True armyworm moth activity and egg laying remains low. The cumulative moth catches during April will give us an idea of the potential for problems. Early season diseases that may be present now are powdery mildew, Ascochyta leafspot, barley yellow dwarf virus, and soil-borne wheat mosaic virus . Powdery mildew is very easy to diagnose. Look for white to tan masses of fungal growth on the leaves.
Powdery mildew continues to be the most common disease present.
The amount varies considerably depending on the amount of nitrogen applied and varietal susceptibility. The cool weather pattern favors continued development, so continue to scout fields often. If for some reason powdery mildew is out of control this early, these infected fields will likely lose substantial yield. Growers in this situation might want to put on a fungicide now in order to stop the powdery mildew before serious damage is done. If either Tilt or Quadris is applied now it will not provide control later if other diseases appear such as Septoria, tan spot, or rust.