Soybean planting is well underway in Kansas with 43% planted, based on the USDA-NASS Crop Progress and Condition Report from May 19, 2024. However, heavy rainfall has occurred in many locations across the eastern half of Kansas, with some fields underwater and others with completely saturated soil. If you have been fortunate to get some early soybeans planted here are things to remember.

Wet soil conditions will slow emergence, make the soil more susceptible to compaction (limiting root growth), and cause poor plant-to-plant uniformity after emergence.

Sidewall compaction occurs when soybeans are planted when the soil is too wet, immediately followed by dry weather.

Soil surface crusting is another potential challenge for soybean emergence.

If soybean plants are submerged for less than 48 hours, there is a good chance they will survive. Plants can survive underwater longer in cool temperatures than in warm temperatures. Submerged soybean plants can survive for up to 7 days when temperatures are less than 80 degrees F.

To determine whether the soybeans are damaged after the water recedes, split the stem at the tip and examine the growing point. A healthy growing point will be firm and white or cream-colored. A soft, dark growing point indicates injury. In some cases, the silt coating the plant after short-term flooding can cause more injury than the water itself, possibly even plant death.

Even if the fields do not have standing water, and plants are not totally submerged, waterlogged soils can cause problems if the waterlogging lasts too long.

When soils are saturated for a prolonged period, a lack of oxygen in the roots can lead to the accumulation of lactic acid and other products of anaerobic respiration. This is the underlying cause of damage to plants in waterlogged soils where only the roots are flooded.

Injury can depend on variety, growth stage, duration of waterlogging, soil texture, fertility levels, and diseases present.

Interactions of these factors make it hard to predict how a given soybean field will react to waterlogged soils. Variety differences have been reported, and researchers have identified possible genes associated with tolerance to waterlogged conditions.

Scientists in Missouri have screened a number of soybean varieties, subjecting them to two periods of flooding, each two weeks in duration. The average yield reduction for all varieties was 61%. Yields were reduced by 39% for the most tolerant varieties and 77% for the least tolerant. Producers should check with their seed supplier regarding information about a particular variety.

As always if you are noticing issues in your fields feel free to contact me through your local K-State Extension Office to set up a consultation and field visit to asses and try and alleviate the problem.

If needed, I will work with you to send photos of the problem (close-up, seedling, field shot) and plant samples to the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

Tina Sullivan, Northeast Area Agronomist
[email protected]

Rodrigo Onofre, Plant Pathology
[email protected]

Chandler Day, Associate Diagnostician, Plant Pathology
[email protected]

Do you have to clear a spot just to sit down? Always searching for lost items? Tired of being the family’s go-to picker-upper? You’re not alone. Clutter creeps in from every corner of the home—but the good news is, you can take control.

Getting Started
Set aside a few days for big cleanups. In each room, start in one spot and move clockwise. Use boxes to sort items into: Keep, Store, Give Away/Sell, and Throw Away.

• Keep Box
  Put items back where they belong. Group similar things and create ‘centers’ for tasks like cooking, cleaning, or hobbies.
• Storage Box
  Label items clearly, including names and seasons (e.g., “Sarah’s Winter Clothes”). Use vacuum bags to save space.
• Give Away/Sell Box
  Donate gently used items to charities (call first). Sell items online or at consignment shops.
• Throw Away Box
  Toss anything broken, worn, or stained. Use a trash bag or can, and consider a trip to the landfill or recycling center if needed.
• Remember the One Touch Rule
  Touch things once—like mail. Sort immediately into pay, file, or trash to avoid clutter buildup.

Closet Organization Tips

• Declutter: Turn hangers backward. Flip them after wearing an item. After a few months, donate or store what you haven’t worn. Things to toss now:  Anything with a stain, hole, or tear; worn-out purses and shoes; outdated clothing or accessories; ratty weekend clothes; clothing that does not fit.
• Space Matters: Leave 2–3 inches between clothes to prevent odor, mold, and pests.
• Smart Choices: Pick mix-and-match clothing in a consistent color scheme. Dark, solid bottoms and classic pieces save space and money.
• Hang It Up: Use hooks, shelves, baskets, and hangers to keep everything visible and off the floor.
• Creative Storage: Try clear bins, vertical folding, and DIY solutions like shower curtain rings for accessories.
• Use All Space: Store out-of-season clothes under beds, in other closets, or above doors. Measure your space before buying storage systems.

Tips to Maintain a Clutter Free Home

• Everyone needs to do a little bit every day.
• It is everyone’s job to keep items picked up and put away.
• Tasks need to be appropriate for age and abilities.
• Share your ideas and expectations of what is expected and acceptable.

This article was adapted from the fact sheet Cut the Clutter and Get Organized.  For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

The month of May marks Small Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the powerful role small businesses play in our communities and our economy. While they may be “small” in size, their impact is anything but.

Across the country, small businesses account for nearly half of all private-sector jobs. They’re run by our neighbors, friends, and family members—the people who know us by name, remember our usual orders, and go the extra mile to serve. But behind every small business is a story of hard work, risk, and perseverance. Entrepreneurs invest time, energy, and resources—not to mention heart—into their dreams. Many wear multiple hats, juggle uncertain finances, and navigate ever-changing market demands. And still, they show up every day to keep their doors open, often with a smile.

This month is an opportunity for all of us to say thank you. We can do that by choosing to shop local, spread the word about our favorite businesses, or even leave a positive review online. These seemingly small actions add up and can make a world of difference.

If you’re a small business owner—or thinking about becoming one—there are excellent local resources available to help you succeed:

• Your Local Chamber of Commerce
  Offers networking opportunities, business education workshops, and promotional support.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Pittsburg State University
  Provides free business consulting, startup assistance, and help with business plans and funding. Our local SBDC is housed at Pittsburg State University with branches located across Southeast Kansas. If you are considering starting a small business, I encourage you to start with a conversation with SBDA.
• Network Kansas
  Connects businesses with grants, loans, and local incentives designed to foster growth. Network Kansas collaborates with communities, support organizations, and local leaders to drive economic development. They offer a variety of loan options to support entrepreneurs as they begin or expand their business journey.

Whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an existing one, these resources are here to help—and they’re just a phone call or a click away.

As we celebrate Small Business Month, let’s remember that when we support small, we strengthen all. The success of local businesses is closely tied to the well-being of our communities. Let’s continue to invest in that success—not just in May, but all year long!

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].

If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon of planting to attract butterflies – you need to! I love watching butterflies flit around my yard. Not only are they enjoyable to watch, but they also serve as pollinators for some plants. Sure, some butterflies will probably always visit your yard from time to time, but if you want to get serious about attracting more to your landscape, you must provide for their basic needs. This includes food, shelter, liquids, and a sunning location.

If you want butterflies to be more than just visitors looking for a good source of nectar, then you have to create a true butterfly habitat. This will encourage more butterflies to call your garden their home! One way to encourage more butterflies to your landscape is by utilizing plants that serve the needs of all stages of the butterfly. This means planting nectar plants and host plants.

Nectar plants are what the adult butterflies feed on. It is the color and shape of these flowers that will attract the butterflies. Plant nectar plants in masses using three or more plants of one variety. In the nectar plant category, there are many annuals and perennials that can be utilized. Some of the must-have annuals include zinnias, lantana, verbena, and French marigold to name just a few. Perennials utilized as a nectar plant include aster, black-eyed Susan, coneflower, milkweed, catmint and bee balm.

Even some shrubs and herbs are great nectar plants for butterflies. Of course, as the name would imply, butterfly bush is a great addition, along with lilac, mock orange, and spirea. Grow herbs for not only culinary purposes but as a nectar and host source. Plant chives, dill, sage, thyme, and fennel.

Host plants are those plants that butterflies lay their eggs on and that caterpillars feed on. Plant these with the expectation that the will be partially eaten by the developing butterfly. For me, I love walking out and looking at the developing caterpillars and I’m happy to share my plants with them! At the top of this plant list, it is milkweed. Milkweed is the exclusive food source for Monarch caterpillars. There are many different types of milkweed, but the butterfly milkweed is one of the more eye-catching. Other host plants that I like to plant include parsley, dill and fennel. These are great host plants for Black Swallowtails.

Butterflies also need protection from the wind and predators. This can be accomplished by incorporating certain trees and shrub species into the landscape. Butterflies use hackberry, elm, ash, willow and pawpaw trees. Host shrubs include spicebush and prickly ash.

You can make your butterflies feel more at home in the landscape if you will add a few light colored stones. Place these in a location protected from the wind. This will become an area where butterflies can bask in the sun and warm themselves. Incorporate a shallow container filled with sand and keep it moist. Butterflies will gather on the damp sand to take up needed salts and minerals. An occasional treat of rotting or overripe fruit will also keep butterflies happy!

Finally, be mindful of pesticide use. Pesticides not only kill undesirable insect pests, but they also kill butterflies and their caterpillars.

Now is the time to get busy creating a butterfly habitat! I have some wonderful resources available at the Extension office that offers a complete listing of plants. These can be found on the home page of our district website: southwind.ksu.edu or you can pick up a copy at any of our office locations.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

[email protected], 620-244-3826

Did You Know?
Board games can help people learn important soft skills like self-control, confidence, communication, getting along with others, and solving problems. These are the kinds of skills that help us do well at school, at home, at work, and in everyday life.

Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills

There are two kinds of skills we all need: soft skills and hard skills. Both are important, but they help us in different ways.

Soft skills are about how we act and how we treat others. They include being kind, staying calm, listening, working with a team, and solving problems. These skills help us handle change and get along with people everywhere—at school, at home, or at work.

Hard skills are things we learn to do, like using a computer, reading a map, or doing math. These are usually taught in school or through practice. They help us complete tasks and do jobs.

While hard skills can change over time, soft skills always matter. Today, soft skills are not just “nice to have”—they’re something we must have to succeed.

How Board Games Help Kids Learn and Grow

Board games are not just fun—they help kids practice soft skills while playing! Here’s how board games help kids grow:

1. Self-Control & Patience
   Sometimes in games, you lose a turn or get a bad card. This teaches kids to stay calm, wait their turn, and keep trying even when it’s hard.
2. Confidence & Feelings
   Board games help kids feel proud of themselves. They learn that trying their best is more important than winning and that it’s okay to make mistakes.
3. Making Friends & Feeling Happy
   Playing games with others can help kids feel less lonely. It’s a fun way to make friends, spend time with family, and feel good inside.
4. Talking & Listening
   Games give kids a chance to practice speaking clearly and kindly. They also learn to listen carefully and follow directions or rules.
5. Getting Along with Others
   In games, everyone has to take turns and sometimes work as a team. Kids learn how to share, be fair, and solve problems together.
6. Thinking & Solving Problems
   Many games make kids think hard, remember the rules, and make smart choices. They also learn to change their plans if something unexpected happens.

Working together helps close the job skills gap.
To help people get ready for future jobs, everyone needs to work as a team—businesses, teachers, families, and leaders. Soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication have become even more important.

Board games are a fun and powerful way to help people learn these skills. When families, schools, and communities use games to teach, they give kids and adults the tools they need to do well in school, at work, and in everyday life.

This article is the final one in a three-part series and comes from information in the Bonding Thru Board Games fact sheets.  For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826, or visit https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/home-family/family_child_development/

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

April 20th–26th marks National Volunteer Appreciation Week, a time dedicated to honoring the individuals who give their time and energy to serve others. Like many organizations, Extension programs could not function without the dedication of their volunteers. These individuals are the backbone of countless efforts that make our communities stronger, more connected, and more resilient.

Volunteering is more than just lending a hand—it’s a powerful way to foster community growth and development. When individuals unite around a shared goal, they bring diverse skills, experiences, and passions to the table. This collective action helps address local challenges and build a more inclusive, supportive, and engaged community.

Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the community—it offers meaningful personal rewards as well. Here are just a few of the many benefits:

1. Personal Growth and Empowerment- Volunteering builds valuable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These experiences empower individuals and can translate into professional growth as well.
2. Strengthening Community Resilience- Resilient communities are better equipped to face hardships. Volunteers are often the first to respond in the wake of local disasters, helping with clean-up and rebuilding efforts when it matters most.
3. Building Local Networks- By working with others, volunteers form connections that help strengthen the social fabric of their communities. These networks ensure that vital information and resources are accessible to all.

While the value of volunteering is immense, it’s also important to acknowledge the challenges that come with it:

1. Limited Resources- Many community projects have minimal funding or supply access. Strong volunteer infrastructure and support can help overcome these limitations by maximizing existing resources.
2. Volunteer Burnout- It’s common to see the same individuals carrying the load across multiple initiatives. Managing time effectively, providing proper training, and recognizing volunteer efforts are essential to preventing burnout and sustaining engagement.
3. Retention and Motivation- Keeping volunteers motivated and involved long-term requires thoughtful recognition and consistent feedback. Celebrating successes, both big and small, helps maintain energy and commitment.

As spring approaches, many local groups are planning outdoor service projects, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to get involved year-round. Whether you have a few hours a week or a single afternoon to spare, your time can make a lasting impact.

This National Volunteer Week, let’s take a moment to thank those who serve—and consider how we, too, can play a part. Volunteering doesn’t just change the community. It changes lives—including your own.

For more information or ideas on how you can volunteer in your community, contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].

Tara Solomon-Smith

Family and Community Wellness Agent, Southwind Extension District

[email protected], 620-244-3826

Board Games and Strong Families

In today’s busy world, family time can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But spending quality time together is important for keeping family bonds strong. One great way to bring families closer is by playing board games—especially Euro-style games. These games focus on strategy, not luck, and avoid direct conflict between players, making them a fun and positive way to build stronger relationships.

How Do Board Games Benefit Relationship Building?

People need to feel loved and like they belong. Friends and family help with that. Playing board games is a fun way for families and friends to spend time together, laugh, and feel close.

To get along with others, we need to learn things like how to understand our feelings, make good choices, and be kind. These are called soft skills. If kids don’t know how to play nicely, they might act out to show how they feel. But when kids have good relationships, they feel happy and safe.

Talking and listening are very important in families. Good communication helps families solve problems and understand each other. We show we care by really listening, smiling, and using kind voices and body language.

In his book, titled “Family Treasures: Creating Strong Families,” Dr. John DeFrain examines what he says are the six major qualities that strong, successful families exhibit across all cultures in order to create positive environments. These include: enjoyable time together, appreciation and affection for one another, positive communication, spiritual well-being (values, beliefs, and life skills), successful management of stress and crisis, and commitment to each other.

There are ways that families can achieve these six qualities through everyday living.

Enjoyable Time Together

• Lots of quality time
• Good things take time
• Enjoying each other’s company
• Simple good times
• Sharing fun times

Appreciation and Affection

• Caring for each other
• Friendship
• Respect for individuality
• Playfulness
• Humor

Positive Communication

• Giving compliments
• Sharing feelings
• Avoiding blaming
• Being able to compromise
• Agreeing to disagree

Spiritual Well-Being

• Hope
• Faith
• Compassion
• Shared ethical values
• Oneness with humankind

Successful Stress and Crisis Management

• Are adaptable
• See crises as challenges and opportunities
• Grow through crises together
• Open to change
• Bounce back from stress and crises

Commitment to Each Other

• Trust
• Honesty
• Dependability
• Faithfulness
• Sharing

Board games are a fun way for families to talk, listen, and enjoy time together. When families have fun and talk well, they become stronger and closer.

This article is the second in a three-part series and comes from information in the Bonding Thru Board Games fact sheets.  For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826, or visit https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/home-family/family_child_development/

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Drought… the theme for the last 3 years. So, the million-dollar question… “What will happen in 2025?” To be honest no one knows with certainty what the weather will do besides Mother Nature herself.

Last week I listened to Matthew Sittel the Assistant State Climatologist at Kansas State University talk about our current weather conditions and the projected weather pattern. According to Matt now through April 20^th we should expect 50% near normal precipitation for this time of year. After that there is a 40% higher probability of precipitation from April 20^th through May 2^nd. Along with the rain chances we can expect the temperatures to run on the warm side for this time of year in the next 30 days. As you look farther into June there’s a 30% chance of below precipitation and 30% chance of above average temperatures.

So, what does this mean exactly… well it means there is a slightly elevated chance of precipitation in the next few weeks. Will it rain? There is a good chance it will but it is not guaranteed. The long range forecast into June says chances are we could have a below average rain fall and above average temperatures.

Unfortunately, the forecast does not look promising at this time for producers. The only advise I have right now when planning for the growing season is hope for the best and plan for the worst. I have never wanted to be wrong this much in my life. I hope the weather turns in our favor and we can recover from the last 3 years but only time will tell.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

April 2025

Spring Break has come and gone, and summer is fast approaching. For many young people in our community, the season brings a valuable opportunity: free time to earn extra spending money and gain real-world experience.

But a summer job can be more than just a paycheck—it’s a stepping stone to future success. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, business, or another field, the right job can offer hands-on learning and insight into potential career paths. Thinking about a future in medicine? Consider working at a local hospital or nursing home. Curious about business? A retail job provides a front-row seat to supply chains, customer service, and daily operations. Treat summer work as a learning experience, and you’ll walk away with skills that will serve you for years to come.

Once you’ve found opportunities that match your interests, follow these steps to secure—and thrive in—a summer job:

1. Start Early– Don’t wait until school ends to begin your job search. Many employers start hiring weeks in advance, and positions fill quickly. Apply as soon as possible, and don’t be afraid to visit businesses in person. A face-to-face introduction can make a lasting impression, even if the application process is online.
2. Dress the Part- First impressions matter. While a full suit isn’t necessary for most summer jobs, a neat, professional appearance is key. Choose clean, modest clothing and present yourself with confidence. Good manners and clear communication can set you apart from other applicants.
3. Show Dedication- Once you land the job, prove to your employer that they made the right choice. Show up on time, take your responsibilities seriously, and put in your best effort every shift. Even the simplest tasks can teach valuable lessons in work ethic, teamwork, and time management.

A summer job isn’t just about earning money—it’s also a chance to build smart financial habits. Use your paycheck to practice budgeting, saving, and understanding tax withholdings. Set aside some earnings for future goals, whether that’s college, a car, or a rainy day fund. Developing good financial habits now will set you up for long-term success.

This summer, take advantage of the opportunity to gain experience, build skills, and strengthen your financial future. The choices you make today can shape your career and personal growth for years to come.

For more information or assistance, contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].

The Southwind Extension District had a great program last week in Chanute on landscaping to attract hummingbirds. The program speaker, Chuck Otte, gave the attendees information on the hummingbird spring arrival time, nesting habits, food sources and feeder tips. I will highlight some of his information in hopes that it will help you be more successful in attracting hummingbirds to your landscape.

Although there are approximately 360 species of hummingbirds between North and South America, 99.99% of all hummingbirds found in our area will be the Ruby-throated. Their furious spring migration starts in April and continues until early May. Once the migration is complete, hummingbirds settle into nesting mode.

Nests are built in June, with the female determining the site location. The Ruby-throated hummingbird nests will be built near the tip of a down-sloping branch with a fairly open area below and the tree canopy above. Popular tree species for nest building include oak, yellow birch, pine and hackberry. Hummingbirds generally prefer deciduous tree species over conifers. The nesting site will be determined based upon availability of nectar sources and insects. The nests are small – no larger than the size of a quarter!

When it comes to food sources, hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. It is like a flashing neon on sign to them. To prove this point, try putting on a red cap or shirt and sit quietly near a feeder. The hummingbirds will definitely check you out! However, hummingbirds do feed on more than just red flowers.

Any flowering plant that has a trumpet-style flower and is in the red/orange sector of the color spectrum will be quite attractive to hummingbirds. In his presentation, Chuck highlighted several plants to include in your landscape to bring in the most birds. The list included: traditional red Salvia, Agastache, Scarlet runner bean, Cardinal flower, Beebalm, Trumpet Creeper (only if you have lots of space), Butterfly Bush, Hollyhock, Rose of Sharon, Cardinal Climber and Canna.

As for feeders, mark the date of April 5^th on your calendar. Chuck stated that in southeastern Kansas, our feeders need to be up and open for business by then. He had several good tips for feeder management:

• You CAN’T have too many feeders!
• Don’t fill feeders completely full – clean at each filling
• If hummingbirds are not emptying feeder – change nectar and clean every 2-3 days
• Do not dye the water red – just a small amount of red on the feeder is all you need
• Artificial nectar – 4 parts water, 1 part sugar

One eight ounce feeder will fulfill the daily energy needs of 40 to 60 hummingbirds. By having more feeders available, this will allow the hummingbirds to feed more easily with less stress. Also, it will decrease the likely hood of territorial fighting. If you’ve feed hummingbirds in the past, then I’m sure you know all about the one that seems to be the gatekeeper at the feeder!

In casual conversations, you might hear say that they have no hummingbirds over the summer, while others seem to be overran with hummers. This could be due to “neighborhood feeder saturation.” Basically, this is when the number of feeders within a geographic area exceeds the biological needs of the hummingbirds present which spreads the birds out. Populations of birds can be cyclical – you can have hummers for several summers and then those birds go elsewhere or don’t survive the winter. However, in a year or two, the population will probably cycle back around.

If you have no activity by late May or early June, you may just want to take the feeder down until early August. The south bound migration usually starts in late July or early August. Many bird watchers indicate that August and September are actually their best months.

Chuck’s presentation slide set, a map of Kansas with spring hummingbird arrival dates, and a complete listing of recommended plants can be accessed at www.southwind.k-state.edu/lawn-garden

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Wheat is greening up across Kansas and producers are preparing to topdress nitrogen or apply herbicides. We commonly receive questions about the value of including a fungicide in the mix with those applications. This can be an economical option, but there are a few things to remember. Research at K-State and in other regions continues to demonstrate that fungicides applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages provide the largest level of yield protection against foliar diseases. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.

Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years but often doesn’t achieve the same level of yield protection as post-flag leaf emergence applications. Early fungicide applications may result in a yield advantage due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development. There can also be some rust suppression with early applications, particularly when disease levels are high later in the season. The challenge is that it is difficult to know if rust disease will be a threat during these early growth stages.

If you decide to make an early application, it is important to factor that into the full-season fungicide program. Many active ingredients have use restrictions, where a limited amount of an active ingredient can be applied during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years). Some fungicides have special “2ee” labels that allow for lower-rate applications early in the season for winter wheat. Double-checking labels when choosing a fungicide product is always a good idea. Since the payoff for an early application is less certain than with later applications, it is perhaps best to consider using a low-cost fungicide for the early application and saving more expensive products, if desired, for the later application. Producers considering the use of split applications must pay close attention to label restrictions. Every active ingredient in a fungicide has a maximum total amount that can be applied during the season.

For example, if an early application of a generic form of tebuconazole is applied at 4 oz/acre, a subsequent application of any fungicide containing tebuconazole alone or in combination with other ingredients (e.g., premix) around heading could put you over the limit for the crop season. Thus, be sure to read the label to determine the maximum amount of a chemical that can be applied in a single season and the exact amount of a chemical(s) that is in a fungicide.

For information on the efficacy of different foliar fungicide products, refer to the K-State Research and Extension publication Foliar Fungicide Efficacy Ratings for Wheat Disease Management 2024, EP130.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Kelsey Andersen Onofre, Extension Plant Pathologist
[email protected]

Romulo Lollato, Wheat and Forages Specialist
[email protected]