Extension Column

Wheat situation

Colorado State University agronomists visited wheat testing trials in mid-April. Visited sites began at Walsh and continued north to sites near Lamar, Burlington, Prospect Valley, Sterling, Haxtun and Julesburg.

Wheat trials south of I-70 are experiencing severe drought. Wheat stands are poor and yield potential is low. Disease observations found no virus (wheat streak mosaic or barley yellow dwarf) or stripe rust activity. Insect issues found were brown wheat mite, but populations were below economic treatment threshholds. Cutworms were not found. Severe drought is continuing at these sites.

However, wheat trials north of I-70 are exhibiting better stands and wheat growth. As a result, wheat fields north of I-70 have average to good yield potential. While some fields were showing winter kill on field edges and borders, most wheat fields are fully covered with wheat plants and are continuing to grow. This situation is a direct result of adequate winter snows received last winter, which southern locations did not receive.

In addition, wheat trial observations did not show evidence of viral diseases such as wheat streak mosaic or barley yellow dwarf. No stripe rust was observed. Insect observations failed to find cutworm activity. However, brown wheat mite were found in some fields, but populations were below economic threshold levels. Therefore, pest issues such as insects and diseases were not found at this time.

These on-farm trials are testing new wheat varieties at various locations to determine yield potential and quality parameters. Results will be made available following harvest.