By Agroempresario.com
A As wheat advances towards key stages, producers face challenges that require careful attention. Although rainfall has been scarce, with isolated events of 10-20 millimetres, wheat crops in the core zone are showing reasonable progress, despite variability in the fields. “The wheat has resisted frost well and has rooted correctly during June and July,” says an agricultural technician from the region.
With early crops finishing tillering and approaching internode elongation, the need for significant rainfall in the coming weeks to maintain yield potential is evident. Two key aspects require growers’ attention at this stage: monitoring for fungal diseases and completing crop nutrition.
Diseases such as yellow spot are already being observed in some fields, and weather conditions favour the possible development of rust, especially in susceptible wheat varieties that have been widely used. According to experts, it is crucial to frequently check fields and act quickly if signs of infection are detected.
Disease monitoring and management
Disease control in wheat must be a preventive approach. Producers have effective tools such as fungicides based on strobilurins, triazoles and carboxamides, which are essential to stop the advance of harmful fungi. In the case of barley, the situation is even more delicate, as it is especially vulnerable to net spot, a disease that has also begun to appear in some fields. Industry professionals recommend acting quickly to ensure that crops reach harvest in optimal conditions.
Strategic crop nutrition
In addition to disease monitoring, wheat nutrition is another crucial aspect to maximize yield. During this phase, it is important to complete urea fertilization, as long as there is sufficient soil moisture. Foliar fertilization at the flag leaf stage, before flowering, can be a strategic tool, especially if nitrogen applications are combined with boron, which can favor flowering set and increase the number of grains per spike.
In cases where rainfall is favorable, producers may consider a second application of nitrogen later in the season, with the aim of strengthening grain filling. The wheat market remains attractive, with prices around $220 per tonne, so optimizing each stage of the crop is vital to ensure a profitable harvest.
With a focus on monitoring and proper nutrition, wheat producers are better positioned to meet climate challenges and ensure a successful harvest.
