Flowering date– You will be asked to identify the flowering date for your fields. Visit fields to determine the date when anthers are exposed on 15% of the heads. Wheat is most susceptible during the flowering growth stage, and the models will use weather conditions observed during the seven days prior to the flowering date you select. Planting date and variety will affect flowering dates so each field may have a different flowering date. (You can use the 24 and 48 hour forecast buttons in the upper left corner of the tool to help you estimate risk several days before the actual flowering date).

We suggest that you monitor the risk of disease in your area for a full week prior to flowering. As the wheat crop approaches the actual flowering date, we recommend that you also monitor your local weather forecast. The greatest risk for scab occurs when weather conditions prior to flowering have been conducive for reproduction of the fungus (indicated by yellow or red colors on the risk map), and when weather during the early stages of kernel development favors infection. Three or more days with frequent rainfall and moderate temperatures (65 to 80 F) during the kernel development may significantly increase the risk of head scab.

Wheat class– Identify whether you are growing a spring wheat (spring planted) or winter wheat (fall planted). This selection will activate different components of the system and customize the prediction for your crop.

Production practices– If you select spring wheat, you will be asked to provide information about the resistance level of the variety planted in your fields. This is important because planting a susceptible variety may significantly increase your risk of disease. Most varieties of wheat are susceptible to head scab, and we advise that you use this as the default level of resistance unless you know that your wheat variety has a different level of resistance to head scab. More information about the resistance level of spring wheat varieties can be found in the variety evaluation reports provided by North Dakota State University.

Link: North Dakota Hard Red Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results for 2005 (pdf)