An expert at Kansas State University Extension discusses some of the most common causes of white heads in wheat, which have been popping up in parts of the state.

White or bleached heads are a common sight in wheat fields throughout South Dakota. There are two organisms that could be blamed for this kind of damage, an insect called wheat stem maggot (Meromyza americana) and a disease called Fusarium head blight/Scab caused by Fusarium fungus.

There are many causes of white heads appearing in winter wheat, and Jim Shroyer, crop production specialist emeritus at Kansas State University Extension, discusses some of the most common causes and their diagnosis.