Scab
Area of impact: Head
Description: Florets are bleached white killed and develop pink to orange spore masses. Kernels are shriveled and white or pink in color with poor germination.
Pathogen involved: Fusarium spp. (a fungus)
Timing/Conditions: Occurs when there is at least 48 hours of persistent moisture during the flowering stage.
Contributing factors: Wheat-wheat or wheat-corn rotation. Wheat scab fungus also causes Gibberella stalk rot in corn.
Management practices: Plow under infected residue rotate with beans or sugar beets maintain high fertility plant resistant varieties use seed treatments and avoid sprinkler irrigation during flowering.