Early wet weather can pose plant problems

A Scott County wheat field expresses soil-borne virus symptoms, such as the yellow patches seen here. Although the majority of wheat growing in the area is looking good, some farmers may be finding some general yellowing in their crops, said Anthony Ohmes, agronomy specialist. Submitted Photo

SIKESTON -- Usually Southeast Missouri farmers have to worry about a lack of rain during the growing season, but this spring, too much rain has become an issue for some.

"Basically, wheat does not like wet, soggy soil, and so these conditions we have had last few days are not really good on wheat," said Allen Wrather, plant pathologist for the Delta Research Center in Portageville.

According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, February precipitation totals were 7.3 inches in Scott County; 6.7 inches in Mississippi County; 6.8 inches in New Madrid County; and 6.2 inches in Stoddard County. Totals for March aren't yet available through the DNR.

However, as of Tuesday, the total rainfall recorded by the Sikeston Power Station this month in Sikeston alone is 6.57 inches.

Wrather said he doesn't know how much the recent heavy rainfall will impact wheat's yield.

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