Issue 1102: May 7, 2026

Wheat plant with visible symptoms of wheat streak mosaic.

Barley Yellow Dwarf and Wheat Streak Mosaic Complex are Active in Kansas Wheat Fields

Two important viral diseases, barley yellow dwarf and wheat streak mosaic, are appearing in Kansas wheat fields. This article highlights how they are transmitted, what symptoms to look for, and the best management practices moving forward.

Field with kochia growing before sorghum is planted.

Get Ahead of Weeds: Preplant Herbicide Options for Grain Sorghum

Starting clean is key for effective weed control in grain sorghum. This article reviews preplant herbicide options and strategies to help sorghum get off to a strong start and outcompete weeds. A solid residual program up front can make all the difference.

Aerial photo of a field to monitor plant stand.

Drone-Based Early Crop Stand Monitoring and Field Scouting for Improved Decision-Making

Advances in drone technology are changing how fields are scouted. From NDVI maps to high-resolution imagery, UAVs offer new ways to assess crop emergence and variability across entire fields. This article outlines how drones can support early-season decision-making.

Map of Kansas and the different planting date zones.

Sorghum Planting Considerations: Planting Date and Hybrid Maturity

Planting date and hybrid maturity play a major role in grain sorghum success. This article highlights how to time planting to avoid stress during flowering and match hybrid maturity to your growing conditions. Small adjustments can help protect yield potential.

Field of grain sorghum rows with early heads.

Sorghum Planting Considerations: Seeding Rate and Row Spacing

Optimizing plant population and row spacing can make a difference in sorghum yield. This article reviews recommended seeding rates, how sorghum compensates under different conditions, and when narrow rows may provide an advantage. Fine-tuning these decisions can pay off.

Graph of yield response to nitrogen fertilizer rate.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Considerations for Grain Sorghum

Rising fertilizer costs make efficient nitrogen management more important than ever. This article highlights how residual soil N, fertilizer placement, and timing can improve nutrient use efficiency in grain sorghum. Small adjustments can help reduce costs without sacrificing yield.

A brush species plant in a pasture.

Control Options for Buckbrush, Roughleaf Dogwood, and Smooth Sumac

Controlling woody shrubs in pastures requires the right approach and timing. This article outlines effective strategies for managing buckbrush, roughleaf dogwood, and smooth sumac across Kansas. A combination of practices often provides the best results.