Both scald and net blotch are common throughout the state, and if wet weather continues, yield losses will occur. In past trials, growers improved yield and quality substantially by treatment when these diseases were present on the upper leaves. Scald is easily recognized by the oval white or light gray lesions with dark brown margins. These may or may not have a chlorotic margin.
Net blotch is recognized by the brown netlike symptoms on leaves and leaf sheaths.
However, on some varieties, only dark brown elliptical spots with chlorotic zones are present. This resembles spot blotch disease caused by a different fungus. Growers should watch variety tests in their area and note differences in disease susceptibility. In surveys last year, we found different virulence in different areas of the state, particularly for the scald disease. Growers should watch for patches of stunted yellow wheat.