Percentage of wheat samples containing FDK, 1998 to 2005

This graph is based on the results of the CGC's harvest surveys and shows the percentage of wheat samples containing FDK in the three prairie provinces from 1998 to 2005. In 2003, dry weather over much of the Canadian prairies during and after flowering resulted in the lowest level of FDK since 1992. There is no graph available for 2004, but FDK levels were low, although above those of 2003. In 2005, levels in the three prairie provinces were similar to those of 1999. FHB remains a minor disease in Alberta and most of Saskatchewan. Beginning in 2006, only those samples that were downgraded due to the presence of FDK were counted, whereas previously all samples with FDK were recorded. Therefore, the results for 2006 onward will not be comparable to those collected earlier. It is worth noting that in 2006 a warm dry growing season resulted in the lowest level of FDK seen in western Canada for over a decade, with less than 4% of Manitoba wheat samples being downgraded due to FDK. In 2007 wet weather in June resulted in above normal FDK levels in Manitoba winter wheat, but spring wheats had very low levels of infection due to dry weather in July. 2008 saw a return to above average FDK counts in both winter and spring wheats grown in Manitoba, especially in the Interlake and north-western Manitoba.