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July 5, 2023
In This Edition:
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Notes from Pennington
Harvesting high quality wheat
 By Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat systems specialist pennin34@msu.edu
Physiological maturity is the point at which the grain fill period ends and dry down begins. No additional grain yield will accumulate.
Physiological maturity is also that point when the peduncle (stem just below the head) starts to turn yellow. (See Figure 1.) Grain moisture at this stage is around 35-40%. It usually takes 10-14 days to dry down for harvest, depending on weather conditions.
Figure 1. Progression of wheat towards physiological maturity. The stem below the head (peduncle) on the left is still green and grain fill is still occurring. The head on the right has reached maturity and represents the end of the grain fill period.
Food Quality. As harvest nears, there are a few reminders that might serve us well as we head out to the fields. First, wheat is a food product. As such, quality is very important to consumers and processors.
Several factors affect quality including vomitoxin (DON), sprout, test weight and dockage. Many of these items can be managed prior to and at harvest to improve grain quality.
Prior to harvest, make sure to clean all vessels associated with wheat harvest like wagons, trucks, auger, combines and grain storage areas. Make sure there are no potential contaminants such as spoiled grain, rodents, fertilizer or dirt in the equipment.
Make all necessary adjustments to your combine to ensure you are harvesting clean grain of high quality. Dockage for hulls, green and shriveled kernels, weed seeds and foreign material has gone up in the last few years. Proper combine adjustments can help to alleviate this problem.
Now is a good time to go and scout your fields. Check for Fusarium head blight (head scab). Make note of which fields and which varieties are the most infected. Check the lower leaves in the canopy for disease. Assess the level of lodging and potential lodging.
These notes will help you to make decisions about what fields to harvest first and also for variety selection for next year’s crop.
Here are some additional tips:
- Harvest fields with the highest lodging potential first. The extent of lodging varies by field and year, but you can usually find a little bit of lodging on headlands where there was nitrogen overlap.
- In fields where varieties were planted that are susceptible to Fusarium head blight and you have found infection – start harvesting these fields at 20% moisture, turn the fan speed up on the combine to blow shriveled/scabby kernels out the back and dry the grain.
Some elevators will pay the drying charge if you start harvest early as that will increase grain quality. Shrink is a factor, but if you can reduce the overall DON score, it could be the difference between a load being accepted or rejected.
- Calibrate your yield monitors using multi-point calibration. While this does take some time, it will provide you with much higher quality yield maps that you can use to make other decisions on your farm such as variable rate nutrient application. Monitors should be calibrated once per year for each crop. Click here to read more about multi-point yield calibration.
- Set up the straw chopper to properly chop and spread straw the full width of your combine header. Proper residue management is important for every crop. Uniformity in distribution is the goal. Don’t “windrow” unless you plan to bale off the straw.
- Last, and most important: Be safe. Accidents happen quickly when we rush to get our work done. Take the time necessary to be safe and teach your kids and employees how to be safe while operating farm equipment. Tragedy can happen in a split second – don’t let it happen to your family.
Good luck with the harvest!
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Risks associated with lodged wheat
By Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat systems specialist
 An important concern at harvest is lodging as mentioned in Item #1 above. Whenever a ripening wheat field experiences high wind speeds coupled with high rainfall, a grower could see significant lodging.
While growers are aware of the physical and engineering challenges of harvesting lodged wheat, lodging that occurs earlier during grain fill could also accentuate risks to grain quality.
The following outlines some concerns imposed by lodged wheat and steps that might mitigate some of these risks:
- Head Blight. Fusarium head blight infections in lodged wheat tend to be higher than in the rest of the field. This may lead to elevated DON (vomitoxin) levels. Growers might consider sampling these areas before developing a harvest strategy.
- Other diseases that could lead to discounts at market and be more severe in lodged wheat include black point and glume blotch. Where lodging is severe and extensive, a grower might harvest a sample to bring to the elevator for grading and determining discount amounts. Where grain condition is very poor, lodged areas could be harvested and that grain held separately.
- Test weight. Kernel weight and integrity tend to slowly decline in lodged wheat. This, in part, depends on when the wheat lodged relative to kernel maturity, and the subsequent moisture and humidity levels.
- Preharvest sprouting (PHS). PHS may be more severe in lodged wheat. Where lodging is extensive, the down wheat should be sampled and graded separately. Then make a conscious decision as to whether it should be harvested and loaded separately from standing wheat.
This is particularly important where wheat quality is compromised by PHS as the sprouted/ low falling number wheat can substantially and disproportionately reduce the falling number score within a load or bin.
- Fecal material. It is quite striking how much animal waste can sometimes be found perched on lodged wheat. These contributions from critters such as deer, raccoon and birds are difficult to separate from grain in the harvesting process. Growers should keep in mind that there is zero tolerance of fecal material in delivered grain. Where fecal matter is extensive (such as along woods and fence rows) consider skipping small areas if necessary.
- Grain moisture. The moisture content of grain in seriously lodged areas is usually significantly higher than in standing wheat. Rather than delaying the harvest of the standing wheat, one might consider postponing the harvest of the lodged portion of the field particularly if falling number scores are declining and the harvest weather window is tight.
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Fire plans prevent harvest season from “going up in smoke”
With parts of MI still in drought, preventing fires during harvest is critical
By Monica Jean, MSU Extension educator
 Every year there are reports of combine fires somewhere in Michigan or the US. A study of nearly 9,000 US grain combine fires reported the majority (41%) were caused by crop residue (Venem, M.T. et al., 2002).
Crop residue and dust accumulate on engines, as well as cracks and crevices through the combine. Managing such accumulation is key to decreasing risk of fire starting on the combine. When it comes to preventing combine fires, there are three Ps to remember: Prevention, preparation and practicality!
Prevention
- Keep the machine clean. Power wash to remove caked-on grease, oil and crop residue. During harvest, frequently blow off dry chaff, leaves and other crop materials from the machine. Leaf blowers are a great tool for removing any materials wrapped around bearings, belts and other moving parts. Check those pockets that house wires or lights, which can accumulate chaff.
- Eliminate heat sources. Exhaust system surfaces, exposed electrical wiring and worn bearings, belts and chains can potentially generate enough heat to start dust and crop residue on fire. Check these areas daily and make needed repairs promptly.
- Use an infrared thermometer with a laser to check temperatures. Val, J. et al. in 2019 found that bearings and belts cause 18% of fires. Bearings above temperatures of 180 degrees F. can cause damage and if temperatures reach 300 degrees F, the machine should be shut off immediately.
- Don’t park a hot combine in the shed or shop. After a long day of harvesting, smoldering hot spots may be present in the combine. If they suddenly flare up, you don’t want to lose the building!
- Check over electrical lines. Shorts can be caused by bare wires or damage from rodents chewing, insulation melting or undetected rubbing.
- Use heat-resistant insulation.
- Discharge your static. John Shutske of the University of Wisconsin suggests mounting a chain to the combine frame that is long enough to drag in the dirt to discharge static electricity. Combines can generate static electricity that could potentially ignite dry chaff and harvest residue.
Preparation
- Keep at least one fully charged, 10-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher with an Underwriter’s Laboratory approval in the combine cab. Have it checked yearly by a professional.
- Mount a second, larger fire extinguisher and a shovel on the outside of the machine that can be reached from ground level.
- Recharge partially discharged extinguishers.
- Have a cell phone.
- Have a plan in the event of fire. Turn off the engine, get the fire extinguisher and your phone. Get out and get help.
- Stay a safe distance away.
- Know when to wait for help
Practicality
- Get out of the combine if it begins to smoke or similar symptoms.
- Call 911 before beginning to extinguish the fire.
- Direct your extinguishing materials to the base of the fire.
- Approach the fire with extreme caution. Small fires can flare up quickly with the addition of air (by opening doors or hatches).
- If fire begins spreading in the field, try to contain it. This may include tilling a strip around the fire to create a barrier.
- Consider your safety first. Combines can be replaced!
- In a very dry season, consider having the sprayer filled with water in case a perimeter needs to be made in a field to help contain a small fire.
Be aware of how the weather impacts the three Ps. A study conducted by Venem, M.T., et al., found that about 49% of combine fires occurred between 2-4 p.m. when temperatures were peaking, and relative humidity is the lowest.
So, while you’re getting ready for the 2023 harvest, take the right steps to prevent a combine fire. But also, be prepared just in case a fire breaks out. Remember, safety first!
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Watch out for these wheat viruses!
By Jan Byrne, MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab,
and Marty Chilvers – MSU Field Crops Pathologist
The MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab frequently receives samples from Michigan wheat growers. Samples that are symptomatic are tested for several viruses; this work is supported by funding from the Michigan Wheat Program.
Viral symptoms in wheat can include yellowing or purpling, necrosis, flecking on the foliage, and stunting. A few different wheat viruses have been detected this year, including wheat streak mosaic and barley yellow dwarf.
There are significant differences in the biology of these two wheat viruses, and it’s important to understand what might be hurting your yields as we wrap up this season and plan for the next.
Growers concerned about viral symptoms in wheat can submit samples to our Lab now, while the plants are still green, for testing and evaluation. The Michigan Wheat Program covers the diagnostic fees for wheat samples submitted by Michigan wheat growers.
Unfortunately, wheat that has already senesced is not a good candidate for virus testing.
We have few management options once a virus is detected in a wheat field. However, knowing what viruses are present in this year’s wheat crop is critical to making good management decisions for the future.
It’s worth noting that despite some expanded virus testing this year, we have not detected any new or unusual viruses in Michigan wheat. Over 30 wheat samples were submitted to the Diagnostic Lab for evaluation so far this year. Of these, wheat streak mosaic virus was detected in 14 samples, and barley yellow dwarf virus in six samples.
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV)
This viral disease occurs throughout the wheat-growing areas of the US and can cause significant crop loss. WSMV symptoms include stunting, with a mottled or streaky discoloration of the leaves.
The impact of the virus on wheat production is influenced by several factors including the age of the wheat at the time of infection, the wheat cultivar, the specific virus strain, and environmental conditions. Infections that occur in young plants are more damaging, but wheat that is infected in the fall may not show symptoms until the following spring.
The disease occurs in other grains including barley, rye, and oats, as well as in perennial grasses and corn.
WSMV is spread by an insect vector, the wheat curl mite. Once the mite acquires the virus it can remain infectious, spreading it to wheat and other hosts during feeding over a period of 7-9 days. Winds can carry the wheat curl mites and thus facilitate the spread of infected mites.
Areas with more volunteer wheat, which creates a "green bridge effect,” also have an increased risk of WSMV. The pattern of disease in the field often demonstrates a border effect from the source of the wheat curl mites and virus.
Volunteer wheat has caused increases of this disease in Michigan in previous years. We have seen other years where a combination of environmental, disease and economic factors in wheat-growing areas of the US led to more WSMV.
Disease management must be based on prevention. Once plants are infected there are no treatment options.
Managing volunteer wheat is one of the most important steps that can be taken to manage the disease, volunteer wheat should be destroyed at least two weeks before the emergence of fall-planted wheat. Delay seeding of fall planted wheat to the extent possible to meet this timeline. This allows time for the mite population to naturally decline prior to emergence of new plantings.
Wheat cultivars with tolerance and/or resistance are available and should be considered in areas with increased risk.
Figure 1. Symptoms of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV). Photo credit: MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab.
Figure 2. Symptoms of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) in the field. Photo credit: Marty Chilvers.
Barley Yellow Dwarf (BYD)
Barley yellow dwarf is the most widespread cereal disease virus worldwide, causing an average 5% yield loss globally annually. BYD can infect over 150 grass species including wheat, rye, barley, oats and corn.
There are several species of virus that cause BYD and BYD can be transmitted by at least 25 different aphid species.
Symptoms of BYD vary based on genotype, age and condition of the host plant as well as strain of the virus. Symptoms include stunting; yellow, red or purple discoloration of leaves; and tip burn.
As BYD requires an aphid vector for transmission, symptoms in a field may appear along the edge of a field when initially introduced, or patchy as secondary transmission occurs.
Management of BYD includes the use of wheat varieties with BYD tolerance/resistance, cultural practices to removing grassy weeds acting as a “green bridge” to the wheat crop, and planting dates to avoid aphid movement. Insecticides are generally not effective for BYD management.
Figure 3. Symptoms of barley yellow dwarf. Photo credit: MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics.
OTHER VIRUSES FOUND IN PRIOR YEARS.
Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus (WSSMV)
As the name indicates, disease symptoms include spindle-shaped yellow streaks on the foliage. The streaks are parallel to the leaf veins and may become necrotic. Symptoms can be more apparent toward the leaf tips.
Plants can also be stunted, have fewer tillers, and produce fewer seeds with reduced kernel size. Foliar symptoms become less noticeable as the crop gets closer to harvest.
Wheat spindle streak occurs in wheat-growing areas of North America but is more common in the Great Lakes area. Most damage is reported on wheat, but rye and triticale can also be infected.
WSSMV is believed to be vectored by Polymyxa graminis, an organism that is naturally found in soil. In the absence of WSSMV, P. graminis does not harm wheat.
There is no known insect vector for WSSMV. But movement of the pathogen can occur when infested soil is moved, for example on cultivators and other field equipment. Hence, the pattern of disease in the field tends to occur around field entrances and low spots where water collects.
Environmental factors (temperature and moisture) influence both the risk of WSSMV infection and symptom development. Infections that occur in the fall are more likely to result in symptoms and decrease crop yield.
In spring, prolonged cool and wet periods favor symptom development. Disease progress halts once temperatures reach 65 degrees F. In contrast, spring infections result in fewer symptoms and have less yield impact.
WSSMV can remain in soil for long periods of time, even in the absence of a host crop. Wheat cultivars with disease resistance should be used in fields that have a history of WSSMV. Crop rotation is not an effective disease control strategy.
Image 4. Symptoms of Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus (WSSMV) Photo credit: MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics.
Editor’s Note: We are close to the end of the season for testing ailing wheat samples due to senescence. But if you have urgent questions, Jan Byrne has made herself available throughout this holiday week at www.pestid.msu.edu
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Great Lakes Leadership Academy Sign Up
Applications due Sept. 1st
 For nearly two decades, the MSU Extension-founded Great Lakes Leadership Academy (GLLA) has been helping the next generation of community and agriculture leaders expand their horizons, develop value-guided decision-making skills and create lasting relationships across Michigan industries.
The 2024 cohort is now forming! The full-year program includes three in-person classroom days, meetings in three destinations across Michigan to experience leadership, two virtual meetings and an international capstone experience in South Africa.
Twenty candidates per year are selected for GLLA’s prestigious academy. Signs of readiness include:
- High-level of self-awareness and humility;
- Mid-career professionals with diverse life experiences;
- Open mindedness and natural curiosity;
- Desire for systems-level change;
- Willingness to serve;
- Full unwavering commitment to the program.
Tuition is $6,000 for the year including all travel, with limited need-based scholarships available.
Applications are due by Sept. 1, 2023. Click here to learn more and to apply.
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MSUE weekly field crop “virtual breakfast” chats continue on Thursdays
 The MSU Extension Virtual Breakfast (VB) Series provides the latest research-based information on weather, potential pest challenges, crop management, soil fertility and soil health throughout the summer. And there is some wheat-focused programming on the horizon, so check your calendar and earn credits.
RUP credits. By attending the VBs, Michigan pesticide applicators can accumulate enough restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits during the season to recertify their credential. Each breakfast is worth one RUP credit (1A, 1B, Comm or Private Core) for pesticide applicators; or one continuing education unit (CEU) for Certified Crop Advisors (CCA). These RUP and CCA credits are only available for live participants – not the recorded sessions.
Content. Each week features a timely 15-minute presentation from a MSU specialist followed by Dr. Jeff Andresen, MSU Extension climatologist, with a 15-minute weather summary and forecast. Following these presentations, attendees can leave or stay on for a less formal discussion with farmers, educators, and specialists that lasts until 8 am.
In addition to the scheduled speaker for the day, other MSU campus specialists and educators with field crops responsibilities are frequently part of the call and are available to answer any questions.
Arrangements. Participation is free and easy. You must download the free Zoom app to see the visual presentations, or you can connect by telephone call-in.
Sign up now to receive email notification with instructions for joining each VB. Weekly reminders go out every Wednesday and Thursday. Click here to subscribe to email notification of VB sign-ups, which go out via the MailChimp platform.
Scheduled topics, July - August
- July 6 Strategies for Efficient Irrigation Water Use
- July 13 Cover Crops after Wheat
- July 20 Tar Spot
- July 27 Bugs and More Bugs!
- Aug. 3 Farm and Truck Vehicle Regulations and Safety
- Aug. 10 How to Get the Best out of Your Drainage System
- Aug. 17 “Hot Topic” Q & A Session
- Aug. 24 Timing the Last Irrigation Application
- Aug. 31 Setting the Stage for Record Breaking Wheat Yields
Recorded sessions can be viewed after the session at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast webpage at this address: https://www.canr.msu.edu/field_crops/virtual-breakfast. Or visit the MSU Extension Field Crops Team social media platforms on Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Twitter at MSU Extension.
For more information, call Lapeer County MSU Extension at (810) 667-0341.
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Calendar of events
 We know you’re in the field, but if you have an event of interest to wheat growers coming up, please let us know so we can add it to our monthly newsletter and website calendar. Drop an email to jody@miwheat.org!
July 13 – MSU Extension “Virtual Breakfast” presentation on Cover Crops after Wheat
Aug. 9 – Center for Excellence Field Day, Bakerlad Farm
Aug. 31 – MSU Extension “Virtual Breakfast” presentation on Setting the Stage for Record Breaking Wheat Yields
Feb. 21, 2024 – Michigan Wheat Program Annual Winter Meeting, Eagle Eye Conference Center, Bath
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