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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Systematic, Diverse Approach Needed for RW Management
A systematic, diverse approach to corn rootworm management is needed if growers are to have successful corn-on-corn acres in the future, said Dr. Aaron Gassmann while presenting last month during the 25th Annual Integrated Crop Management Conference on the Iowa State University campus.Since 2009, Dr. Gassmann has studied the use of Bt corn hybrids in Iowa. He says the number of fields showing severe rootworm injury has increased every year primarily due to the overuse of one specific trait on fields for many consecutive years, lack of refuge compliance, and lack of scouting for both larval rootworm and adult beetles.
Farms with continuous corn production, and specifically those fields planted to the same Bt event year-after-year, are most at-risk for developing a resistant population. To delay resistance, Dr. Gassman and his colleagues recommend the following IPM approaches:
- Rotate to soybeans or other crops to break the corn rootworm life cycle between growing seasons.
- Consider using corn that contains different Bt proteins than ones that may have performed poorly in the past.
- Consider using pyramided Bt hybrids, which is defined as corn that contains multiple Bt proteins targeting corn rootworm.
Implementing a long-term integrated approach to corn rootworm management is most important, according to Gassmann. Integration of tactics across seasons is fundamental to prolonging the usefulness of any effective management strategy
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Evaluating Foliar Fungicide on Soybeans
Many Midwest farmers are asking questions about the benefits of spraying foliar fungicides on their soybean fields. The simple truth is… there are a lot of opinions.
Be very leery when they are bombarded by claims of yield increases due to improved overall plant health. Do some of your own testing before deciding to make large-scale applications of these products. It may very well prove that fungicides of this type will pay great dividends on certain farms and pay zero dividends on others!
There is one very important thing to remember when conducting trials of this kind: leave some areas in the field unsprayed to “check” the actual value of the products. As you make plans for the 2014 crop, keep these three things in mind:
- Be sure you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison. For example, I’ve received reports from farmers who advocate the use of foliar fungicides on soybeans. However, the fields they compared were several miles away and some were not even the same soybean variety!
- There are people out there who want to sell you something, regardless of whether you need it.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
One of our brand promises at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is to help farmers save time. Another promise is to help farmers reduce risk. That’s why I’m being as honest as possible by questioning the investment in foliar fungicide on soybeans. Seed treatments, on the other hand, are worth the investment. Seed treatments are one key to achieving higher soybean yields; click here for others.
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Resolving to Obtain Higher Corn Yields in 2014
Weather ranks as the most important factor affecting corn yield, says Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Plant Physiology at the University of Illinois. Research he’s conducted show that weather accounts for 70 bushels per acre, or 27 percent, of total yield!
Although we’re all hoping for better growing conditions in 2014, it’s unrealistic to think we can control the weather. That’s why it’s important to focus on the things we can do better in our quest to raise 300-bushel corn consistently.
Planting a portfolio of Latham® corn hybrids is one way to manage risk and improve your chances of achieving record-setting yields. Last season we saw how different genetics handle stress from drought and wind. That’s why genetic diversity is so important.
You can also protect the 2014 corn crop with new technologies. Latham’s 2014 product lineup includes 36 hybrid seed corn products, offering six different trait combinations in various maturities, for rootworm (RW) control. In addition to corn rootworm, be sure to factor in management options to control nematodes that feed on corn.
Nematodes are a growing problem across the Midwest, most likely due to trends of no-till farming. Nematodes are sensitive to soil disturbance, so they tend to thrive in no-till situations. Crop rotation isn’t an effective form of management, however, seed treatments can prevent nematodes from attaching to corn roots. Applied directly to the seed, these treatments help prevent damage to early-season seedlings and roots before pests can strike.
When finalizing your 2014 seed purchases, consider these Latham® Hi‑Tech Hybrids with Genuity® SmartStax® technology and the Poncho/VOTiVO plus Acceleron seed treatment:
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Day 5: 12 Days of Christmas
One of the best ways to manage risk is by planting a diversified portfolio of seed products that includes minimum of three or four different hybrid numbers in varying maturities. Different flowering dates can help reduce yield loss due to heat during pollination.
LH 4819 SS, designated as one of Latham’s top Gladiator hybrids, is an excellent early product for North Iowa. Not only does it portray a great defensive package needed for tough corn-on-corn situations, but this hybrid is high yielding with excellent test weight. It has good stalks with excellent roots, giving this hybrid healthy late-season intactness. Staygreen allows LH 4819 SS to move south of its comfort zone, too.Talk to your local Latham® representative about planting some 4819 in 2014. If you have questions or need help finding a dealer near you, call the Latham office at 1.877.GO.LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Day 1: 12 Days of Christmas
At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we’re extending the spirit of giving for 12 more days! Each day, from now through Jan. 5, we’ll feature some of our top performing seed products.Wrap up your 2014 seed order and take advantage of great discounts through January 6! Check out these “Big 3” that a great fit for eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota and parts of northern Iowa:
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LH 4098 VT3 PRO RIB
- 186.2 bu/A (2nd Overall) Casselton, ND FIRST Trials
- 177.7 bu/A First Trials, Colfax, ND
- 14.3 bushel Advantage over KR4189VT2P at Enderlin, ND
- 13.7 bushel Advantage over 38N88 in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
- 18.9 bushel Advantage over P8906HR in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
- 17.4 bushel Advantage over P8917XR in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
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LH 4455 VT3 PRO RIB
- 196.87 bu/A (1st) at Garner, IA (plot #1)
- 200.15 bu/A (2nd) at Oshkosh, WI
- 182.15 bu/A (3rd) at Bellingham, MN
- 187.78 bu/A (4th) at Stewart, MN
- 13.4 bushel Advantage over P9519HR in 2013 3rd party replicated trials
- 23.3 bushel Advantage over 38M58 in 2013 3rd party replicated trials
- 3.4 bushel Advantage over P9853HR in 2013 3rd party replicated trials
- 29.4 bushel Advantage over P38A57 RRHX in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
- 41.4 bushel Advantage over P38M58 RRHX in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
- 19.9 bushel Advantage over N36K 3000GT in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
- 17 bushel Advantage over N33R 3000GT in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
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LH 4568 VT3 PRO RIB
- 227.09 bu/A (5th) at Sleepy Eye, MN
- 207.88 bu/A (5th) at Osage, IA (plot #1)
- 204.92 bu/A (5th) at Osage, IA (plot #2)
- 187.25 bu/A (5th) at Stewart, MN
- 172.64 bu/A (5th) at Bellingham, MN
- 9.3 bushel Advantage over P9519HR in 2013 Latham replicated trials
- 19.2 bushel Advantage over 38M58 in 2013 Latham replicated trials
- 9.9 bushel Advantage over N34N-3111 in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
- 3.9 bushel Advantage over P9630AM1 in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
- 3.6 bushel Advantage over P9494XR in 2012 3rd party replicated trials
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Apply the “Rule of Multiplicity” and Win
A number of years ago, I went to Las Vegas on a business trip and spent some time observing folks in the casino. Some appeared to have Lady Luck on their shoulder while others lost their shirts. After watching for a while, I decided to play a nickel roulette wheel because I didn’t think I’d lose too much too quickly.
The other reason I played roulette was to spread my risk of losing by betting on a number of colors or numbers at the same time. While it did cost me a little more each time I placed a bet, I won more often than others who only bet one color or number at a time. I used the rule of multiplicity: placing multiple bets on multiple numbers increases the odds of winning.
The rule of multiplicity also applies to farming and risk management. One way to reduce your risk is by planting multi-traited Latham® corn hybrids like Genuity® SmartStax® RIB Complete, which uses three different modes of action for control of European corn borer and two modes of action for Northern Corn Rootworm.Further reduce your risk and increase your odds for greater profitability by planting a diversified seed portfolio that includes Latham® products in varying maturities. Each year our growing environment is different, so what may be your best hybrid this year may be second best next year. That’s why we look at multiple plots over multiple environments to select products for our lineup.
Just like playing the roulette wheel, you can increase the odds of achieving higher overall yields by implementing the rule of multiplicity on your farm. Latham’s hallmark Seed-2-Soil® program can help create a crop plan by matching the right Latham product to the soils on your farm. Learn more by calling 1-877-G0-LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Minimize Risk through Crop Planning
No two crop years are exactly alike, so why base next year’s potential off last year’s results? In 2010, we received excessive rainfall. In 2011, we experienced three weeks of 100-plus degree heat. In 2012, we experienced the most severe drought since 1956. 2013 appeared to be a combination with widespread flooding and prevented planting in early spring following by long spans of extreme temps and little rain later in the growing season.
We can’t predict the weather, but we can minimize risk from weather events through crop planning. Farmers, who planted both defensive and offensive products, will see higher yields overall. Make sure these numbers have varying maturities, too.
Consider traits to help combat growing season risk (4) balance offensive and defensive characteristics. Keep your refuge strategy in mind as you crop plan. Latham’s Refuge in a Bag (RIB) is making the complex world of refuge simple with a broad list of options including Genuity SmartStax RIB, VT Triple PRO RIB, VT Double PRO RIB and Agrisure’s brand new 3122 E-Z Refuge option.
Farmers in dry or light soil conditions may consider a strategy including moisture management products like the new Agrisure Artesian and Genuity DroughtGard traits newly available in the Latham product lineup this year. These products have proven to save yield in dry weather while boosting yield in those years when moisture is adequate.
Rootworm control is a must in corn-on-corn protection, so it’s important to determine which trait is right for your situation. In an area with heavy rootworm pressure or multiple years of corn-on-corn, plant Latham hybrids with two modes of action against CRW like Genuity® SmartStax®, or the brand new Agrisure Duracade or 3122 dual mode of action.
It’s all about balance… No matter how good a particular football team is, it can’t win on the gridiron by having a strong offense or a strong defense. It takes both! And the same is true whether you’re planting in a corn field or a soybean field. Remember to plant a minimum or three different seed numbers, with a mixture of offensive and defensive traits.
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Tips for Late-Season Scouting
Detecting late season corn diseases ASAP will help you prioritize fields for harvest. Hybrid maturity and crop residue management should take a backseat to weak stalks. Start by harvesting fields with the weakest stalk to help preserve the quality and quantity of grain that goes into your hopper.
At this time of year, the biggest concerns are stalk rots or fusarium. Warm, moist weather with extended periods of overcast skies and high humidity makes conditions ideal for stalk rot. Later in the season, you might see stalks break or bend below the ear.
Walk fields now and note what you believe is the cause of stalk rot or lodging: fertility, hail, high wind, amount of rainfall, or the genetic predisposition of a hybrid. The cause of stalk rot could affect the seed you purchase or your management practices in 2014. There’s no better time than the present to plan your next crop! Get your seed ordered while the availabilities of all products are at their highest.
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Save Yield by Scouting for Stalk Rot
Warm, moist weather with extended periods of overcast skies and high humidity makes conditions ideal for stalk rot. That’s why it’s so important to continue scouting your fields. Detecting late season corn diseases ASAP will help you access the potential impact and harvest early to preserve the quantity and quality of that grain that goes in your hopper.
Start looking for stalk rot pathogens problems about 30 to 40 days after pollination. Monitor stalk health over the next few weeks, and adjust harvest strategies accordingly to manage fields where stalk lodging may be a big problem. Plants that were damaged by wind and hail earlier in the season are vulnerable to a number of problems that may show up, so it might be necessary to harvest those fields first to prevent stalk lodging or dropped ears.
photo from the ISU Extension Later in the season, as the plant matures, you might see stalks break or bend below the ear. Many factors can contribute to this situation: fertility, hail, high wind or level of rainfall, as well as the genetic predisposition of certain hybrids. Goss’s Wilt and Gray Leaf Spot may also be contributing factors. Knowing the true cause will help you determine how to better manage stalk rot.
Stalk rots reduce standability. Fields where greater than 10% of plants are affected by stalk rots should be scheduled for an early harvest. The following video shows how to detect stalk rot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c064-2Pd-do&feature=youtu.be
To minimize damage from stalk rot in the future, consider these three best management practices: (1) maintain proper fertility in fields; (2) plant at recommended populations; and (3) rotate crops. It’s important to note stalk strength and the disease package when selecting hybrids. Only those corn hybrids with the toughest defensive package are designated as Latham’s GladiatorTM products. They’re selected to do battle and win! Talk with your local Latham® representative about Gladiator corn hybrids for your 2014 seed needs.
