Farms.com Home › News

White Heads

Jul 20, 2017

Subscribe to our Newsletters

By Jochum Wiersma

Is not the reincarnation of the Detroit rock due the White Stripes but a phenomenon that often can be seen this time of year in wheat fields are they are starting to ripen. The causes of these premature ripened heads are varied and a diagnostic key can be found here.

People of commented that especially the wheat stem maggot is more prevalent this year and my travels to the different field trials across the state confirm this. The seemingly high numbers of wheat stem maggot may be related to the mild winter conditions. Several insect pests that overwinter in Minnesota have had comparatively high and early populations this year.

Incidence will generally be worse along field edges and taper off as you walk further into the field.

Source: umn.edu

Trending Video

2025 ND Stampede HRSW Harvest

Video: 2025 ND Stampede HRSW Harvest

ND Stampede- a new NDSUvariety with plenty of seed available for 2026!

The yield potential, great standability, good protein, and superior milling characteristics have us excited to see how this variety performs across North Dakota.

Celebrating the anniversary of Confederation with Durham region farmers

U.S. farmers nearing completion of winter wheat harvest

Business News by Better Farming

$15.1M to Scale Whole-Cut Plant-Based Protein ›

Kansas Wheat Tour Highlights Crop Quality Chal... ›

NASDA Boosts Ag Exports Through Trade Program ›

Food Sector Drives US Economic Power ›

USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development ... ›

Rethinking Coverage Limits in Dairy Risk Progr... ›

Biodiesel is Helping Farmers And Fleets Stretc... ›

Growing Our Generation: Diversifying Farm Income ›

General News by Better Farming

Syngenta Canada names Matt Legg as head of profes... ›

Ag Canada Bumps New-Crop Canola Ending Stocks Est... ›

Seeding progress made, despite mixed precipitation ›

U.S. flour consumption continues long slump ›

Saskatchewan Climate Outlook: May 14, 2026 ›

Saskatchewan Climate Outlook: May 21, 2026 ›

Tara Sawyer named new Alberta ag minister ›

Future of research, regulations among topics disc... ›

Forums by Agriville.com

A real lobby effort results ›

Winter wheat harvest Highwood Montana ›

U.S. Midwest Corn Pollination is Widespread in 13+ U.S. States! ›

Rain lottery ›

Friday crop.report on a Thursday middle of July on ›

Current N pricing ›

Machinery News by Better Farming

AGCO to Present at the J.P. Morgan 2026 Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference

AGCO to Present at the J.P. Morgan 2026 Global Te... ›

Deere Reports Second Quarter Net Income of $1.773 ... ›

U.S. & Canadian Sales of Combines Increased in April ›

AED’s McGuire Lends Equipment Dealer Support to E1... ›

NAEDA/AED Announce Washington, D.C. Policy Confere... ›

Crop News by Better Farming

Asparagus signals the start of Ontario’s fresh food season

Asparagus signals the start of Ontario’s ... ›

$15.1M to Scale Whole-Cut Plant-Based P... ›

Syngenta Canada names Matt Legg as head... ›

Ag Canada Bumps New-Crop Canola Ending ... ›

Seeding progress made, despite mixed pr... ›

Livestock News by Better Farming

Dust Raises Pneumonia Risk in Cattle

Dust Raises Pneumonia Risk in Cattle ›

Illinois Extension Hosts Inaugural Dixo... ›

Regenerative Agriculture in Action: Gra... ›

Rethinking Coverage Limits in Dairy Ris... ›

Dry, Dusty Conditions Can Increase Pneu... ›

Sponsored Links:

Highest Yielding Soybeans, PigCHAMP Grow-Finish, Precision Agriculture, Swine Reproduction Software

This website uses tracking tools, including cookies. We use these technologies for a variety of reasons, including to recognize new and past website users, to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests.
You agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Access by clicking I agree.