Pressures

Powdery mildew, a pervasive fungal disease triggered by the fungus Blumeria graminis , is a widespread pest that plagues wheat crops.  The disease interferes with the plant's photosynthesis process, reducing its ability to produce and store energy. This can lead to stunted growth, reduced grain siz

Leaf rust, also known as brown rust, is a fungal disease caused by Puccinia triticina. Because the disease lowers a wheat plant's photosynthetic capacity, it impacts the crop’s growth and development.  The energy that the plant would typically allocate for growth and grain production is instead re

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS), triggered by the bacterium Xanthomonas translucens, has emerged as a significant concern for wheat farmers worldwide due to its potential to severely undermine yield and quality.  The disease manifests as streaks on the leaves which, if left unchecked, can result in si

The larvae of wheat stem sawfly ( Cephus cinctus ), a common pest impacting wheat crops, feed on the stems of wheat plants, leading to disease susceptibility, lodging and a decline in grain quality.  Early detection and effective management strategies, such as crop rotation, resistant wheat varietie

Wireworms, the larvae of click beetles, feed on the roots and underground stems of wheat plants. Leading to stunted growth, reduced plant vigor and potential pathogen entry points for secondary infections, these pests can result in lower yields and financial losses.  Learning how to scout for, ident

Wheat midge ( Sitodiplosis mosellana ) is a significant pest that can cause substantial damage to wheat crops, resulting in yield losses and poor grain quality, and can increase the risk of secondary infections, such as Fusarium head blight.  The life cycle of wheat midge begins with adult midges la

The cereal leaf beetle ( Oulema melanopus ), both in its adult beetle form and as larvae, can cause significant feeding damage that directly impacts a wheat plant's ability to produce carbohydrates through photosynthesis. Adult beetles, which feed heavily on wheat crop leaves, leave behind elongated

Wheat curl mites ( Aceria tosichella Keifer ) may be small, but their impact on wheat crops can be devastating.  The microscopic pests feed on the sap of wheat plants, causing curling, stunting and yellowing of leaves. This not only affects the appearance of the crop and compromises the plant’s stru

Soybean aphids ( Aphis glycines ) are tiny insects that feed on the sap of soybean plants, causing direct damage and potentially reducing yields. With the potential to stunt plant growth, hinder pod development and even cause crop death, soybean aphids can also transmit viral diseases, further weake

Most commonly found in the southern United States, including states like Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, stink bugs can significantly impact soybean crops by feeding on the developing seeds within the pods, leading to reduced yield and lower quality. Their feeding activity can also cause premature