $20.00 and
$22.50 per acre when yields are 50 and 150 bushels per acre respectively (Table 1). Therefore, when wheat is added to a 1,000-acre corn-soybean crop rotation, the income from
the 333 acres of corn and the 333 acres of soybeans in the rotation will increase by $7,493
and $6,660 respectively for a total of more than $14,000. This is an added benefit due to
wheat in the rotation that is often overlooked.
Crop rotation is the most effective method to reduce pathogen populations that affect the
three crops in the sequence. The purpose of a longer crop rotation is to provide enough
time for pathogens (like soybean cyst nematode and Sclerotinia) to die out before that
crop is planted again. Wheat should never follow wheat or spelt in the crop rotation sequence. Soil-borne diseases, like Take-all and Cephalosporium stripe can cause complete
crop failure in nonrotated fields. Foliar diseases, like powdery mildew and Stagonospora
blotch, will also become more of a problem. Wheat should not follow corn in the rotation because the fungus that causes Gibberella stalk rot in corn also causes Fusarium
head scab in wheat. Planting wheat into corn residues greatly increases the risk of a severe
outbreak of head scab in the wheat crop.
Table 1: Value ($/Ac) of a five-percent yield increase as affected

by yield and grain price.
Corn Yield (bu/A)

$/Bu
100
150
200
250
2.50
12.50
18.75
25.00
31.25
3.00
15.00
22.50
30.00
37.50
3.50
17.50
26.25
35.00
43.75
4.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
4.50
22.50
33.75
45.00
56.25
Soybean Yield (bu/A)

$/Bu
40
50
60
70
5.00
10.00
12.50
15.00
17.50
6.00
12.00
15.00
18.00
21.00
7.00
14.00
17.50
21.00
24.50
8.00
16.00
20.00
24.00
28.00
9.00
18.00
22.50
27.00
31.50
10.00
20.00
25.00
30.00
35.00
Land Selection and Preparation

Wheat grows relatively well in a range of soil types; however, well-drained soils with a
medium to fine texture produce the highest yields in Ohio. The two most important soil
characteristics for high-yield wheat are excellent soil drainage (both surface and subsoil)
and a soil pH near 7.0. Excellent drainage is essential for high yields (Figure 2), thus improving soil drainage is critical for wheat fields. Wheat will not survive the winter in low
spots where water accumulates or in compacted areas where the soil remains saturated
most of the winter. Saturated soil is more harmful to fall-seeded crops such as wheat because the major means to get rid of excess water is with drainage since there is very little
soil evaporation or transpiration from plants.
Today, most of Ohios wheat acreage is established using no-tillage because there are three
advantages to no-till establishment. No-till seeding can be accomplished immediately
after the soybeans in a field are harvested, allowing for earlier planting than when tillage
is performed. It eliminates the cost of performing tillage and also makes the crop very
resistant to heaving damage in the spring. Plant heaving can happen on any soil type, but
soils having a silt loam texture are the most likely to heave seedlings in the spring. Tillage
is recommended when the soil surface is uneven and prevents proper depth placement of
seed, or has depressions where water can accumulate, or areas of compacted soil, or when
it is necessary to incorporate nutrients.
Figure 2: Effect of soil drainage on wheat yield, 1999-2002.

Bu/Ac
110
100
90
Very Good
Good
Moderate
80
70
Poor
Soil Drainage
Planting
Plan the crop rotation sequence far enough in advance to include early- to midseasonmaturity soybean varieties in fields to be planted to wheat following soybean harvest.
This will permit planting of wheat at the optimum time for maximum winter survival
and yield potential. Drilled, short-season soybean varieties, planted early and with a 15
percent increase in seeding rate, yield as well as full-season varieties. Planting no-till
wheat into soybean stubble has been very successful in reducing erosion, allowing earlier
planting, and in reducing plant heaving and production costs. Soybean residues must
be evenly spread across the field during harvest to ensure a uniform seeding depth (1.5
inches) and proper function of no-till drills. Do not plant into wet soil and always monitor planting depth. Planting too deep delays plant emergence and may also decrease the
percent emergence. Shallow planting, less than one inch, greatly increases the risk of
freeze injury, winter kill, and heaving in the spring.
Planting date is the most important of all the cultural practices. The best time to plant
wheat in Ohio is a time period starting on the Hessian fly-safe date and lasting about 14
days (Figure 3). The optimum planting date will vary among growing seasons depending
on weather conditions, soil moisture level, soil temperature and tillage. However, planting during this two-week period permits the development of three to four tillers prior to
winter dormancy, which is optimum for winter survival. Planting in this time period also
helps the crop avoid damage from the Hessian fly, reduces the chance of aphids transmitting barley yellow dwarf virus, and also reduces the risk of wheat yellow mosaic, a virus
transmitted by a soil-borne fungus. This planting period also prevents fall infections by
leaf rust, powdery mildew, and Stagonospora blotch. All of these diseases can over-winter
on wheat and cause serious disease and yield loss when infection occurs in the fall. The
Hessian fly-safe date varies among counties, depending on their latitude and temperature
regimes, in different parts of the state as seen in Figure 4.
Figure 3: Effect of planting date on wheat yield.

% Yield
100
89
80
100
97.5
99
92
76
60
40
20
0
-14
0
+14
+28
Days from the Fly-safe date
+42
Figure 4: Hessian fly-safe dates for planting wheat for Ohio counties.
Defiance
Paulding
24
22
23
Putnam
Darke
29
Miami
29
Montgomery
30
Butler
1
Hamilton
3
Warren
2
Crawford
Wyandot
26
Hardin
26
Logan
28
Champaign
29
Clark
29
Huron
24
26
Marion
27
Union
28
Madison
30
Morrow
27
Delaware
28
Franklin
30
Fayette
1
Clinton
2
3
Adams
4
Scioto
4
Coshocton
28
Licking
29
Muskingum
29
Portage
Vinton
3
24
Stark
26
Mahoning
25
Columbiana
26
Carroll
27
Tuscarawas
28
Guernsey
29
Noble
30
Perry
30
Jefferson
28
Harrison
28
Belmont
29
Monroe
30
Morgan
1
Athens
2
Washington
2
Meigs
3
Jackson
3
Gallia
4
Lawrence
5
Summit
24
Wayne
26
Knox
28
Hocking
1
Pike
3
Trumbull
23
Holmes
27
Pickaway
1
Ross
2
Highland
3
Brown
4
Ashland
26
Fairfield
30
Greene
30
Clermont
Richland
26
Medina
24
22
Geauga
23
Cuyahoga
23
Lorain
23
Erie 23
Seneca
24
25
Allen
26
Shelby
28
Preble
30
23
Auglaize
27
Mercer
27
Sandusky
23
Hancock
25
Van Wert
26
Ottawa
22
Wood
Henry
23
Ashtabula
Lake
22
Lucas
Fulton
22
Williams
22
September
October
Seeding Rate
Using seeding rates described as bushels per acre is very inaccurate due to the great
variability in seed size from year to year and from one variety to another. Low seeding
rates result in inadequate stands, increased weed competition and winter injury, while
excessively high rates increase lodging, disease pressure, and production cost. Calibrate
the drill/planter each year for each variety and seed lot planted. The optimum seeding
rate during the prime seeding period is 1.2 to 1.6 million seeds per acre (18-24 seeds per
foot of row) for 7.5-inch rows. During the third and fourth week after the fly-safe date,
plant 1.6 to 2.0 million seeds per acre (24-30 seeds per foot of row). Do not plant faster
than the speed at which the drill/planter was calibrated.
The number of seeds per pound and the germination percent are critical factors that must
be known before the proper seeding rate can be determined and the drill/planter calibrated. This information is usually found on the bag or the seed tag, or is available from the
seed supplier for bulk seed. The pounds of seed needed per acre is the target seeding rate
in pounds divided by the number of seeds per pound. See Tables 2 and 3 for information
to aid in calibrating the drill or planter.
Table 2: Pounds of seed needed to plant from 1.2 to 2.0 million seed/ac
with seed of different sizes.
Millions of Seed per Acre
Seeds per Pound
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
10,000
120
140
160
180
200
11,000
109
127
145
164
182
12,000
100
116
133
150
167
13,000
92
108
123
138
154
14,000
85
100
114
129
143
15,000
80
93
107
120
133
16,000
75
88
100
113
125
17,000
71
82
94
106
118
18,000
66
77
89
100
111
Table 3: Seeds per foot of row for different row spacings and target seeding
rates.
Row Spacing in Inches
Desired Seeding Rate
(Million seed/A)
1.2
7.5
10
15
23.0
25*
Seeds/Foot of Row
16.0
17.2
18.4
1.4
18.7
20.0
21.4
26.8
25*
1.6
21.4
23.0
24.5
30.6*
25*
1.8
24.1
25.8
27.5
34.4*
25*
2.0
26.8
28.7
30.6*
38.3*
25*
*Seeding rates should never be greater than 30 seed per foot of row when the row spacing
is 10 inches or less, and never more than 25 seeds per foot for 15-inch rows.
Row Spacing
Research conducted in the 1980s indicated that several varieties produced about as much
yield in 14-inch-wide rows as in 7-inch-wide rows. The use of wider rows reduces the
amount of seed needed per acre and the cost of the seeding equipment, thus lowering
the cost of production. Studies were conducted in 2000 through 2003 to determine how
well various varieties performed in both wide and narrow rows (Figure 5). Each year,
some varieties performed as well in 15-inch rows as in 7.5-inch rows. We also learned
how to predict which varieties would perform well in wide rows and the environmental
conditions conducive to good performance in wide rows. Starting in 2004, all the
varieties entered into the Ohio Wheat Performance Trial have been rated for their
potential to perform well in rows spaced 15 inches apart and that listing was placed in the
Agronomy Team web site. That listing is valuable to many producers because they want
to use their 15-inch row soybean planters to plant wheat. Using the same equipment to
plant both crops eliminates the need for a grain drill, which usually has less accurate seed
meters and depth control. As the price of crop seeds increases, precision seed placement
and precise seeding rates will be needed to maximize profit. The target seeding rate for
different row spacings is shown in Table 3.
Requirements for profitable production of wheat in 15-inch rows include:
1. Select a well-drained field where wheat tends to grow tall.
2. Select a mid-season variety that grows tall and has a non-erect growth habit, but
good resistance to the more important diseases.
3. Apply 20-30 pounds of nitrogen per acre at planting, have a soil pH between 6.5 and
7.0, and a soil P test above 30 ppm.
4. Plant as soon as possible after the fly-safe date.
5. Plant 25 seeds per foot of row.
6. Control weeds, insects, and disease as needed.
7. Harvest at a grain moisture of 13 to 18 percent for maximum test weight and quality.
Figure 5: The effect of row spacing on yield of soft red winter wheat.
Bu/Ac
100
80
7.5
15
60
40
20
0
18 var
2000
23 var
2001
19 var
2002
10 var
2003
Avg
70 Var
Wheat for Double Cropping

In fields where wheat can be harvested in late June or early July, there is often time to
produce a second crop. In Ohio the crop of choice is soybean because they have an
indeterminate growth habit, are photoperiod sensitive, and will usually mature before
being killed by frost or freezing in the fall. When wheat is to be used in a double cropping
system, the following adjustments should be considered:
1. Apply all the nutrients for both crops except for nitrogen prior to seeding the wheat.
2. Select a short-growing, early- to mid-season maturity wheat variety. For straw
production select a tall variety and bail off the straw as soon as possible following
harvest.
3. Plant the wheat as soon as possible after the fly-safe date.
4. Apply herbicides in the spring to control broadleaf weeds in the wheat.
5. Start wheat harvest as soon as the grain moisture drops below 18 percent.
6. Bale and remove the straw or chop and evenly spread the straw to allow for the planting of soybeans.
7. Plant glyposate-tolerant soybeans immediately after wheat harvest and apply herbicides as needed for weed control.
Harvesting
Harvest should begin as soon as the grain dries to 18 percent moisture following physiological maturity. At that point the test weight and grain quality are maximum. When
grain is left in the field and dries to a moisture level below 13 percent, the quality of the
harvested grain often decreases due to threshing damage. Once the grain reaches 18
percent moisture and is then rewetted by rainfall, it can start germinating in the head,
which greatly lowers test weight and grain quality, often making it unfit for flour production. This problem occurs regularly with soft white winter wheat and occasionally with
soft red winter wheat if it is not harvested in a timely manner. Many contract growers
of soft white winter wheat use stripper heads for harvesting. With stripper heads, very
little straw in taken into the harvester, so wet straw does not prevent the harvest of high
moisture grain (up to 25 percent) when the straw is wet. Typically, stripper heads remove
the grain from the stalk at the grain head, and the threshing mechanism simply cleans
the grain of chaff and a few small pieces of plant material. Harvesting wheat at 25 percent
moisture allows earlier planting of double-crop soybeans and potential yield increases of
three to six bushels per acre.
Producing Other Classes of Wheat

The acreage of soft white wheat and hard red wheat in Ohio is very small but has been
increasing for several years. Flour mills need both white wheat and hard red wheat for
many of their specialty flour recipes. Currently, most of this specialty wheat is imported,
but there is interest in producing those classes of wheat locally. Many seed companies
are in the process of screening breeding lines for potential varieties to satisfy some of
these special needs. White wheat can be produced in Ohio very profitably using the same
cultural practices as for soft red winter wheat. Because white wheat is more prone to
sprout before harvest, care must be taken to harvest it as soon as possible after maturity.
Hard red wheat varieties adapted to Ohio are currently produced using the same cultural
practices as for our soft red wheat varieties. However, some cultural practices may need
to be altered to produce grain with the specific characteristics and quality needed by flour
mills. We are only now starting to learn what grain characteristics are needed and trying
to determine if those grain characteristics can be achieved by altering cultural practices.
Eventually, the ideal grain characteristics can be achieved through breeding, but until
that time, changing cultural practices is the only tool we have available.
Soil Fertility
A successful soil fertility program for wheat requires knowledge of a fields yield potential
and a recent soil test. The soil test will provide current levels of phosphorus and potassium in the soil and the soil pH. Soil pH will assist in determining the need for micronutrients and other soil amendments, most importantly lime. When the proper soil pH
is maintained, adequate levels of micronutrients and secondary nutrients (e.g., sulfur)
should be released by the soil organic matter. The proper soil pH for western Ohio (subsoils derived from limestone) should be above 6.0 and below 7.0, and above 6.5 and below
7.0 for eastern Ohio (subsoils derived from shale and sandstone). The lime test index or
buffer pH on the soil test should be used for lime recommendations. Lime recommendations are available from Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet AGF-505 Soil Acidity and Liming for Agronomic Production, or Bulletin 472, Ohio Agronomy Guide, 14th
Edition. These recommendations are for mineral soils with adequate drainage containing
one to five percent organic matter. Organic soils (organic matter > 20 percent) and sandy
soils (CEC < 6) will require different recommendations.
Nitrogen: Rates are based on yield potential and not on soil analysis. Total nitrogen recommendations are given in Table 4 or may be calculated by the following equation:
40 + [1.75 x (yield potential 50)]
For the corresponding rate, part of it should be applied in the fall and the rest after
greenup. Generally, 20 to 30 pounds of fall-applied nitrogen should be adequate for early
fall and spring growth. Spring recommendations should be the total nitrogen required
less the amount applied in the fall. No credits are given for previous crops. For example,
a wheat crop with a 90 bu/A yield goal would require 110 pounds of nitrogen (Table 4). If
the grower applied 30 pounds in the fall, the remaining 80 pounds should be applied in
the spring.
Table 4: Nitrogen recommendations for wheat.

Yield Potential (bu/A)
Nitrogen Rate (lb/A)
60
60
70
75
80
90
90
110
100
130
Spring nitrogen should be applied between greenup and early stem elongation (Table 5).
Nitrogen losses may be severe on applications prior to greenup and may cause significant
yield reductions, regardless of nitrogen source (Table 6). Significant yield losses may also
occur if initial spring applications are delayed until after early stem elongation (Table 6).
10
Table 5: Grain yield response to spring N (70-80 lb/A) at different application

times Custar (2000-2006) and South Charleston, Ohio (2005-2006).
Custar, OH
Application Time
South Charleston, OH
bu/acre
Greenup
82.2
93.5
Early Stem Elongation (Feekes GS 6)
85.5
94.5
Average
83.8
94.0
Table 6: Grain yield response to spring nitrogen (70 lb/A) applied at different
growth stages Custar, Ohio (Lentz, 2003).
Nitrogen Source
Urea
Urea-Ammonium
Nitrate Solution
Application Time
Ammonium
Sulfate
Average
bu/acre
2 Weeks Before Greenup
55.0
54.0
62.8
57.3
Greenup
76.3
74.1
83.9
78.1
Early Stem Elongation
82.3
76.0
77.9
78.7
Late Stem Elongation
70.2
68.7
73.0
70.6
Average
70.9
68.2
74.4
Split applications and nitrogen source. In most years, yield gains from a split application
have not been large enough to offset the cost of a second trip across a field. A split spring
application program may be a benefit in poorly drained fields that are prone to nitrogen
loss and also in years that the potential for nitrogen loss is great. Years that have a potential for nitrogen loss generally have a warmer than normal winter followed by a warm
and wet April. Delaying initial nitrogen application until closer to early stem elongation
would have the same effect as a split application without sacrificing yields (Table 5).
Nitrogen source is not a concern unless conditions are conducive for nitrogen loss. In
general, urea-ammonium nitrate solutions have the greatest potential for loss, then urea,
and ammonium sulfate the least. Risk for nitrogen loss potential is the greatest for early
applications and decreases as plants approach early stem elongation. Fields prone to wet
conditions would also be susceptible to nitrogen loss. If nitrogen loss is not a concern,
economics should determine nitrogen source.
In summary, initial spring application should be applied between greenup and early stem
elongation. Waiting until early stem elongation may increase yields slightly but the small
gain is offset by the risk of wet conditions at elongation time. If these wet conditions delay
application until late stem elongation or later, a yield decrease may occur. Nitrogen source
should be dependent upon the risk of nitrogen loss conditions and cost.
Phosphorus: Should be applied before planting when the soil test level is below 50 ppm.
Actual phosphorus recommendations are determined by the yield goal and soil test level
(Table 7). Phosphorus and fall-applied nitrogen are often applied as diammonium phosphate (DAP) or monoammonium phosphate (MAP).
11
Table 7: Phosphorus recommendations for wheat at various yield potentials and

soil test levels.
Soil Test (ppm)
Yield Potential
(bu/A)
15
20
60
90
65
70
95
25-40
45
50
40
20
70
45
20
lb P 2O5 /A
80
100
75
50
25
90
105
80
55
30
100
115
90
65
30
Potash: Recommendations are based upon the yield goal, soil cation exchange capacity
(CEC), and the soil test level (Tables 8 and 9). Soils with larger CEC values have a greater
chance of potassium becoming unavailable to the crop and require more potash than low
CEC soils. Table 8 recommendations only account for grain removal of potassium by the
crop. Recommendations are greater in fields where the straw may be baled and removed
(Table 9).
Table 8: Potash recommendations for wheat at various yield potentials, CEC, and
soil test levels only grain removed not straw.
Soil Test K (ppm)
Yield Potential
(bu/acre)
Soil
CEC
25
50
75
10
155
115
80
15
195
150
20
240
190
125
150
175
40
40
110
65
40
25
140
90
40
40
lb K 2O/acre
60
lb K 2O/acre
80
10
160
125
85
50
50
15
205
160
115
70
50
30
20
250
200
150
100
50
50
55
55
lb K 2O/acre
100
10
12
100
170
130
95
15
210
165
125
80
55
35
20
260
205
155
105
55
55
Table 9: Potash recommendations for wheat at various yield potentials, CEC, and
soil test levels grain and straw removed.
Soil Test K (ppm)
Yield Potential
(bu/acre)
Soil
CEC
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
lb K 2O/acre
60
10
210
170
135
100
100
15
250
205
160
120
100
60
20
300
250
200
150
100
100
lb K 2O/acre
80
10
235
200
160
120
120
15
275
230
190
145
120
80
20
320
270
220
170
120
120
lb K 2O/acre
100
10
260
225
185
150
150
15
300
260
215
170
150
95
20
350
300
250
200
150
150
Sulfur: Historically, data has not supported the need for sulfur on medium to fine
textured soils with adequate organic matter. However, atmospheric depositions have
decreased over past decades as sulfur emissions from manufacturing processes have
diminished, casting doubt about whether Ohio soils still contain adequate sulfur levels
for optimum wheat production. Studies were conducted in 2005 and 2006 to determine if
wheat yields respond to supplemental sulfur (Table 10). Yields were similar to non-sulfur
and sulfur treatments confirming that typical Ohio soils would have minimal response to
sulfur fertilizer.
Table 10: Grain yield response to spring N (80 lb/A) and sulfur (20 or 40 lb/A)
Lentz and Mullen, 2005-2006.
Custar, OH
Fertilizer Source
South Charleston, OH
Average
bu/acre
Urea
82.2
94.4
88.3
Urea-gypsum 20 lb S/A
81.3
95.6
88.5
Urea-gypsum 40 lb S/A
83.7
93.7
88.7
Average
82.4
94.6
88.5
Manganese. Wheat is almost as sensitive to manganese deficiencies as is soybean, and

the deficiencies occur in the same areas of fields. Deficiency symptoms are usually not
severe enough to be seen but will reduce yield. Maintaining soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0
will usually eliminate the problem. For fields that have a history of manganese problems,
manganese sulfate can be applied in a band or in contact with seeds at planting or mix
four pounds per acre with urea-ammonium nitrate solution at spring topdress.
Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio 13
Identifying Wheat Growth Stages

Wheat growth stage identification is critical for effective timing of fungicide, insecticide, and herbicide applications. In the case of diseases, insects, and weeds, management
programs are based on damage thresholds at specific crop-growth stages. Hence, pest and
crop-growth stage identifications are extremely important. Failure to correctly identify
these growth stages may lead to inadequate timing of applications, which may result in
violation of pesticide label restrictions (products being applied off label), inferior control
efficacy, and injury to the crop.
The development of the wheat plant can be divided into four major stages: tillering, stem
elongation, heading and flowering, and ripening. In Ohio, stem elongation typically occur between mid-April and mid-May, and heading and flowering towards the end of May.
However, given that crop development is strongly influenced by weather conditions, the
occurrence and duration of the different growth stages vary from year to year or from
one location to another. Therefore, calendar dates are not reliable for determining the
growth stages of the wheat crop. Growth stages are best determined by sampling multiple
main tillers from multiple locations within the field and examining these tillers to determine the presence of nodes and emergence of leaves, heads, and floral parts (Figure 6).
Figure 6: Identification of important growth stages used to manage crop pests.

Feekes Wheat Growth Stage 6: First Node
Visible; Beginning of Stem Elongation/Jointing
Spring nitrogen and some herbicide applications
should be made at this growth stage.
Warm weather and longer days signal the
plant to begin jointing.
Jointing typically begins in mid-April in
southern Ohio and mid to late April in northern Ohio.
Jointing begins when the first node is visible at
the base of the stem.
Peel back the lower leaves to detect the node
which usually appears as a slightly swollen
area with a different shade of green from the
rest of the stem.
First node
Flag leaf
First node
14
Feekes Wheat Growth Stage 8:

Flag Leaf Emergence
Fields should be scouted for foliar diseases and
some foliar fungicides are recommended at this
growth stage.
Each tiller has four main leaves.
The first leaf originates from the first node.
The flag leaf is the last/fourth leaf to emerge,
counting up from the first node.
To determine whether the flag leaf has
emerged, find the first node then count up the
stem four leaves.
Fewer than four leaves indicates an earlier
growth stage.
Flag leaf
Head in
swollen
leaf sheath
Flag
leaf
Feekes Wheat Growth Stages 9 and 10:

Boot Stages
some foliar fungicides are recommended at this
growth stage.
Flag leaf completely emerged, with auricles
visible (early boot): Feekes Growth Stage 9.
Sheath of the flag leaf completely grown out
and head swollen inside the leaf sheath, but
not yet visible (boot): Feekes Growth Stage 10.
Feekes Growth Stage 10.1-10.5:

Heading Stages
some foliar fungicides can be applied
at this growth stage.
First spikelets just visible (10.1).
25% head emerged from sheath (10.2).
50% head emergence from sheath (10.3).
75% head emergence from sheath (10.4).
Head completely emerged (10.5).
Maximum plant height reached.
Growth stage
10.4: head 75%
emerged from
booth
Anthers
Feekes Growth Stage 10.5.1: Flowering/Anthesis

When used for head scab management, fungicides
provide the best results in terms of scab and vomitoxin reduction when applied at this growth stage,
Feekes GS 10.5.1.
Anthesis begins with the extrusion of anthers
in the central portion of the spike.
By the time anthers are seen, pollination and
fertilization would have already occurred.
Disease Management
All wheat seed should be treated with fungicides to control seed-borne diseases (loose
smut, common bunt, Fusarium scab and Stagonospora glume blotch). Treatments containing the fungicides (difenconazole) or (tebuconazole) have been very effective in
controlling most seed-borne diseases. TBZ can be added to improve efficacy against seedborne Fusarium found on scab-affected seed.
Basic information on seed treatments can be found in Table 11, but more information
is available in OSU Extension Bulletin 639 (http://ohioline.osu.edu/b639/index.html),
Seed Treatment for Agronomic Crops, and OSU Extension Bulletin 639A, Efficacy of Seed
Treatment Fungicides for Agronomic Crops in Ohio. Both of these bulletins can be found
on the Internet at (http://www.agcrops.osu.edu/). Table 11 shows the level of disease
control provided by several seed-treatment fungicides.
Table 11: Efficacy of wheat seed treatments.

Product
Active
Ingredient
Common Loose Stagonospora

Bunt
Smut
nodorum
Fusarium
(Scab)
Pythium
Damping Off
Allegiance
Metalaxyl
Apron XL
Mefenoxam
Dividend XL
Difenoconazol,
Mefenoxam
LSP Flowable Thiabendazole

(TBZ)
Fungicide
Maxim 4FS
Fludioxonil
Raxil-Thiram
Tebuconazole,
Thiram
Raxil MD
Tebuconazole,
Metalaxyl
Raxil XT
Tebuconazole,
Metalaxyl
RTU Vitavax - Carboxin,

Thiram
Thiram
Carboxin,
Thiram
Vitavax 200
Efficacy based on labeled rates of active ingredient for each material.

Efficacy rating scale: E = Excellent, G = Good, F = Fair, P = Poor, N = No activity, ND = No data.
Growers should become familiar with symptoms of the common diseases affecting wheat
in Ohio. Correct diagnosis and scouting are important steps in identifying the yieldlimiting diseases on your farm. Help in diagnosis can be obtained from OSU Extension
or from other crop consultants. OSU Extension Bulletin 785, Wheat Disease Control In
Ohio, provides descriptions and pictures of the common diseases in the state. This bulletin can also be found on OSUs web site Ohioline (http://ohioline.osu.edu/b785/index.
html). Additionally, information on wheat disease diagnosis and control can be obtained
on the web site Ohio Field Crop Diseases (www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/ohiofieldcropdisease).
Planting disease resistant varieties is the most effective and economical means of controlling diseases. The central goal of foliar disease management is to keep the upper two
leaves (the flag leaf and the leaf below the flag leaf) on tillers and the glumes on heads
healthy before and during grain fill. The upper two leaves and the glumes contribute most
of the carbohydrates (sugars) for grain fill. The greatest reductions in yield are observed
when diseases occur early and reach the upper leaves before grain fill is complete. Thus,
it is important to keep these upper plant parts disease-free to minimize yield and quality
losses. This can be successfully achieved by planting resistant varieties. When varieties
with partial resistance are planted, disease may still develop under favorable weather conditions; however, blighting tends to be less extensive and severe, few spores are produced
in blighted areas, and the disease rarely progresses to the upper plant parts.
16
Select resistant varieties based on research conducted by universities and seed companies.
Varieties are available with a moderate to high level of resistance to leaf rust, powdery
mildew, and wheat yellow mosaic. Varieties with moderate levels of resistance to Stagonospora leaf and glume blotch and Fusarium head scab are also available. However, varieties rarely have good resistance to all diseases. When varieties have high resistance to a
disease, they effectively limit losses in yield. Resistance to leaf rust and powdery mildew
may fail due to the development of new races of these pathogens. Combining the use of
resistant varieties with good crop rotations, planting after the Hessian fly-free date, and
the use of seed treatment fungicides will improve disease control.
Information on wheat variety disease reaction can be obtained in the annual Ohio Wheat
Performance Trial, OSU Horticulture and Crop Science Department Series 228, available
at county Extension offices or on the Internet at: http://www.agcrops.osu.edu/.
Fungicides should be used only on susceptible and moderately susceptible varieties in
fields that have a yield potential of 60 or more bushels per acre. Before applying a fungicide, scout fields to determine which disease is present, the level of infection, and the
plant growth stage. No fungicide is equally effective against all diseases, so scouting fields
is essential for selection of the appropriate fungicide when growing moderately susceptible and susceptible varieties. This involves checking the level of disease on 30-50 individual tillers randomly selected throughout the field. Fields should be scouted for powdery
mildew at flag leaf emergence and boot stage (Feekes Growth Stage 8 and 10, respectively)
and scout for Stagonospora leaf blotch and leaf rust at boot stage, full head emergence,
and after flowering. Disease thresholds for fungicide application are one percent of leaf
area affected on the leaf below the flag leaf up to boot stage (Feekes Growth Stage 8
through 10), and one percent leaf area affected on the flag leaf between head emergence
to the end of flowering (Growth Stage 10.1 to 10.5.4) (Table 12). When these disease levels
are present, a fungicide should be applied as soon as possible to protect leaf tissue before
more becomes infected. One percent leaf area affected roughly translates to 5-10 leaf rust
pustules, 2-3 powdery mildew pustules, or 1-2 Stagonospora nodorum blotches.
Table 12: Wheat disease thresholds.

Wheat Growth Stage
Disease
Leaf*
Disease Level**
Flag leaf emergence

(GS8) to Boot (GS10)
Powdery mildew
2-3 lesions
Flag leaf emergence

(GS8) to Boot (GS10)
Stagonospora leaf blotch
1-2 lesions
Head emergence (GS10.1)

to end of flowering
(GS10.5.4)
Stagonospora leaf blotch
1-2 lesions
Head emergence (GS10.1)

to end of flowering
(GS10.5.4)
Leaf rust
1 (flag)
5-10 pustules
* Leaf number counted from top leaf (flag leaf = leaf 1) down on the tiller.
**Disease level based on average of 30-50 tillers randomly collected throughout field.
Fungicide use for head scab and vomitoxin reduction. To date, Proline, from Bayer
CropScience, with the active ingredient prothioconazole, Caramba from BASF, with the
active ingredient metconazole, and a mixture of Proline and Folicur (from Bayer CropScience, with tebuconazole as the active ingredient) are the most effective registered fungicides for head scab and vomitoxin suppression in wheat. However, it should be noted
that complete scab control is unlikely with any of these products, especially if prolonged
periods of wet conditions occur during and shortly after flowering. Growers can expect
a reduction of head scab but not 100% control. Efficacy varies considerably from year to
17
year and among locations; however, on average, between 42 (winter wheat) and 55 (spring
wheat) percent scab reduction and between 38 (winter wheat) and 48 (spring wheat) percent vomitoxin reduction can be achieved if these products are applied at the right time
(at flowering), using the correct application technology (Figure 7). The best results are
obtained when these products are applied to moderately resistant varieties rather than to
susceptible varieties.
Contrary to the control procedures for foliar diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf rust,
and Stagonospora, where fungicide application decisions are made based on disease
thresholds (after visual disease symptoms are observed), fungicide application for head
scab suppression MUST BE MADE BEFORE VISUAL SYMPTOMS ARE SEEN. Applications made after scabby heads develop will be too late and will not reduce vomitoxin to
acceptable levels. In addition, Proline, Folicur and Caramba should not be applied within
30 days of harvest. Application should be made at flowering (Figure 6), before visual
symptoms are seen on the heads. The scab prediction web site (http://www.wheatscab.
psu.edu/) should be USED AS A GUIDE to assess the risk of scab occurring and to help
determine whether or not a fungicide should be applied.
For growers interested in applying fungicides for head scab suppression, here are a few
ground application tips:
1. Applications should be made at flowering using flat-fan nozzles producing fine to
medium sized drops (300 to 350 microns).
2. Flat-fan nozzles should be angled forward 30 to 45 degrees down from horizontal.
3. Apply at 10 to 20 gallons per acre for head scab control.
4. Nozzles should be positioned 8 to 10 inches above the heads.
Figure 7: Percent scab (A) and vomitoxin (B) reduction with a single application
of fungicide at flowering in spring and winter wheat. The data represents a summary
of the results from more than 10 years of inoculated trials with susceptible varieties.
70
Winter Wheat
Spring Wheat
60
Percent reduction compared to the untreated check
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
18
Folicur
Proline
Folicur
and Proline*
Caramba
* Represents a combination
product as either a tank mix
of Folicur and Proline or
a premix of the two active
ingredients (Prosaro). Prosaro does not have a federal
registration for use in wheat
at this time.
Table 13: Efficacy of fungicides for wheat disease control based

on appropriate application timing.
Premix
Triazole
Strobilurin
Product
Fungicide(s)
Rate/A
(fl. oz)
Powdery
Mildew
Stagonospora
Leaf/Glume
Blotch
Septoria
Leaf Blotch
Tan
Spot
Stripe
Rust
Leaf
Rust
Head
Scab
Headline
2.09 EC
Pyraclostrobin
23.6%
6.0 to
9.0
G1
VG
VG
E2
NR
Quadris
2.08 SC
Azoxystrobin 22.9%
6.2 to
10.8
F(G) 3
VG
VG
E2
NR
Caramba
Metconazole
8.6%
10.0 to
17.0
-- 4
-- 4
-- 4
-- 4
-- 4
-- 4
G3
Folicur
3.6 F
Tebuconazole
38.7%
4.0
VG
VG
VG
Proline
480 SC
Prothioconazole 41%
5.0 to
5.7
-- 4
VG
VG
VG
-- 4
VG
G3
PropiMax
3.6 EC
Propiconazole 41.8%
4.0
VG
VG
VG
VG
VG
VG
Tilt
3.6 EC
Propiconazole 41.8%
4.0
VG
VG
VG
VG
VG
VG
Quilt
200 SC
Azoxystrobin 7.0%
Propiconazole 11.7%
14.0
VG
VG
VG
VG
VG
NR
Stratego
250 EC
Propiconazole 11.4%
Trifloxystrobin 11.4%
10.0
VG
VG
VG
VG
NR
Efficacy categories: NR = Not Recommended; F = Fair; G = Good; VG = Very Good; E = Excellent.

Efficacy may be significantly reduced if solo strobilurin products are applied after infection has occurred.
3
(G) indicates greater efficacy at higher application rates.
4
Insufficent data to make statement about efficacy of this product.
1
2
This information was compiled by members of the NCERA-184 small grains pathology committee, based on research conducted
across major U.S. wheat-growing regions. This information is provided only as a guide. It is the responsibility of the pesticide applicator by law to read and follow all current label directions. No endorsement is intended for products listed, nor is criticism meant
for products not listed. Members of NCERA-184 assume no liability resulting from the use of these products.
Weed Control
Wheat competes well with weeds, especially when good production techniques result
in an initial uniform stand establishment and when loss of stand due to winter injury is
minimal. Effective weed control and prevention of weed seed production in prior crops
will reduce the risk of weed problems in wheat. Some wheat fields can benefit greatly
from herbicide application, and failure to scout fields and take the appropriate measure
can result in yield loss and harvesting problems in those fields. The weeds that appear
above the wheat canopy late in the season, such as ragweed and Canada thistle, can often
be easily controlled or adequately suppressed with a spring herbicide treatment. The most
common weed problems in wheat include:

Winter annual broadleaf weeds, such as common chickweed, purple deadnettle,

shepherdspurse, and field pennycress. Winter annual weeds become established in
the fall along with the wheat and can interfere with development of wheat in fall and
early spring. Dense populations of winter annual weeds should be controlled in late
fall or early spring to minimize interference with wheat growth. Populations of winter annual grasses, such as annual bluegrass or cheat, can also occasionally be high
enough to merit herbicide treatment.
Wild garlic, due to the contamination of harvested grain with its bulblets. Several
herbicides are effective if applied in the spring after garlic has several inches of new
growth.
Canada thistle, which can greatly suppress wheat growth due to its tendency to occur in dense patches. Many wheat herbicides have some activity on thistle and can
suppress it adequately if not applied too early in spring.
Dandelion, which has become more prevalent in Ohio fields and can interfere with
wheat establishment and early development. Appropriate management of dandelion
throughout the crop rotation, and especially in the previous crop, will reduce dandelion populations and minimize problems in wheat. Preplant or preemergence application of glyphosate can suppress or control dandelion. Several postemergence wheat
herbicides have limited activity on dandelion.
Summer annual broadleaf weeds, such as common and giant ragweed, which can
begin to emerge in late March. A healthy wheat crop can adequately suppress these
weeds but herbicide application is occasionally warranted.
It is very important to apply herbicides at the correct stage of growth of the wheat plants
to avoid herbicide injury to the wheat. When wheat has not yet reached the jointing
stage in spring, any herbicide labeled for wheat can be safely applied. As wheat growth
stage advances past jointing and then past boot stage, herbicide choices become more
limited. Most herbicides can be applied in nitrogen fertilizer solution when the wheat is
top-dressed. This may increase injury somewhat, and some labels recommend adjusting
surfactant rates to minimize injury. Several wheat herbicides can be applied in the fall
after wheat has two to three leaves. Complete information on herbicides available for use
on wheat, effectiveness of herbicides on individual weeds, and proper timing of herbicide
applications can be found in the small grain section of OSU Extension Bulletin 789, Weed
Control Guide for Ohio and Indiana, available from OSU Extension county offices or on
Ohioline (http://ohioline.osu.edu/b789/index.html). Consult current product labels for
crop rotation restrictions and tank mix recommendations.
Table 14: Herbicides for use in wheat.
20
Product
Formulation Rate/A
Application timing
Curtail
2.38L
2-2.67 pts
Spring, after four leaves and tillering,

and up to jointing.
Express
75DF
0.17-0.33 oz Fall or spring, after two-leaf stage and before flag

leaf is visible.
2,4-D Amine
2,4-D Ester
4 lb/gal
0.5-2 pt
Spring, after tillering and prior to jointing.

Some labels allow application prior to early boot.
MCPA Amine 4 lb/gal

MCPA Ester
0.5-2 pt
0.5-1.5 pt
Spring, after tillering and prior to jointing.
Bromoxynil
2S
1-2 pt
Fall or spring, prior to boot stage.
Dicamba
Banvel SGF
4L2L
2-4 oz
4-8 oz
Fall or spring, after wheat emergence and before

jointing begins.
Harmony
Extra
75DF
0.3-0.6 oz
Fall or spring, after two-leaf stage and before flag

leaf is visible.
Peak
57DF
0.5 oz
Fall or spring, after three-leaf stage,

and before second node is visible on stem.
Stinger
3L
0.25-0.33 pt Spring, three-leaf stage up to early boot stage.
Aim EW
1.9L
0.5-2 oz
Fall or spring, prior to jointing.
Axial
Axial XL
0.83L
0.42L
8.2 oz
16.4 oz
Fall or spring, two-leaf stage to boot stage.
Maverick
75WDG
0.67 oz
Fall or spring, after emergence and prior to jointing.
Olympus
70WDG
0.6-0.9 oz
Osprey
4.5 WDG
4.75 oz
Starane
3L
0.25-0.33 pt
Fall or spring, three-leaf stage to early boot stage.
WideMatch
1.5L
1-1.3 pts
Fall or spring, three-leaf stage to flag leaf emergence.
Table 15: Weed response to herbicides in small grains.

This table compares the relative effectiveness of herbicides on individual weeds. Ratings are based on labeled application rate
and weed size or growth stage. Performance may vary due to weather and soil conditions, or other variables.
Weed control rating:
9 = 90% to 100%; 8 = 80% to 90%; 7 = 70% to 80%; 6 = 60% to 70%; - = less than 60% control.
Weed
Mode of Action
2,4-D Aim MCPA Dicamba Bromoxynil Curtail
Harmony
WideExpress Starane Stinger Peak
Extra
Match
Buckwheat,
Wild
Chickweed,
Common
Deadnettle,
Purple or Red
Henbit
Winter Annual
Lettuce, Wild
Marestail
Mustard spp.
Pennycress,
Field
Shepherd's
Purse
Lambsquarters,
Common
Nightshade,
Black
Pigweed spp.
7+
Ragweed,
Common
Ragweed, Giant
Smartweed
Velvetleaf
8+
Dandelion
Garlic, Wild
Thistle, Canada
7+
Summer Annual
Perennial
Mode of action: G = Growth regulator, P = Photosynthesis inhibitor, A = ALS inhibitor, O = PPO inhibitor.
Table 16: Herbicides for control of winter annual grasses in wheat.

An X indicates the herbicide is labeled for control of the weed. Most effective control of winter annual grasses will result from application of herbicides in the fall after wheat and weeds
have emerged.
Annual Bluegrass
Cheat
Downy Brome
Maverick
Olympus
Axial/Axial XL
Osprey
Annual Ryegrass
X
Figure 8: Wheat growth stages and herbicide application.
Olympus, Osprey, Aim

Curtail, Axial, Axial XL
Peak
Express
Harmony Extra
Bromoxynil
Dicamba
2,4-D, MCPA1
Starane, Stinger, WideMatch
Insect Control
Several different insects can be important on wheat in Ohio. Management of insect pests
affecting wheat often emphasizes non-chemical control measures. Hessian fly is controlled primarily by delaying planting until late September or early October depending
on location of the field in the state. Cereal leaf beetle and aphids are usually controlled
by beneficial parasites. However, populations of some pests, especially cereal leaf beetle,
armyworm, and sometimes aphids, may occur in numbers warranting rescue treatment
with insecticides.
A) Hessian Fly: The Hessian fly passes through two generations per year in which adult
flies deposit eggs, maggots hatch on leaves and feed on stems, and then maggots pupate into the commonly recognized flaxseed stage. Adults are active in late summer
22
and early spring. Damage by maggots occurs in both early fall and late spring. The
flaxseed is the stage that overwinters.

Assessment: Flaxseed pupae are located within the leaf sheaths of plants in the fall
and spring. Broken wheat stems and lodging are associated with damage. Under serious infestations, the problem is generally detected after the damage has been done
and the fly is in the flaxseed stage. Thus, rescue treatments are not warranted.
Control: Plant wheat after the Hessian fly-safe date for your county (see Figure 4 in
the section on Planting for Hessian fly-safe dates for your county). We do not recommend planting early and applying a seed treatment. Use wheat varieties resistant to
the Hessian fly. Control volunteer wheat to eliminate sources of spring populations.
B) Aphids: English grain aphid and the bird cherry-oat aphid may cause limited feeding injury. The greenbug, which produces a toxin that affects the wheat plant, rarely
occurs in Ohio. Aphids are also important in Ohio because they may transmit the
barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) that causes stunting and yellowing of wheat and
other small grains. It is usually not considered economically feasible to control transmission of BYDV with insecticides because aphids can transmit the virus within six
hours of landing on the plant.

Assessment: First identify the aphid; English grain aphid has black cornicles; bird
cherry-oat aphid has a red-orange spot between the cornicles; the greenbug has a
dark green stripe on the back and the tips of the cornicles are black.
Threshold: Aphid populations on small grains are usually controlled by natural

predators. For aphid feeding, insecticide treatment is warranted when an average of
50 or more greenbugs occurs per linear foot of row in the fall or 100 or more per foot
in the spring. Greenbug infestations great enough to cause economic damage are rare
in Ohio. For management of aphids to reduce transmission of BYDV, growers should
plant varieties less susceptible to BYDV, delay planting until after the Hessian fly-free
date, and control volunteer wheat, barley, and oats. We do not recommend planting
early and applying a seed treatment. If an insecticide application is made for preventing virus transmission, sprays should be applied around 20-30 days following emergence.
C) Cereal Leaf Beetle: Overwintering beetles appear in the spring and lay eggs that
hatch into larvae that feed on wheat and oat leaves. Larvae appear as small black slugs
due to accumulated fecal matter on their backs. There is one generation per year with
new adults appearing in late spring. The cereal leaf beetle is generally controlled by
a complex of parasitic wasps, but treatment of fields may be warranted when mild
winters adversely affect natural control.

Assessment: Count the number of larvae on five stems at each of 10 randomly selected areas within a field.
Threshold: Infestations with an average of two or more per stem warrant insecticide
use.
D) Armyworm: Adults become active in late April and early May and are attracted to
grass crops including wheat. Larvae are active in late May and June and can feed on
leaves and emerging heads. Most serious damage occurs when larvae feed on stems.
Although armyworm is thought to clip heads completely off, this injury is seldom
seen. Because armyworm will migrate out of wheat fields as plants mature, adjacent
corn fields should be monitored for feeding injury along the field edge.
Assessment: Detection of larvae is initially along the edge of fields and low-lying
areas. Examine plants for foliar feeding and possible head clipping.
Threshold: When there are three or more larvae per linear foot of row and larvae are
not fully grown (larvae are predominantly one inch long or less), or if head clipping is
occurring, a rescue treatment is needed.
Control of aphids, cereal leaf beetle, and armyworm: If thresholds are reached for
any of these insects, an insecticide application should be considered. See Table 17,
or Bulletin 545, Control of Insect Pests of Field Crops, for additional information on
registered materials, rates, and per-harvest intervals.
Table 17: Insecticides used on small grains.

Product
Cereal Leaf
Beetle
Common
Armyworm
Aphids
Preharvest
Limitation*
Baythroid**+
Carbaryl+
30
21
Cruiser
AP-CST***
Dimethoate+
35
Endosulfan**
See label
Entrust+
21
Gaucho
AP-CST***
Lannate**+
Malathion+
Mustang Max**+
14
Mystic Z**+
30
Penncap-M**+
15
Proaxis**+
30
Prolex**+
30
Sevin+
21
Silencer**+
30
Taiga Z**+
30
Tracer+
Warrior**+
21
X
30
* Preharvest limitation = waiting period in days prior to harvest.

** Use is restricted to certified applicators.
*** At planting time Commercially applied seed treatment.
+ These compounds are hazardous to honey bees. To reduce bee losses, do not apply later than 2 hours
after sunrise or earlier than two hours before sunset.
24
2007 Producers of Wheat, Barley, Rye, Spelt, and Triticale

Advanced Agri-Solutions Co-Op
104 S. Sycamore St.
Box 579
Botkins, OH 45306
Shelby Co.
Fax: (937) 693-3924
Phone: (800) 530-0745
Frayer Seed, Inc.

319 Kenton-Galion Rd. E.
Marion, OH 43302
Marion Co.
Fax: (740) 383-2190
Phone: (740) 382-5151
Bixel, R. & D.
9590 Putnam Rd.
Pandora, OH 45877
Allen Co.
Phone: (419) 358-1678
Frenchs Hybrids, Inc.

6484 St. Rt. 303
Wakeman, OH 44889
Huron Co.
Fax: (440) 839-2563
Phone: (440) 839-2934
Brubaker Grain & Chemical

2918 Quaker Trace Rd.
West Alexandria, OH 45381
Montgomery Co.
Fax: (931) 839-4576
Phone: (937) 839-4636
Gries Seed Farms, Inc.

2348 N. Fifth St.
Fremont, OH 43420
Sandusky Co.
Fax: (419) 332-1817
Phone: (419) 332-5571
Burtch Seed Co., Inc.

4742 Tama Rd.
Celina, OH 45822
Mercer Co.
Fax: (419) 363-3796
Phone: (419) 363-3713
Hiser Seeds
2311 Mile Tree Rd.
Clarksburg, OH 43115
Ross Co.
Fax: (740) 993-2311
Phone: (740) 993-2311
Central Ohio Farmers Co-Op

604 Elevator Rd.
Box 187
Green Camp, OH 43322
Marion Co.
Fax: (740) 528-2291
Phone: (740) 528-2211
Houck Seed Company

2268 U.S. Rt. 20
Monroeville, OH 44847
Huron Co.
Fax: (419) 465-3165
Phone: (419) 465-4525
Clever Farms, Inc.

13492 Foundation Rd.
Croton, OH 43013
Licking Co.
Phone: (740) 893-4191
DKG Seed Farms
5043 Coal Bank Rd.
Orville, OH 44667
Wayne Co.
Phone: (330) 465-7079
Ernst Conservation Seeds
9006 Mercer Pike
Meadville, PA 16335
Crawford Co.
Fax: (814) 336-5191
Phone: (814) 336-2404
Humphrey Farm, The

3167 Wakeman-Townline Rd.
Wakeman, OH 44889-9213
Huron Co.
Fax: (419) 663-0130
Phone: (419) 663-0130
Jewell Grain Co.
Independence Rd.
Box 30008
Jewell, OH 43530
Defiance Co.
Fax: (419) 497-2200
Phone: (419) 497-2101
Land OLakes, Inc.
95 S. County Rd. 200 E.
Flora, IN 46929
Fax: (574) 967-4910
Phone: (574) 967-4889
2007 Producers of Wheat, Barley, Rye, Spelt, and Triticale, cont.

Luckey Farmers, Inc.
1200 W. Main St.
Box 217
Woodville, OH 43469
Sandusky Co.
Fax: (419) 849-2720
Phone: (419) 849-2711
Martin, H. W. & Son, Co.
10553 Swamp Rd. S.W.
Hebron, OH 43025-9629
Licking Co.
Fax: (740) 928-4008
Phone: (740) 928-4000
Miller Seed Farms
14564 St. Rte. 162
Attica, OH 44807
Seneca Co.
Phone: (419) 426-1791
Miller, W. I. & Son
3389 Gardner Barclay Rd.
Farmdale, OH 44417
Trumbull Co.
Fax: (330) 876-8037
Phone: (330) 876-6573
OHIGRO, Inc.
6720 Gillette Rd.
Box 196
Waldo, OH 43356
Marion Co.
Fax: (740) 726-2574
Phone: (740) 726-2429
26
Precision Soya
13455 St. Rt. 38 S.E.
London, OH 43140
Madison Co.
Fax: (740) 874-3307
Phone: (740) 874-3347
R Farm
11504 Darby Creek Rd.
Orient, OH 43146
Pickaway Co.
Fax: (614) 877-9110
Phone: (614) 877-4792
Reiterman Seed Farms
17722 Clarks Run Rd.
Mt. Sterling, OH 43143
Pickaway Co.
Fax: (740) 869-2422
Phone: (740) 869-2422
Ridgeville Elevator, Inc.
P. O. Box 216
U.S. Rte. 6 West
Ridgeville Corners, OH 43555
Henry Co.
Fax: (419) 267-5101
Phone: (419) 267-5101
Riker Farm Seed Co.
10732 E. Poe Rd.
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Wood Co.
Fax: (419) 354-4048
Phone: (419) 352-0068
Ohio Foundation Seeds, Inc.

P. O. Box 6
Croton, OH 43013-0006
Licking Co.
Fax: (740) 893-3183
Phone: (740) 893-2501
Ruffs Seed Farms

3870 Ruff Rd.
Amanda, OH 43102
Fairfield Co.
Fax: (740) 969-4340
Phone: (740) 969-2600
Pioneer Hi-Bred International

15180 Henry-Wood C.L.
Grand Rapids, OH 43522
Wood Co.
Fax: (419) 748-8900
Phone: (419) 748-8051
Rupp Seeds, Inc.

5-17919-B
Wauseon, OH 43567
Fulton Co.
Fax: (419) 337-5491
Phone: (419) 337-1841
Powell Seeds
6300 Co. Rd. 65
Ada, OH 45810
Hardin Co.
Fax: (419) 634-5327
Phone: (419) 634-0763
Schlessman Seed Co.

11513 U.S. 250 N.
Milan, OH 44846
Erie Co.
Fax: (419) 499-2574
Phone: (419) 499-2572
2007 Producers of Wheat, Barley, Rye, Spelt, and Triticale, cont.

Schwartz Farms
4193 Everett-Hull Rd.
Cortland, OH 44410
Trumbull Co.
Fax: (330) 637-2287
Phone: (330) 637-3388
Utz Seed Farms, Inc.

7855 Donnenwirth Rd.
New Washington, OH 44854
Crawford Co.
Fax: (419) 492-3252
Phone: (419) 492-2785
Steritz Seeds
3250 Glady Rd.
Lynchburg, OH 45142
Clinton Co.
Fax: (937) 364-6334
Phone: (937) 364-2780
Walker, Leland & Sons Seeds

3851 Rhoads Rd.
Hillsboro, OH 45133
Highland Co.
Phone: (937) 288-2545
Steyer Seeds
6154 N. Co. Rd. 33
Tiffin, OH 44883
Seneca Co.
Fax: (419) 992-4595
Phone: (419) 992-4570
Syngenta Seeds, Inc./Agripro
806 2nd Street
Berthoud, CO 80513
Phone: (970) 532-3721
Thompson Seed Farm, Inc.
4920 Defiance Trail Rd.
Delphos, OH 45833
Allen Co.
Fax: (419) 692-3915
Phone: (419) 692-1946
Walton, B. F. & Sons Seed Co.

6655 St. Rt. 67
Box 440
Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
Wyandot Co.
Fax: (419) 927-5232
Phone: (419) 927-5222
Wellman Seeds, Inc.
23778 Delphos-Jennings Rd.
Delphos, OH 45833-8932
Van Wert Co.
Fax: (419) 695-9020
Phone: (800) 717-7333
Wensink Farm Seeds, Inc.
4704 Wood Rd., Rt. #1
Monroeville, OH 44847
Erie Co.
Fax: (419) 359-1883
Phone: (419) 359-1501
28

B 938

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Titolo originale

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

B 938

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Bulletin 938

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Copyright 2008, The Ohio State University

Foundation of Wheat Production

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Figure 1: Effect of grain-fill period, weather, and disease on wheat yield.

no disease, good weather

avg. disease and weather

poor weather, disease

Growth and Development

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Table 1: Value ($/Ac) of a five-percent yield increase as affected

Soybean Yield (bu/A)

Land Selection and Preparation

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Figure 2: Effect of soil drainage on wheat yield, 1999-2002.

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Figure 3: Effect of planting date on wheat yield.

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Wheat for Double Cropping

Producing Other Classes of Wheat

40 + [1.75 x (yield potential 50)]

Table 4: Nitrogen recommendations for wheat.

Nitrogen Rate (lb/A)

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Table 5: Grain yield response to spring N (70-80 lb/A) at different application

Early Stem Elongation (Feekes GS 6)

2 Weeks Before Greenup

Early Stem Elongation

Late Stem Elongation

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Table 7: Phosphorus recommendations for wheat at various yield potentials and

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Manganese. Wheat is almost as sensitive to manganese deficiencies as is soybean, and

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio 13

Identifying Wheat Growth Stages

Figure 6: Identification of important growth stages used to manage crop pests.

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Feekes Wheat Growth Stage 8:

Feekes Wheat Growth Stages 9 and 10:

Feekes Growth Stage 10.1-10.5:

Feekes Growth Stage 10.5.1: Flowering/Anthesis

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio 15

Table 11: Efficacy of wheat seed treatments.

Common Loose Stagonospora

LSP Flowable Thiabendazole

RTU Vitavax - Carboxin,

Efficacy based on labeled rates of active ingredient for each material.

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Table 12: Wheat disease thresholds.

Flag leaf emergence

Flag leaf emergence

Stagonospora leaf blotch

Head emergence (GS10.1)

Stagonospora leaf blotch

Head emergence (GS10.1)

Improving Wheat Profits in Ohio

Table 13: Efficacy of fungicides for wheat disease control based

Efficacy categories: NR = Not Recommended; F = Fair; G = Good; VG = Very Good; E = Excellent.

Winter annual broadleaf weeds, such as common chickweed, purple deadnettle,

Table 14: Herbicides for use in wheat.