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)
The weather has made making timely treatments for thrips control in cotton a challenge, and thrips numbers are peaking this week. Earlier cotton is between 5-7 true leaves and is pretty much out of the woods for thrips. Continue reading
As an update to the article below, reports of multiple thrips per plant are becoming more common. This is expected as seedling plants get larger. Once past the third true leaf, there is generally little or no benefit to treating Continue reading