In general, horseweed (marestail) populations are much lighter than usual. The only reason I can see for this is the very dry fall curtailed germination. This was not the case for henbit which is much more prevalent and more of a problem than usual. Continue reading
There have been a number of calls from folks dismayed by the poor burndown of henbit. Indeed I have seen it in research as well. In general, burndowns of dicamba + glyphosate or Verdict + glyphosate have not been very effective on henbit. Continue reading
Ryegrass control this time of year can be very challenging. Ryegrass is most easily controlled with glyphosate when it is very small or when it is headed out. Glyphosate will typically provide inconsistent control of ryegrass between these two stages. Some kind of two pass approach has provided the best ryegrass control in our research. Continue reading
Corn, soybean and wheat prices are down and cotton prices are mixed for the week. The March U.S. Dollar Index was trading mid day at 76.76, up .34 for the week. Continue reading
A couple of new potential crop pests are knocking on Tennessee doorsteps. In fact, one has already been found in eastern and middle Tennessee, and the other was likely present last year (also in parts of eastern Tennessee). The brown marmorated stink bug has already been found in several counties around the Knoxville area, and there have also been confirmed reports from middle Tennessee. The “kudzu bug”, often referred to as the globular stink bug or bean plataspid has been found in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and parts of Alabama bordering Tennessee. Both of these critters are invading gifts from Asia. Both also have the habit of overwintering in and around buildings (eves, etc.) and are a nuisance to home and business owners. We will need to watch closely to see how and how far these pests will spread across Tennessee. Continue reading
Several new insecticides should be commercially available for this year’s cropping season. This seems like a good time to review these products and how they might best be used. As always, market prices will affect how much these products will be used compared with competitive treatments.
Many of you have heard about the budget reductions that were passed by the House of Representatives last week. The Smith-Lever cuts, if approved by the Senate Continue reading
Confused About Seed Treatments? Who can blame you? There are many options that differ by crop and seed companies, and there are options for “downstream” treatments (but not for everything). Furthermore, Continue reading