Timely tips for managing wheat disease on May 8 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast
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EmailHear the latest updates on wheat diseases from Marty Chilvers on the May 8, 2025, Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series.
Join the Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on May 8, 2025, for a discussion on wheat disease management with Martin Chilvers, associate professor at Michigan State University (MSU). As spring herbicide and fertilizer applications on wheat wrap up across the state, many farms are shifting their focus to disease management. Stripe rust is a major wheat disease that can reduce yields by up to 70% if infection is early and severe, so May is a great time to be scouting for signs of the disease. If fungicide (with herbicide) has already been applied this season to prevent foliar diseases like stripe rust, the crop may still be susceptible to later season fungal disease like fusarium head blight. Driven by wet, warm conditions during flowering, fusarium head blight produces the mycotoxin DON, which affects grain marketability. Effective fusarium head blight fungicides include Miravis Ace, Prosaro, Prosaro Pro and Sphaerex, applied shortly after flowering. Chilvers will highlight the current status of wheat disease in Michigan and cover the latest management options.
Immediately following the discussion on forage quality, MSU Extension agricultural meteorologist Jeff Andresen will present a 15-minute weather summary and forecast. A question-and-answer period will follow. Other MSU Extension specialists and educators will be available for discussion.
Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series sessions from the MSU Extension field crops team are held every week during the growing season via Zoom. The Virtual Breakfast series keeps attendees informed of in-season updates and issues of concern for field crops. These virtual meetings take place every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m., March through September 2025. Participants are encouraged to log into the Zoom link 5 minutes prior to the start time to ensure connectivity and receive announcements. The first half of each session includes a timely presentation from a topic expert and the weekly weather forecast. The second half of each session includes time for Q&A’s and updates with MSU specialists and educators.
Participating is easy and free! You can join the live meeting via Zoom using a computer, tablet, mobile device or regular phone line. If you are new to Zoom, simply download the Zoom app and you will be ready to join online every week to see visuals shared by presenters. A call-in by phone option is also available but note that you will only hear the audio portion.
Restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits and certified crop adviser (CCA) continuing education units are available most weeks for live attendees.
Participants must sign up to receive an email notification with instructions for joining the Virtual Breakfast. You only need to do this once and you will receive the Zoom link and call-in phone number, as well as weekly reminders every Wednesday and Thursday. Participants receiving emails can opt out at any time.
Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
If you cannot participate in the live session at 7 a.m., you can view the recorded version at any time. However, only the live session will be eligible for RUP and CCA credits. Recordings will be closed-captioned and available at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast webpage and the following MSU Extension field crops team social media platforms: Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X.
If you are unable to sign up online, call the Montcalm County MSU Extension office at 989-831-7500 .
Follow @MSUEFieldCrops on Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X for breaking news.
