The 2015 version of PB1768, Insect Control Recommendations for Field Crops, is now available online at UTcrops.com. Hard copies will soon be available and distributed at UT county and crop production workshops.
The following is an updated version of an older article … The next 4-5 weeks is the time to consider making a foliar application for aphids in wheat. I’ve discussed the potential value of managing aphids to prevent the spread of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in a previous article. A late-winter, foliar insecticide application, at least on wheat not having an insecticide seed treatment, has shown a consistent yield benefit in my testing over the last five years (figure below). Continue reading
I’ve recently received several calls concerning N applications on wheat. Although this cold front has made it easier to get across wet fields, it is still early for the first split in a late winter/early spring split-N application approach. To make the most of the first split, target ‘spring greenup’, or the period in which wheat breaks dormancy and begins to grow rapidly (typically Feekes 3 or Zadoks 25). Delaying applications until this point can help ensure the applied N is available to the developing crop by reducing the potential for N loss. The current N demand of the dormant crop Continue reading
Through rains and light snow during the week, some producers were able to finish harvesting their crops, while others may not finish until after Thanksgiving. Cooler temperatures have led to feeding cattle more hay. Some pastures are holding water or experiencing hard freezes, negatively affecting condition. Continue reading at Crop Progress 11 23 14 .
As reported by NASS on November 17, 2014
CORN HARVEST WINDS DOWN
Despite showers midweek in advance of a cold front, farmers managed to make good progress harvesting corn, cotton and soybeans. Drastically cooler temperatures affected the emergence of newly planted wheat and caused some livestock producers to start feeding hay. There were 4.9 days suitable for field work. Continue reading at Crop Progress 11 16 14 .
As reported by NASS on November 10, 2014
RAIN SLOWS CROP HARVEST, AIDS NEWLY SEEDED PASTURES
Between rains, producers made progress with planting and harvesting crops in the 4.1 days suitable for field work. Even though rains kept producers out of their fields, the rains were beneficial to pastures, which are in mostly good condition. Topsoil moisture was 6 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Continue reading at Crop Progress 11 9 14 .
As reported by NASS on November 3, 2014
PRODUCERS CONTINUE TO PLANT, HARVEST; SNOWFALL HITS PARTS OF STATE
In the 4.4 days suitable for field work, producers made progress planting spring crops and harvesting fall crops. Crop yields are still strong and cattle and pastures look good. East Tennessee had its earliest measurable snowfall since 1925. Topsoil moisture was 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were 2 percent very short, 10 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Continue reading at Crop Progress 11 2 14.
Insecticide seed treatments are not universally recommended in wheat, but they are often suggested for early planted wheat. Indeed, recent data suggests that a foliar insecticide application late in the fall or during the winter can often accomplish the same objective, sometime even better, of preventing early transmission of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) by aphids. Continue reading