Be alert for true armyworm infestations in wheat, and these larvae may also migrate into soybean, corn or other crops from adjacent wheat fields of grassy ditch banks. They might even be on weedy grasses or wheat or other grasses used in cover crops, and this could cause a problem if Continue reading
Much of our corn took a long while to emerge, and there has been opportunity for cutworms to infest fields since planting. Hence, make sure to scout for cutworm injury while checking stands. UT recommends treating for cutworms in corn when 5% or more of plants are injured or when you find 2 or more larvae per 100 plants. Synthetic pyrethroids are generally used to control infestations. Recommended insecticides and rates are listed here.
I’m re-running this post as we start planting cotton in Tennessee. If you believe the thrips forecast models developed by NCSU, and my experience is that it works well, then thrips populations are behind schedule. Thus, if we can get some cotton planted in the next 7-14 days, there is a good chance the cotton can outrun thrips before populations peak. Of course, weather is still a significant factor in how badly thrips impact seedlings.
Thrips Infestation Predictor for Cotton – http://climate.ncsu.edu/CottonTIP
Our options for thrips control in Tennessee are mostly unchanged, but there are some key points Continue reading
I’ve visited with several over the past few days who either started planting yesterday (4/30), who plan to begin today (5/1), or who will be planting by tomorrow (5/2). While we have a few very early planting-date trials established here in Jackson, none of our large-plot trials have been planted and none of our small-plot work requiring normal planting dates have been planted either. That will change for my program today (5/1). Continue reading
Linked below is a list of sorghum hybrids that have exhibited at least some tolerance to the sugarcane aphid. This was shared by Brent Bean of the Sorghum Checkoff program. To be included on this list, the seed company first must recommend the hybrid as having sugarcane aphid tolerance. Second, there must be independent data, usually from university or USDA trials, that confirm tolerance. Check the Sorghum Checkoff website under hybrid selection for updates to the list. It is important to note that some hybrids will have more tolerance than others. Also, just because a hybrid in on the list does not mean it is suitable for our geography.
2018 Sorghum Hybrids with SCA Tolerance
It came as kind of surprise to me to find out that AgLogic 15G (aldicarb), a replacement for Temik, is labeled in Tennessee. My understanding is that the label will expire June 30th. Thus, those wanting to apply this product in-furrow for control of thrips and nematodes in cotton can do so in 2018. However, Continue reading
Most everyone is aware that bollworms are not as susceptible as they once were to several Bt toxins present in cotton. Specifically, resistance monitoring across the Mid-South and spearheaded by Dr. David Kerns at Texas A&M University indicates that the bollworm has developed some level of resistance to the Cry1 and Cry2 toxins present in WideStrike, TwinLink, and Bollgard 2 cotton varieties. So the obvious question is what to do about it. Continue reading
The 2018 Insect Control Recommendations for Field Crops (cotton, corn, soybean, wheat, sorghum, and pastures) can be found online on UTcrops.com. Insect and disease management recommendations for cotton and soybean are also available on the mobile-friendly Field Guide website at http://guide.utcrops.com/.
Suggestions: Add the UTcrops News Blog to your home screen for easy access to all these resources.