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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.

Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

August 6, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Insects, Soybeans
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

Laura Cunningham

July 23, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease
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 introduction

1:40 — Day 1: Silk trimming and cutting

5:20 — Day 2: 14 hours past silk cutting

8:40 — Day 2: 24 hours past silk cutting

11:25 — Pollination vs Fertilization

12:30 — Day 3: Pollination & trichomes

18:45 — Day 5: 100 hour silk mark

Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

July 17, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Corn Silage, Crop
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

Laura Cunningham

July 16, 2020

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Fungicide
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!

Laura Cunningham

July 15, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Growth Stages
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 Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

June 30, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Fungicide
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 update

1:35 – Topic introduction

3:00 – Insect identification

4:45 – Insect damage identification

5:25 – Insect threshold

7:20 – Corn hybrid resistance

Laura Cunningham

June 4, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Insects
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.

Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

June 2, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Drought, Flooding, Soil, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Stand Counts & Planter Performance

Phil Long walks through how to take a stand count and the importance of checking planter performance. Tune in to learn more! #LathamSeeds

:30 — Welcome

:54 — Topic introduction

2:00 — Take a stand count

4:00 — Planter performance

5:30 — Furrow closure

Laura Cunningham

May 21, 2020

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Emergence
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Corn Scouting Checklist: Post-Emergence
Early season scouting can help fine-tune practices for in-season crop management and for the next year’s growing season. Our Corn Product Manager, Lyle Marcus, has created a scouting checklist for you to take to the field.
1. Planting Furrow
  - Did the planting furrow close well?
  - Is there any sidewall compaction created from wet soils?
  - What can be improved for next season?
1. Uniform Emergence Across the Field
  - Is the planting depth correct?
  - Was seed placed in dry soil in some areas of the field?
1. Identify the Growth Stage
  - First leaf, sometimes called the ‘True Leaf’ has a rounded tip. All others that follow have pointed tips and a leaf collar where the base of the leaf attaches to the stem/stalk. Always count the true leaf in your staging. For example, three leaves with collars plus the True Leaf is 4-leaf corn.
  - Correct staging is very important for herbicide applications.
1. Soil-Borne Insects
  - Any seedling damage present?
  - Use a corn pest management calendar to gauge approximate timing that different insects will begin to emerge.
Note: Many soil-borne insects are controlled by seed treatment, but one big threat can be cutworm. Black cutworm can be devastating to a stand of young plants, but careful monitoring allows timely insecticide treatment to reduce size of affected areas.
1. Fertilizer Injury
  - N or K fertilizers with high salt content can damage young roots. If found, what can be done to prevent the issue in the future? One suggestion is placement – final spring tillage pass can incorporate this evenly in soils.
  - Anhydrous injury
    
    Did planting occur at the application pass and how do you prevent next season?
    
    When side-dressing, escaping gasses will kill leaf tissue. If preparing to side-dress, be sure soil is in proper condition to seal well.
1. Pre-emerge Herbicide
  - Scout for weed escapes. What follow-up applications are needed? Keep crop staging in mind for many of the available post options.
Keep these notes for next season. In-season note taking will point you in the right direction for the next cropping season. Give us a call with any questions at 1-877-GO-LATHAM – we are happy to help!
Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

May 14, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Emergence