Ridgetown A number of samples and reports have come in this week about Freedom wheat that has distinct leaf spots on the flag and upper leaves of the plants. Freedom wheat had the same type of spots. Spots are typically yellow with a dark brown or chocolate center and range in size from 1 to 3 mm.
Individual lesions can join to make larger lesions.
Symptoms are most noticeable on the flag leaves and lesions are very similar to the brown centers and yellow halo of Septoria. Although Freedom appears to be a good indicator of physiological leaf spot or flecking other varieties may also be displaying these symptoms. Weather conditions appear to play an important role. Increased damage is observed when there are extended periods of overcast rainy weather followed by a bright sunny day. Refer to your local weather conditions to see if these conditions occurred in your area.