By Scout Nelson
As September arrives, Kansas farmers gear up for wheat planting season. However, K-State specialists are advising farmers to avoid planting too early due to risks of pests, diseases, and other potential issues.
Romulo Lollato, a K-State extension wheat and forages specialist, explained, “The wheat yield response to planting date is a curve that goes up and goes down. That optimal window is where we minimize the risks for that crop. But if we’re planting too early or too late, we have concerns on both ends of that curve.”
Planting wheat too early can expose crops to increased disease pressure, pests like wheat curl mites and aphids, and issues related to plant growth. K-State experts urge farmers to terminate volunteer wheat at least two weeks before planting to reduce disease risks.
Lollato also pointed out that certain wheat varieties are sensitive to temperature, which could delay germination in warmer soils. “If we’re reaching for moisture and try to go deep, another concern of planting early is reduced coleoptile length,” he noted, explaining that this can result in poor crop emergence.
Additionally, excessive fall growth from early planting may lead to moisture depletion, causing drought stress later in the season. For farmers using a dual-purpose system, early planting may be tempting for grazing, but Lollato advised caution.
In summary, farmers should aim to plant during the optimal window to reduce potential risks, ensuring healthier crops and higher yields throughout the growing season.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Corn, Wheat