The barley this week is in the mid boot stage and most of the plants have fully developed flag leaves. The wheat is in the late jointing stage and will soon develop flag leaves.  Plants at this stage are quite susceptible to freeze damage.  As the heads are elevated in the plant, less severe temperatures are needed to cause damage.   Freezes encountered at this stage will likely cause entire kernels to be aborted.   Freezes encountered after flowering may cause kernels to abort but may also cause shriveled kernels.  Head emergence through flowering is the most sensitive time for freeze damage.  Refer to "Spring Freeze Injury to Idaho Cereals", Bulletin No. 724  for a more complete discussion on freeze damage.

Growing degree days for week of 6/1 - 6/6 = 133.5
Accumulated growing degree days (emergence to 6/6) = 965

Merit 2-row Barley

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Merit: 2-row spring barley.  Picture taken 6/7/99 at mid boot stage.   Zadoks scale: 45, Feekes scale: 10, Haun scale: 9.  If a producer was going to apply a fungicide such as Tilt, this would be the right time to apply Tilt.  A producer could apply Cerone (plant growth regulator to help control lodging) at this stage.  Both Tilt and Cerone can be applied up until the awns are visible emerging from the boot.

Picture taken 6/7/99.  Developing head from Merit, 2-row spring barley, at mid boot stage.  This head (from the main stem) was approximately 12-14 inches above ground.

Whitebird Soft White Spring Wheat

Whitebird: soft white spring wheat..  Picture taken 6/7/99 at late jointing.  Zadoks scale: 34, Feekes scale: 7, Haun scale: 7.9. 

Picture taken 6/7/99.  Developing head from Whitebird, soft white spring wheat, at late jointing stage.  This head (from the main stem) was approximately 4-6 inches above ground.

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