Maize origins? Teosinte

A couple of us have an "antique corn" planting in the demonstration area of the Farm Science Review adjacent to the exhibit area. Thanks to Jonah Johnson, Clark Extension AgNR for securing the seed from the USDA Seed Lab at Iowa State University.

This picture shows teosinte we planted June 1st this year. If you cannot tell, it is short perhaps just 15 inches tall. It is in flower and shedding pollen. Makes you wander how ancient agronomists (Native Americans) were able to see the potential.

If you are wondering how we planted the seed - this is Jonah with our official FSR corn jabber.

Champaign County Crop Update July 16th

I made my trip around the county yesterday.

At the two sites I use as regular stops - one on the east side of the county just north of US 36 and the other on the west side of the valley again just south of US 36 - I found no soybean aphids. There are reports of aphids at the Farm Science Review on very early plated soybeans, but so far none here. I have found a second Western bean cutworm (WBCW) at the site on the east side of the county - one each week two weeks in a row.

This WBCW on top of the home-made milk jug trap shows the charactersitic eye-spots and chevrons on it's wings.

The corn at both sites looks very good, with little to no disease at the east site, and a few Gray leaf spot lesions (5 on one leaf) at the west site - but the site was pollinating and the GLS leaf was 5 leaves below the ear leaf.

We do have Japanese beetles feeding in corn and soybeans but at low levels.

We also have a few bean leaf beetles feeding in soybeans, punching holes in the leaves. The defoliators are starting to add up but the % of leaf defoliation is still at a low level.

Auglaize Crop & Weather July 15

Weather: Had a decent rain over the weekend that has helped the crops. Excellent growing weather.

Corn: Early corn is now tasseling; later corn growing very well.

Soybeans: Soybean fields starting to blossom and pod on early planted fields. Later planted fields will soon blossom. Have seen some Bean Leaf Beetle, but very little. Have not seen any aphids as of yet.

Wheat: Wheat harvest is finished. There was an excellent crop (70-100+ bu per acre; 13-17% moisture; 59-60 test weights.

Forages: Second cutting alfalfa is mostly finished. Third cutting could use some more rain, but growing decently.

Soil Moisture: Fair to good, some areas excellent depending on where in the County.

West Central Ohio Crop & Weather Report, Week ending July 15, 2009, Reported by John M. Smith, Extension Educator, Auglaize County

Champaign County Crop Update July13th

Thursday and Friday last week I was able to take some time to look through area crop fields. I have not yet found any soybean aphids in Champaign County. They have been confirmed in Madison County however - found at the Farm Science Review on some of their very early planted soybeans. If you have early planted soybeans, you might check for aphids. The fields I have been checking were planted mid- to late-May and have no aphids yet.

I did find a Western Bean Cutworm in my milk-jug trap on the eastern side of the county - only one and just at this one site. This factsheet from Iowa shows the Western bean cutworm moth in comparison to other moths: http://www.ent.iastate.edu/trap/westernbeancutworm/files/wbc_id.pdf

The Western is not yet a problem in Ohio but has caused damage to the corn crop as far east as western Indiana.

Disease levels are low in both soybeans and corn this year. I have found a very, very little Septoria brown spot on soybeans - this is the disease we always see but typically doesn't have much yield impact. Corn is as clean as I have seen it in recent memory.

Wheat yields were generally 15 bu/A above average.

Rainfall over the weekend was around 4 inches.

From Shelby County...

Wheat harvest is essentially done! Most farmers were satisfied with yields. Lower yields were evident in fields with less than optimal drainage and/or those with weed challenges. One producer reported a yield of 121 bushels per acre, weighed across a scale from a 15 acre field. A number of other 100 bushel fields, many in the 90's and 80's were also reported. Test weights overall were good.

Corn is increasingly stressed by lack of moisture. Rain will be essential in tasselling fields soon to avoid significant yield losses. No insect or disease challenges Have been reported.

Soybeans are also showing stress due to dry conditions, although not as severe. Again, no comments on insects or diseases. Weed escapes are common, mostly due to delayed applications and/or lack of soil applied products.

Hay and pastures lack moisture to be productive for hay or grazing.

Miami County Crop/Weather for July 5-11

I did not have an opportunity to post a report last week but it would have looked very similar to the report I am giving this week. Weather and Weeds continue to be our biggest issues with crop production.

Weather-As I am typing the temperatures outside have cooled slightly and it really looks like it could rain at any moment, and that would not be a moment too soon. Since my last report at the end of June, I have only dumped .03 inches of rain from the CoCoRaHS gauge at my house in the southern portion of the county. There are two other stations reporting from the northern portion of the county and, although they have received more than I have (about 1/2 inch total) we could still use more. The forecast is predicting rain for the weekend and for the crops' sake, I hope it holds true.

Corn-Despite the lack of rain, our corn crop continues to look good. As I traveled through the county earlier today I did notice some leaf rolling as the corn is trying to conserve moisture but overall I would rate the crop in excellent condition. As the corn moves from vegetative to reproductive stages, however, showers will be a welcome sight. I have been checking Western Bean Cutworm traps in 3 fields across the county for two weeks now and have not found any yet.

Beans-Soybeans are flowering and are looking great as well. Although I hate to sound like a broken record we still have quite a few weed challenges. I was encouraged to see a few sprayers out this morning but was discouraged when, on one of my travels today, I noticed a field with a large marestail population and most of it was brown on the bottom and a nice deep green on top.

Wheat-It is hard to find a wheat field in the county that has not been harvested and most of them even have the straw baled as well. I have only heard yield reports from a few farmers but they ranged from the 60's to as high as 90-100. The timely wheat harvest has allowed for a fair amount of double crop beans to be sewn but moisture is their limiting factor.

Forages-One thing that the nice cool temperatures and lack of rain has done is allowed for timely hay harvest. Alfalfa is really looking good and we are well into the second cutting of it and the grass hay's have done well also.

Yellow soybeans...what's going on?

Unlike the fast growing corn crop, soybeans still seem to be off to a slow start this year. I have been getting calls from producers that are worried about their slow growing soybeans. Some of the common observations are stunted growth, with a “yellowing” that seems to be consistent through the leaf canopy. Foliar manganese is being promoted in some areas as the solution to the chlorotic beans, but this may not be the case. The picture above is an example of manganese deficiency. Note the interveinal chlorosis.

Before applying a product, take time to confirm the problem. OSU Soil Fertility Specialist Robert Mullen reminds us that yellowing can be caused by manganese deficiency, but also from potassium deficiency, as well as moisture stress (too little or too much). Visual symptoms can be a first indicator as to what is likely occurring. Manganese deficiency will occur on the newer/upper leaves and appear as an interveinal chlorosis. This deficiency is most typical on soils that have a relatively high pH (>7) and soils that have high organic matter levels like the peats & mucks. Drought stressed soils can also have low manganese available, creating manganese stress.

Potassium deficiency appears on either lower or upper leaves (depending upon growth rate) as a yellowing that begins at the leaf tip that progresses to the leaf base along the edge of the leaf. Potassium stress is more likely on soils with low potassium availability (revealed through soil test) or fields that are drought stressed. Water stressed soybeans appear generally chlorotic and slow growing. Visual assessment can help with diagnosis, but it alone is unlikely to isolate the underlying cause. Soybeans affected by SCN can appear similar to potassium deficiency. The take home message here is that visual assessment can help with diagnosis, but it alone is unlikely to isolate the underlying cause.

Tissue sampling, soil sampling, and root digs are the next step in diagnosing what is occurring in your field. When sampling soybeans sample the uppermost, fully-expanded trifoliate and remove the petioles (small stem that connects the trifoliate to the main stem). Tissue analysis can confirm whether or not a nutrient deficiency is being encountered. If the problem is not widespread across the field (which they typically are not), collect samples from an unaffected area and an affected area. Collect at least 15 samples per area. Additionally, soil test information can also be extremely helpful, so collect corresponding soil samples as well.

If a foliar manganese application is warranted, you can apply manganese with your glyphosate herbicide application. To reduce antagonism or reduced weed control, use a chelated manganese product, 17 pounds of spray-grade ammonium sulfate per 100 gallons of spray solution, and use labeled rates of the glyphosate product appropriate to the weed size.

Finally, the mixing order of the products should be water first, ammonium sulfate next, chelated manganese third, and the glyphosate product last. As always, refer to the specific product labels for guidance.

Champaign County Crop Update July 6th

I took the opportunity to observe some fields across the county on Wednesday and Thursday. I also set out two Western Bean Cutworm traps in the county, one east off Perry Road and the other on Runkle Road. We did not collect any WBCW adults last year, but there are increasing reports of this pest in corn moving east particularly into northwest Ohio.

We are getting somewhat dry, from my measurements we had about one-tenth of an inch of rain last week across several events. Over the July 4th weekend, we had 0.08 inch.

Crop observations:

Corn is from knee high to tasselling, and there is a lot of corn with the flag leaf out, - meaning it's about ready to shoot the tassel. In general the corn looks very good, and in spite of the late start to planting, we had good conditions to get the crop off to a good start.

Soybeans are from 3-leaf to 8 leaf in the county. Many have started flowering - normal since we have now passed the longest day of the year. After a slow start, soybeans are

now looking almost as good as the corn. I did find some Bean leaf beetle feeding last week, but generally pests are few. I also looked hard to find soybean aphids - I did not find any

. Weeds are still an issue with many acres getting their last post spray last week. We still have some lingering problems with marestail - and that probably won't go away. Other weed issues may come later with "not quite dead" lambsquarters and Giant ragweed. We also have many fields with volunteer corn (RR).

Wheat is coming off at good yield levels. Numbers I have heard are 15 bu/A better than normal. There are reports at 100 bu/A from several areas of the county I'm a little surprised at that, but I do expect good - and above normal - yields for the county. Some folks have delayed harvest slightly due to tough straw.

Forages - we are due to start the second cutting of hay. Many alfalfa fields have recovered well and are ready to cut this week. Some grass pastures are reportedly not doing as well - they need rain.

Yellow Soybeans in High pH Soils: Sign of Mn Deficiency

Statewide soybean acres are 88% planted, 76% emerged as of June 28, and the earliest planted soybeans (1%) are starting to flower as a result of last week's high nighttime temperatures. High temperatures coupled with adequate moisture have provided very rapid crop growth and development. As crops grow rapidly, they also increase the rate of uptake of nutrients from the soil. This increase can create a deficiency of nutrients because the soil cannot release them fast enough to supply crop needs. Nutrient deficiencies that develop under these high-demand conditions typically occur in soils with marginal levels of the nutrient in question. So periods of rapid growth are a good time to inspect your crops for deficiencies of nutrients for which a reliable soil test is not available, such as micronutrients.

Manganese (Mn) is one of the micronutrients receiving attention in recent years. Concerns of Mn deficiency in soybeans have increased in part due to reports indicating reduced Mn availability following postemergence glyphosate applications. Many studies are being conducted on this issue, with mixed results. Whether or not Mn deficiencies are related to glyphosate applications, Mn deficiency has been observed in some fields, typically in soils with high organic matter, high pH, or poor drainage.

Since Mn is not easily translocated in the plant, deficiency symptoms appear in the newest developed leaves. The common symptoms include chlorosis or "yellowing" between the veins, while older leaves will still appear darker green. As the severity of deficiency increases, the dark green veins become lighter in color. Other symptoms include stunted growth, leaf drop, and reduced flowering. Pictured: Soybean plants with Mn deficiency and some slight hail damage. Photos were taken on June 24 in a Champaign County, Illinois, soybean field.
If you have observed past Mn deficiencies in a field when either rapid growth was occurring or growing conditions were not favorable for nutrient uptake (a wet, cool spring), it is likely that Mn soil levels are marginal to low. If this is the first time you have seen a deficiency, it is important, along with having a tissue test done, to evaluate root damage, soil compaction, and other factors that might have reduced the crop's ability to take up nutrients.

Though soil tests for micronutrients (including Mn) are not very reliable, a plant tissue test is a good way to determine Mn availability. The best time for collecting plant tissue for analysis is just after flowering begins (R1 developmental stage). The typical recommendation is to collect the upper fully developed trifoliate and petiole, but it is always recommended to find out what sampling technique is used by the lab doing the analysis. While most soybeans are not yet at this stage, waiting until then can be important to give the plant a chance to grow out of the deficiency if the problem was induced by other factors. If the deficiency is truly caused by low Mn levels in the soil, tissue samples at R1 development stage would indicate the need to correct the problem.

Mn levels in the soil can be difficult to correct, and changing the soil level is usually not the desired approach to fixing the situation. In some research trials, starter fertilizer combinations with Mn and sulfur in a 2-by-2-inch band off the row has been effective at alleviating the problem by lowering the pH concentration near the immediate primary soybean root. However, once the symptoms appear in a soybean crop, the best solution is to apply foliar Mn fertilizer. The best recommendation is to apply 1 to 2 pounds of Mn per acre as manganese sulfate (MnSO4), as soon as the symptoms appear or 7 to 10 days after a glyphosate application. Reapply at R1 and R3 as necessary depending on the severity of the problem. If Mn is applied as a tank-mix partner with glyphosate, the efficacy of both the glyphosate and the Mn may be reduced. However, if this is the desired approach, a chelated form of Mn (Mn-EDTA) should be used and the rates should be reduced to 0.1 to 0.25 pound Mn per acre. Moreover, when the solution is mixed, the best mixing order should be 1) ammonium sulfate, 2) glyphosate, and 3) Mn-EDTA. Of course, read and follow the label directions for the specific products you are using.

Authors: Vince Davis & Fabián Fernández
Copyright © 2004University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Taken from...
No. 15 Article 2/ July 2, 2009
http://ipm.illinois.edu/bulletin/article.php?id=1175

Thinking Outside the Box on Cover Crops
By Roger Bender
OSU Extension, Shelby County

Agriculture & Natural Resources
bender.5@cfaes.osu.edu


Within the past week, we have had four inquiries about the seeding of cover crops after wheat harvest. Traditionally, many farmers have underseeded wheat or oats with red or sweet clover. With denser crop stands often choking out sometimes costly legume frost seedings, many crop producers gave up on the traditional approach. If that is your case, now is the time to prepare for planting cover crops after wheat or oats harvest this summer. Your local seed dealer may not stock brassica or pea seeds and need to make a special order. Control of summer annual weeds and volunteer wheat could be needed before planting these cover crops.

Cover crops offer many benefits to producers that increase farm profitability and environmental sustainability. Legume (peas and clovers) cover crops are typically used to produce homegrown nitrogen. Grass cover crops help increase soil organic matter, recycle excess nutrients, and reduce soil compaction. Brassica crops are grown to loosen the soil, recycle nutrients, and suppress weeds. Some other cover crops can suppress insects, disease, weeds, or attract beneficial insects. Therefore, cover crops should be considered an integral part of any farming system that wants to efficiently utilize nutrients, improve soil quality, and increase farm profitability, according to Alex Sundermeier, Ohio State University Extension Ag Agent in Woody County. Refer to this factsheet for more about cover crops: http://ohioline.osu.edu/sag-fact/pdf/0009.pdf.

Decisions on which cover crop to plant need to consider the following: Brassica Oilseed radish (see photo) has the ability to recycle soil nutrients, suppress weeds and pathogens, break up compaction, reduce soil erosion, and produce large amounts of biomass. Freezing temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees will kill oilseed radish, which allows for successful no-till spring planting of subsequent crops. As a fast growing, cool season cover crop, oilseed radish is best utilized when planted after small grain, early soybean or corn silage harvest. Excess nutrients in manure amended soil are rapidly absorbed by this cover crop, thus preventing leaching or runoff of nutrients into water systems. Without an abundant source of nitrogen, oilseed radish growth will be limited, therefore its use is recommended after a manure application. Refer to this factsheet for more information: http://ohioline.osu.edu/sag-fact/pdf/Oilseed_Radish.pdf.

Homegrown Nitrogen
The availability and amount of the nitrogen produced can vary widely depending on summer planted legume growth and nutrient content. Soybeans can be used as an economical cover crop but might contribute to a soybean cyst nematode problem. Cowpea is better adapted to hot, dry weather and will grow rapidly until a killing frost in the fall. Austrian Winter Pea is a legume that may or may not survive the winter when summer planted. If winter pea is planted in mid-September, fall growth will be limited but winter survival is improved, and spring growth will contribute nitrogen. Summer planted clovers usually do not establish well in hot, dry weather.