Our trap lines are indicating low moth activity for corn earworm, tobacco budworm, and southwestern corn borer (link to Excel file). In moth traps this last week, we only caught an average of 7 corn earworms (a.k.a., bollworms) and less than 1 tobacco budworm and southwestern corn borer per trap. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on June 30, 2014
CROP HARVEST AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS WELL
The warm, dry weather allowed producers to make excellent progress with wheat harvest, which is still reported to show average to above average yields. The warm weather benefitted the cotton crop, which is squaring a rate above last year and the 5-year average. Persistent rains over the past two weeks are now showing advantages through corn starting to tassel ahead of normal. Continue reading at Crop Progress 6 29 14
With corn tasseling in Tennessee, it is time to consider a fungicide application. 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
As reported by NASS on June 23, 2014
LONG SUFFERING PRODUCERS GET BREAK IN WEATHER
Producers took full advantage of the break in wet weather and made great progress with wheat harvest and soybean planting. Wheat harvest now falls more in line with both last year and the 5-year average, and still indicates strong yields. Continue reading at Crop Progress 6 22 14 .
With calls coming in about weed identification, one weed has been particularly popular this year. Burnweed is an erect summer annual plant that can be found throughout the Midwestern and Eastern parts of the United States. Many folks mistake burnweed for horseweed and indeed from the road it does look like horseweed. Continue reading
If you haven’t watered corn yet this week, you may want to think about doing so. We have been blessed with an abundance of rain that has helped support corn development, and little irrigation has been needed. High temps mean water demand is higher too, and it is critical to not get behind on watering corn. Earliest planted corn is close to tasseling or tasseling which is peak demand time. Suggested irrigation amounts are listed below for corn for those using the ‘checkbook’ method of applying water. 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