Actually, that’s an egg. In fact, it’s the egg of another insect and basically, that stink bug is doomed to an untimely and gruesome death. That egg is from a Tachinid fly (picture below). Continue reading
I needed a quick way to view and download weather data from several counties, to determine accumulated heat units for many different planting dates and crops, and to compare against the 30-yr averages for making predictions and crop management decisions. So, I developed a web-based tool with that express purpose. Just point your browser or click-on http://weather.utcrops.com and the rest should be self-explanatory. There is also a Quick Link to this site on the left menu. If you are only interested in counties in Tennessee, you can click on Continue reading
NASS News Release
Crop prospects as of September 1 improved for most crops in Tennessee from August 1 forecast according to the Tennessee Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall received in August improved crop conditions for most producers, depending on the stage of crops. The soybean crop is projected to be a record. Continue reading at SepCrop14_TN.
Cotton: Making insecticide applications for cotton insects at this late date is not recommended, and most folks have rightly “walked away” from fields and turned their attention to corn and soybean harvest. It is now 25 or more days past the last effective bloom Continue reading
The silver-spotted skipper, Epargyreus clarus, is a butterfly (pictured below) in the insect family Hesperiidae. It is one of the largest, most widespread and commonly recognized skippers in North America. The wing span of an adult may reach 2.4 inches. Wings are brownish-colored with a median row of yellowish-gold spots on the forewings and a large, median, irregular-shaped patch of white on the hind wings. Wing fringes are dashed with white. Antennae are hook-tipped. Skippers are well known for their rapid, Continue reading
As reported by NASS on September 8, 2014
FARMERS BATTLE ARMYWORMS
Farmers in West and Middle Tennessee reported higher populations of armyworms. For the most part, the damage caused by these pests has been confined to pasture and hay fields, with some reports of armyworms in soybeans. Corn and early soybean harvests continued between rains. Wetter conditions also delayed hay and tobacco harvest. There were 4.7 days suitable for field work. Continue reading at Crop Progress 9 7 14.
Fall armyworms attack a wide range of grasses and other crops. Outbreaks have been reported on soybeans, sorghum, pastures and several other crops for over a month. We are having a biblical year with fall armyworm, especially in pastures and lawns. However, many are also wandering into the edges of soybean fields. My colleague, Dr. Frank Hale, recently sent the following information. Continue reading
As reported by NASS on September 2, 2014
CORN HARVEST BEGINS
Mostly dry conditions allowed corn producers to begin harvesting with early yields looking favorable. Soybean and cotton farmers took advantage of the dry weather to finish up spraying for pests. Higher temperatures allowed cotton to catch up to more normal development levels. Continue reading at Crop Progress 8 31 14.