May 20, 2008

Weather Innovations Incorporated (WIN) has announced a new way for wheat producers to check out this year's threat of Fusarium Head Blight. In the past, the WIN website displayed map images with colours to highlight the threat of DON, the toxin created by fusarium. According to WIN spokesperson Ian Nichols, a new web based, interactive system will be used instead of the traditional maps.

"Current data from local weather stations, forecast data, historic climate normals along with agronomic data such as your variety of wheat, field history and tillage practices are all factors which are taken into consideration by the model," says Nichols.

"Thanks to sponsorship by your Wheat Producers Marketing Board and Bayer CropScience Canada, Site specific DONcast will be available FREE of charge in 2008 to assist you in determining the risk of Fusarium Head Blight," he added.

The anticipated DON levels support decisions of where fungicide protection has the greatest potential return on investment and growers can then determine what their options may be.

For wheat producers to participate in this free service, simply go to the WIN website at:
www.weatherinnovations.com
and go through the interview for the specific farm information required.