Wheat has been spotted sprouting in the Blacklands and other regions of Texas, reports Southwest Farm Press.
The sprouting in wheat heads is unwanted by farmers, being triggered by the recent heavy rains. Early predictions were for an above-average wheat crop, but weather conditions have dampened those predictions.
“With continued chances of rain in the forecast, pre-harvest sprouting is another concern that many growers will have to deal with this year,” said Clark Neely, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension small grains and oilseed specialist.
“Pre-harvest sprouting in wheat is not a new phenomenon in Texas, but the number of potential acres affected this year could be very widespread compared to years past,” Neely said.