News

Illinois wheat crop under examination

A wheat breeder at the University of Illinois says the weather has been hard on some of the state’s wheat crop.

Dr. Jessica Rutkoski says some area’s saw a dry fall that impacted stands.

“In some cases, there was some uneven emergence.”  She says, “I think that was detrimental because if it was too late and then it was getting cold, I think some seeds just did not emerge.”

She tells Brownfield the wet spring, especially in southern Illinois, has led to prime conditions for diseases like head scab.

“Wet conditions, especially two weeks before heading, is what enables the pathogen to start producing spores.”  She says, “Plus wet conditions during flowering kind of creates a perfect storm for head scab.”

Rutkoski says the crop seems to be maturing at a more normal pace this year, as opposed to last year when fields were harvested about two weeks early.

She says fields across the state are being scouted today (5/20) as part of the annual Illinois Wheat Association tour to get a better handle on the condition of the state’s wheat crop.

AUDIO: Dr. Jessica Rutkoski – U of I