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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Mid-Season Crop Scouting is Especially Important

Mid-season crop scouting is especially important because different insect and disease pressures become evident at this time of year. Any type of stress greatly enhances the likelihood of opportunistic insects such as corn leaf aphids, European corn borer and armyworm to feed upon plants. In soybeans, we might see soybean aphids, two-spotted spider mites and Japanese Beetles.

There hasn’t been a great deal of insect or disease pressure yet this season, but that doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels. High humidity and heavy dew creates ideal conditions for diseases like Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB). Fungal diseases like Sudden Death Syndrome are more evident in late July and early August, too.

Taking field notes now can help farmers develop a fall harvest plan. They’ll want to keep a close eye on stalks that have been damaged because those will be prone to stalk lodging, ear dropping and repeat infestations. Field notes also will help these farmers choose seed for 2016 planting.

One reason stalks may be damaged is from corn borer feeding. At this point in the season, corn borers have burrowed into the stalk and foliar applications are no longer effective.

Black cutworm could be a larger problem this year as they’re known to cause more damage in fields where corn is planted later. Fields of higher risk also include those that are poorly drained and low lying; those next to areas of natural vegetation; and those that are weedy or have reduced tillage.

Also due to the wide variance in planting dates, rootworm beetles may move between fields in search of the best “buffet.” A late maturing corn field may attract a large numbers of beetles if neighboring corn stopped producing pollen, for example. Rootworm beetles may also move into corn and/or soybean fields that have an abundance of pollen-producing weeds, including volunteer corn, ragweed or foxtails.

Controlling weeds will help control corn rootworm populations, as well as other insects like Two-spotted Spider Mites and aphids. Mites and aphids begin feeding along field edges, especially in weedy areas, before eventually developing into a field-wide infestation. Many common insecticides aren’t overly effective on Spider Mites, so carefully read the labels of any products.

Another insect to watch for in both corn and soybean fields is Japanese Beetles. These beetles will literally eat anything that’s green! They seem to prefer the leaf tissue between the veins of soybean leaves and the soft silks of corn plants. Both activities can result in significant yield loss, so that’s why it’s especially important to scout for Japanese Beetles.

If you’re seeing Japanese beetles now, make note and watch from them again in early spring. Adult Japanese beetles emerge around early to mid-June and begin feeding on low-lying plants. They eventually move to trees and field crop foliage where they feed and mate. Mated females move back to grass in August and September to lay small egg masses in soil cavities. The eggs hatch into small grubs that feed on roots underground until late September when the temperature cools. The almost fully-grown grubs burrow down in the soil and remain inactive all winter. In the early spring, grubs become active again and feed until turning into resting pupae. The pupae hatch into adults and emerge from the soil – and the cycle begins again!

Walking fields and noting where there is both weed and insect pressure will help farmers determine an action plan now, as well as in the future. Field notes in 2015 will help farmers determine whether they need to change modes of action when making their 2016 seed decisions.

Remember, family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds offers the industry’s broadest product portfolio of corn, soybean and alfalfa products specifically designed to thrive in our geography. For more information, contact your local Latham® representative or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).

July 23, 2015

Agronomics, Disease, General, Insects, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Watch for Leaf Diseases & Pest Pressure

In yesterday’s weekly crop updates, our regional sales managers (RSMs) reported seeing leaf diseases and pest pressure as they’ve been walking fields. Watch for these three situations in your soybean fields: (1) Soybean Aphids; (2) Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN); and (3) Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Also check your corn fields for Northern Corn Leaf Blight and Eye Spot.

None of our regional sales managers have reported soybean aphids at threshold levels of 250 aphids per plant on 80% of the plants, but RSMs this week reported aphid citings. Remember, aphid populations can double every two to three days! With the varying stages of soybean development due to an extended planting season and many late replants, continue scouting past your first insecticide application.

Taking the time to scout for SCN within the next few weeks may not be at the top of your “to do list,” but perhaps it should be! Soybean Cyst Nematode is the number one yield robber of soybeans. Digging root samples is the best way to check for SCN; SCN females will be on soybean roots that are easy to dig from the soil through early August.

SCN is usually associated with SDS. Sudden Death Syndrome infects soybean plants right after germination and emergence, but symptoms generally do not appear until mid- to late summer. Leaf symptoms first appear as yellow spots between leaf veins. Eventually, the leaves turn yellow and brown streaks develop between the leaf veins while the veins remain green. Leaflets eventually drop but the petioles remain on the stem. Diseased plants may have rotted root systems.

The most effective way to manage SCN and SDS is through quality soybean seed selection. Latham® IronClad^TM Soybeans offer unmatched protection. To bear the IRONCLAD distinction, each Latham soybean brand must be SCN resistant and carry an Iron Deficiency Chlorosis rating of 2.2 or better. It also must contain a Phytophthora-resistant gene as well as a very good rating (2.2 or better) against Brown Stem Rot and either White Mold or Sudden Death Syndrome.

Just as wet planting conditions followed by humid summer weather makes prime conditions for soybean pests, the same holds true for corn leaf diseases. Plentiful moisture or dew is ideal for most fungal corn diseases. Watch for Gray Leaf Spot, Southern and Common Rust, Northern & Southern Leaf Blight and Eyespot.

Scout corn fields prior to tassel emergence, around V14 growth stage, to determine disease pressure. Fungicides may help but consider cost and predicted weather conditions first. To prevent Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB) from becoming a larger problem in the future, rotate to a non-host crop. A two-year rotation away from corn may be necessary in no-till and reduced tillage fields with a history of NCBL. Hybrid selection is also key for reducing future threats of NCLB.

Cool temperatures, humid and wet conditions, continuous corn, conservation tillage, and susceptible corn hybrids/inbreds favor Eyespot. Once again, selecting resistant corn hybrids is key to managing this disease in the future. Other management strategies include crop rotation and tillage to reduce corn residue.

Take good field notes now to help you select the right seed for the future. It’s not too soon to place your 2016 seed order! Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds last week took delivery of its new seed product guides. Contact your local Latham® dealer or contact us online for more information.

July 16, 2015

Agronomics, Disease, General, Insects
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Watch for Early Soybean Insects & Diseases
Guest post by Kilah Hemesath, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Marketing Intern

With nearly all of the soybeans for the 2015 planting season in the ground, crop scouting becomes a necessity. Early soybean pests and diseases can create issues for newly emerged soybean seedlings. Becoming knowledgeable on what to look for in a field can make identification of these pests and diseases simpler.

As soybeans emerge, the bean leaf beetle may make a presence in your fields. This pest is distinguished by a small black triangle located at the base of the forewings. Adult bean leaf beetles are approximately ¼-inch long. They feed on the cotyledons, stems, unifoliate leaves and emerging trifoliates. Discolored, moldy, shriveled or diseased beans may be the result of bean leaf beetles in your field.

Even if seedlings are emerged, stay on the lookout for Pythium. Pythium can cause post-emergence damping off under wet conditions. This disease commonly occurs during wet and cool conditions, particularly in poorly drained fields with compacted soil. Properly manage soil drainage in your fields to combat this issue.

Septoria leaf blight, more commonly known as brown spot, is a soybean disease that spreads from the soil to the soybean plant by splashing rain. The infection of the soybean plant will leave small, irregular brown spots on the lower leaves. Favorable weather for this disease is warm, wet weather. Brown spot can move up the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop. It is necessary to be aware of this disease and what is going on in your fields.

Not necessarily a disease, iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is described as poor condition between the soil and plant. If your fields have a history of high pH and without enough iron to grow a healthy plant, the best decision is to choose an IDC-resistant seed brand.

At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we make it easy to choose such brands by designating them as IRONCLAD^TM. Latham® IRONCLAD Soybeans include exceptional genetics and industry-leading protective traits, battling against yield-robbing threats from pests and diseases. To bear the IRONCLAD distinction, each soybean brand must be Soybean Cyst Nematode resistant and carry an Iron Deficiency Chlorosis rating of 2.2 or better.

Also remember to watch for aphids, too. Latham Product Manager Mark Grundmeier stresses the importance of crop scouting regularly from within the field, not just a drive-by. To inquire about soybean pests or diseases in your area, contact your local Latham® representative by calling 1.877.GO.LATHAM (1.877.465.2842)

Sources:
bonnie-harris

June 12, 2015

Agronomics, Crop, Disease, General, Insects, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

There’s No Time like the Present: Scout Fields Now

Black cutworm moths have made their appearance across Latham Territory. Now is the time to scout your fields to determine if an insecticide application is the best economical decision for your particular circumstance.

Black cutworm moths gravitate towards green vegetation for egg laying, so they will first appear in weedy fields and ones that are next to natural vegetation. Poorly drained, low laying fields also have a higher risk of black cutworm damage. Black cutworm moths travel in from southern states, laying eggs in the field, then producing black cutworm larvae.

Damage from these insects usually begins above soil service. Newly hatched black cutworm larvae will leave small, irregular holes in the leaves. When walking fields, scout for feedings off the corn plant, which will become more substantial as the worms mature. Black cutworms can cut off young corn plants and reduce crop stands. It is advised to watch for signs of cutworm damage beginning when the corn emerges.

The map below shows the predicted black cutworm cutting dates, provided by the Iowa State University Extension, based upon research performed throughout the state.

This year, the pattern of the black cutworm moths has been irregular. This makes scouting even more essential.

“With the recent cooler temperatures, emergence of both cutworms and army worms has been delayed,” said Jerry Broders, Latham® Regional Sales Manager for Eastern Iowa.

The cutworm and armyworm are comparable in appearance with similar economic thresholds. The variance in eating patterns is where these insects differ. Black cutworms chew off more mature corn plants, whereas armyworms feed on the leaves.

“My advice is to spray fields as soon you see these insects,” Broders said. “ I have seen cutworms take out a field overnight. They can do severe damage when seedlings are emerging.”

Trait selection is no substitute for scouting, Broders said. He advises that farmers continually scout for insects, because it is going to be a dense year. Download the spreadsheet here to help with black cutworm management decision.

Broders advises all farmers to continue scouting their fields and apply insecticide if necessary. Contact your Latham® Dealer or Regional Sales Manager to discuss the management decisions for your fields.

June 8, 2015

Agronomics, Disease, General, Insects, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Watch for Sudden Death and Stink Bugs in 2015
Each December researchers from across the Upper Midwest gather at Iowa State University in Ames for the Integrated Crop Management (ICM) conference where they present data and opinions on a wide variety of topics. Information, which I believe is most pertinent to the Midwest states in which we do business, is summarized below.

SDS: Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) was severe in many fields in 2014. Many Latham® Ironclad™ Soybeans were put to the test and did an excellent job of handling the disease! Understanding the extent of SDS infection in each field is key to effectively managing the disease. Future management tactics include: reducing soil compaction; planting fields with a history of SDS towards the end of a planting schedule when soils may be warmer and drier; and testing for the presence of Soybean Cyst Nematodes.

However, the very nature of SDS makes it difficult to predict if and when an outbreak will occur. Dr. Daren Mueller, Iowa State University Extension Plant Pathologist, and his team shared years of extensive research on SDS including:
NEW, INVASIVE INSECT: The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a fairly new insect species that has the potential to cause serious crop injury. It is already considered a severe agricultural pest in New England and East Coast states. It was first noticed in Pennsylvania in 1998 and has rapidly spread to 41 states. It was first seen in Iowa in 2012; in 2014, BMSB was confirmed in eight Iowa counties. This particular species has the typical “shield-like” body of other stink bugs. However, BMSB also has rounded shoulders, white and dark bands along the edge of the body and along the antennae plus the marmorated (speckled) appearance on its back.

This insect will feed on over 100 different species of plants, including many fruits, vegetables and field crops. In corn, BMSB feeds directly on developing kernels right through the husk causing aborted, shrunken and discolored seeds. Similarly, it will feed on soybeans directly through the pods and cause extensive damage to the seeds present. Control can be achieved with several insecticides but residual may not last long enough to prevent the insect from re-infesting the field.
January 15, 2015

Agronomics, Crop, Disease, General, Insects, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Late-Season Scouting Leads to Better Seed Decisions

Rootworm pressure may be low, but it’s present. Latham Corn Specialist Nick Benson (@LathamCornGuy) saw evident this week in a continuous corn field.

The effects of our wet, cold planting season continue to surface. As one drives the back roads now, you’ll see where Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is affecting many soybean fields. You also may notice soybean fields turning yellow, which is a common symptom of Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC). IDC is a function of the soil type, so it’s most common in poorly-drained soils with higher-than-normal pH values.

Plants under stress get taken advantage of by pests like Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN). Doing a “drive by” or even walking through the fields may not be enough to detect SCN. Visual symptoms, such as above-ground stunting and/or yellowing, may not be evident for years. That’s why it’s best to check fields for the presence of SCN during the growing season by digging roots. You can also sample this fall for SCN by gently removing soil from the roots. Look for the egg-filled, round, white SCN females on the roots.

While your shovel is at the ready, also be sure to conduct a few root digs in your corn fields. Latham Corn Product Specialist Nick Benson dug roots Sept. 2 in Fayette County Iowa, where he found evidence of rootworm feeding. In addition to looking for corn rootworm damage, note signs of sidewall compaction and hard pans. Also look at leaves and ears for signs of disease.

It’s important to identify late-season corn and soybean diseases, as well as insect damage, so you can better manage them in the future. One way to control corn rootworms, for example, is to rotate rootworm-resistance traits developed by Monsanto, Syngenta and Dow.

As an independent seed company, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has access to traits and technologies from all the major providers. We can work with you to develop a diverse crop plan that include Latham’s Gladiator^TM Hybrids, which combine the best genetics and traits available to help maximize yields from corn-on-corn acres.

To help simplify your soybean seed selection process, our website lists Latham® IRONCLAD™ Soybeans that include exceptional genetics and industry-leading protective traits to battle against yield-robbing threats from pests and diseases. Each IRONCLAD soybean brand must be Soybean Cyst Nematode resistant and carry an Iron Deficiency Chlorosis rating of 2.2 or better. IRONCLAD brands must protect against either White Mold or Sudden Death Syndrome with a rating of 2.2 or higher.

White Mold and SDS have both been an issue this season in different parts of our territory, so farmers will want to plant IRONCLAD soybeans on affected acres in the future. Plus, IRONCLAD products have strong defensive ratings against Phytophthora Root Rot and Brown Stem Rot.

For more information about selecting the right seed for your situation, visit with your local Latham® representative. Also feel free to contact me at 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).

September 4, 2014

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, General, Insects, Soybeans, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Combating Goss’s Wilt and SDS
Last year Goss’s Wilt and Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) reared their ugly heads for many growers throughout the Midwest. Unfortunately for those farmers who had to deal with the effects first-hand, Latham Product Manager Mark Grundmeier says likelihood is they will present challenges for Midwest growers again this year. Below are some tips to keep top of mind to help battle these diseases.

Tips to Manage Goss’s Wilt
- Hybrid selection. One of the best ways to protect against Goss’s Wilt is hybrid selection. If you battled Goss last year, Mark recommends either rotating to soybeans or planting only highly resistant hybrids to help avoid significant yield loss.
- Bacteria versus fungus. Mark says oftentimes farmers will spray fungicide and believe they’re taking care of diseases like Goss’s Wilt, but because Goss’s is bacterial, the fungicide has no effect. To help farmers identify corn diseases, Iowa State University Extension has compiled a helpful Scouting Guide available here.
- Tillage. Because Goss’s overwinters in the previous year’s crop residue, tillage will help prevent spread. If a field was affected by Goss last year, Mark recommends aggressive tillage to help suppress the susceptibility for the coming year.
Tips to Manage SDS

When SDS spread last year, Mark compiled a video series with tips from variety selection to SDS management to help farmers in the field. Below is a video about how to prevent SDS prevention. If time allows, take just a few minutes to read Mark’s previous blog posts that offer tips to help you identify and manage SDS.

Pictured above is Sudden Death Syndrome. Photo Credit to Iowa State University Extension
Mark Grundmeier, Product Manager

September 3, 2014

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Soybeans, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Seed Selection is Key to Avoiding Sudden Death

Photo courtesy of Purdue University Extension

The effects of our wet, cold planting season continue to surface. As one drives the back roads now, you’ll see where Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is affecting many soybean fields across Latham country.

Although SDS infects soybean plants right after germination and emergence, symptoms generally do not appear until mid- to late summer. Leaf symptoms first appear as yellow spots between leaf veins. Eventually, the leaves turn yellow and brown streaks develop between the leaf veins while the veins remain green. Leaflets eventually drop but the petioles remain on the stem. Diseased plants may have rotted root systems.

Understanding the extent of SDS infection in each field is key to effectively managing the disease. Future management tactics include: reducing soil compaction; planting fields with a history of SDS towards the end of a planting schedule when soils may be warmer and drier; and testing for the presence of Soybean Cyst Nematodes.

Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is usually associated with SDS. You may see more severe cases of SDS in soybean varieties that are SCN-susceptible. When selecting soybean seed, it’s best to read through the SDS score rather than judge a bean solely by SCN tolerance.

Planting tolerant varieties, or avoiding very susceptible varieties, is the most effective way to reduce losses from SDS. Keeping good field records from year-to-year will help determine which characteristics are most crucial when selecting soybean varieties to plant in a given field in a given year.

To help simplify your seed selection process, we’ve made a list of Latham® brand soybeans with Excellent and Good Tolerance to SDS. Our website includes more information about each product. Also feel free to contact your local Latham representative or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1.877.465.2842) for additional information.

Latham® Soybeans with Excellent SDS Tolerance (1.6 – 1.9 ratings):

L1383R2 L1968R2 L2128R2 L2787L

L2884R2 L2978L L3158L L3248R2

Latham® Soybeans with Very Good SDS Tolerance (2.0 – 2.2 ratings):

L1985R2 L2083L L2084R2 L21B53R2

L2183R2 L2253R2 L2258L L2558L

L2585R2 L2758R2 L2948R2 L3184R2

August 28, 2014

Agronomics, Crop, Disease, General, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Reduce Risk through Seed Selection
Shrinking grain markets, coupled with climate change, has more farmers than ever talking about risk management. We tend to associate “risk management” with crop insurance or financial portfolios, but there are some well-known ways to manage risk through seed selection.

Just like managing a stock portfolio, you must determine whether you have an aggressive or a more moderate management style. Selecting all racehorse corn products with the most trait protection might be considered aggressive. A more moderate approach might be selecting very consistent products that have performed year after year but have only the traits you believe are needed on a particular field.

Regardless of your risk management style, here are some ideas to help manage risk through product selection without making an additional cash investment:
decrease the population somewhat and gives you a little more margin for error than a determinate-eared hybrid, which requires higher population for optimum yields.

Talk to your local Latham® representative about other risk management tools, including our signature Seed-2-Soil® program. Seed-2-Soil helps simplify the crop planning and seed selection processes plus maximize overall yield potential. It begins with a discussion with a farmer and his Latham® seed rep about all the variables that go into your farming practices each year. Then a scientific computer program helps fit the right seed to the field.

Research has shown that correct product placement leads to a 3-7% yield improvement. Contact Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds today, and harness the power of Seed-2-Soil and fall soil sampling!
August 14, 2014

Agronomics, Disease, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Soybean Scouting Tips for Sclerotinia Stem Rot

Weed seeds aren’t the only yield-robbers that can lurk below the soil surface and come back years later to haunt your fields. Sclerotia, which encapsulate and protect the White Mold fungus, can lay dormant for years and then grow when the conditions are suitable. Suitable conditions include cool, damp soils.

Cool and damp certainly is one way to explain this growing season, but weather isn’t the only factor affecting the likelihood of White Mold. Be sure to keep a close watch on fields with a history White Mold as it may be more severe this year with the current weather trend.

White Mold usually has a larger effect on a brand with a denser, faster-closing canopy. Symptomsappear as single soybean plants within a generally healthy canopy thatwilt and die rapidly – usually in July and August – when plants are in the early reproductive stages. The fluffy white mycelium of the fungus then forms on the stem and/or pods, giving it the name White Mold.

Applying Foliar Fungicide

Foliar fungicides may be applied when you see White Mold starting to attack. Wisconsin research data indicates that fungicides applied up to growth stage R3 (early pod) may have some effect on White Mold severity, but later applications will likely not be as effective. Once symptoms of white mold are evident, fungicides will have no effect on reducing the disease.

Only fungal pathogens can be controlled with a fungicide, so it’s important to first scout and determine the type of disease or diseases present in a field. Scouting should be done prior to the R3 growth stage of the soybean plants, especially if weather has been rainy and/or humid as these conditions favor foliar diseases.

Please note that you can’t do anything for the plants already infected with the White Mold fungus. Keeping the fungus from spreading is really the most effective defense against White Mold.

July 31, 2014

Agronomics, Crop, Disease, General, Soybeans