Below are key points to establish winter wheat successfully and give it the best changes to survive Minnesota's winter.

1. Plant winter wheat into standing stubble - Survival of winter wheat during the winter is enhanced when it is covered with snow during the coldest months of the year. Standing crop residues can effectively retain snow that may fall. Tall, erect flax and canola stubble works best, but any erect stubble that will retain snow is recommended. Abandoned stands of alfalfa that have been killed with glyphosate work well. Even standing soybean stubble is capable of trapping snow and reducing winterkill. Planting winter wheat into wheat stubble is not ideal for reasons described below, but as long as disease management is planned, wheat stubble can be an acceptable residue.

2. Plant winter-hardy, adapted varieties - Use a winter hardy variety, especially if you are not planting into residue. Likewise, planting past the optimum planting window demands you use the most winter hardy varieties. Jerry, the latest NDSU release and varieties developed in Canada are among the most winter hardy varieties currently available

3. Calculate the correct seeding rate - An optimum stand for winter wheat in the spring is 23 to 25 plants/ft2. Calculate a seeding rate accordingly, knowing that a poor seedbed and planting past the optimum window will mean a higher percent stand lossn and/or more winterkill.

4. Apply phosphorus at time of seeding - Phosphorus fertilization can play a role in winter hardiness, especially if soil tests are low for P. Applying 10-15 lbs of P with the seed may improve winter survival some years. Excessive N prior to winter freeze-up, however, can reduce winter survival.

5. Plant 1 to 1.5 inches deep - Adequate moisture for establishing winter wheat is often a concern as the soil profile is usually depleted of moisture in the fall. If there is little or no moisture in the soil's surface, planting shallow (1 to 1.5 inches deep) and waiting for rain is recommended. Furthermore, these relatively shallow planting depths allow for faster emergence when temperatures are rapidly declining.

6. Avoid the Green Bridge - Avoid fall infections of Wheat Streak Mosaic virus, Barley Yellow Dwarf virus, Hessian Fly, and/or tan spot by not planting too early and ensuring the removal of any volunteer wheat and grassy weeds at least two weeks prior to planting.

7. Choose the correct planting date - The optimum planting date windows are between September 20th and October 10th south of I-90, September 10 and September 30th south of I-94, and between September 1st and September 15th north of I-94.

Please consider attending a workshop focused on late season disease and insect problems in soybeans and corn on Wednesday, August 25th. The workshop will take place at the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca from 9:00 to Noon.

By Dean Malvick, Department of Plant Pathology, St. Paul.

This growing season has been favorable for development of sudden death syndrome (SDS) in Minnesota. This disease is developing earlier than normal in my research plots in Waseca, and I expect it to become obvious soon in many soybean fields. The earlier it develops the more potential it has to cause significant yield loss. SDS has been spreading and we are requesting help to determine where it occurs in Minnesota. SDS has been concentrated in south central Minnesota in past years, but it could occur almost anywhere in the state. 

Dean Malvick, Department of Plant Pathology, St. Paul

The soybean crop is growing well across most of Minnesota.  As of July 25, 80% of the state's ~7.4 million acres of soybeans was flowering and 25% was setting pods. Most of the soybean crop in Minnesota was rated in good (58%) or excellent (27%) condition.  With the frequent rains this season, however, disease problems are appearing in some fields and others may be brewing.  The leaf diseases downy mildew, bacterial blight, and Septoria brown spot are common now in Minnesota, but fortunately none of these diseases typically cause significant yield reductions.  Many areas in Minnesota have also had favorable conditions for development of Phytophthora root and stem rot, stem canker, white mold, and sudden death syndrome. 

You are invited to a field day located along highway 71 between Olivia and Blomkest on the southeast corner of the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and Kandyohi/Renville county line road. Discussions will focus on recent research on iron deficiency chlorosis and a tour of the research plot at this location. Registration for the event will begin at 9 am with speakers starting at 9:30.

By David Nicolai

The University of Minnesota 2010 Field School for Ag Professionals will be held next week, Tuesday July 20th and Wednesday July 21st at the University of Minnesota SouthWest Research and Outreach Center located near Lamberton, MN. The first day's program will consist of four core disciplines - weed science, soil science, entomology, and a crop growth staging session. The second day's program will consist of current research topics focused on high yield corn and soybean production and pest management. Registration is still available on-line at the Institute for Ag Professionals website until noon on July 19th or in-person at the event in Lamberton.