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NW Washington | Don't plant a grass-type cover crop and then try to kill the cover crop; volunteer wheat and grassy weeds two weeks before seeding the wheat to limit root disease carryover between wheat crops.
This is called the "green bridge effect" and it was first promoted by Dr. James Cook at Washington State U years ago. This cut-and-paste from Google discusses more
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:The green bridge effect in wheat is when green plant material, such as volunteer wheat, remains between the harvest of one crop and the planting of the next. This material can act as a host for pests and diseases, allowing them to survive and spread to the next season's crop.
The green bridge effect can impact wheat in several ways:
Wheat curl mites
These mites can carry viruses that cause wheat streak mosaic (WSMV) disease. When an infected crop matures, the mites disperse and seek out green bridge hosts to survive the summer. They can hitch a ride on volunteer wheat until the next fall's crop emerges.
Rusts
Rust spores are windborne and can spread easily. A small amount of infected regrowth can lead to a widespread rust infection.
Aphids
These pests can damage crops and pastures directly, or they can vector viruses that cause disease. " | |
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Wheat on Wheat with cover crop in between, in SW Ohio?
