High yield and abundant straw have gone hand-in-hand this year. Heavy lodging in some fields has left surface residue that is wet underneath and impossible to plant through, causing a number of wheat fields to be burned for residue management. Continue reading
Early Growth Regulator Applications: I’ve touched on this in a previous news article. Most “Pix” applications should be made at or before early bloom. In many fields we can get by with Continue reading
As reported by NASS on June 24, 2013
WHEAT HARVEST FINALLY BEGAN
Farmers took advantage of good weather conditions across the state last week and finally began to harvest the wheat crop. Even with 11 percent of the wheat crop being harvested this past week, harvest is still about two weeks behind the five year average. The wheat conditions have been good throughout the spring, but lodging has caused some yield issues. Continue reading
There have now been a couple of reports of kudzu bugs occurring on soybean in the southeastern corner of the state (Marion and Blount Counties). Unfortunately, this will become a more common occurrence as Continue reading
The phone has begun to ring now that Japanese beetles are out and about and we also have corn beginning to tassel. Japanese beetles will feed on corn leaves but are particularly attracted to silks. Leaf feeding is of little concern, but silk feeding draws a lot of attention. It is not uncommon to see a covey of 4-10 beetles on one ear, particularly on field edges. Naturally, this causes worries about whether this feeding reduces pollination. The answer is … it depends. Continue reading
It is a common practice to spray an insecticide on field corn during early tasseling when making a fungicide application. I often get no answer when I ask a grower what pest he is spraying. Just as commonly I’m told they are trying to control corn earworm, Japanese beetles or corn borers. This application is often made Continue reading
With the earliest planted corn in Tennessee tasseling, corn should be scouted for diseases which are key factors when considering fungicide application Continue reading
The long agonizing cotton planting season has come to a close. I have heard that a few folks were spot planting some wet spots this week. This May 50th planted cotton I hope will not turn into as one consultant said an “expensive cover crop”. At the very least it should help compete with weeds in those areas. Continue reading