Empowering Farmers with New FHB Risk Mapping Tool

Last year marked a pivotal moment for farmers across the Canadian Prairies as they gained access to the innovative Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) Risk Mapping Tool. As winter wheat crops approach their flowering stage, the Manitoba Crop Alliance is urging growers to harness the power of this tool to ensure the health of their cereal crops.

Why This Tool is Essential for Crop Health!

Fusarium head blight poses a serious threat, not just reducing crop yields but also leading to the production of harmful mycotoxins. These toxins render grain unsuitable for human and animal consumption, resulting in significant marketing penalties for farmers.

A Revolutionary Upgrade to FHB Forecasting!

The Fusarium Head Blight Risk Mapping Tool, developed by the University of Manitoba, represents a significant advancement over outdated forecasting systems. Previously, farmers relied on models from the United States that were merely adjusted for Canadian conditions. This led to inconsistencies across different provinces, leaving farmers confused regarding risk levels—especially those near provincial borders.

The Science Behind the Tool

Developed using extensive data collected from over 1,800 research plots and an additional 300 producer fields, this new tool is truly tailored for Western Canada. Andrew Hector, an agronomy extension specialist, emphasized its regional focus during a recent webinar on Crop Talk.

Dynamic, Interactive, and User-Friendly!

Unlike the old static maps that were only updated on weekdays, the new tool offers real-time updates, allowing farmers to zoom into specific regions, select date ranges, and choose crop types for custom maps. This flexibility equips farmers with the timely information they need to combat FHB effectively.

Diverse Risk Assessments for Various Crops!

For the first time, the risk mapping tool includes models for multiple crop types such as spring wheat, winter wheat, barley, and durum. Each crop type has its own individual risk assessments, factoring in unique weather parameters. This ensures a more precise understanding of risks tailored to specific crops.

Navigating the Color-Coded Risk Levels!

The mapping tool uses an intuitive color-coded system to display risk levels: low (green), moderate (yellow), high (red), and very high (black). Additionally, it features time-lapse animations that track risk changes over days, empowering farmers to identify disease pressure trends effectively.

Scouting Still Matters!

While this sophisticated mapping tool is a valuable asset, Andrew Hector emphasizes that it should supplement, rather than replace, traditional field scouting. The risk maps provide insights into environmental conditions but cannot replace the need for farmers to assess their specific fields for susceptibility to FHB.

Future Enhancements on the Horizon!

Looking ahead, researchers are excited about potential upgrades to the mapping tool. Currently, it cannot predict future risk levels, but there are aspirations for this functionality in future versions. Furthermore, efforts are underway to expand risk categories to other crops in the future, providing even more comprehensive insights for farmers.