I was in some early planted soybean today at Milan. These were test plots that were at R2 (full flower), and they were loaded with adult green stink bugs. It is not uncommon to see stink bugs stack up in fields that are much more mature than other soybean fields in the area. Because pods are not present yet, there is Continue reading
As much of our corn begins to tassel, some questions have predictably been asked about putting insecticide out with foliar fungicide applications. This is NOT a generally recommended practice. Myself and my counterparts have tested this thoroughly in the Mid South, and these data indicate a negative return on investment in most cases. Below are some points (and exceptions) for your consideration. Continue reading
The few reports I’ve received this week indicate that tarnished plant bug pressure is lower. It’s not uncommon for average numbers to backslide, after an initial flurry in early squaring cotton, as populations become spread out over more acres. There have been some reports of nymphs showing up early, so consider getting a drop cloth out where immatures have been observed in sweep nets. The sweep net is not particularly good for sampling immature plant bugs. I would especially encourage using a drop cloth in fields where square retention Continue reading
These two invasive species look like they will be present in most areas of the state from this point forward. The news is not all bad because, in field crops, they pose either a minor or manageable risk. However, both pests require timely scouting and decision making. Continue reading
Occasionally, we’ve seen issues where fall armyworms get started on weedy grasses in soybean fields then move onto soybeans plants, especially once the grass is killed with herbicide. I’ve seen Continue reading
The call of the week as been about plant bugs in cotton, and even this early in the game, immatures are already being found. This doesn’t really change my recommendation at this time of year, but it is noteworthy Continue reading
The following publications are available at UTcrops.com and can be accessed through the links below.
Grain Sorghum Production in the Mid-South (A regional production guide for Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee).
Nitrogen Requirements of Contemporary Cotton Cultivars (Cotton Incorporated)
Moth trapping data indicates the first generation moth flight is peaking (moth trap data). Although there are low numbers in most areas, there is some potential for infestations in non-Bt corn. We have new thresholds based on moth trap catches (see below), but I would encourage scouting whorl stage corn if moth traps in your area are averaging 20 or more moths per week. Continue reading