Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Activities:

Conducted uniform research trials to test the efficacy of foliar fungicides marketed for use on wheat. Researchers participating in these trials agreed to conduct the research trials in a consistent fashion that facilitates combined in analysis in the future. This information is used annually to update publications that help growers identify the best product options.  

National level coordination of forecasting effort for Fusarium head blight of wheat and barley in 35 states. This effort includes conducted replicated research trials in key wheat and barley producing regions of the US, open sharing of data, development of forecasting models, coordination of web-based tools used to deliver the forecasting models, provision of state-level expert commentary, as well as surveys of stakeholders and user groups. Wheat FHB Forecasting Tools: https://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/

National level coordination observation network for rust diseases of wheat and barley. This effort covers wheat stripe rust, leaf rust and stem rust. This effort involves coordination of disease survey at the state level, open sharing of observations, mapping and display of results via web-based tools that are available to stakeholders and small grain producers. Wheat Stripe Rust Monitoring Efforts: https://wheat.agpestmonitor.org/stripe-rust/

National level coordination of wheat disease loss estimates that help to document current and emerging problems in the US. Disease loss estimates include state level disease survey for >12 different diseases, open sharing of data, curation of long-term datasets, and publishing the results for use by growers and other stakeholder groups. National Level Wheat Disease Loss Estimates, 2024. Http://doi.org/10.31274/cpn-20250324-0

Coordination of extension programing on small grain diseases with 72 extension publications shared throughout the region in 2024.

Outputs:

National level fungicide efficacy table, 2024. This publication of the committee provides an expert synthesis of the best-available research data from throughout the US. The charts and tables developed by the NCERA-184 committee are the basis for extension programming (presentations, publications, newsletters, websites, blogs, etc.) in most states with small grains production. http://doi.org/10.31274/cpn-20190620-031

Web-based forecasting tools for Fusarium head blight available in 35 states. Includes expert commentary about regional disease risk and management options posted directly on the site throughout the growing season.

Maps of disease observations for stripe rust, leaf rust and stem rust of wheat. These maps help document the movement of rust diseases from potential overwintering locations into key wheat producing regions of the country. This information helps growers anticipate disease risk and supports the judicious use of fungicides as part of an overall integrated disease management strategy.

Short-term Outcomes:

The NCERA-184 committee coordinates development and delivery of forecasting models for Fusarium head blight in the United States.  These web-based tools reach thousands of producers each growing season. User surveys indicate that more than 90% of the users reported that the information provided by the forecasting tools were of high or moderate value for their farm or operation. The users also reported that the annual value of the forecasting effort was $50 million in 2024 with many users indicating that the system helped them avoid costly fungicide applications when the risk of severe disease was low.