Checking Wheat Heads for Pollination Problems
Many environmental conditions can cause pollination problems in wheat, such as freeze damage, drought, or heat stress. This year, the most concerning factor as it relates to a potential for unsuccessful pollination is heat stress, in particular that experienced during May 9-12
Critical timing in Kansas: High temperatures and corn development
The July heatwave came at a particularly critical period for the Kansas corn crop this year. Heat stress will have more of an impact on corn during the reproductive stage of growth when combined with drought stress. Stress conditions were very severe in parts of central, south central, and southeast Kansas.
corn drought stress heat stress corn development pollination
Check wheat heads for pollination problems
Many environmental conditions can cause pollination problems in wheat, such as freeze damage, drought, or heat stress. About 4 to 5 days after flowering, producers can begin checking their fields to see if their wheat successfully pollinated.