Volunteer wheat can cause wheat streak mosaic virus complex and barley yellow dwarf virus in new wheat, as well as support pest populations and reduce soil moisture content.

The recent wet weather in much of Kansas has caused volunteer wheat to emerge and grow rapidly. Wet soil conditions may keep producers out of the fields for an extended period, making it even more difficult than usual to control the volunteer. That’s no excuse to just let it go, however. To protect the state’s 2013/14 wheat crop that will be planted this fall, the volunteer wheat must be controlled.