by Dr. Clark Neely, Small Grains/Oilseeds Extension Specialist – College Station, TX; Dr. Ron French, Grain and Vegetable Extension Plant pathologist – Amarillo, TX It is now February and we are once again seeing significant rust levels in wheat in areas of Southern and Southeast Texas. The elevated levels of rust this early in the season is eerily similar to 2015; however, leaf rust appears to be more prevalent at this time than stripe rust, unlike 2015. Currently, wheat planted prior to December 1 seems to be most… Read More →

by Dr. Calvin Trostle, Extension Agronomy, Lubbock, (806) 746-6101, ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu; Dr. Clark Neely, State Small Grains Specialist, College Station, (979) 862-1412, cneely@ag.tamu.edu What impact would 8-15” snow have on Texas wheat conditions in the High Plains and northern Rolling Plains? Several factors may contribute to current wheat conditions, including how well wheat was established. However, remember first that wheat and other grasses like rye and triticale are cool-season grasses. Popular wheat varieties planted in the Texas High Plains like Winterhawk, Hatcher, and TAMs 111, 112, & 113 are… Read More →

by Dr. Calvin Trostle, Extension Agronomy, Lubbock, (806) 746-6101, ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu In 2016 Texas grain sorghum producers will find more information from seed companies and other sources about grain sorghum hybrids that may offer potentially increased—or better documented—tolerance/resistance to sugarcane aphid (SCA). I provide a link to a list of recent seed company designated SCA-tolerant/resistant hybrids below, but I recommend caution in evaluating information regarding sugarcane aphid tolerance/resistance. Access the full document for additional considerations. Foremost, at this time: 1) Assume all grain sorghum hybrids—even if designated tolerant/resistant to… Read More →