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WHY DROPPED EARS ARE WIDESPREAD IN 2011
It’s been said that a 1,000 variables affect a crop from the time seed is planted in the spring until grain is harvested that fall. The 2011 growing season certainly put that theory to the test!

Many Midwest growers planted their crops much later than they would’ve liked because heavy spring rainfalls prevented them from getting in the fields any sooner. Just when plants started to look really good across much of the country, several thousand crop acres were hit by straight-line winds in July and August. Then, adding insult to injury, many of these same areas suffered from excessive heat and lack of moisture during a key period of crop development in late summer. In addition to these challenging growing season conditions, this fall many fields suffered from an early frost plus were subject to rapid dry down from above-normal fall temperatures.

Environmental conditions in 2011 certainly weakened corn stalks and predisposed ears to drop at the shank. It’s no wonder that Wallaces Farmer reports corn lodging is a greater problem than normal, with 21% of Iowa’s corn crop experiencing moderate to heavy lodging compared to 10% on average. And 10% of Iowa’s corn crop is experiencing moderate to heavy ear droppage compared to 5% normally.

Although stalk rot is the cause of lodging in most cases, they are not the only cause. Below are other reasons for early ear droppage:
- Damage to conventional hybrids by European Corn Borer. Ears that have dropped and still have husks on them are typically caused by European corn borer.
- Nutrient imbalances and/or deficiencies predispose corn plants to stalk rot and stalk lodging. Potassium deficiency has been shown to reduce stalk quality and strength, and stalk rot resistance.
- When fast dry down occurs, the ear shank may not develop properly. Sometimes a shank gets pinched if there are a lot of aborted kernels near the butt of the ear, thus leading to poor attachment and wind causes ears to drop.
Several environmental factors contributed to the higher amount of ear droppage this fall. While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can help minimize its effects through hybrid selection. When making purchasing decisions for the 2012 growing season, remember that not all hybrids offer the same degree of stalk strength and some are more susceptible than others to stalk rot. Search for the strongest genetic package that delivers the traits needed to fit your particular growing situation.

At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we partner with our farmer-customers to identify the traits necessary for their growing conditions, above- and/or below-ground pests and weed control options. A new option for corn growers in 2012 is Refuge in a Bag (RIB), which makes the complex world of refuge simple. The RIB concept involves mixing the refuge seed with both the corn borer and rootworm insect protected corn seed, so growers have everything they need to be refuge compliant in just one bag. Growers no longer need to weigh adjacent versus in-field configurations; they can simply open the bag and pour. Growers will be able to purchase the first single-bag RIB solution for the 2012 season from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. Genuity® SmartStax® RIB Complete™ Corn, a blend of 95% traited seed and 5% refuge seed. With only 5% refuge seed, you’ll be able to protect more of your acres from corn borer in the year ahead.
Webspec Admin

October 18, 2011

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

GOSS’S WILT: A good defense may be your best offense

Once thought to be a disease that only affected western states, Goss’s Wilt outbreaks have increased significantly in Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Illinois. The increased frequency has prompted many farmers to ask what they can do to avoid Goss’s Wilt in 2012.

Goss’ Wilt is a bacterium that can overwinter in infected residue on the soil surface and in weed hosts. Most often, the bacteria will enter the corn plant through wounds caused by hail damage, insects or even heavy winds. Since Goss’s Wilt is a bacterial disease, foliar fungicides have no effect. Therefore, in-season management options are very limited.

To avoid Goss’s Wilt in 2012, farmers should keep recommended management practices in mind. Best practices include growing resistant corn hybrids, using crop rotation and crop residue management. Choosing corn hybrids with a strong resistance to Goss’s Wilt is your first line of defense, Latham’s own John Toft was quoted in an article posted yesterday by Wallaces Farmer. Other tips to protect fields against Goss’s Wilt are detailed in that same article. Click here to read “Got Wilt? Keep Disease Resistance in Mind.”

Team Latham

September 27, 2011

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

Tips for Harvesting Lodged Corn
Hail, straight-line winds and other stressors throughout the 2011 growing season has caused corn to lodge in several fields across the Midwest. As a result, it won’t be “harvest as usual” for many corn farmers. They’ll need to reduce speeds and take extra steps to prevent as much loss as possible. With corn prices around $7 per bushel, it doesn’t take long for harvest losses to mount. Each pound ear on the ground per 436 square feet equals a loss of one bushel per acre, according to a recent Wallaces Farmer article.

In this same article, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Ag Engineer Mark Hanna reminds farmers to keep these tips in mind when harvesting lodged corn:
- If harvest speeds are significantly reduced, the amount of material going through the combine is reduced. Fan speed may need to be reduced to avoid blowing kernels out of the combine. Rotor speed may need to be reduced to maintain grain quality. Check kernel losses behind the combine and grain quality to fine tune cleaning and threshing adjustments.
- Operate the corn head as low as practical without picking up rocks or significant amounts of soil.
- Single-direction harvesting against the grain of leaning stalks may help. Evaluate losses though before spending large amounts of time dead-heading through the field.
More tips for machine operation to reduce harvesting losses is available from Wallaces Farmer online. Click here for the full article, “Harvesting Tips For Lodged Corn.”
Team Latham

September 13, 2011

Corn, Crop, Fall, General, Season
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Picture-Perfect Ride Conditions

If there was ever a day fit for riding motorcycles or driving a convertible, it was August 27! More than 110 drivers and riders revved their engines under clear blue skies and sunshine for the 3rd Annual Latham Freedom of Independence Ride.

Riders crossed the Mississippi aboard the historic Cassville ferry.

The 90-mile route took riders and drivers across some of the most scenic roads in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. Participants traveled winding roads in both states, crossing the Mighty Mississippi on this historic Cassville ferry. We’d like to give a “shout out” to Ron Hampton and the hardworking captain and crew members, who made our ferry ride memorable for all of the right reasons!

Along the way, riders and drivers stopped at four different farm fields. These stops showcased: (1) Latham’s hallmark Seed-2-Soil® program, which helps increase a farmer’s profitability and efficiency by bringing more meaning to grid samples and geo-reference yield data; (2) new corn technology including Latham® Hi‑Tech Hybrids with VT Double Pro, the industry’s first dual mode-of-action with above-ground insect protection in corn, and Refuge-in-a-Bag, a true one-bag system that simplifies refuge;

Our “field day on wheels” included four Latham® crop stops.

(3) new soybean products including Latham® Hi‑Tech Soybeans with LibertyLink and Genuity® Roundup® Ready 2 technology, which is showing great yield advantages and economic benefits to our customers; and (4) Latham’s business philosophy, which focuses on partnering with farmers to select the seed products that best fit their needs.

Check out the Kodak moments on Latham’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/LathamSeeds. And mark your calendars now for Latham’s 4th Annual Freedom of Independence Ride on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. You’ll want to join us as we celebrate our company’s 75th year of business with an extra special ride through Latham Country!

I said I was going to ride this year, and I did! This year a cooler, next year a Harley?

Team Latham

September 6, 2011

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

Increased GDUs Hurried Crop through Grain Fill Period

Guest blog by
John Toft, CCA

We’ve all heard the expression, “Haste makes waste.” When we hurry through a job, the job is not done as well or as thoroughly as it could have been. The same is true for corn production. The increased growing degree units hurried this year’s crop through the fill period, thus reducing yield in most instances.

The following statistics provide a seasonal comparison originating from the temperatures and growing degree units over the past 34 years at my farm near Tekamah, Neb. You’ll see comparisons between the 2011 season and last year, plus two other particularly challenging years. Pay close attention to the nighttime lows greater than or equal to 70⁰F, the high greater than or equal to 90⁰F, and the days with a low greater than or equal to 70⁰F and a high greater than or equal to 90⁰F.

As noted in an earlier post, when night-time temperatures do not fall below 70 degrees, plants don’t get time to rest. When the plants don’t rest, they continue to work excreting sugars through open stoma rather than utilizing those sugars for grain fill. The plants run out of energy causing tip back on ears and reduced yield.

This graph shows GDUs from April 1 to August 11 as well as Stress Units observed during this same time period. You'll notice that GDUs were adequate, but the amount of Stress Units were well over the 33-year average.

Note: click on the graphs to enlarge,
then click the “back” button to return to this post.

This graph shows comparisons for the month of July, a critical month for pollination and beginning grain fill stages. Pay particular attention to the days with possible stress units as well as the days with lows greater or equal to 70.

Does the late planting combined with limited rainfall and extreme heat mean that this fall’s harvest will be bad? No, most farmers will still get a good crop. It’s just that this year’s crop will most likely not reach its full yield potential. For example, a 20% yield loss on a field that had a 220-bushel per acre potential will still see yields of 175 to 180 bu/A.

Gary Geske

August 18, 2011

Corn, Crop, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

View the 7 Wonders of the Corn World

More than 25 years ago, Fred Below witnessed 300-bushel corn and that motivated him to research the specific factors that affect crop yield. A professor of Plant Physiology in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois, Dr. Below recently launched a new website that makes his findings readily available at www.7WondersOfCorn.com.

Each management practice has been categorized into a “wonder.” The higher up on the list, the more control that factor exerts over the Wonders that follow, Below explains in a recent Hoard’s Dairyman article. When combined, Below says all of these factors contribute to big-yield gains:

1. Weather
2. Nitrogen/fertility
3. Hybrid selection
4. Previous crop
5. Plant population
6. Tillage
7. Growth regulators

On the new 7WondersOfCorn.com website, Dr. Below narrates video segments dedicated to each Wonder. The “News” section provides updates on Below’s real-world plots at the upcoming Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill. In addition, there is a 7WondersOfCorn Facebook page where growers can share their own photos and experiences.

Team Latham

August 16, 2011

Corn, Crop, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ways to Avoid Goss's Wilt in 2012

Goss’s Wilt, which has plagued Nebraska corn fields since 1969, has been spotted in Iowa this season. Iowa farmers are searching for ways to protect yield potential yet this season, as well as avoid the problem in 2012, says ISU Plant Pathologist Alison Robertson.

There are three products that Robertson says she’s heard Iowa corn growers are trying to treat Goss’s Wilt: Procidic, Kocide and Intercept. Procidic is advertised as a broad spectrum fungicide and bactericide. However, Robertson isn’t aware of any published data for the effect of Procidic against bacterial diseases or use on corn. Kocide is not labeled for use on corn to manage Goss’s Wilt, so Robertson said it should not be used. A third product that Iowa growers are reportedly trying is Intercept. There is very little information available on this product, but it’s reportedly been used in Florida to control citrus canker, which is also caused by a bacterium.

Robertson is monitoring a corn field in Gilbert, Iowa, that had an application of Procidic, as well as an earlier application of Stratego YLD. She says she also will be evaluating fields where Intercept has been applied. At the end of the growing season, ISU researchers will study the effect of both products on Goss’s Wilt disease development and general plant health of the corn.

“Continuous corn production together with minimum tillage practices have in part contributed to the epidemic of Goss’s wilt we are witnessing in 2011,” says Robertson in a recent Wallaces Farmer article. “Other factors include susceptible germplasm and stormy weather.”

To avoid Goss’s Wilt in 2012, farmers should keep recommended management practices in mind. Best practices include growing resistant corn hybrids, using crop rotation and crop residue management.

Team Latham

August 15, 2011

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

In-Field Earworm Studies Underway

Some people “paint the town.” At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds headquarters in Alexander, we’re painting the corn fields!

Research Technician Gary Bennett and I used ½-inch paint brushes to apply nearly 500 earworm larvae to approximately 70 ears each of seven different Latham® hybrids. These hybrids featured various technologies and trait packages, including Agrisure Viptera™ 3111 and Genuity® VT Triple PRO™.

Our research objective is to record the level of corn earworm protection offered by the different hybrid traits and technologies. We’ll be taking field notes to record feeding and crop damage every couple weeks. Watch for photo updates soon!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi_G7l0-v4Y&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube]

Webspec Admin

August 11, 2011

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

"Tipping Back" is a Sign of Heat Stress

Farmers across the state are starting to see “tipping back,” where kernels aren’t filling all the way to the end of an ear of corn. In this video report, Latham’s Corn Product Specialist explains why high temperatures for prolonged periods during key corn developmental stages have attributed to the amount of tipping back that’s evident this season.

Stress can result in tipping back, agrees Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Corn Agronomist Roger Elmore. Kernels may not have pollinated in the first place or pollinated kernels may have been aborted around milk stage or blister stage. For more information on what causes tipping back, click here to read a related Wallaces Farmer article. To read how tipping back affected yields in 2010, click here.

Night-time temperatures after silking greatly impact yield. Cool night-time temperatures after silking in 2009 resulted in the highest average statewide corn yield ever recorded in Iowa. On the contrary, warm night-time temperatures contributed to lost yield in 2010.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sJ1aRzFLTU&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube]

Team Latham

August 9, 2011

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Drought, General, Weather
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Seeing Signs of Goss' Wilt in Latham Country

Guest Blogged by John Toft
CCA, Tekemah, NE

Symptoms of Goss’ Wilt were reported earlier this growing season in Nebraska and Iowa. With all of the storm damage in these areas, including hail and straight-line winds, it’s no wonder that we’re receiving even more reports now of Goss’ Wilt. Stalk bruising and leaf shredding provide ways for pathogens to enter the corn plant. High night-time temperatures, which we’ve also experienced recently, favor the spread of Goss’ Wilt.

Goss’ Wilt causes large lesions that start on the leave’s margins and eventually encompass the entire leaf. These lesions look very similar to Gray Leaf Spot injury. One simple, but not fool-proof, way to diagnose the difference is that Goss’ will have a waxy appearance due to the different

Note the waxy, shiny appearance to the lesions caused by Goss' Wilt

pathogens that cause the disease. Gray Leaf Spot is caused by a fungus while Goss’ is caused by a bacterium, which means Goss’ Wilt cannot be controlled by a fungicide. Effective control measures include crop rotation, tillage and hybrids that show genetic resistance. Latham’s 2012 lineup has a number of hybrids with excellent disease packages, so keep this in mind as you make your seed decisions in the coming months.

The bacterium responsible for Goss’ Wilt may infect the xylem, or water-conducting tissues of the plant, which results in wilting and death.

Seed selection is most likely going to play an even more important role as Goss’ Wilt becomes more prevalent. Bacterial wilt was first reported in Nebraska more than 40 years ago, and the list of states affected keeps growing. Goss’ Wilt has been identified in Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Iowa. The disease has also been confirmed in Illinois and Wisconsin, according to a NebGuide article, “Goss’s Bacterial Wilt and Leaf Blight of Corn,” published by the University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension.

Gary Geske

August 2, 2011

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, General