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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

How I Choose Corn Hybrids, Part II

One of my city-dwelling nephews recently asked how I choose what type of corn to plant. While there are thousands of variables to consider, I’m going to stick with a “Top Ten List.” Experience and gut feeling, as I mentioned in last week’s blog post about the number of options farmers have for seed, cover thousands of variables. I also think they’re “givens,” so my top 10 will be more based on science and the black and white factors I need to consider.

This language may seem foreign to some of you, so I’ll try to explain it for the non-farmers in my audience. Farmers, feel free to click on this link for tips on selecting corn hybrids from one of Latham Seeds’ product team members.

As always, feel free to comment or send me a message if there’s a term you don’t understand. I’ll share half of my list with you this week, and the last half next week:

Number 10 – length of growing season Depending on where a farm is located, the growing season varies. Farmers in North Dakota, for example, have a shorter growing season than farmers in Iowa. Farmers in Louisiana plant much different maturities than we plant in the Upper Midwest. The number of days it takes for a seed to grow into a plant that produces grain can even vary by state. Those of us who raise crops in northern Iowa plant different maturities than farmers in southern Iowa. Sometimes we even switch maturities or switch from planting corn to planting soybeans if we’re not able to get our seed planted as early as needed due to weather conditions.

Number 9 – soil types Different genetics are better suited for different types of soil. To understand this, you need to know that every farm has different “dirt.” There can be several different soil types within a field, but I’m going to simply things here. There are three main categories: (1) sandy has the biggest soil particles; (2) loam has medium-size particles; and (3) clay has very fine particles. Each category has different characteristics, such as how much water it can hold. Farms in western Iowa and into Nebraska, for example, tend to receive less rainfall than we do. Farmers there need drought-tolerant or drought-resistant corn hybrids.

Number 8 – weed pressure This is another complex decision, and it’s becoming even more complex as some weeds are developing resistant to particular herbicides. Herbicides are used to kill weeds because too much weed pressure can drastically reduce yield. (NOTE: We don’t douse our crops with glyphosate. Click here to learn more about how much glyphosate is sprayed on our crops.) Farmers need high yields to provide return on their investment in seed, plant foods and herbicide. Rotating between herbicide traits is very important when fighting weed resistance.

Number 7 – insects and disease Seed companies rate each product for how well they control s and disease. Different seed corn products are recommended for fields where corn is planted year after year verses on fields on which a corn-soybean rotation is practiced, and this is why independently owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds only awards the Gladiator^TM designation to its most defensive corn products. Rotation means that a farmer plants soybeans one year and corn the next year. Rotation can help break insect and disease cycles; seed selection is also crucial to fighting insects and disease.

Number 6 – climate There are so many variables that fall under climate! Soil temperatures and moisture affect how quickly a seed germinates, as well as how quickly a seedling emerges from the ground. Rainfall varies year by year and even from farm to farm. Obviously, the amount of rainfall affects how well a plant grows. Variable weather is more critical during certain periods of the plant reproduction process. Air temperatures are especially critical during pollination.

In research conducted by Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Plant Physiology at the University of Illinois, weather ranks as the most important factor affecting corn yield. Weather accounts for 70 bushels per acre, or 27 percent, of total yield!

Weather is one of the variables a farmer cannot control. However, seed selection is one way farmers can reduce risk. Be sure to tune in next week for Part III in my series on how farmers choose which seeds they plant.

Larry Sailer, Musings of a Pig Farmer

December 6, 2016

Corn, Crop
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Research Plots Show Outstanding Performance

As a member of the Latham Corn Product Team, it’s my job to walk research plots throughout the growing season and take notes. It’s hard to put into words just how exciting these crop tours have been this fall! The performance of Latham® corn products has been outstanding, so I’m having fun making recommendations for promising new products that could complement our current lineup.

We not only take these plots to yield, but we also note disease pressure. This year we noticed more hybrids than normal with some degree of stalk rot or stalk cannibalization. When cutting damaged stalks lengthwise, I usually found the internal pith tissue was still white and not compromised by disease. They may be shrunken, cracked, or otherwise weakened, yet the stalk rot didn’t invade the plant.

In high-yield environments, a shortage of nutrients or other weather-related stress weakened the plant by mobilizing sugars or nutrients that were stored in the stalk, and moved them to the ear to help fill kernels. Usually any factor that stresses corn allows pathogens to enter the plant: wet soils, daytime temperatures that are either too hot or too cold, nighttime temperatures that are too warm, flooding, moisture stress, hail, or leaf diseases.

There are very few (if any) years with ideal growing conditions, so it’s important to scout and manage fields for disease before harvest every year. Stalk rots don’t show up until later in the growing season, so I start scouting for them in August at the same time I am looking for leaf diseases. Early symptoms include dying lower leaves and the plant color appears pale green to gray.

While there is no one way to eliminate stalk rots and disease, the best management practice is to manage stress on the corn plants including proper soil drainage, proper fertility, plant selection and populations, foliar fungicide, and crop rotations.

Webspec Admin

November 30, 2016

Agronomics, Crop, Soil
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Seed Choices for Farmers Means Options

Yesterday one of my nephews asked a question that really made me think. This young man is two generations removed from farming and wondered how I choose what type of corn to plant.

It probably sounds like such a simple question to those who don’t farm, but there’s a lot more to seed selection than what meets the eye. The brand and variety take a lot of thought and research, but we also rely on experience and our gut feelings.

I know selecting seed is second nature to most farmers, but how can we explain it to people who are generations removed from farming? Until yesterday, I hadn’t given much thought to the fact that I’m the only farmer in my nephew’s family. He’s living in a metropolitan area where the anti-modern farming crowd wants “good people” to believe farmers are forced by big conglomerates to buy and plant their seed. These activists want “good people” to believe that farmers no longer have a choice as to which seed to plant, but that’s so far from the truth!

To help dispel the myth that farmers are forced to buy seed from the same corporation year after year, Jennie Schmidt, a farmer and registered dietitian in Maryland, wrote a blog post. Here’s an excerpt:

“So far, we have received about a dozen seed catalogs, and I don’t mean Burpee-type gardening catalogs. I mean commercial seed for farmers. Some are large seed companies, others are small regional seed companies. None of them ‘impose’ their seeds on us. We have 100% freedom of choice. My husband and brother-in-law make those choices based on our own farm’s performance records, recommendations by our seed dealers, data provided by companies who do research plots on our farm and in our region, and conversations with farmer friends. No corporation influences these choices. No pressure is applied from any company to secure our business. Absolutely no one ‘imposes’ seed on our family farm. We have hundreds of seed choices in each of our crops: corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, tomatoes, hay, and green beans. We have 100% control over what gets purchased and planted.”

Thanks to technology, today’s farmers have more seed choices than ever before and the future is even more exciting! That’s the short answer I wish I would’ve first given my nephew and then gone on to explain. Plant breeding is allowing farmers to grow crops today in drier areas where it was never before possible. New seed genetics allow us to put more nutrition into crops, and as a result, can save millions of children and people living in poverty from malnutrition and blindness. Check out the amazing results the 2016 World Food Prize Winners have achieved by getting more farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America to plant drought-resistant, blight-resistant orange sweet potatoes instead of white sweet potatoes that contain no Vitamin A.

This is so much more that goes into how a farmer chooses seed. To be continued… next week!

Larry Sailer, Musings of a Pig Farmer

November 29, 2016

Corn, Crop, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

TIPS FOR MANAGING EAR ROT

Ear rot has been present in some corn fields that were harvested this year. These diseases can reduce the quantity and quality of the corn being harvested, and they can also produce mycotoxins that might be harmful to livestock and even humans. Lastly, they can continue to cause problems in stored grain unless it is closely monitored and maintained in the best possible condition.

Scouting fields prior to harvest is key to avoiding situations caused by mold. A pre-harvest field check can help farmers to determine: (1) if ear mold is present; (2) what type of mold is present; and (3) how severe the infestation is.

One method you can use when scouting fields for ear rots is to tear back the husks on 100 plants scattered randomly throughout the field. If you find 10% or more of the ears have mold on 25% or more of the ear, then that field should be harvested immediately and dried to at least 15% moisture. (NOTE: If you plan to turn a claim in for that field to your crop insurance provider, do that before harvesting. The insurance adjuster may need to see proof of the ear rots in the field as opposed to just seeing it in the stored grain.)

Samples of that grain should be tested to see what mycotoxins, if any, are present. You should then consult with someone like an extension specialist or veterinarian to decide the best method of using that grain.

To help determine which molds might be present in your fields, check out the table below:

Corn ear rots and molds are present every year, but the severity and type of infestation is highly weather dependent and greatly depends on the region where the farm is located. Fungal pathogens that cause ear rots will remain in the soil for several years. Crop rotation and heavy tillage may help reduce spore survival. Planting hybrids with traits that provide above-ground insect protection and reduce ear damage might also be beneficial.

If you browse online for other ear mold management practices, you will see it’s suggested to plant hybrids with known tolerance to these diseases. Unfortunately, most companies do very little screening for ear mold pathogens simply because they are so varied and the instances of severe infestations are so rare. In the case of corn ear rots, the best offense is the best defense! Make time to scout each field for ear rots before harvest.

Webspec Admin

November 16, 2016

Agronomics, Corn, Disease
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Reduce Risk by Planting a Portfolio of Products
Mother Nature threw us some real challenges during the 2016 growing season. Some areas of South Dakota were extremely dry from June until late August. North Dakota was hit by strong winds and hail. Much of Iowa received higher than average rainfalls.

While the conditions vary by state — and even within a region — there is one thing we all have in common and that’s “risk management.” We can spread our risk by planting three different Latham® hybrids of different maturities. Planting 1/3 of our acres to an early hybrid, 1/3 to your typical relative maturity (RM) and 1/3 to a little later maturity will help us improve overall yield!

The value in working with a financial planner comes from diversifying one’s portfolio and reducing financial risk while maximizing returns. For the same reasons, it’s advantageous for corn growers to work with a knowledgeable seed representative to create a diversified hybrid seed corn portfolio.

No financial planner worth his weight is going to advise clients to invest solely in mutual funds or high-risk stocks. That’s also why farmers shouldn’t choose their seed portfolio based only on top-yielding varieties in F.I.R.S.T. Trials. Choosing seed based on growing conditions in one location during one year is like picking your stocks based on only last year’s performance without considering factors that might cause market shifts.

The stakes are too high to not manage risk. Latham Seeds’ Seed-2-Soil® program helps corn growers determine which hybrids will help minimize risk while maximizing returns.

PLANTING A “PORTFOLIO” OF CORN HYBRIDS HAS MULTIPLE BENEFITS:
1. HEDGE RISK WITH DIFFERENT GENETICS. As an independent seed supplier, Latham provides you with more seed product choices — more genetic options — than companies that rely on a single supplier for their genetics.
2. PLANT HYBRIDS WITH VARYING MATURITIES. Different flowering dates help reduce yield loss due to heat during pollination. Some years hybrids don’t want to dry down and the earlier products can really pay off while the exact opposite happens in other years.
3. BALANCING OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE CHARACTERISTICS. Each year presents its own set of challenges: weed pressure, insect pressure, heat stress, moisture stress, emergence issues, disease pressure, overall yield. That’s why planting both “offensive” and “defensive” products is advantageous.
Webspec Admin

November 2, 2016

Corn, Crop
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ask the Agronomist: Brown Stem Rot or SDS?

Thanks for tuning in to our weekly “Ask the Agronomist” Audiocast! Play the audio file below to listen to Mark’s response to this week’s question about how to determine whether a soybean crop is affected by Brown Stem Rot or Sudden Death Syndrome.

Q: I thought my field was showing signs of Sudden Death Syndrome. Now I’m not sure if it’s really SDS or Brown Stem Rot. How can I tell the difference?

A: Late-season crop scouting is so important because we see different symptoms, depending on the point we’ve reached in the growing season as well as environmental conditions. We’re seeing both SDS and BSR, sometimes even in the same field!

The best way to tell to the difference is to split the soybean stem. Brown Stem Rot (BSR) infection causes vascular and pith tissues to turn brown to reddish brown. When disease is severe, discoloration is continuous from the base of the plant up. Discoloration only occurs at nodes disease when the disease is less severe, and you’ll see healthy, white tissue between the nodes.

Q: What causes Brown Stem Rot?

A: BSR is caused by a fungus that enters through the plant’s root system. Severe infestation occurs when soil moisture is high and air temperatures are cooler throughout the summer, which promotes the growth of the fungus in the stems. Symptoms worsen if the disease development is followed by drought stress during pod fill. BSR also increases in severity if Soybean Cyst Nematode populations are high.

Q: How does Brown Stem Rot spread?

A: Brown Stem Rot is a soil-borne pathogen. It survives in infected soybean residue left on the soil surface. The fungus is not carried with seed.

Q: What can be done if you find Brown Stem Rot in your fields now?

A: Unfortunately, just like Sudden Death Syndrome, nothing can be done for a field once it has been infected with BSR. Scouting now for Brown Stem Rot is important for two main reasons: (1) To determine if management practices may have had an impact on the severity this season; and (2) To select soybean seed for the following season based on BSR score and Soybean Cyst Nematode tolerance.

Q: What management practices can help control Brown Stem Rot?

A: The most effective way to manage Brown Stem Rot, Soybean Cyst Nematode and Sudden Death Syndrome is through seed selection. Latham® brand soybean varieties with the IRONCLAD^TM designation offer the best control, but be sure to read disease ratings of each product. For fields with a history of severe brown stem rot problems, plant a variety with a rating of 1.5 or better. A Latham rep also can help you select the best product on a field-by-field basis.

In addition, crop rotation can help reduce the likelihood of Brown Stem Rot. Going away from soybeans for 2 years is more effective than 1 year. Reducing soybean residue helps because then the BSR inoculum doesn’t have a place to overwinter. Tillage can also be effective.

Webspec Admin

August 18, 2016

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Disease, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ask the Agronomist: Goss’s Wilt
Thanks for tuning in to our weekly “Ask the Agronomist” Audiocasts! Play the audio file below to listen to Jerry’s response to this week’s question about Goss’s Wilt.
https://www.lathamseeds.com/app/uploads/2016/08/Latham-8_10.mp3

Listen to this week’s Ask the Agronomist for everything you need to know about Goss’s Wilt.

Q: More cases of Sudden Death Syndrome are evident across the country this week, and I’m starting to see Goss’s Wilt in fields where I haven’t seen it before. What can be done to combat these diseases?

A: Sudden Death Syndrome, commonly referred to as SDS, is a cold-borne organism that attaches to the plant. The disease starts in the spring after planting, but symptoms won’t show up until late July to early August. Goss’s Wilt is usually caused by previous damage to the plant, such as hail, and this damage provides passage into the plant for the bacteria.

The best mode of action against these diseases is seed selection. That may sound self-serving coming from a seed salesman, but it is a proven fact that diligent seed selection is key to managing future outbreaks.

Q: Last week we talked extensively about managing SDS in the future. What are some best management practices for Goss’s Wilt?

A: There are other management practices that can be implemented to reduce risk for SDS and Goss’s Wilt. Rotation of corn production for one year allows residue to break down and reduce bacteria populations. Tillage and other practices that encourage residue decomposition will also reduce the amount of bacteria present to infect future corn crops. Good weed management practices can also help control weeds that serve as a source of these diseases.

Q: Goss’s Wilt is something we typically think of as a “western disease.” Why is it becoming more of an issue in the East now?

A: Goss’s Wilt is a disease like any other that will progress and move beyond its initial borders. It is now being seen as far East as Indiana. In 2008, it was reported that Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight caused yield losses of up to 60 bushels per acre in northwestern Indiana. Goss’s Wilt is a growing problem, so to combat this issue, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has identified 23 hybrids that handle Goss like a Boss.

Q: How can farmers learn more about Goss’s Wilt and Sudden Death Syndrome?

A: We’ll be talking more about weed management strategies and new seed technologies during Latham’s Technology Road Show. The first stop on this tour is Friday, August 19, in eastern Iowa for the 2016 Latham Freedom of Independence Ride.

Q: What is the Freedom of Independence Ride?

A: The Freedom of Independence Ride is Latham’s field day on two wheels! We encourage farmers – even if they’re not Latham® customers – to join this ride. We’ll be covering broad topics that include:
- Precision Agriculture
- Cover Crops
- Next-Generation Weed Management Systems such as Xtend, Balance GT and Enlist
We’ll also make two fun stops. One of those stops has 90 restored antique tractors and another stop will be at Antique Archeology in Le Claire. We’ll also see a demonstration by service dogs in training with Retrieving Freedom Inc. In fact, this ride will help raise funds to train RFI service dogs.

To register for the Freedom Ride and more information on this fun event, visit www.lathamseeds.com.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s Ask the Agronomist. We’ll be back again next week to field all of your questions during #grow16.
Webspec Admin

August 11, 2016

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

Ask the Agronomist: Sudden Death Syndrome

Thanks for tuning in to our weekly “Ask the Agronomist” Audiocasts! Play the audio file below to listen to Mark’s response to this week’s question about Sudden Death Syndrome.

Listen to this week’s Ask the Agronomist for everything you need to know about Sudden Death Syndrome.

Q: We’ve received a question from a farmer this week saying “Sudden Death Syndrome is breaking bad in my soybean fields. Why does it appear to be affecting more fields this year and what can I do about it?”

A: Sudden Death Syndrome appears after flowering in the growing season, and usually we see issues in early August. Cool, wet planting conditions, like what the Upper Midwest experienced earlier this year, can increase severity of sudden death later on in crop development.

Q: What symptoms should we be looking for?

A: Farmers should first be scouting for yellow blotches on leaves. These will progress into larger patches, but keep in mind that leaf veins remain green while the rest of the leaf will eventually turn brown and leaflets will fall off. However, petioles will remain on the stem. SDS can cause rotted root systems, too.

Q: Are there certain soil types or fields more prone to SDS?

A: There isn’t a certain type of soil that is more prone, but there are specific areas of a field that can more easily develop SDS. High moisture areas such as low spots can have higher severity, and it is also often correlated with compacted soils in margins of a field or low-lying bottoms.

Fields with a history of SDS should be planted when soils are warmer and drier. No-till practices allow soils to remain cooler and wetter during the spring, so these fields are more at risk as well. Sometimes, tillage on a field with a history of SDS is a good practice as long as those fields aren’t worked in wet conditions.

Q: What can farmers do if they begin to notice SDS in their fields this year?

A: Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to stop SDS once it begins. Prevention is the best defense against SDS. Prevention tactics include: responsible tillage practices to reduce soil compaction, waiting for soils to dry up towards the end of planting seasons, and testing for presence of soybean cyst nematodes. Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN) are associated with SDS.

Q: What can be done if farmers test their soils and find a soybean cyst nematode presence?

A: The best way to combat SCN is to plant resistant varieties, or avoid susceptible varieties. Be sure to keep Latham IRONCLAD™ soybeans in mind when mapping out which varieties will be used on different fields for 2017.

To bear the IRONCLAD™ name, each soybean variety must be SCN resistant, phytophthora root rot resistant, and an iron deficiency chlorosis rating of 2.2 or better. Depending on the geographic location needs, IRONCLAD™ varieties must protect against either white mold or SDS with a rating of 2.2 or higher.

Q: Wasn’t there a new seed treatment that was supposed to fight against SDS?

A: ILeVO seed treatment from Bayer CropScience received a lot of positive press in 2015 for its effectiveness against SDS. That prompted Latham research staff to conduct 2016 studies using ILeVO treated seed side-by-side with seed that was not treated with ILeVO. Preliminary reports aren’t showing any significant visual differences, but that final determination will be made after harvest. This information will be shared at post-harvest meetings in the fall. Like it or not, this new tool will most likely not be that “silver bullet” cure farmers are hoping to find.

Q: If there is no cure for SDS, why should farmers be scouting for it?

A: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Scouting for SDS is important to determine if management practices were at fault and to help select the right seed for each field next year based on SDS score and Soybean Cyst Nematode tolerance.

Walking fields and taking notes will help farmers determine an action plan for next year. What we’re seeing now in the fields can have an impact on what we see in 2017.

On August 19^th, the Latham Freedom of Independence Ride will be taking place near Eldridge, Iowa. This one-of-a-kind, “plot tour on wheels” is a fun day that anyone can bring a motorcycle or vehicle to travel on while Latham representatives share information about what is coming down the pipeline for 2017.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s Ask the Agronomist. We’ll be back again next week to field all of your questions during #grow16.

Webspec Admin

August 4, 2016

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

Ask the Agronomist: New Soybean Technology Approvals

Thanks for tuning into our weekly “Ask the Agronomist” Audiocast! Play the audio file below to listen to Mark’s response to this week’s question about the new soybean technology approvals.

Q: New soybean traits and technologies have been making headlines since last Friday when it was announced that Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans received EU approval. There have been rumblings that the Balance Bean also received EU approval last week. What is the status of these two new soybean technologies?

A: It’s important to understand that none of these technologies have actually received full approval. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans received their final approval from the European Union in the global approval process. However, the low-volatile formulation of dicamba herbicide intended for Xtend soybeans has not received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Use of existing dicamba herbicides over top of Xtend soybeans is not allowed at this time.

Meanwhile, the Balance GT soybean also received EU approval last Friday but has not yet received approval from key markets such as China. The accompanying herbicide has not received approval from the EPA either.

Q: Since seed for the Xtend products has global approval, will it be commercially available for 2017 planting?

A: Yes, in fact, there are 13 new Xtend varieties in Latham’s 2017 lineup. Six of these products are designated as IRONCLAD™. Soybeans with the Ironclad designation have the toughest defense systems and are unique to Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

Q: What are IRONCLAD Soybeans and why are they unique to Latham Seeds?

A: Research has shown that the best defense against Soybean Cyst Nematodes and Iron Deficiency Chlorosis is diligent seed selection. In 2003, Latham Seeds was the only seed company to introduce SCN-resistant soybean brands. Because we’re headquartered where soils are more prone to IDC, our soybean lines have been bred to overcome it.

The IRONCLAD series was introduced to help farmers distinguish which products have the best defense packages. IRONCLAD soybeans have been proven to yield the highest in difficult conditions. Many of our IRONCLAD products have taken first place over the past two years in the F.I.R.S.T. Trials!

Q: What does it take for a soybean product to receive IRONCLAD designation?

A: To be considered IRONCLAD, the soybean must have a Soybean Cyst Nematode and Phytophthora Root Rot deficiency gene. It must also score an Iron Deficiency Chlorosis rating of 2.2 or better. Depending on the needs of the variety geography, it can also protect against White Mold and Sudden Death Syndrome.

Q: What about Enlist products? Will they be offered in 2017?

A: It’s very possible that Enlist will receive full approval in time for 2017 planting. Opposite of Xtend, Enlist has herbicide approval from the EPA but is awaiting Chinese approval.

Depending on regulatory approval, two Enlist products could be offered. Both Enlist soybeans and E3 Enlist soybeans will be tolerant to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate, and glufosinate.

So far, Enlist Duo is approved for use in the U.S. in 15 states on corn and soybeans. They are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and North Dakota.

We’ll be providing an update on these emerging soybean technologies, as well as new corn technologies as part of Latham’s Technology Road Show. The first tour stop will be Friday, August 19, in Eldridge, Iowa near Davenport. While the Latham Freedom of Independence Ride is traditionally a field day on two wheels, we will make groups available for people who prefer to drive cars or trucks.

Webspec Admin

July 28, 2016

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

Ask the Agronomist: Corn Rootworm

Thanks for tuning into Week 12 of our “Ask the Agronomist” Audiocasts. Guest Agronomist and Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Regional Sales Manager for Eastern Iowa, Jerry Broders, is filling in for Latham’s Senior Agronomist, Mark Grundmeier. To listen to Jerry’s response to this week’s question about Corn Rootworm, play the audio file below.

Listen to this week’s Ask the Agronomist to learn about effective strategies for fighting Corn Rootworm.

Q: We’ve gotten some damage from Northern Corn Rootworm. What else are you seeing out in the fields across your territory?

A: Western and Northern Corn Rootworm are common insects that are well versed in overcoming control practices. That’s why we recommend farmers scout all fields for corn rootworm. Northern Corn Rootworm feeds on corn silks, but Western Corn Rootworm can feed on leaves, too.

The wide range in planting dates this spring creates a perfect opportunity for rootworm beetles to move between fields. A late-maturing corn field may attract a large number of beetles if neighboring corn has stopped producing pollen. Beetles may also move into corn and/or soybean fields that have an abundance of pollen-producing weeds, including volunteer corn, ragweed or foxtails.

Q: What type of damage should farmers look for?

A: Corn rootworm larvae feed on roots. Check fields for lodged plants, especially now that storms might be affecting stands. However, don’t assume lodging is a result of corn rootworm as compaction from planting into wet soils can cause poor stands.

Preventative maintenance needs to be done to reduce risk for next year’s crop. Especially in corn-on-corn fields, spray insecticide to rid the field of any larvae that may have been laid. Also make sure that fields with corn rootworm problems this year get traited corn next year that protects against corn rootworm. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has hybrids referred to as Gladiator™ hybrids that have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they perform well under intense corn rootworm pressure.

Q: With a name like Gladiator, it sounds like we’re declaring war on insects! What “weapons” make these hybrids effective against insects?

A: Latham has a full lineup of products ranging from 92 day to 114 day maturities. We use Genuity® SmartStax® products, as well as Syngenta’s Agrisure 3122 since these contain two modes of action for below-ground insects. In addition, we are eagerly waiting for full approval of Syngenta’s new Duracade double rootworm trait that looks very promising.

If you have a question about what you’re seeing in the fields, feel free to ask! Send your questions via Twitter to @LathamSeeds, in a private message on Facebook or call our office at 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).

Also be sure to check out TheFieldPosition.com for timely agronomic information. Crop reports from specific areas across Latham’s six-state marketing area are published every Wednesday during the growing season by Latham’s regional sales managers in each of those locations. New articles are posted each week day on our blog. You can even search for “topics” by simply typing key words into the search bar on the upper right-hand corner.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s Ask the Agronomist. We’ll be back again next week to field all of your questions during #grow16.

Webspec Admin

July 21, 2016

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Insects