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Be a Vigilant Scout

Walking fields and noting where there is weed and insect pressure will help you determine what you select seed products in the future.

“Be prepared” is the Boy Scout motto. Like a good Scout, farmers across the Midwest should be prepared for the unexpected this season as pests aren’t following their typical developmental patterns. Corn and soybean plant development is later than normal, so they could be more susceptible to insect and disease pressure as pests prey on weaker plants.

We haven’t seen much insect pressure yet this year, and that could be for a couple of different reasons. First of all, the wet spring delayed planting and spraying. Many farmers have gone straight from planting and tillage to spraying and haying. Not many people have had the time to walk their fields and really take a close look for signs of insect and disease pressure. Secondly, just as crop development is delayed, so is insect development. We know the corn rootworm hatch was delayed. We also know Japanese Beetles have been delayed.

Just because the weather slowed them down, don’t count them out! The Japanese Beetle is becoming a more common pest for both corn and soybean crops. These voracious eaters 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 it’s important to scout for Japanese Beetles.

Also watch for Bean Leaf Beetles, which have adapted to winter by protecting themselves in leaf litter. Although overwintering beetles rarely cause economic damage, their presence may be an indicator of building first and second generations later in the season. While feeding on young soybean seedlings, these beetles have been known to infest them with disease that leads to Bean Pod Mottle Virus.

Another insect that could do some damage this season are corn rootworm. Because of the wide variance in planting dates in 2013, 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 also help control corn rootworm populations.

In addition to corn rootworm, black cutworm could 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.

Walking fields and noting where there is both weed and insect pressure will help farmers determine an action plan for the future, too. It will help you determine if you need to change modes of action in future years. Remember, family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds offers the industry’s broadest product portfolio. New for 2014 planting are Latham® Hi‑Tech Hybrids featuring Artesian and DroughtGard technologies. We also will offer a complete portfolio of Refuge Made Simple products including corn hybrids with Genuity® SmartStax, VT2 and VT3, plus Agrisure 3122 E-Z Refuge. For more details, contact your local Latham® representative or call the Latham office at 1-877-GO-LATHAM.

Webspec Admin

July 11, 2013

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

Scout All Fields for Corn Rootworm
With most of the 2013 crop in the ground, it’s time to walk fields. Crops should be scouted within 3 to 5 days of planting and then regularly throughout the growing season. Be on the lookout for: (1) crop emergence; (2) nitrate leaching and (3) insect and disease pressure

It’s a good idea to walk fields within 5 days of planting. Evaluating current stands can indicate whether to replant portions of the field. Notes you take now also could impact your seed buying decisions this fall. Plus, evaluating current stands can help determine if adjustments should be made to your equipment or planter speed next spring.

When checking fields where the corn is more developed, look for signs of nitrogen loss. Iowa State University Nutrient Management Specialist John Sawyer says the best options for sidedressing, in order from most to least preferable, include:
1. injected anhydrous ammonia, UAN or urea,
2. broadcast dry ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate or urease treated urea,
3. surface dribbling UAN solution between rows,
4. broadcast UAN, and
5. broadcast urea.
Also walk every field for signs of corn rootworm (CRW), regardless of what traits they planted. The corn rootworm hatch is underway, so larvae will soon begin feeding on roots if they aren’t already doing so. Corn development, although delayed, still provides plenty of plant material for the CRW larvae to feast upon. Severe infestation can destroy nodes 4-6, which effect water and nutrient uptake.

Because of the wide variance in planting dates this year, rootworm beetles can 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. Beetles may also move into corn and/or soybean fields that have an abundance of pollen-producing weeds, including volunteer corn, ragweed or foxtails.

Weed control is important for several reasons. Crops have a better chance of reaching optimal yield when they’re not competing with weeds for sunlight, water and nutrients. Plus, controlling weeds helps control corn rootworm populations. The rootworm hatch is underway; expect 50 percent hatch between 684-767 degree days. Click here for current degree day accumulation for corn rootworm provided by the Iowa Environmental Mesonet, ISU Department of Agronomy.
Webspec Admin

June 27, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Insects
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Corn Rootworm Hatch is Delayed but Underway

Expect 50 percent hatch between 684-767 degree days. Click here for current degree day accumulation for corn rootworm, courtesy of Iowa Environmental Mesonet, ISU Department of Agronomy.

Cool, wet spring weather delayed corn planting and the corn rootworm hatch, which is largely dependent upon soil temperature. When soil temperatures accumulate between 684-767 degree days, 50 percent of the rootworm hatch occurs.

Although corn is not as far along in its development as it normally is at this time of year, there is still plenty of plant material available to provide a feast for the CRW larvae. It won’t be long before newly hatched larvae begin feeding on corn roots. Severe infestation can destroy nodes 4-6, which effect water and nutrient uptake.

Shortly after larvae begin feeding on roots, adult beetles begin to emerge from fields and begin feeding on pollen, green silks and leaves. The males emerge first, and the females follow about 5 to 7 days later. Mating takes place, and then females will lay eggs toward the end of July through August.

Because of the wide variance in planting dates this year, it will be important to inspect every field – regardless of seed selection. Rootworm beetles can 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. Beetles may also move into corn and/or soybean fields which have an abundance of pollen-producing weeds, including volunteer corn, ragweed or foxtails.

Note areas where corn rootworm damage is the highest and create a plan of action if root injury is high. To help assess injury, ISU Entomologist Aaron J. Gassmann developed an Interactive Node Injury Scale. To help develop an action plan, keep best management practices in mind.

Field notes from 2013 will help you select seed products for 2014. To prevent corn rootworm damage from reaching such devastating levels, plant a portfolio of products. Remember, that in 2104 Latham® Hi‑Tech Hybrids, will offer Agrisure Duracade^TM as another option in the fight against corn rootworm.

Webspec Admin

June 20, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Insects
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Early Season Tissue Sampling Helps Detect Deficiencies

Tissue sampling has become very popular in recent years as it more accurately represents plant nutrition. That’s why tissue samples should be taken as early in the season as possible to properly detect nutrient deficiencies and make adjustments during the growing season.

For accurate results, avoid testing plants that show severe signs of stress from factors not related to nutrients. This includes damage from insects, drought or flooding, temperature, chemicals or machinery. Also be sure to test normal plants in addition to affected plants in the same stage of growth.

When testing alfalfa plants from beginning stages until the first flower, it’s important to sample from the top six inches of the plant. Collect about 35 samples. When sampling alfalfa closer to or at harvest for comparison, test about 25 whole plants. Collecting soil samples simultaneously can be helpful when paired with the plant analysis to identify nutrient deficiencies, toxicities and imbalances. Take soil samples, at a six- or seven-inch depth, from the same areas where plant samples were collected.

Once samples have been collected, remove foreign particles like dirt but do so without washing the plant. Place the samples in a paper bag or a large envelope to help prevent them from developing mold during shipping. Soil samples also may be placed in a waterproof container with a correlating label to the field and tissue sample with which it was taken.

Depending on the lab you use, some reports for plant samples will reveal the concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, B, Cu, Fe, Al, and Na within the plant. Soil samples submitted with the plant sample will be analyzed for pH, organic matter, P, K as well as special soil test results. Nutrient levels will also be interpreted for soil and plant samples to identify any nutrient issues and potentially offer recommendations. It’s important to note that nutrients can then be soil, seed and foliar applied.

The ability to apply timely nutrition and reach new yield levels is so exciting! Experiment on your farm.

Webspec Admin

June 6, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Fertility, General, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Time to Begin Early Crop Scouting in 2013

While some Midwest farmers will get the opportunity to reenter their fields this week, there won’t be much rest for the weary. With some seed already in the ground, it’s important to start scouting those fields now.

Post-planting is an ideal time to begin scouting one’s crops. Many soilborne pathogens strike as soon as the seed begins to take on water; others strike young seedlings. Because seeds can germinate quickly and emerge in 3 – 5 days, it’s not too soon to start walking your fields.

Check plant populations, evaluate stands and be on the lookout for early summer diseases. Is there a germination problem? Do you see effects of chilling or crusting?

Assessing your situation ASAP will allow you to formulate a plan while there’s still plenty of time to implement it. You could replant in parts or in all of a field now, so you can attain the yields and returns you want this fall. Information on corn replanting decisions is available from www.agronext.iastate.edu/corn. Click on the “Planting” topic, then click on the “Replant Decision Aid Calculator” tab and use that tool and related information to help make a replant decision. For a resource on soybean replanting decisions, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/pm1851.pdf.

Another benefit of evaluating current stands is to help you determine what adjustments should be made before planting next year’s crop: Do you need to adjust your planter settings or your planting speed?

Once you get past the mechanical issues, look at the disease pressure. If soybeans are damping off, perhaps next season you should opt for seed-applied fungicides? Do you need to pay closer attention to a particular soybean brand or corn hybrid’s disease rating?

Seed selection is one of the most important decisions affecting yield. Click here for tips on selecting soybean brands and selecting corn hybrids.

Team Latham

June 3, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Emergence, Fungicide, General, Growth Stages, Soybeans, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Optimal Planting Conditions for Soybeans

Better planting equipment, improved soybean genetics and technology advancements such as seed treatments and weed control systems have moved soybean planting dates earlier in recent years. Last year 34% of Iowa’s soybean crop was planted by early May; this year only 1% of Iowa’s soybean acres are planted as of May 13.

Although there is a correlation to higher yield potential with earlier planting dates, it’s important to remember that soybeans respond favorably to early-planting dates if soil conditions are ideal for planting. Conditions weren’t fit for planting soybeans in late April or early May.

One silver lining in the delayed soybean planting is that soil temperatures have warmed. We recommend planting soybeans when soil temperatures are about 60 degrees, and soil temperatures were averaging only in the low 60s around May 15.

Planting into a field that is too wet or too cold early in the season will reduce emergence and plant population, which most often leads to reduced yield. Remember, planting soybeans in warm but wet soils can also have a detrimental impact on yield. Patience will continue to be key this planting season!

Webspec Admin

May 16, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Season, Soybeans, Spring
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Take Time to Adjust the Planter

To help provide “picket fence stands,” corn growers must make proper planter adjustments. It’s also important to match the planter speed to field conditions and to avoid planting seeds in extremely poor soil conditions.

Planting in soils that are too wet can lead to sidewall compaction. The under-developed root systems resulting from the compaction are often confined in a flat plane within the furrow trench. Planting in too wet of soil, especially with coulters, allows sticky soil to build up on gauge wheels resulting in planting depth differences.

Shallow planting places seed in differing soil moisture levels and can result in differing emergence dates. Shallow planting also can lead to a shallow secondary root system. “Rootless corn” may result, or plant development may be greatly delayed compared to neighboring plants.

Failure to close the furrow is usually caused by poor soil conditions, improper closing wheels for field conditions, incorrect down pressure, or planting in sod. Worn or improperly adjusted planter parts can cause or aggravate all the previously mentioned problems.

Make sure your planter does all its jobs properly: open the seed furrow without sidewall compaction; place seeds at a uniform depth; and close the seed slot without compaction. Stop the planter frequently and physically check to ensure you’re getting uniform seed depth and good seed-to-soil contact. Although it will take a few extra minutes in the spring, you’ll be glad you did when it’s time to harvest those extra bushels come fall!

Webspec Admin

May 13, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Emergence, General, Precision Ag, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Consider Traits & Chemistries in Your Crop Rotation

A soybean-corn crop rotation allows farmers to spread out spring and summer fieldwork and provides a larger window for harvest. Plus, a soybean-corn rotation can lead to energy savings during production and when handling, drying and conditioning of stored grain, according to recent issue of “Advance” published by the ISA On-Farm Network.

“Studies show us that corn yields are higher following soybeans. The advantage of a soybean-corn rotation still centers on yield. The positive impact is probably due to several factors,” says Ed Anderson, Iowa Soybean Association senior director of supply and production systems. “Soybeans break disease, insect and weed cycles and provide a nitrogen credit for corn the following year.

It’s true that crop rotation can help achieve higher yields, as well as reduce risk ranging from volunteer corn to weed resistance. Other benefits include better soil health, less disease pressure and higher profits are a few of the benefits that come from rotating corn and soybeans if farmers are careful about rotating traits and chemistries. Plus, crop rotation can be one of the best management practices to control CRW.

However, it’s no longer enough for farmers to merely rotate crops. Farmers also must rotate between herbicide chemistries, as well as hybrid/variety traits. Rotating between various herbicide traits is important from the standpoint of reducing weed resistance. It also has been proven that it helps in overall herbicide performance.

Rotating traits, especially insect resistance traits in corn, is especially important for the same reasons – to decrease the risk of insects becoming resistant to those traits and also to improve overall trait performance. As newer traits become commercially available in soybeans, the same will be true. We will need to be good stewards of these traits and rotate them whenever possible!

One advantage of working with family-owned and independent Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is that we can help you select the trait packages needed to change up your modes of action. Latham offers the industry’s broadest, deepest seed lineup – which makes it more convenient for farmers to get all their seed needs met.

Team Latham

May 2, 2013

Corn, Crop, General, Herbicide Technology, Industry News, Seed Technology, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Don’t Push the “Panic” Button!

Even though spring planting has been delayed by unseasonably wet and cold weather, there’s no need for corn farmers within the Upper Midwest to push the “panic” button. We’re still within the ideal planting window, so work your crop plan.

Research shows that hybrids adjust to planting dates. Adapted full season corn hybrids can compensate somewhat for later plantings. As planting is delayed, hybrids shorten the time between planting and silking. Full-season hybrids almost always outperform short season hybrids, so farmers really don’t need to consider switching maturities until May 25.

Let soil temperatures and soil conditions – not the calendar – dictate planting dates. At this point, fields are not yet fit for planting. Your yield potential will be more negatively affected by planting in wet soils than waiting even a couple of weeks for better conditions. On average, farmers will lose about half of a bushel/acre per day due to delayed planting. Research shows farmers will lose more yield if crop is planted into less than ideal conditions, so we encourage you to wait for soils to warm up and dry out.

Corn planted into wet soils will be prone to problems throughout the growing season such as: stunted plant growth; slow infiltration of water and/or ponding; high surface runoff under normal or light rainfall; poor root system development, or rootless corn; and even nutrient deficiency. Potassium deficiency is caused by corn roots not being able to take up potassium from compacted soils.

REMEMBER: The majority of yield is determined during planting. “Patience” is key right now. Good things come to those who wait for the right seedbed conditions!

Phil Long

April 24, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Season, Soybeans, Spring, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Best Management Practices to Control CRW
Continued use of the same rootworm-resistant trait in corn hybrids, an increase of corn-on-corn areas, plus a lack of refuge acres, has caused rootworm resistance to become an issue in some areas. Best management practices, including rotation, are key to effectively controlling corn rootworm populations.

Northern Corn Rootworm

However, rotation isn’t as simple as it used to be. Farmers can no longer merely rotate between corn and soybeans as the only effective management strategy. Both the Northern Corn Rootworm and the Western Corn Rootworm have developed methods to counteract the effects of rotation on their life cycles. The Northern species uses a tactic called Extended Diapause that allows its eggs to lay dormant during the time fields are in soybeans. The eggs will then hatch after the field is planted to corn, and the young worms will feed on the corn roots. Adult females of the Western species have actually learned to lay their eggs in soybean fields, thereby allowing them to hatch the following spring when the field is planted to corn. With these changes in what used to be considered the “normal” life cycles of rootworms, managing CRW today requires increased diligence.

Western Corn Rootworm Beetle

Rotating rootworm-resistance traits developed by Monsanto, Syngenta and Dow will help CRW resistance from developing if farmers actually rotate modes of action. One advantage of working with family-owned and independent Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is that we can help you select the trait packages needed to change up your modes of action. Latham offers the industry’s broadest, deepest seed lineup – which makes it more convenient for farmers to get all their seed needs met.

Using hybrids with more than one rootworm trait like Genuity® SmartStax® may offer another line of defense against CRW. The recent approval of Agrisure Duracade from Syngenta provides another trait in the arsenal to fight CRW; hybrids with Agrisure Duracade are expected to be commercially available in 2014.

Additionally, refuge acres must be planted. Refuge-In-the-Bag (RIB) hybrids available from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds make compliance simple. Respect the refuge® and it will greatly increase our likelihood of keeping rootworm traits viable for years to come. Rotation helps reduce the risk of resistance. However, planting refuge alone is not enough.

Corn rootworm management is a complex issue and the solution is more than just traits. There are many factors and management options that must be considered:
Webspec Admin

March 14, 2013

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Insects