Updated spore detection results are posted below for the lower Columbia Basin of Washington.

Updated spore detection results are posted below for the lower Columbia Basin of Washington and the Grande Ronde Valley.

Updated spore detection results are posted below for the lower Columbia Basin of Washington and the Grande Ronde Valley.

Updated spore detection results are posted below for central Oregon, the lower Columbia Basin of Washington, and the Grande Ronde Valley.

Updated spore detection results are posted below. Spores were detected at two sites near Madras, OR and at two sites east of Pasco.

Updated spore detection results are posted below. Spores were detected at one site near Madras, OR and at three out of six sites east of Pasco.

Updated spore detection results are posted below. Spores were detected at two sites near Madras, OR and at three out of six sites east of Pasco.

Updated spore detection results are posted below. Spores were detected at two sites near Madras, OR and at one out of six sites east of Pasco.

Updated spore detection results are posted below. Spores were detected near Madras, OR and at two out of six sites east of Pasco.

A predictive model for ergot ascospore presence was developed for the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon that uses accumulated degree-days (beginning January 1, with a base temperature of 50°F and upper threshold temperature of 77°F) to forecast when ascospores are likely to be present.

According to the model, most ascospores are detected in the Lower Columbia Basin when accumulated degree-days are between 414 and 727. Based on this model, the degree-day threshold was reached on May 16, 2024 in Hermiston, OR (accumulated degree days = 420).

In 2023, the degree-day threshold was met on May 19.

Spore trapping for ergot inoculum has begun in the lower Columbia Basin and parts of central Oregon. Spores have already been detected at some sites east of Pasco.