Week Ending August 11 – Although this is the last week we will run moth traps this year, bollworm (a.k.a corn earworm) moth catches continued to increase this past week, and this matches the increased action observed in soybean and cotton. Complete moth trapping results for bollworm (corn earworm), tobacco budworm, beet armyworm and southwestern corn borer are linked below. Continue reading
This week brought extreme heat and hit or miss showers to most Tennessee counties. Rain was generally welcome where received, but more will be needed to keep crops in good-to-excellent condition. Pastures are stressed, but generally are in good shape for this time of year. Besides the harvest activities, growers were active spraying pesticides, scouting, and irrigating. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on August 1, 2011
CROPS REMAIN IN MOSTLY GOOD-TO-EXCELLENT CONDITION
The corn, cotton, soybean, and tobacco crops in Tennessee remain in mostly good-to-excellent condition in spite of the excessive heat and spotty rainfall. Some early planted corn acres are maturing rapidly, but overall the crop is progressing at a near normal rate. Soybeans are setting pods at a pace about a week behind the five-year average and are in need of moisture. Cotton is setting bolls at a pace also one week behind the five-year average. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on July 25, 2011
SHOWERS PROVIDE SOME RELIEF; MORE RAIN IS NEEDED IN MOST AREAS
A high pressure system positioned over Tennessee prevented widespread rainfall this week; however, crops received some relief from afternoon and evening rainfall. Crops remain in mostly good condition, especially for late July. Crops were beginning to show stress at week’s end from the extreme temperatures and inadequate moisture. Soybeans are blooming and setting pods at a pace about a week to ten days behind the five-year average. Cotton is setting bolls at a pace almost a week behind the five-year average. Continue reading
Corn fungicides have been going on a good number of acres in areas that have aerial application options. We have more May planted corn this season that is tasseling now and pretty good soil moisture. We typically have more disease pressure in May planted corn although reports of Gray Leaf Spot and other diseases have been sporadic in rotated ground. A better return on your money is most likely where some disease is evident, yield potential is decent and the hybrid has shown more of a response to a fungicide based on field testing. Continue reading
Based on our moth catches, this appears to be a good time for CONSIDERING an insecticide application to non-Bt corn for southwestern corn borer (SWCB). The reality is I cannot even hazard a guess on the question above unless I know a few things. Continue reading
Southwestern corn borer (SWCB) moths being caught in pheromone traps are starting to increase in some areas, especially those where there was a fair sized first generation flight. Expect to see moth catches increase dramatically over the next two weeks. I previously posted a detailed article about interpreting what these traps catches mean (link here). Below are a few bullet points for your consideration. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on July 5, 2011
CROPS IN GOOD SHAPE ENTERING MONTH OF JULY. Last week’s mix of scattered rain and sunshine left most of Tennessee’s crops rated in good condition. The corn crop, in particular, has thrived so far this season, with over a quarter of the crop in excellent condition. Most areas received sufficient rain to keep soil moisture levels healthy while still providing farmers with enough dry days to conduct fieldwork. Wheat harvest and soybean planting were virtually complete across the state by week’s end. Continue reading