Research on the Farm - Fungicide Management of Fusarium Head Blight
Article originally published in MCA's spring 2021 version of The Fence Post newsletter.Manitoba farmers are too familiar...
Recent strong storms that brought heavy wind and rain have left sporadic lodging in many areas of the province, especially in barley fields. Lodging can have a significant impact on yield, and almost always has a negative impact on grain quality. In addition, lodging can create challenges when harvest time rolls around.
Figure 1. Lodged barley fields across South Eastern Manitoba
Lodging can be defined as when the stems of a crop have completely or partially fallen over from their normal vertical position. There are two types of lodging that occur in cereal crops:
For fields that lodge earlier in the season (prior to grain filling), it is possible for the plants to partially regain their upright position. This is done by the plant bending and enlarging on of its nodes into an “elbow” shape. The cells in the enlarged nodes will stretch on the shaded side of the stem in attempt to raise the plant. However, after the second time a stem lodges it will be unable to straighten again.
Lodging results from the combination of many factors but is usually induced by heavy winds. It is most observed in the grain filling stage, as most of the plant weight has shifted to the upper portion of the plant. The main factors that increase risk of lodging include:
Figure 1. Lodging in one of MCA’s On-Farm trials. Left strip: recommended seeding rate, right strip: high seeding rate.
Yield loss resulting from lodging can vary, but research suggests that losses can be up to 40% if the lodging occurs within the 10 days after heading. Losses will be less if the grain filling stage has already passed, however, producers should be aware of kernel damage and sprouting in lodged fields that are wet.
Article written by Manitoba Crop Alliance’s Agronomy Extension Specialist (Cereal Crops), Mallorie Lewarne
Information sourced from: