With head scab widespread in wheat harvested this summer and wet weather delaying wheat planting and reducing acreage this fall, Kentucky producers have faced adversity in the past year. Management strategies to help producers respond to these issues as well as research and industry updates are features of the 2010 Winter Wheat Meeting of the University of Kentucky's Wheat Science Group.

The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12 at the Christian County extension office. It begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. CST. 

Specialists from several departments in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture will discuss a variety of topics of interest to new and experienced wheat producers. Topics include ways late planting alters wheat management plans, wheat market trends, variety testing results, using predatory insects for biological control of wheat pests, strobilurin-based fungicides' effectiveness in treating head scab, and wheat injury from certain herbicides.

            In addition to UK specialists, Marcia McMullen, a North Dakota State University plant pathologist, will discuss how to be "scab smart" and Carl Schwinke with Siemer Milling Company will address the impact of reduced acreage and head scab on the 2009 crop.

Certified crop advisor credits are available in the following categories, 2.5 in pest management, 1.5 in crop management and 0.5 in professional development. Pesticide continuing education units available include three general and one specific hours in categories 1A, 10, 12 and 14.

Lunch is provided by the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association.

Preregistration is not required. For more information, contact Dottie Call, coordinator of UK's Wheat Science Group, at 270-365-7541, ext. 234 or at dcall@uky.edu.