News Release Distributed 11/26/14
BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has released a wheat and oat field guide that can be used to identify weeds, insect pests and diseases that affect those crops.
The guide contains general information, photos and identifying characteristics of 18 weeds, 15 diseases and six insect pests. In addition, seven diseases that affect oats are included.
The guide also has descriptions of other yield-limiting issues such as waterlogging, freeze damage, drift, nutrient deficiencies and vernalization.
“This is a unique resource that is a culmination of efforts from faculty representing several disciplines,” said Rogers Leonard, AgCenter associate vice chancellor for plant and soil sciences. “The goal was to provide diagnostic information for the proper identification of pest and environmental problems that small grain producers experience in Louisiana and across the southern U.S. We believe that this will be a wonderful resource for our county agents, consultants and the wheat industry.”
Having a guide specifically for wheat and oats is important, Leonard said, because those crops are grown in the off-season in Louisiana. These growers experience a different complex of weed, disease and insect problems than what is observed in summer row crops.
The guide is a 65-page spiral-bound book that measures 3 1/2 inches by 5 inches, making it easy to carry in the field. It was partially funded by the Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board.
Free copies of the guide can be obtained by contacting LSU AgCenter parish extension offices. View the guide online.
A Soybean Weed, Insect and Disease Field Guide is also available at extension offices and online.
Olivia McClure