Wheat is cereal grass, a staple food that can be grown in different climates. Depending on gluten content, it is used as a primary ingredient for bread, pastries, pasta, cereals, and other foods, providing about 20% of dietary protein and calories globally. Wheat is used in the production of alcohol, which can also be an ingredient in some medications.
Wheat is the second largest grain based on total production volume, which was almost 785 million metric tons last year. It is one of the most-studied crops, and varied solutions help to address its vulnerability to heat, drought, and diseases, but close monitoring is necessary for yield stability.
The embryo absorbs water, expands, and starts growing, depending on the light and oxygen availability and temperature.
Common threats and diseases: Poor soil quality, soil-borne diseases, seedling blight, root rot caused by fungi.
Signs to watch: Poor emergence, damping-off, rot at the base of seedlings, darkened roots, and a general decline in plant health. Attention is needed during prolonged wet or cool weather.
The first green shoot breaks through the surface of the soil. The first root anchors and stabilizes the plant in the soil, also starting to absorb water and nutrients.
Common threats and diseases: Heat, pest damage (such as wireworms), Fusarium Root Rot.
Signs to watch: Poor plant establishment, gaps in emergence, uneven growth patterns, wilting or yellowing of emerging plants, damaged or missing seedlings. High temperatures or dry conditions can lead to poor seedling establishment.
At this stage, the plant develops the first three leaves and then starts developing tillers (new shoots).
Common threats and diseases: Nutrient deficiencies, weed competition, early pest infestations, fungal diseases (such as leaf rust or powdery mildew).
Signs to watch: Warm, humid conditions contributing to fungal growth. Orange-red pustules on the leaves; white, powdery fungal growth on leaves; uneven tiller development, discoloration or spotting on leaves, stunted growth
Stems get longer, and nodes become more visible.
Common threats and diseases: Lodging due to wind or heavy rain, stem-boring insects (such as wheat stem sawfly), nutrient deficiencies, stem rust.
Signs to watch: Reddish-brown pustules on stems and leaves, weakened and lodged stems, fallen plants, visible pest activity.
At this stage, the plant develops the first three leaves and then starts developing tillers (new shoots).
Common threats and diseases: Fungal infections (like fusarium head blight and crown rot), water stress, pest infestations.
Signs to watch: Bleached spikelets, pink or white mold, yellowing and browning of lower leaves, uneven swelling of flag leaf sheaths, other signs of mold, rot, and abnormal development of the spike.
Wheat is self-pollinated, so the released pollen lands on the same flower. The number of successfully fertilized florets determines the future number of grains, so this stage requires close attention.
Common threats and diseases: Weather conditions disrupting pollination, high temperatures causing pollen sterility, excessive or low soil moisture, fungal infections.
Signs to watch: Visible mold and mycotoxin contamination, abnormal flower or head development, poor grain set and grain filling; irregular moisture levels affecting pollination.
A sensitive stage of early grain development, when a milky fluid containing water and nutrients fills the kernels.
Common threats and diseases: Drought and other environmental stress affecting kernel development, pests such as aphids, fungal diseases like kernel smudge.
Signs to watch: Signs of aphid activity or another pest damage, discolored or smeared kernels, uneven kernel development, abnormal fluid levels in kernels. Extra attention is needed in the case of dry weather and extreme heat as they affect kernel formation.
Kernels store nutrients and transform from dough-like consistency to firm and solid. The amount and quality of nitrogen and other nutrients obtained from the soil is critical at this stage.
Common threats and diseases: Nutrient deficiencies, pests, fungal diseases (such as septoria leaf blotch).
Signs to watch: Lesions on leaves, discoloration of leaves or stems, poor kernel development, visible damage from pests.
This stage is the end of the active growth phase and the beginning of the drying down process. The entire plant stops absorbing water and turns from green to yellow or golden brown. Grains are fully developed and reach their maximum dry weight.
Common threats and diseases: Pre-harvest sprouting due to rain, shattering causing yield loss, late-season pest damage, late-season fungal infections.
Signs to watch: Soverly moist or sprouting grains, premature seed germination, uneven ripening; visible signs of disease or pest damage, discoloration, and mold.
The mature crop is harvested when its moisture content reduces from 30-40% to 12-14%, making it appropriate for safe storage. Monitoring weather conditions is important to determine the optimal harvesting time.
Common threats and diseases: Adverse weather during harvest, equipment issues, potential for grain loss, sprouting, fungal infections.
Signs to watch: Signs of sprouting or fungal infection in the field, adverse weather conditions affecting the harvest timing.
Use real-time photo data to monitor plant health, identify nutrient deficiencies, and detect diseases and pest infestations early, preventing significant damage.
Analyze your fields during the key developmental stages to estimate potential yields and improve harvest planning and results.
Ensure consistent moisture levels, especially during critical growth stages to avoid over-irrigation, prevent diseases and waterlogging.
Choose the best time to apply fertilizers and pesticides, optimizing their use and reducing environmental impact.
