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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

September 25, 2019 Crop Reports

Northwest North Dakota

Brian McNamee

There was a great turn out last Friday at the Gumbo Flats Ranch silage meeting despite the periodic downpours. Latham Seeds’ Northern Product Specialist Gary Geske is standing next to harvested examples from the dealer’s plot. Latham’s 5062 LFY is tough to beat in this area, and this year will be no different. We’re seeing some of the highest pre-harvest tonnage tests ever!

Latham’s leafy silage hybrids extend the silage harvest window. The plant will stay at that 65 to 70 moisture considerably longer than a “dual purpose” or many of the competitors’ silage products. Watch the grain. We want the milk line to be as close to 60% to maximize nutrient balance in our piles. Waiting just a few days will give us significant gains in starch fill and total nutritional benefit.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

Usually this time of year, we’re nearly done with cutting silage. Due to the late growing season this year, however, many are just getting started. One key to good silage management is moisture. The 60 to 70% moisture range is most common when assessing harvest timing. It’s hard to get a good pack and seal on the pile when moisture is below that level. When it’s above that number, the excess moisture seeps out of the pile and nutrients are wasted. One old trick when cutting high-moisture silage is tub grinding old hay or straw to put on the bottom of the pile, so it soaks up the excess moisture. As it soaks up the moisture, it gains the leaching nutrients and maintains good feed value.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Everyone has been saying this is a year to learn from. I think we’re learning how far we can push corn and soybean genetics before Mother Nature wins. In this picture, John Latham is holding two boards that show the reality of corn germ. When we plant into warm soils in good/fit conditions, emergence and germ looks a lot like the board on the right. When we plant into cold, wet, unfavorable soils, we see emergence that looks more like the board on the left. The board on the left is what we see in our fields this year. As harvest nears, remember that each individual seed put in the ground this spring is its own individual, live organism. The plant next to it may be stronger, weaker or equal. This year our limits have been pushed, and we’re seeing how the limits were pushed in each field.

Northeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Harvest has started in Northeast South Dakota! The first field of soybeans I saw planted this spring has been combined. It was planted on some lighter soil and yields ran mid-50s. If the weather cooperates next week, there should be more farmers combining beans.

Corn is still ranging from 20 to 50% milk line, depending on maturity and planting date. There is talk of a frost next week with highs in the 40s and 50s. Yield loss at 50% milk line is roughly 12 percent. We’re close to being out of the danger zone, but this year every bushel counts towards profitability!

Even though this variety has 18 rows around, kernel depth has been reduced. On an average year, 18 rows around my fingers would be touching!

Inspecting corn stalks for stalk rot will be important this year with the cool wet summer. It is very present and early harvest should be a priority! Planting Latham corn with the Anthracnose Stalk Rot gene can prevent stalk rot issues!

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Latham® dealer Steve Gades of Morris, MN is standing in a great looking field of our LH 5402 RR.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

As I have evaluating plots during the past week, some varieties stand out as they show their true maturity. Farmers here are getting really excited to get the crop out of the field. Stay safe out there!

Some farmers have started combining the earlier maturity soybeans that planted early.

Northern Wisconsin

Joe Salter

Last week was crazy warm but very helpful for the crops. Soybeans seemed to change overnight. I heard reports of soybeans being harvested this week on some sandy soil. Unfortunately, the next five days look very wet. Latham’s corn continues to impress! Our LH 4657 VT2 PRO RIB looks good in Chippewa Falls along Hwy 53. Also LH 3937 VT2 PRO RIB is showing some girth in the pics below. I counted 22 kernel rows!

North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

We’re starting to see some harvest activity in soybeans across North Central Iowa.

Northwest Iowa

Jeremy Joynt

LH 5025 VT2 PRO RIB is showing its consistency in Northwest Iowa! This hybrid has looked great all season due to its GREAT root system, and it will stay standing until harvest with its prominent stalk integrity.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

This is a great looking field of Latham’s 5245 VT2 PRO in Mitchell County, Iowa. Corn and soybean plants are really turning everywhere. Combines could be rolling at the end of the week or early next week if it stops raining. Rain totals for this past week ranged from 4 to 8 inches. It’s a good time to get in your early seed orders before the craziness begins.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

LH 6317 VT2 PRO should be in the 2020 crop plan for everyone who farms south of Highway 30 in Iowa!

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

While traveling this week, it looks like the final cutting of alfalfa for the season has been cut. We just need dry weather to get it baled.

Mother Nature continues to try and ruin this crop by sending severe weather. There was a tornado on the ground south of Dunlap, and east of Ida Grove, Iowa last evening.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Mike Williams is a farmer and agronomist at Gold-Eagle Co-op in Hardy, Iowa. He’s very impressed with this field planted to Latham’s 5020 conventional corn. At 35,000 plant population, it has excellent stand. Estimated yield is 225 bushels/acre.

Central Iowa

Aaron Steenhoek

Check out this field of Latham’s 5742 RR (left) and 5725 VT2 PRO RIB (right) as it nears harvest in South Central Iowa! Be sure you are walking your fields for a pre-harvest check and prioritize which fields you want to harvest first this fall. Good luck and happy harvest!

Laura Cunningham

September 25, 2019

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Fall, Season
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

September 11, 2019 Crop Reports

Northwest North Dakota

Brian McNamee

Join us at the Big Iron Farm show in West Fargo. Yesterday was the first day of the 2019 show, and there was a great turnout! It’s the best first day I can remember we’ve had in the past eight years.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

Experimental silage specific hybrids are really stretching out at Latham’s northern research plot west of Grand Forks, ND. Latham regional sales manager Ken Highness is holding two of our new hybrids, and one has 15 leaves above the ear. Look for more info coming soon about our post-harvest meetings!

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

As daylight shortens and temperatures begin to cool off, we know summer is ending. Corn is still two to four weeks behind, and soybeans are beginning to turn. Southeast South Dakota (SESD) continues to get measurable rains week after week, leaving field conditions wet and sticky. Growers are doing some forward planning on how to get their crops out of the field as our area is getting between 1 and 6 inches of rain this week alone.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

More rain fell this week in Northeast South Dakota (NESD). Two to four inches was very common throughout the region with additional heavy rain in the forecast. White mold and other soybean diseases are becoming more prevalent. Early soybeans are starting turn yellow as soybean harvest is only a few weeks away.

Corn is still slow to progress as temperatures aren’t pushing milk lines very fast. There is a lot of corn that has not dented. Standability will most likely be of concern this harvest as most corn is firing and taking nutrients from within the plant to pack starch into the kernels.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

At this time of year, Latham® dealers get together at Latham SuperStrip plots to gain agronomic and product knowledge. Dealers from the south and central parts of my region got together in Horace, ND. Dealers from Northern ND and Northern MN got together in Emerado, ND.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

Latham’s LH 5245 VT2 PRO continues to shine in this field south of Redwood Falls, MN. Some ears are nearly 75% dented, while some are only 25% dented.

This picture shows what a late-season fungicide applied at tassel can do for plant health. This satellite imagine shown as an NDVI provided by Climate FieldView shows a definite line as to where the fungicide was applied.

Northern Wisconsin

Joe Salter

Some early maturity soybeans are starting to turn. White Mold and SDS are showing up across the region. Take note of these areas and remember to plant a Latham® IRONCLAD™ product the next time this field is planted to soybeans. Corn is still very wet, so very few harvesters have started rolling yet. Last week brought some great field opportunities for Latham dealers and customers. Pictured here is LH 3695 VT2 PRO which looks very good just north of Highway 29 East. For more information about all the options Latham has for your area, check out our products/hybrids on our website. You’re also welcome to call 877-GO-LATHAM and we’ll be glad to meet with you.

North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

I saw a lot of corn aphids while scouting fields yesterday around Estherville, IA. Here’s a resource from Iowa State University on corn aphids: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2016/08/managing-aphids-corn

Northwest Iowa

Jeremy Joynt

Variability will continue to be a part of everyone’s conversation now and throughout harvest. Last spring we saw variable soil conditions and planting dates, resulting in an array of different stages of plant growth. It is yet to be determined how the harvestability will be affected, but the yield of each hybrid is expected to be variable. As we get closer to harvest, keep plant health and stalk quality in mind to decide where to start combining.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Lots of soybean fields look like this, and a small portion are starting to turn. A few corn fields are getting closer to harvest. Now is a good time to meet with your Latham® Dealer to place early orders before harvest starts. Take advantage of early season orders and the best product availability!

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Early planted soybeans are starting to turn in Southeast Iowa.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

Despite a growing season of challenges beginning with spring flooding, Latham’s 6317 VT2 PRO DG RIB is putting on big ears in western Iowa. This ear is 18 kernels around by 40 long.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Latham’s LH 5199 SS LFY is an awesome silage corn. I counted 16 to 18 kernels around and 36 to 40 long. The tonnage was very good. This dealer filled his bunker and had to find another spot to put the extra!

Central Iowa

Aaron Steenhoek

Chopping season has come and gone throughout most of southern Iowa. Most of the corn that was planted in April and May has black layered and will now begin the dry-down process. Pictured here is Latham 6477 VT2 PRO RIB, doing what it does best. This variety is putting on more yield and tonnage than the competitor in this side-by-side comparison. When you look across this field, you can see that 6477 is a visually larger and healthier plant. Contact your local Latham® representative today to see how we can help you take care of your cow nutrition/feed stuffs and row crop needs!

Laura Cunningham

September 11, 2019

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Fall, Season
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

September 4, 2019 Crop Reports

Northwest North Dakota

Brian McNamee

What a fantastic Latham® product training week I attended last Thursday in southern Minnesota! We have Latham plots planted across the territory, so contact your local dealer if you’re interested in a first-hand look.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

After hearing reports of leaf-feeding on soybean fields in the area, I inspected several fields. Every field I walked had leaf feeding, and I found many Green Cloverworms on the ground. Green Cloverworms are one of many soybean defoliators in the Midwest. Using a sweep net method of sampling in an affected area is the best way of checking quantity and life stage of these insects. Many university information reports are available online, but it looks like 20 to 40 percent leaf loss is recommended before insecticide is applied. Check fields soon and spray if needed to maximize yields.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

The impressive ear pictured here is Latham® 4657 VT2 PRO RIB. It felt like it weighed more than 1 pound!

You can get better yield estimates now by pulling back husks and counting kernels, using the formula (length x rows)/90 = bushel per acre. The rows and kernels are not consistent on the top and bottom of the ear, so start a few kernels up from the bottom and stop a few kernels from the top. Keep in mind that moisture and test weight are not figured into this formula.

Take notes on each product, the environment and the conditions it faced this year. Also keep in mind your original goal for that hybrid back you ordered it a year ago. Then talk with your Latham dealer or regional sales manager about what you’re seeing. Even better, invite him or her to walk a field with you. Field notes can be helpful when selecting products for 2020.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Northeast South Dakota finally made it a week without much rain. Some corn is denting, which puts moisture levels around 60 percent. Corn needs, on average, another 30 days to reach black layer. Unfortunately, cooler-than-normal weather is expected again this weekend. Rootworm beetles have been present late this summer, so trait selection will be important next year.

Soybeans are finally filling pods, and some early varieties are starting to turn yellow. There were some fields that were sprayed for bean leaf beetles and clover-worms as defoliation was ever present this year.

Minor defoliation shown above on the new E3 Enlist soybeans.

Pictured below is LH 3937 VT2 PRO is standing out and will be drier than fuller season hybrids this year!

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

It’s hard to believe that September is here! Soybeans have great potential in my region as the August rains were beneficial. We’ll see if the pod counts add up at harvest. Pictured is a field of LLGT27 that has the appearance of hail damage. This field actually was damaged by Green Cloverworms, one of many soybean defoliators found in the Upper Midwest. There larvae maybe found in fields from late June through September.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

Latham’s new 100-day LH 5077 VT2 PRO looks stout in the plots this year. We just need an ample amount of heat to finish off this year on a good note. This Latham® plot near Echo, MN looks awesome!

Northern Wisconsin

Joe Salter

Two things that never get old, fresh cut hay and these views as Spaeth Farms takes hay off a couple of fields. Last week also brought us some much needed time looking at Latham® product in the field. I really enjoy Latham field training as there’s never a dull moment when our regional sales managers get together.

North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

This Latham® Soybean SuperStrip plot was planted May 5 near Garner, Iowa. This plot features E3, LLGT27, and LL technologies. Plot seed was treated with SoyShield^TMand ILeVo® and we’re not seeing any signs of SDS or white mold.

Northwest Iowa

Jeremy Joynt

The Clay County Fair in Spencer starts Saturday, Sept. 7. Be sure to stop by and see our Latham® Dealers at booth number 6! The start of the Clay County Fair also means it’s time to check out your combine because harvest will soon be here. It’s important to track which fields need to be harvested first.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Pictured here is a nice looking field in Bremer County Iowa of LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB. After yet another week of very little rainfall, some fields are starting to look stressed. Soybeans have a ways to go yet, so we really could use timely rains and a late frost.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

“Choice” is a cornerstone of Latham Hi Tech Seeds. No matter what challenges you may have in your soybean fields, we have the soybean for you! We will help you select seed, Field-x-Field® to find the right seed.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

Farmers in western Iowa are getting 24 to 26 tons per acre of silage, which is a bit less than in years without so much rain. Pictured here is a field of Latham’s 5495 3122 EZR.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

I stopped by to see our Latham® Dealer just south of Badger, Iowa, and got in on the tail-end as he and his son were baling hay pasture. That reminded me that Latham Seeds has trucked several bags of alfalfa in recent weeks for fall seeding. Be sure to check Latham’s full lineup of alfalfa, as well as our corn, soybeans and cover crops. The best price, as well as the best availability, is now!

Central Iowa

Aaron Steenhoek

Pre-harvest plot tours are starting across the territory, and we’re seeing the signs of fall. Corn is shrinking in places and beginning to die unnaturally. Soybean diseases like white mold, SDS, and brown stem rot (BSR) are showing up as soybeans mature. Late-season scouting leads to better seed decisions in the future plus it will help you prioritize fields for harvest. Pictured here is LH 6224, which is showing well in southern Iowa.

Laura Cunningham

September 4, 2019

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Fall, Season
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Reducing Harvest Loss Begins at the Header
Half of corn harvest loss and a whopping 80% of soybean harvest loss can occur at the header. It’s easy to overlook adjustments to the header because there aren’t any sensors to tell us what’s wrong. That’s why a relatively quick inspection is well worth your time.

A combine performs five key operations during harvest: cuts the crop; threshes the crop (first part of the rotor); separates the grain from the chaff (back part of the rotor); cleans the grain with fans and the cleaning shoe; and handles the crop to move it through the combine and into the grain cart or wagon. We all do our best to adjust our combines for each of these five areas.

Harvest loss can add up in a hurry as 1 bushel/acre of harvest loss is only 2 kernels of corn or just 4 soybeans per square foot.

Be sure to check the following two areas, which are often overlooked when making adjustments at harvest time:
- Reel speed is typically set automatically based on tire speed in modern combines. However, you can adjust reel speed on-the-go and stop loss due to changing field conditions. The reel should be hitting soybeans about one-half to 3/4 of the way up the plant and at a speed that lays them back onto the platform. If your reel speed is too fast, it will cause premature shatter losses.
- Corn harvest loss typically comes from whole ear loss or “butt-shelling” at the deck plates. Whole ear loss can be minimized by installing different things like ear savers for over the throat and at the front of the gathering chains. Upgrades that extend the height of each end of the header help when corn is down. “Butt-shelling” should be adjusted for by adjusting deck plates to stalk size and by making sure there is not extra wear where the ears continually snap.
Adjusting monitors in your combine cab is another area that can have a significant impact on your data collection. Following are a few noteworthy areas for your consideration:
- Don’t lag behind. Inaccurate Flow Delay is the most common issue with yield mapping. Are you noticing red streaks or a gap at the beginning and ending of each pass? This means the flow delay is not set appropriately. The delay is typically between 10 and 20 seconds. If you see lots of red as you start a pass, increase that time. If you see a gap of data points between the end of a pass and the headlands, you need to decrease the delay.
- Calibrate. Yield monitors can be off as much as 100%. Even if you diligently calibrated your monitor in corn last year, you must calibrate it again this year in corn. Make sure the moisture sensor is accurate because that calibration also impacts yield calibration. Electronic sensors are especially prone to needing adjustments.
- Do you run Auto Steer? If you don’t run auto-steer on your combine, you’ll need to adjust the swath width for soybeans if you’re running at an angle or harvesting drilled beans. For example, if you’re leaving about a two-foot gap on a 35-foot header, your swath width should be changed to 33 feet.
Focus on making the adjustments that can have a significant impact on the quality of your data, but don’t sweat the small stuff. For example, if you must stop on a dime for a tile blowout that would swallow your combine or if you skirt around a waterway, that data can be cleaned up later. Feel free to call me if you have any questions or need assistance.
Team Latham

September 3, 2019

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Fall, Precision Ag, Season, Soybeans, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Sclerotinia Stem Rot or “White Mold” in Soybeans

Credit: University of Wisconsin

Sclerotinia stem rot – also known as White Mold –can lead to significant yield loss in soybeans. Yield loss from white mold is attributed to the damage it causes to leaves, pods and stems. Research from the University of Wisconsin estimates the disease has costed growers in the U.S. and Canada 101 million bushels of soybeans – equal to $1.2 billion.

White mold is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and overwinters in the soil for a number of years. After the fungus emerges from the soil, mushroom shaped structures known as apothecia will form on the soil surface. The apothecia, ranging between ¼ and ½ an inch wide, will first infect through soybean flowers before it reaches the stem.

While the fungus primarily spreads through the air via spores, moisture is required for infection to take place. As a result, cool and wet weather along with high humidity are the main causes of white mold.

Credit: University of Wisconsin

Scouting for White Mold

While Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is often confused with other fungal pathogens, the sclerotia distinguishes white mold from other look-alike diseases. Symptoms of white mold will be most prevalent between R3 and R6. Infected plants will exhibit white fuzzy growth on the lower stem.

Soybean blossoms are the first area of the plant to exhibit signs of infection and neighboring stems and pods may appear water-saturated. After infecting blossoms and pods, white mold may eventually spread through the entire stem causing it to turn tan or bleached of color. As the mold growth becomes thicker, black spots will begin to surface throughout the fuzzy white surface.

White mold also creates foliar symptoms, causing leaves to completely die while still attached to the stem. In infected soybeans, the tissue area between the leaf veins will turn gray and cause leaves to become wilted and curled.

Treatment Options

Due to the overwintering nature of the sclerotia, a two to three-year rotation away from soybeans is advised. When it comes to genetics, some soybean varieties are more resistant to white mold than others. Varieties with resistance to the fungus may recover better than others. It is also important to consider planting practices that cause white mold growth. Shade created from high plant density and growing canopies can lead to the fungal disease. Increasing row width and reducing planting populations are the best methods to improve airflow through the canopy and reduce infection from white mold.

In addition, broadleaf weeds are notorious for hosting white mold and herbicides should be used to control weeds. Fungicides are a viable method for treating white mold and can reduce the negative impacts incurred by soybeans. However, they are most effective when applied just before infection takes place. Be sure to consult with your local Latham representative to determine the best treatment plan for white mold.

Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

April 1, 2019

Agronomics, Crop, Disease, Fall, Season, Soybeans, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Physoderma Stalk Rot

There are a variety of stalk rots that infect corn, causing extensive damage to crops and losses in yield. Common factors make corn susceptible to stalk rot including warm and wet weather, stress after pollination, fertility issues, stalk boring insects, and the presence of other foliar diseases. There are key signs, symptoms and differences that distinguish the different types of stalk rot.

Credit: Crop Protection Network

Scouting for Signs and Symptoms

Physoderma stalk rot is caused by the pathogen Physoderma maydis, the same fungus responsible for causing Physoderma brown spot. The fungal disease seems to be showing up in more and more corn fields each year, but typically shows up on random plants and and has minimal impact on yield. Like most stalk rot diseases, warm and wet weather favor the development of Physoderma stalk rot.

Physoderma stalk rot infects corn between the V4 and V9 stages. The disease is not associated with any foliar signs, so it is important to inspect plants closely at the base. Dark brown or black lesions will appear at the base of the stalk, and rotting of the pith will be observed upon splitting the stalk open. Overtime, blackening of the pith will move to higher nodes. Sporangia can also be found on the outside of nodes and within the rotted pith tissue.

Scout for symptoms of Physoderma stalk rot across five areas of the field. Stalks will make a distint “pop” and snap at one of the first 3 nodes above the soil line. If more than 10 to 15% of plants exhibit stalk rot, the field should be harvested early.

Management Strategies

With this being a newer disease we are still learning differences in hybrid tolerances to both stalk and foliar phases of this disease.

As a majority of stalk rots overwinter, one to two-year rotation away from corn and controlling corn residue are key for preventing the return of the disease. Fungicides may also be applied to prevent Physoderma leaf blight , but these studies are in early phases as well given the novel nature of this diesease

Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

April 1, 2019

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Fall, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Anthracnose Stalk Rot
Credit: Crop Protection Network

There are a variety of stalk rots that infect corn, causing extensive damage to crops and losses in yield. Common factors make corn susceptible to stalk rot including warm and wet weather, stress after pollination, fertility issues, stalk boring insects, and the presence of other foliar diseases. There are key signs, symptoms and differences that distinguish the different types of stalk rot.

Anthracnose stalk rot is the most common type of stalk rot and is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola. The fungus is favored by wet, warm weather and overwinters in corn residue. Signs of the disease will be observed four to six weeks following pollination.

Scouting for Signs and Symptoms

The disease undergoes three phases with distinct signs and symptoms:
- In the first phase, foliar lesions will appear in the early part of the growing season. The leaf blight will begin on the lowest leaves, and will reach the upper leaves by late season.
- During the second phase, top-dieback will appear in the middle part of the season after tasseling, killing the parts of the plant located above the ear.
- In the third phase, shiny black lesions will appear on outside surface of stalks. Look for setae, or bristles that cover the surface of the stalk. A hand lens can be used to look for the bristle-like texture and black dots in the center of lesions.
Stalks will exhibit fragility and appear to be brittle when handled. Different from other forms of stalk rot, anthracnose stalk rot will cause plants to lodge at the upper portion of the stalk. Pinching or bending at the nodes can be used to test for stalk lodging.

Stalk rot can lead to death just before maturity and reduce yield. In addition, plants defoliated from hail damage and those that are nitrogen deficient are at an increased risk for being infected from the stalk rot.

Management Strategies

Planting hybrids with resistance to stalk rots is a helpful defense against these diseases.
Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

April 1, 2019

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Fall, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Rust Diseases in Corn

Southern Rust. Credit: Crop Protection Network

Common Rust and Southern Rust infect corn in the late summer. The diseases generate raised spores known as “pustules” on the surface of leaves, leading to reduced yield and poor grain quality.

Common rust (Puccinia sorghi) and southern rust (Puccinia polysora) fungi are unable to overwinter in the Midwest and require a host plant to remain alive. The spores created by rust diseases are transported by wind to the Midwest from Southern states.

Temperatures ranging from 61–77° fuel the growth of rust diseases. Cool and humid temperatures, especially when exhibited overnight, can further drive the development of the fungi.

As long as the weather conditions are right for rust diseases, the cycle of spore development will continue. The return of hot and dry weather can prevent further development of the fungus and kill off the spores.

Implications

Rust can reduce yield and decrease grain quality. Foliar damage from rust diseases can interfere with water transpirationand reduce photosynthetic leaf area.

Nutrients designated to support plant growth are rerouted in response to the damage incurred by leaves. Damage from rust diseases deplete carbohydrate reserves in corn leaves. As a result, the plant will begin sourcing the nutrients from stalks and roots, leading to reduced yield and stalk rot.

Common Rust. Credit: Crop Protection Network

Scouting for Rust Diseases

While common rust has less of an impact on yield, southern rust has been found to reduce yield by 25 bu/acre in corn with no fungicide application. The fungi can begin to infect plants under favorable conditions in as little as six hours.

Southern rust signs are evident on the upper leaf surface and are round, as opposed to elongated in plants infected with common rust. The pustules will be orange compared to the darker color of common rust. Overtime, southern rust pustules will become brown or black.

Common rust pustules are found on the upper and lower leaf surface and are oblong. Common rust pustules will be brick red in appearance and can coalesce to kill parts of leaves. In order to determine the difference between common and southern rust pustules, use a magnifying lens to inspect the leaf surface.

Management

Planting early is one of the best ways to reduce corn’s vulnerability to rust diseases. Corn planted late in the season is most susceptible to experiencing yield loss and grain damage. Many hybrids are also equipped with resistance to rust diseases, though the extent to which they are protected from the fungus can vary.

When pustules are observed on 50% of scouted plants, it is advised to begin implementing a treatment plan. Fungicides can also be used to treat corn infected with common and southern rust. Be sure to consult with your local Latham representative to determine the best management options for rust diseases.

Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

April 1, 2019

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Fall, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Fall Frost Damage in Corn and Soybeans

Frost damage occurs in corn and soybeans when plants are exposed to freezing or below-freezing temperatures. Damage can occur to the plants above and below the soil when temperatures range from 28 to 32°F and colder. Corn and soybean plants exposed to air temperatures below 28°F are often lethal and prevent plants from undergoing full recovery from injuries. The key in assessing frost damage is waiting five days to allow for any potential growth recovery or rehabilitation to occur.

Credit: Michigan State University

Fall Frost in Soybeans

Once soybeans begin maturity and already have developed pods, they are most often immune from frost injury. Soybeans placed in narrow rows can have more protection from freezing air temperatures in being covered by leaf canopies. Pods growing on the lower portion of the plant are less vulnerable to frost damage than those on the top part of the canopy. Injured soybeans exhibit elongated pods that shrink to smaller than normal sizes upon drying. Most yield loss occurs during the full seed maturity stage.

Soybeans damaged by frost should be dried at a temperature no higher than 130°F and may have lower oil content. Both frost damaged corn and soybeans may also have delayed dry down.

Credit: University of Minnesota

Fall Frost in Corn

Frost-damaged corn can exhibit softened kernels prone to breakage and should be dried at temperatures below 160°F and be stored at a moisture level no higher than 14%. The storage life for frost-damaged corn will be cut in half and damaged corn should be handled separately from uninjured corn.

Latham Seeds Precision Agronomy Advisors

April 1, 2019

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Fall, Frost, Season, Soybeans, Weather
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

F.I.R.S.T. Trial Results with John Latham

Join us this morning with John Latham as he gives a highlight on how our Latham corn and soybeans are doing in the F.I.R.S.T. Trials!

https://www.facebook.com/LathamSeeds/videos/248852759141493/

Laura Cunningham

November 1, 2018

#AskTheAgronomist, Corn, Crop, Fall, Season, Soybeans