Canada: Fall 2024 winter wheat update

Growers across Ontario have been able to seed winter wheat this fall into almost perfect conditions, and there may be a record acreage seeded. A significant portion of winter wheat acres were seeded in September but with persistent summer like conditions, growers continued seeding well into late October. Early planted fields are well tillered with 3-4 tillers/plant and late October planted fields are at the 1 to 2 leaf stage. Winter triticale and winter barley fields are also tillering significantly with winter triticale fields planted in early September having 7+ tillers. While almost every acre was seeded into ideal conditions, there are reports of yellowing fields across Ontario and Quebec (Figure 1). This has stimulated questions regarding fall fungicide and nutrient applications to correct this yellowing. With above normal temperatures, winter wheat growth above ground is rapid; however, under these warmer temperatures, wheat root growth is slower. Photosynthate partitioned ...