Monday, May 30, 2011

State of the Wheat


     The wheat has started to "head out." That means that it's started to grow it's seeds. See them up there? Though it might feel a bit early (and it is much earlier than any other crop) it's not entirely unexpected.


     The cool and wet brought in by the rains might be a contributor to this, though they are mature enough. It's also givin' much of the wheat a bit of a "combed" look. The cool air makes the leaves soften a bit and the wind lays them all in the same direction. The cold and wet also provides perfect conditions for this:


     Those yellow spots are bad. It's a fungus called "Striped Rust" and it loves the moisture.


     It damages the plants leaving them unable to produce seeds. In effect, this fungus is stealing the farmers crop which makes your potential food disappear. So it will have to be dealt with. Soon the farmer will spray a fungicide to deal with this pest. But that's a post for another day.

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