June 8, 2001
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Rootworm egg hatch detected
Moths, moths, moths: They're everywhere Stalk borer GDD predictor map Web sites offer guides for identifying caterpillars
Initiative 300 featured on June 14 Market Journal
June rains may aid wheat yields Purple loosestrife -- getting control before it's widespread Wheat disease update
Postemergence weed control in soybeans Tips for controlling problem
weeds in soybeans Saturated soils and the effect on soil nitrogen Treat soybean seed when replanting
Shapiro research targets
nutrient use efficiencie
Thin wheat stands may need harvest aid weed treatments Proso herbicide options limited High Plains Ag Lab tour June 21 Don't forget June 18-21 weed tour Field updates High Plains Grass Field Day June 14 Ag News -- Globalization's effect on Nebraska ag commodities; tax cuts; Kansas corn, soybean and sorghum plantings up; water quality funding measure passes; and NSA seeks botanical illustrations.
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Often the first detected rootworms are second instars. Corn rootworm larvae are slender, cream-colored, with brown heads and a dark plate on the top side of the tail, giving them a double-headed appearance. Mature larvae are 1/2 inch long. Search through the soil and roots over a sheet of black plastic to make it easier to find the small white worms. There is no established treatment guideline for corn rootworm larvae, but some consultants advise treating if there are two or three rootworms per plant. The usefulness of this guideline is dependent on your ability to find rootworm larvae in the soil.
If needed, cultivation time treatments should be applied soon after egg hatch begins. Cultivation time applications of insecticides are an effective means of reducing injury to corn plants from rootworm feeding damage. Most granular soil insecticides for corn rootworms (except for Aztec and Fortress) that are labeled for application at planting time also are labeled for use at cultivation. Incorporate granules with 1-2 inches of soil after application; effectiveness may be decreased unless the insecticide is incorporated.
Other options include the use of Furadan 4F and the use of chemigation treatments with Lorsban 4E. Control with Furadan 4F will generally be improved if the treatment is cultivated into the soil, unless sufficient rainfall occurs after application to move the insecticide down into the root zone. Lorsban 4E applications should be timed for the first appearance of second instar corn rootworms. Additional information on suggested insecticides, rates and restrictions is available at the Insecticides for Corn Rootworm Larval Control website.
For a further indepth look into corn rootworms, check out any of these three sites.
Moths, moths, moths: They're everywhere
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A variety of moths have been showing up in light traps and around people's houses, lawns, etc., the past few weeks. Some of these may have implications for field crop insect management. At this point we don't have evidence of economic infestations, but people should be watching for developing caterpillar populations. Updated information on light trap results from Nebraska can be found at the Entomology website.
We have begun to pick up increasing numbers of armyworm moths the last few days at Clay Center. I have not heard reports of armyworm larvae yet, but they have been abundant this spring in states south and east of us, and may be moving into Nebraska now. Armyworm larvae often start developing in grassy pastures, field edges, or on grassy weeds within corn. As these food sources are exhausted, they may feed on corn. They feed mostly during the night. They may not be seen easily during the day, but their damage should be visible. They also may damage wheat or other small grains.
Yellow-striped armyworms were found feeding in the whorl of corn plants in Saunders, Hamilton and Clay counties last week. The damage is not economic, but it may be confused with that caused by stalk borers. Yellow-striped armyworms feed in the whorl and do not burrow in the stalk as stalk borers do . They may vary in coloration but have a distinctive yellow stripe down the length of each side of the body unlike the stalk borer which has stripes interrupted by a broad dark area behind the legs.
Variegated cutworm moths have been caught frequently in light traps at Concord and Clay Center over the past few weeks. Variegated cutworms are most frequently pests of alfalfa, although we have received a few reports of damage in corn this spring. I received a sample this week from an alfalfa field near North Platte which was being damaged by variegated cutworms. If abundant, variegated cutworms may damage alfalfa after harvest and delay regrowth.
Variegated cutworms have a series of diamond-shaped yellowish spots forming a line down the middle of the caterpillar's back.
Another situation to watch for is when weeds are controlled in corn or other crops. In Kansas and other states to our south they have reported caterpillars of several species moving from broadleaf weeds to corn, soybeans and other crops as the weeds were killed.
Bob Wright
Extension Entomologist
South Central REC
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A series of guides on identifying caterpillars in field crops was recently published online by Kansas State University. The publications are written by Entomologists G. Wilde, H. L. Brooks and K. O. Bell and feature color photos.
Bob Wright
Extension Entomologist
South Central REC
University of Nebraska experts will discuss the ongoing ramifications of Nebraska's constitutional restriction on corporate farming on the inaugural edition of "Market Journal" June 14. Initiative 300, approved by voters in 1982, will be discussed by "Market Journal" host Doug Jose, University of Nebraska agricultural economist, and his guests Dave Aiken, NU agricultural and water law specialist, and Al Prosch, coordinator of the NU-based Pork Central program.
"Market Journal" will air the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Each month's first edition will be downlinked to more than 20 sites across Nebraska live from 8-9 p.m. (CST). Each month's second edition will be webcast live at www.marketjournal.unl.edu. Both editions will be archived for viewing at the site.
The program, which runs until December, will feature tips for producers on marketing livestock, discussion of agricultural policy issues and other topics.
Jose, Aiken and Prosch June 14 will discuss the latest developments on Initiative 300, which restricts corporate farming or ranching to family farm corporations. The Nebraska Supreme Court last year further defined the law when it found that a producer who managed a pig operation but who didn't have direct contact with the pigs did not qualify as a corporation because he didn't provide both labor and management.
A complete list of viewing sites for the June 14 program is available on the Market Journal web site at http://marketjournal.unl.edu.
See the May 25 Crop Watch for more information about Market Journal and a list of the downlink sites.
Market Journal receives support from the Nebraska Feed and Grain Association, USDA Risk Management Agency, and NU Cooperative Extension.
The recent rains have benefited the winter wheat crop. In addition, for wheat that is headed, the cooler temps during the filling period have improved the outlook for winter wheat yields. Following are summaries of wheat conditions across the state.
Winter wheat condition in the Panhandle continues to improve. Although there are many spotty wheat stands, in the last two weeks growth has accelerated and plant vigor has improved. Recent scattered rain showers have helped the winter wheat crop, although weeds are a concern where wheat stands are thin. Some late-season herbicide treatments have been made in these thin stands to prevent problems at harvest. As of June 4, wheat development in the Panhandle ranged from plants just jointing (spring-planted wheat) to plants just beginning to head. In general, the winter wheat crop is one to two weeks behind normal development. This slower development places wheat at risk for yield and test weight loss from late June heat. We hope that the recent trend for cooler than normal temperatures continues through June.
In the West Central and Southwest areas winter wheat conditions range from poor to good. Some varieties were able to tolerate the weather and field conditions at planting much better than others. Many stands are thin and the amount of tillering was lower than normal, hence weeds may be a problem in those fields not treated earlier. With the large difference in stands and vigor, all the winter wheat variety plots were rated. The ratings varied from 50% to 100%. Soil borne mosaic is a problem in some fields.
In the South Central area wheat is nearly finished flowering. There is some evidence of foliar diseases. Soil moisture conditions are good.
Wheat fields in the Southeast District are spotty. Fields planted into soybean stubble last fall were challenged by dry conditions and difficulty getting proper drill penetration. Varieties which were winter tender were severely damaged. Hardy varieties generally came through the winter with minor thinning. Leaf diseases are beginning to emerge and with the recent rains could become very severe. Proper planting equipment and variety selection are key ingredients for a successful harvest this year.
Robert N. Klein
Extension Cropping Systems Specialist
West Central District
Drew J. Lyon
Extension Dryland Crops Specialist
Panhandle District
Roger W. Elmore
Extension Crops Specialist
South Central District
Lenis A. Nelson
Extension Crop Variety and Seed Production Specialist
UNL, Agronomy Department
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Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicoria) was introduced to North America from Europe in the 1800's. Since then, it has slowly invaded wetlands and waterways from the northeastern United States to the Great Lakes region and further into the prairie states including Nebraska. It is estimated that about 15,000 acres of Nebraska's wetlands are infested, mostly along major rivers. Producers and homeowners need to take steps to stop the further spread of this highly competitive weed.
When wetlands are taken over by loosestrife, the natural habitat is lost and the productivity of native plant and animal communities is severely reduced. Song birds will not feed on loosestrife seeds. Muskrats can not use roots for food or shelter. Waterfowl are affected when dense impenetrable stands of loosestrife eliminate nesting sites and open water. Local fish and wildlife that can't move are lost forever. Vigorously growing purple loosestrife will clog irrigation canals, ditches, stream banks and reservoirs.
Purple loosestrife can colonize and thrive easily because it is a prolific seed producer and has a strong perennial root system (rhizome). Each plant can produce up to two million seeds in one season. Seeds can be carried far away by water, wind, or birds and can remain viable for many years. The rhizome grows well in marshy soils and can help spread the species if washed away by river water. Purple loosestrife is a highly competitive plant. It grows fast and quickly traps nutrients and sunlight. Soft muddy wetlands become a woven mat of tough roots with no significant food value for many wildlife species.
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Identification
Purple loosestrife is relatively easy to identify, however, not every plant with purple flowers is purple loosestrife. Several native species produce purple flowers and can be mistakenly identified as purple loosestrife. These include the American germander and various species of vervains. American germander is commonly found along rivers, creeks and ditches in Nebraska. It flowers at the same time as loosestrife and its purple flowers can be easily mistaken for it; however, the shape of the leaf can be used as a distinguishing feature. Purple loosestrife has a rounded or heart-shaped leaf base and a sharply pointed tip (Figure 1). The American germander leaf is ovate in shape and has serrate leaf margins (Figure 2). American germander is much shorter and readily consumed by wild life.
Purple loosestrife can grow to 3-9 feet tall with several, square stalks per plant. These stalks are tough and often appear to be woody at the base. Leaves are on opposite sides of stalk, thin and appear sharply pointed. In Nebraska, it flowers from July to September. Flowers can range from red to rose-purple in color. The flowers are arranged on 1- to 3-foot spikes. The fruit is a small oblong capsule with two valves containing many small seeds. There are many capsules within a spike and several spikes per plant. Each spike can produce up to 100,000 tiny, light seeds that are readily moved by wind. Seed germination typically ranges from 80% to 100%. The root system is very strong and when mature, the root branches become thick and woody.
Integrating control measures
Purple loosestrife has no natural enemies or plant competitors in North America. A single control measure can't provide long-term, sustainable, management of this weed; however, if control practices are integrated in a systematic manner, significant advances can be achieved.
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2. Manual control: Pulling and digging plants can be very effective for small areas. Pulling is most effective on plants that are one to two years old. Loosestrife spreads vegetatively from stems, therefore, regeneration from discarded plants is likely. They should be dried and burned. If plant pulling is not feasible, removing the flower heads can help reduce the spread of seeds. Simply cut the heads in July and August (before the flower sets go to seed). Seed formation starts at the bottom of the flower and progresses to the tip. Before cutting the seed head off, check to see that ripe seeds are not present.
3. Cutting: Cutting can actually spread loosestrife if the cuts are not removed because the cut stalk portions can sprout. All cut plants should be removed and burned. Place all plant parts in a carton or protected site so that they can dry completely without danger of being spread.
4. Repeated mowing and disking: Purple loosestrife is also a common problem in "semi-wet" areas that are not under water year-round. Such sites might include low farm land and wet meadows along major waterways, including many infested sites along creeks and canals in northeastern Nebraska. Mechanical and cultural control methods can be used during dry periods. Mechanically removing the above-ground plant parts could significantly lower the production and translocation of sugars to the roots and crowns, lowering the conversion to and accumulation of a storage carbohydrate such as starch.
Stevan Knezevic
Integrated Weed Management Specialist
Northeast REC, Haskell Ag Lab
Wheat Stripe Rust Alert: Bob Bowden, Kansas State University wheat pathologist, reports significant stripe rust activity throughout Kansas as of early June. In Nebraska stripe rust has been reported from the southwest through the southeast. Stripe rust was our most evident rust disease in 2000, but severity was low. Cool, wet weather this spring in the southern Plains states promoted its development in Texas and Oklahoma in April. Similar weather during much of May has been ideal for its development; however, as temperatures increase in June, stripe rust activity will decline. In some Nebraska fields, stripe rust may reduce yields, but in others the disease will probably have little effect.
As the name implies the rust pustules appear as distinct yellow-orange stripes on the leaves. The disease can cause serious damage if the flag leaves become severely rusted. At this late stage chemical control is questionable, since much of the wheat is fully headed. Quadris, Manzate, Dithane or Penncozeb can be applied up to growth stage 10.5 (Feekes) or flowering. If growers or seed producers are thinking of spraying, check the growth stage of the wheat to make certain the application will be within label guidelines.
Other diseases: Leaf rust is developing slowly in the central Great Plains and is at trace amounts in southern Nebraska. A recent survey of the Nebraska Panhandle revealed few disease problems, with only background levels of wheat streak mosaic in some fields. Barley yellow dwarf is present in some fields, but this is probably spring infection which will have little effect on yields. In fields near wheat residue, tan spot is present and with the cool weather, is moving onto the middle and upper leaves.
John Watkins
Extension Plant Pathologist
Soybeans have been planted throughout much of the state and producers are now gearing up for their summer weed management strategies. For some producers, their choice of strategy will be easy since they planted herbicide-resistant crops and will likely choose a corresponding herbicide. For others, selection may be much more complex, given the number of products on the market to control various weeds within different windows.
With the strange and somewhat wet weather pattern this year, producers who used a preemergence herbicide may have more flexibility in their postemergence weed management strategy. With the preemergence herbicide down, producers will generally be able to wait longer before applying postemergence herbicides or cultivating.
Several other strategies include the use of an early postemergence herbicide with residual such as a Roundup + Pursuit tank mix, a timely postemergence application followed by cultivation or two separate postemergence applications timed roughly 20-30 days apart, letting the weed growth stage dictate application timing.
Regardless of which strategy you use, timing of the weed removal is critical. (See the May 25 Crop Watch) Soybeans should be kept free of weed competition from the 2nd trifoliate stage to beginning bloom. The weed management strategy you choose should be flexible but provide for weed removal during this critical time. Management strategies will largely be based on the time constraints of individual producers. Picking the strategy that best fits into your schedule will help you maintain optimum weed management in fields this year.
Growers should consider several issues when selecting a postemergence herbicide. One such issue is crop safety. Many soybean herbicides used for broadleaf control are cell membrane disrupters. Herbicides such as Blazer, Cobra, Resource, and Flexstar will do well on many broadleaf weeds, especially waterhemp, but also may cause some amount of burning on the soybean leaves. Research has shown there is little or no yield impact from this burn in early growth stages of soybeans. Once soybeans begin blooming, avoid using the cell membrane disrupter herbicides.
In soybeans herbicides such as Poast, Fusion, Fusilade, and Select will easily control annual grasses. One slight problem, however, is that these grass herbicides require crop oil and when tank mixed with cell membrane disrupters for broadleaf control, things can really heat up. In addition, grass control will generally be slightly reduced when one of these grass products is tank mixed with a broadleaf herbicide.
Brady Kappler
Weed Science Educator
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Kochia: Roundup Ultra can be used in Roundup Ready soybeans at 32 oz/a. Herbicides offering less control, in the 80% range, include Basagran at 2 pt/a, Pursuit DG at 1.44 oz/a, Raptor at 5 oz/a Liberty in LL soybeans at 28 oz/a, and Synchrony in STS soybeans at 0.5 oz/a. Keep in mind that many areas have ALS-resistant kochia, which means that herbicides such as Synchrony, Pursuit, and Raptor will not provide control.
Velvetleaf: Control can be achieved with cell membrane disrupters including Blazer at 1-1.5 pt/a, Cobra at 10-12 oz/a, Reflex/Flexstar at 1 pt/a, and Basagran at 2 pt/a, Classic at 0.5-0.75 oz/a, Pursuit DG at 1.44 oz/a, Raptor at 5 oz/a, Resource at 4 oz for velvetleaf < 4", Synchrony in STS soybeans at 0.5 oz/a, Roundup Ultra in Roundup Ready soybeans at 32 oz/a, and Stellar at 6 oz/a.
Waterhemp: Because much of the waterhemp is ALS-resistant, only a handful of herbicides provide satisfactory control. These include cell membrane disrupters such as Blazer/Status at 1-1.5 pt/a, Cobra at 10-12 oz/a, Reflex/Flexstar at 1 pt/a, as well as Stellar at 6 oz/a and Roundup Ultra in Roundup Ready soybeans at 32 oz/a.
Brady Kappler
Weed Science Educator
With the recent spell of cool wet weather, poor stands are becoming evident in some soybean fields. In many cases this is due to Pythium and some Fusarium. Both of these fungi are favored by cool wet soils.
If you need to replant, be sure to treat your seed with a fungicide. Otherwise you will be placing the unprotected seed into a soil environment which has a high level of fungal activity. In most cases when soybean fields with a seedling disease problem are replanted without using a seed treatment, the problem is continued.
When selecting a seed treatment product, consult "Seed Treatment Fungicides for Soybeans," NebFact 411. It is a comprehensive list of products and the fungi they are active against. I recommend a good combination product with broad-spectrum activity if you do not know which fungus you're up against. Also, remember that coverage is the key to good efficacy with a seed treatment. If the seed is not covered, it is not protected.
Loren J. Giesler
Extension Plant Pathologist
Recent rains in southeast Nebraska may have left some areas in standing water for extended periods. When soils are wet for a continuous period, anaerobic bacteria convert nitrate nitrogen to N2O or N2 through a process called denitrification. In order for denitrification to occur, there needs to be a supply of nitrate. If an ammonium form of nitrogen was applied and the soil remained cool, nitrification may have been delayed. If soil nitrate levels were already low, denitrification will be minimal.
How important and what is the magnitude of this nitrogen loss?
The rate of nitrogen loss to denitrification depends on several factors. Dr. John Doran, NU soil microbiologist, suggests that soils have to be above field capacity for two days (at least 70% water-filled pore space) and the temperature has to be greater than 60°F for denitrification to occur at rates that would be agronomically important (see table in May 11, 2001 Crop Watch). Practically, this means the soils have to have standing water or there has to be continual rainfall. Generally, it takes 12 hours to 2 days for soils to reach field capacity after saturation.
In addition, there has to be a source of organic carbon for the microbes to use as a food source and, of course, nitrate-nitrogen. The pH of the soil also influences the rate of denitrification. As pH is reduced to pH of 5.0, the rate is also reduced. Under denitrifying conditions, nitrogen losses can be 2 lbs N/acre/day or greater. However, the losses can be much greater under some conditions.
Fields which have been continuously waterlogged and have had significant water infiltration may have leaching. Depending on the infiltration rate, nitrate may be below the surface but still available for crop use later in the season.
Suggested action
First, determine if the soils have been waterlogged for more than two days and whether the soil temperatures were over 60°F. Map or note where losses might occur. Observe these areas over the next few weeks. Watch for yellowing of the older leaves. If yellowing begins, apply 20-30 lbs. nitrogen per acre. A chlorophyll meter or remote sensing information also can be used to help determine the need for nitrogen. Compare the suspect areas to areas that are adequately fertilized and did not have saturated conditions to help determine the extent of any problem.
Charles Shapiro
Soil Scientist - Crop Nutrition
Haskell Ag Lab, Northeast REC
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This is the first in a series of brief spotlights on the research pursuits of our contributing authors. Most NU Extension specialists also have major appointments in the NU Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources' Research Division. Charles Shapiro, the soil fertility specialist at the Northeast Research and Extension Center, conducts research on improving nutrient use efficiency for corn and other crops. He has been at the Haskell Agricultural Laboratory near Concord since 1984.
Specific research includes the interaction of tillage and nitrogen rates, site-specific manure applications, sequestering of swine lagoon nutrients in forages, potassium effects on stalk strength and corn yield, nitrogen timing on sandy soils, effect of low pH on crop production in sands, and optimum soil test P values and phosphorus application methods.
Dr. Shapiro's appointment is split between the IANR Research and Extension divisions. His extension efforts include sharing his research results with the public. Targeted extension programs include developing Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning tools for Nebraska livestock producers, using large plots to demonstrate nitrogen rate calculation procedures, and distributing easy to use tools to make nitrogen recommendations.
Dr. Shapiro, along with Extension educator Dick DeLoughery, was instrumental in developing the nitrogen management tools featured earlier this year in Crop Watch. Research results and interactive worksheet versions based on 20 years of on-farm trials are available on the Crop Watch, Focus on Nitrogen website.
Charles Shapiro
Soil Scientist - Crop Nutrition
Haskell Ag Lab, Northeast REC
(Special to the Web)
With many winter wheat stands being thin and less competitive with weeds, the need for a pre-harvest herbicide application may be appropriate for many winter wheat fields this year. This is especially true for fields not treated earlier. The benefits from a pre-harvest (harvest aid) treatment include:
Remember for another year that the damage that these weeds do to winter wheat yield by competing with the crop for space, light, moisture, and nutrients will have already occurred. To avoid this yield loss in the future, apply herbicides prior to wheat jointing. If thin stands are a concern, use a herbicide with residual soil activity.
For winter wheat fields with weed populations that may interfere with harvest, consider 2,4-D low volatile ester as a harvest aid treatment. Apply 2,4-D low volatile ester at a rate of 1 quart/acre (4 pounds active ingredient/gallon) to winter wheat in the hard dough stage. All green color should be gone from the stem. Earlier application of 2,4-D may cause serious injury to the wheat. The 2,4-D must be applied at least seven days before harvest. Not all brands of 2,4-D are labeled for use as a harvest aid treatment, so be sure to check the label.
Ally + 2,4-D is labeled for use as a pre-harvest aid treatment. Ally at 0.1 oz/acre + 2,4-D at 4-8 oz/acre (4 pounds active ingredient/gallon) + surfactant at 1 quart/100 gallons of spray solution provides more rapid burndown and control of large kochia and Russian thistle plants than 2,4-D alone. Consider the following factors before applying Ally + 2,4-D as a harvest aid:
To reduce breakage with treatments containing 2,4-D -- such as Landmaster BW-- all green color should be gone from the winter wheat stem joints before application. Before spraying, check adjacent fields for susceptible crops.
Robert Klein
Extension Cropping Systems Specialist
West Central District
Drew Lyon
Extension Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist
Panhandle District
Although proso millet is an important dryland crop in the Nebraska Panhandle and northeast Colorado, nationally it garners little attention. In fact, only three herbicides are labeled for use in proso millet. These herbicides are: 2,4-D amine, Clarity and Peak. The only 2,4-D product labeled for use in proso millet is Formula 40 by Riverdale Chemical Company.
Clarity is the only dicamba product labeled for use in proso millet. All three herbicides provide selective postemeregence broadleaf weed control in proso millet. Peak provides some residual control of later emerging broadleaf weeds, but cropping flexibility is somewhat limited, for example sunflowers and garbanzo beans cannot be planted for 22 months following a Peak application.
None of these products will control grass weeds. Because of the limited number of herbicide products labeled in proso millet, cultural practices are an important part of any weed control strategy. Proso seeding should be delayed until early June to allow time for warm-season grass weeds such as green and yellow foxtail to emerge and be controlled prior to seeding. June seeding also allows soil temperatures to rise sufficiently to encourage rapid emergence of proso millet plants. Higher seeding rates, in the range of 15 to 20 pounds of seed per acre, should be used to increase proso millet's competitive advantage with weeds.
Drew Lyon
Extension Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist
Panhandle District
(Special to the Web)
University of Nebraska High Plains Ag Lab Field Day will feature presentations and a tour of current field research beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 21. The Lab, located north of Sidney and south of Gurley, focuses on research and demonstration of dryland crop production. Registration, coffee and rolls will begin at 8:30 a.m. Tours will begin from the Lab at 9:10 a.m. Host speakers will be Margaret West and Karen DeBoer, Extension educators, and Charles Hibberd, director of the Panhandle REC at Scottsbluff.
Topics and speakers for the first section of the tour are: Pulse Crops with David Baltensperger, alternative crops specialist at the Panhandle REC; Control of Rye and Jointed Goatgrass in Clearfield Wheat with Drew Lyon, Extension dryland cropping systems specialist; and wheat streak mosaic virus resistance and sunflower head moth trapping with Gary Hein, Extension entomologist.
Following the 10:30 a.m. break, speakers and topics for the second part of the tour will include: Fertility with Jürg Blumenthal, Extension soil fertility specialist; Wheat breeding update and varieties with Stephen Baenziger, Robert Graybosch, David Baltensperger, NU researchers and Extension specialists on the NU Wheat Breeding Team.
Lunch will be at noon, followed by a panel discussion on hard white wheat issues. Speakers will include: Drew Lyon, moderator; Stephen Baenziger, NU wheat breeder; Dave Cook, manager, Scoular Grain, Sidney; Robert Graybosch, USDA-ARS Wheat Breeder; Bob Kelly, General Manager for Crossroads Cooperative; Leon Kriesel, Kriesel Certified Seeds; and Ron Maas, executive director of the Nebraska Wheat Board. At 3 p.m. participants will be able to take a tour of irrigated wheat plots on the Tim Maas farm.
To drive to the High Plains Ag Lab: from Sidney, travel 6 miles north on U.S. 385; turn west at the Huntsman Elevator and travel 2.5 miles, then north 0.5 miles; from Gurley, travel 10 miles south on US 385; 2.5 miles west at the Huntsman elevator and then 0.5 miles north.
The 2001 University of Nebraska Weed Tour is June 18-21; however, the North Platte stop on June 20 has been cancelled due to hail and wind damage. Anyone interested in viewing the North Platte site later should contact Gail Wicks, Extension weeds specialist, at 308-532-3611 ext. 151.
Gary Hall, Extension educator in Phelps County: Most crops are planted and fields have received welcomed moisture this past week. Crop growth stage is all over the board with some corn at the 5-leaf stage and other corn barely out of the ground. Soybeans are more closely grouped in growth stage. Warmer temperatures will hopefully provide a needed growth spurt to get crops up to normal size for this time of year. There have been few insect problems, but weeds are growing well. Producers are trying to apply herbicides, but wind and weather have delayed applications.
Jennifer Chaky, coordinator of the NU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic: We still are not seeing many disease problems in the clinic. On corn, we have seen some more possible herbicide injury and some injury possibly due to wind or other environmental factor.
The following diseases were diagnosed May 21 - June 1: corn - fusarium root and crown rot (Holt County).
Ralph Anderson, Extension Educator in Buffalo County: Crops here are well watered for now and would like some warm sunny weather. Planting and emergence is completed and weeds are coming. Producers are eager to get back into the fields to finish fertilizing, cultivating and spraying. Hay harvest has started but has also been a challenge. Except for pale color and emerging weeds, most fields are looking good. We just got the light trap started Friday and most flights have been small with a few corn borer and wooly bear moths. The light trap report is at the Buffalo County Light Trap
website.
The High Plains Grass Seed Association will be hosting a field day Thursday, June 14, at the Dan Laursen Farm near Alliance. Tour leader will be Tony Merrigan, Extension Educator in Box Butte County.
To drive to the Lauresen farm, take West 10th Street west out of Alliance about 15 miles to a T in the road; go two miles north to another T in the road; then west 1/2 mile. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts. Cost is $10 and includes lunch.
Morning tour topics and presenters include: Variety Trial Studies with David Baltensperger, extension alternative crops specialist, PHREC; Residue Management Studies with Jim Margheim, research assistant, PHREC; Preparation of Fields for Seeding with Dan Laursen, president of the High Plains Grass Seed Association; Weed Control Studies with Robert Wilson, extension weed specialist, PHREC; Production and Marketing Practices for Western Wheatgrass with Dan Laursen
The tour will continue in the afternoon with the following topics and presenters: Nitrate Leaching and Water Use Study with Jürg Blumen-thal, extension PHREC soils specialist; Potential Insect Problems and Controls with Gary Hein, PHREC Extension entomologist; Potential Disease Problems and Controls with John Watkins, extension plant pathologist, and Jennifer Chaky, Coordinator, UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic; and the Row-Integrity Study with Eric Nielsen, PHREC research assistant. Following the program and tour on the Laursen farm, there will be tours of nearby grass production fields.
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