Central Texas wheat growers gain production advice

By JULIET BRISKIN | Central Texas Edition

September 6, 2001 -- Wheat producers from Bell, Falls and Milam Counties attended an educational wheat program that focused on the principles of wheat production in Central Texas clay.

Dr. Travis Miller, department head of soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M, spoke about Karnal bunt and how producers can prevent this disease from infecting their county. "Watch out for seed," he stated. "The most likely way of getting this [Karnal bunt] is by planting infected seed."

According to Miller tests done in Mexico and India showed that the Karnal bunt spores can lay dormant in soil up to 15 years. He also stated that spores can live in the gut of a cow for up to five days.

In regulated counties, where Karnal bunt has been found, all livestock is regulated, stated Miller. All seed in regulated areas is inspected for spores. If found, the seed cannot be planted.

Miller also warned producers about equipment and its ability to carry Karnal bunt spores from one location to another. "Combines need to be cleaned properly," he stated. "The custom combining industry could really be affected by this disease."

Dr. David Worrall of Agri Pro spoke to producers about wheat seed. According to Worrall it is important to "invest in high quality wheat seed and a good fertilizer program."

"Bin run seed may be cheaper upfront," said Worrall, "but certified seed has a much higher yield so you make money on the back side." According to Worrall bin seed has a 36 percent decrease in stand development compared with certified seed.

An additional benefit to certified seed, stated Worrall, is that it is generally tested and treated which could possibly help keep Karnal bunt in check.

Worrall also discussed common wheat diseases such as leaf rust and stripe rust. According to Worrall, "planting the same wheat variety all over an area is dangerous. Covering an area with the same gene pool will allow leaf rust to spread much more easily."

Strip rust has created very significant yield losses this past year stated Worrall. "When it is hot and dry strip rust is not a concern, but when we have a cool, moist spring like the past two years we need to be concerned," he said.

According to Worrall later planting is better for grazing plants and can help with pest control. "In the future," he said, "we hope to have a wheat that will be resistant to pests."

Texas Department Inspector, Vic Alexander wrapped up the program with a talk about pesticide applicator recordkeeping requirements and legal pest control options. "Commercial and non-commercial applicators need to keep records of all pesticide spray," stated Alexander. "Private applicators need to keep records of restricted use, state-limited use, and regulated herbicides."

According to Alexander, "Non-commercial and commercial licenses expire the last day of February and private licenses expire five years from the date of issue."

One problem that every producer faces at one time or another is pest control, stated Alexander. "Urban encroachment into rural areas, irresponsible animal owners, uncontrolled animal populations with both the feral and domestic populations are just a few of the causes of pest problems," he said.

"Be sure the method that you intend to use a product for," said Alexander, "is appropriate and legal." He went on to state that there is a difference between how the species are viewed for agricultural exemptions and for controlling predators.

"The consequences of pesticide misuse include indiscriminate death, can harm people and the environment, can cost you money, and can result in pesticide registration cancellation," said Alexander. "Always use caution when using these products."