Fungicidal seed treatments for wheat have been previously recommended in Tennessee and this year is no different. Pathogens residing in or on the seed or in the soil can survive adverse environmental conditions such as drought and winter temperatures by forming survival structures or lying dormant until favorable environmental conditions return.  Hence the drought during 2012 will not reduce the risk posed by seed or soil borne pathogens.

Most fungicidal seed treatments control fungi residing on the seed surface or inside the seed and are effective against pathogens that reside in the soil.  Such fungi can cause seedling diseases and can reduce yield and grain quality. However, fungicidal seed treatments will not prevent all diseases and if wheat is planted behind wheat or corn there still may be significant disease occurring from previous crop residue.

The best management practice (BMP) is to treat seed that has been cleaned, with a fungicide, as it can:

• Effectively manage seed-borne disease, such as loose smut
• Suppress the development of seedling and root rot diseases
• Generally improve stand establishment
• Inhibit the development of foliar diseases in the fall
• Products containing insecticides can reduce fall aphid populations and lower the risk of severe barley yellow dwarf (Be cautious though, some seed treatments that package fungicide and insecticide together do not contain the recommended insecticide rate and additional insecticide may be needed to achieve the best control – see Buyer Beware in Scott Stewart’s article “Insecticide Seed Treatment Options for Wheat”)

For list of wheat seed treatments click here

While seed treatments are important management tools, one still needs to develop a long-term management plan integrating a variety of pest management practices such as crop rotation, residue and volunteer management, resistant varieties, adequate soil fertility based on water availability, and application of other pesticides.