Corn has also been reported to be damaged by both European Chafers and Wire worms in some localized spots. If you had Chafer damage to wheat fields in your area it would be advisable to scout cornfields to avoid any surprises. Soybean seed supply is being strained in some parts of the region. Fall plowed fields where spring tillage was delayed and no-till fields that have not been burned down have very large weeds. Pythium root rot is also thinning stands on early seedings with untreated seed.
Winter wheat is generally in the boot stage with some fields having heads partially emerged.
Leaf disease pressure has been reported as light up to now, but powdery mildew is showing up more and more across the region. Continue to monitor your fields for powdery mildew and septoria. Severe infections on the flag and upper leaves can cause losses and may require a fungicide application such as Tilt. Refer to Publication 296 for more information. Fusarium head blight has the potential to be a serious problem.