In recent years, farmers have observed a troubling phenomenon when wheat reaches maturity: large white panicles often appear, leading to significant yield losses. Many farmers are unsure of the underlying cause. In reality, this issue is typically due to two common wheat diseases—sheath blight and head blight.
Sheath blight is primarily caused by excessive planting density and poor field ventilation, which creates an ideal environment for the fungus *Rhizoctonia* present in the soil. The first sign is dark spots appearing on the lower parts of the wheat stems. As the disease progresses, these spots may turn white, and the stems can become completely rotten. This prevents the roots from supplying nutrients to the upper parts of the plant, ultimately causing the stems and ears to turn white and die.
Head blight, on the other hand, occurs when rain falls during the flowering stage of wheat. The moisture carries the *Fusarium* fungus into the wheat florets, stopping grain filling. Some ears develop scabs, while others fail to grow properly and gradually turn white. This not only reduces yield but also affects grain quality.
To manage sheath blight, farmers should apply 220–250 ml of a 50% Jinggangmycin solution per acre, mixed with 50–70 kg of water, both before and after wheat heading. For head blight, it's essential to spray 50% carbendazim or 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder immediately after flowering. If rain is expected during the flowering period, spraying should be done beforehand. If that’s not possible, a second application should be made during a dry interval, ideally within seven days.
Zhongyuan 98-68, a new wheat variety developed by Zhengzhou Liuhu Seed Co., Ltd., has high yield potential but is particularly prone to sheath blight due to its dense growth habit and susceptibility to head blight during rainy periods. Agronomist Liu Hu from the company advises farmers to take preventive measures seriously. With proper management, yields can reach around 500 kilograms per acre.
This year, a warm winter has led to increased pest and disease pressure, along with overcrowded wheat stands that reduce air circulation and sunlight penetration. These conditions have worsened disease outbreaks. Farmers are strongly encouraged not to ignore these issues and to implement timely and effective disease control strategies to protect their crops.
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