Establishing good, even stand in winter wheat is crucial to the success of the crop. Uniform, healthy, and vigorous plant stands allow winter wheat to survive overwintering and sets the crop up for maximum yield potential. However, seed and soil transmitted diseases as well as insect pressure are all common issues that can negatively affect the establishment of strong, even stands.
 

Seed transmitted diseases can cause a significant amount of crop loss resulting in reduced yield and grain quality. Common fungal pathogens that are transmitted by the seed include common bunt, ergot, black point, and black chaff. Common bunt is a fungus that infects the growing point of the wheat seedling. The fungus can be noticed in the fall with a strong fishy smell coming from the grain. Important to note, the disease can last at least a year in the soil and many years on a seed. 

Soil-borne pathogens are another issue that negatively affect healthy stands. Fusarium, pythium, and rhizoctonia are all soil diseases that cause root and crown rot in winter wheat. Symptoms include stunting, yellowing, permanent wilting, and poor stand causing major risks to wheat yield. The pathogens can stay in the soil for many years.

Wireworm, is one of the most common insect diseases found in winter wheat. A wireworm is the immature larval stage of click beetles that feed on germinating seeds and young seedlings. Presence of wireworm in the soil results in thin crop stands and lower yields. The hessian fly is another insect that at maggot stage causes injury to seedlings in the fall and overwintered plants into the spring. 

Creating uniform plant stand across the field is done through careful practices and strategic decisions. Seed transmitted, soil-borne, and insect diseases can all be controlled with seed treatments.

Combat these Diseases with STI Customized

STI Customized allows retailers to offer custom blended seed treatments to meet the needs of the customer through this custom-blending seed treatment service. Identify the diseases accruing in a field and create a STI Customized blend that will establish uniform stand from proven products with the latest chemistries. CHS agronomy blending sites allow their ag retailers to choose from over 600 custom blends or create a completely new and unique blend for their specific needs. By providing options for growers and retailers, CHS agronomy can help customers create the most diverse and customized blended seed treatment that works for their specific needs.

For more information about STI Customized and other seed treatments visit CHSagronomy.com.