How well did your corn pollinate? Phil Long discuss pollination, kernel abortion and yield estimates. #AskTheAgronomist
:27 — Topic introduction
1:45 — Corn development & yield estimates
5:40 — Nutrient deficiencies
6:50 — Kernel weight
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Ask the Agronomist: Corn Pollination and Kernel Set
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Continually Searching for Better Products and Better Positioning
Product team members at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds continually search for new products to help our lineup perform better in your fields. We look at our MiniStrip trials to document the early season environmental issues at each location, so we can better understand harvest results. While we learn about new products in these plots, we also look for indicators to help us provide better positioning statements on key hybrids in our lineup.Each season offers new challenges and opportunities for us to learn more to help better position products in your fields. Like many of your fields, some of our MiniStrip plot locations were planted in cooler soils this spring and endured the very cold temperatures over Mother’s Day weekend. We are watching hybrid reactions to those environmental conditions.
Soon we will evaluate seed products on flower date. With the abundance of pollen during flowering in a commercial corn field, we generally do not get concerned about pollen viability. We watch for stresses on the plant that may cause issues with proper silking. We also look for differences between hybrids that are close in maturity, so that we can make sound recommendations on which hybrids to pair together that are similar in maturity but offer variation on pollination/silking timing.
Pairing hybrids in a field with varying pollination windows spreads risk of cool weather, super high temperatures or drought. It is uncommon for us to see issues with pollination but pairing complimentary hybrids in the same field offers protection in seasons of extreme stress. July also is when we look for early onset of diseases. We evaluate for disease tolerance and for benefits we may see from in-season fungicide applications. The continual evaluation of what we see in our plots helps us fine tune the hybrid characteristic information on our tech sheets. We look forward to sharing any important findings from our summer research this fall. Watch for more details coming soon!
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Tips for Assessing Corn Rootworm Populations
August is a great time to assess potential risks of corn rootworm infestations in the following spring. By looking at the population of adult beetles found in corn fields now, farmers can identify potential problem fields for the following growing season. This can be a useful tool in overall management of corn rootworm.
While walking fields this summer, our product team is seeing populations of corn rootworm adults. Predominantly, we see Northern Corn Rootworm in our market area. (Adult Fig. 1) This season we have seen populations of Western Corn Rootworms, (Adult Fig. 2) as well as a few Southern Corn Rootworms (Adult Fig. 3).
Assessing Corn Fields
Look in corn fields that may be planted to corn next spring, as well as in soybean fields for high beetle populations. If you did not place sticky traps to catch or monitor beetles beginning at pollination time, spend a little time in your fields looking for evidence of adult populations that are still present.
The primary/desired food source for corn rootworm beetles are the fresh silks of pollinating corn plants. If we have early flowering, as we have seen this season, we may not see an abundance of feeding at that time. Beetles, however, will feed on leaf tissue of corn plants if the source of fresh green silk is no longer available. The adult phase of the corn rootworm cycle begins at the end of June and can last all the way to the first killing frost. The egg laying period can last from late July through August.
When assessing corn fields at pollination time, focus on beetle counts found on silks of corn plants. When assessing corn fields in August and early September, focus on beetle populations that remain on any silks and look for leaf feeding. (Fig. 4) Make note of fields with high numbers of adults and significant leaf feeding. Consider rootworm management tools in those fields that will be corn next year.Assessing Soybean Fields
Rootworm beetles feed on weedy areas: field edges, weedy areas in drowned-out spots, weed escapes etc. including soybean plants, alfalfa and prairie grass fields (CRP). Western Rootworm beetles are more likely to lay eggs in soybean fields, but Northern Rootworm beetles may do the same. Sweep net catches in soybeans or evidence of leaf feeding are best ways to assess populations.
Protocols and population threshold advice can be found on your state’s Extension Service website.
If you identify fields that may have potential rootworm problems next spring, consider using hybrids containing rootworm protection traits. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has an exceptional group of hybrids, ranging in relative maturing from 96 to 115, to manage corn rootworm. We introduced six hybrids with SmartStax® technology to help our customers manage this important corn pest for the 2021 planting season. Visit with your local Latham dealer or visit www.LathamSeeds.com to check out these new hybrids.
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Ask The Agronomist: Is It Time for Corn Fungicides?
Tune in for discussion on emerging corn diseases and tips on determining if it is time for fungicide application. #LathamSeeds
:25 — Topic introduction
1:00 — Current environmental changes
2:20 — Emerging corn diseases
4:45 — Identifying disease pressure
6:30 — Positive impact of fungicide application
8:40 — Fungicide type
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Pollination & Silk Growth with Bob Foley
Join Bob Foley in the field as he discusses pollination and silk growth over a span of 4+ days. Find a time breakdown below:0:04 — Video introduction1:40 — Day 1: Silk trimming and cutting5:20 — Day 2: 14 hours past silk cutting8:40 — Day 2: 24 hours past silk cutting11:25 — Pollination vs Fertilization12:30 — Day 3: Pollination & trichomes18:45 — Day 5: 100 hour silk mark -
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
#AskTheAgronomist: Corn Scouting & Fungicide Application
This week on our #AskTheAgronomist segment we discuss corn pollination, the impacts of current plant stress and fungicide application. Watch below to learn more! #LathamSeeds -
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Growth Stage and Greensnap Risk
Bob Foley addresses the implications and watch-out’s associated with greensnap. Watch the video below to learn more! -
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Fungicide Application
Tune in below for fungicide application information from Bob Foley! From discussing the need for fungicide application to predicting the ideal application window, Bob walks us through the process of determining what’s best for your field. #LathamSeeds -
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Ask The Agronomist: Armyworms & Cutworms
It’s time to scout your fields! We have recently received reports of young insect pressure in fields. Phil Long discusses the damage these pests can have in your fields, proper identification and management practices.:30 – Crop update1:35 – Topic introduction3:00 – Insect identification4:45 – Insect damage identification5:25 – Insect threshold7:20 – Corn hybrid resistance -
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Soil Crusting and Leafing Out Underground
iStock Photo Most often the result of heavy rainfall, soil crusting presents itself in the form of hardened soil with a smooth and compacted appearance. Heavy rains following planting along with high heat and winds can cause finely tilled soils with limited residue cover to form a very dense crust. In addition, planting in wet soils and the use of heavy tilling are primary causes of soil crusting. Fine soils and soils with little organic matter are also more susceptible to the condition.
Soil Crusting Implications
Hardened soil presents implications for water infiltration while also interfering with crop emergence. The coleoptile of a corn plant acts to protect leaves from emerging before the shoot penetrates the soil. When soil crusting occurs, this can cause leaves to emerge prematurely through the coleoptile below the soil instead of above ground – also known as “leafing out”. When the coleoptile ruptures before penetrating the soil, it becomes much more difficult for leafing out to occur above ground.
The hypocotyl of the soybean plant may enlarge as it pushes against the crust and can eventually snap and kill the plant. If you notice a swollen hypocotyl, that soybean plant is trying harder than normal to break through the soil.
A study from Iowa State University found that when 17% of corn plants on a plot exhibited delayed emergence, overall yield was decreased by 4-8%. For soybeans, research from North Carolina State University concludes that delayed emergence reduced overall yield by an average of 14 bushels per acre.
Leafing Out Identification
Leafing out is often seen in the form of a “shepherd’s crook” when the coleoptile ruptures prematurely and prevents leafing out above ground. The decreased vigor resulting in premature leafing out can lead to uneven emergence and ultimately reduce yield.
Adapting Solutions
No-till or minimum-till can reduce the amount of soil movement in times of heavy rainfall, preventing the onset of crusting. In addition, improving surface soil structure can be done by adding organic matter using cover crops or manure.
Using a rotary hoe at the depth of the crust can break up the soil, allowing seedlings to emerge. This practice can also act as a means for weed control prior to their emergence. By using a combination of approaches, soil crusting can be eliminated to avoid leafing out below ground.
