The dry, sunny, and very windy weather in recent days may have caused heat canker in just emerging small grains fields. The tender young tissue at the soil surface basically has been ‘cooked’ and this appears as a yellow band that is slightly constricted. As the leaf continues to grow, this yellow band (1/8 - 1/4") moves upward and away from the soil surface. If the hot and dry weather last for more than a day, repeated bands can become visible.

If high winds persist, the tips of leaves may break off at the yellow band and give a field a very ragged appearance. As with frost damage, damage from heat canker is temporary and should not affect further growth and development.

A nice picture of heat canker is included on page 12 of Section III in the Small Grains Field Guide.