As the earliest planted soybeans in Tennessee push into beginning seed development and beyond, there are some soybean diseases that are becoming more notable. The good growing conditions most have experienced promote good yields and diseases – correctly identifying these diseases are crucial to implementing the best management practices to protect yield. Continue reading
As we near the middle of July and soybean fields move into pod formation, it’s time to decide whether a fungicide application is needed. When making that decision, we need to consider the cost of fungicide application, the crop price, and disease pressure, meaning its potential to rob yield. Continue reading
This week I’ve gotten calls asking about fungicide decisions in wheat – is an application needed or not? While the initial conversation is on Fusarium Head Blight (FHB/scab) and the forecasting models available for FHB, I also mention other diseases to be mindful of – since in Tennessee and more general the Mid-South, FHB is not an annual issue; but rusts and leaf spots can be. Here I’ve provided links to the resources I go over in a short video (~12 minutes). Continue reading
On January 9th and January 21st, winter canola samples from West Tennessee were confirmed to have white mold (Sclerotinia stem rot). These confirmations are a useful reminder that, as we warm up this spring, it is important to scout fields for this disease, especially leading up to bloom to determine the need for fungicide application.
White mold is caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a fungal pathogen with a wide host range that can survive for years in soil and crop residue using one of its most identifiable features, sclerotia (hard, black structures on the stem surface – see Image 1). In canola, decisions occur around flowering, where fungal diseases can have the biggest impact on yield.
Taking soil samples this fall? Why not send them for nematode screening? Take the test and beat the pest! Read on to learn how to take and submit soil samples – this fall get FREE screening of Soybean Cyst, Reniform, Root Knot, and Lesion nematodes and potentially SCN HG Type/Race testing (a >$150 value for free).
Wondering what’s been making your soybeans sickly? Come to The University of Tennessee Soybean Disease & Insect Field Day, held Tuesday, Sept. 9th, at the Milan AgResearch and Education Center. Registration will be from 8:30-9:00 AM with the tour beginning at 9 AM and concluding with a box lunch. Preregistration is not required. Pesticide re-certification and CCA points will be available Continue reading
The leaf spot complex is having a heyday. In this blog, Dr. Kelly and I explain why we may be seeing a relatively high level of incidence this year and what you should do about it. Spoiler alert, the best action for it is, fortunately, inaction.
As many are deciding whether to put out fungicide on their corn acres, it’s very important to correctly identify what leaf spots you might be seeing and sometimes knowing what it is not – is just as important. Continue reading