Be prepared to irrigate soybeans earlier;
consider plant need and irrigation system capacity

On Thursday, July 11, the NU “Market Journal” program will present an in-depth look at the state’s current crop and water situation. NU Extension experts appearing on the program will offer detailed management advice, which ag producers can use to minimize the effects of drought on their operations.

A portion of the hour-long satellite presentation will be set aside for a live, phone-in question-and-answer session. Viewer questions will drive the discussion.

Guests scheduled to appear on the July 11 edition of “Market Journal” include Drew Lyon, dryland crops specialist, and Dean Yonts, irrigation engineer. Lyon and Yonts are based at NU’s Panhandle Research and Extension Center. Jose Payero, water resources engineer, and Robert Klein, cropping system specialist, will also appear on the program. Payero and Klein are based at NU’s West Central Research and Extension Center. Klein believes that farmers and ranchers ought to do everything they can to conserve soil moisture all the time.

“The way we really help on drought is excellent weed control. We can’t afford to let those weeds use any moisture out here when we have these drought conditions,” said Klein.

Klein also recommends minimum tillage as a way to hold in soil moisture. He helps farmers figure out what to do with drought-damaged crops, answering questions about when, how, and even whether to harvest. This year, Klein says, he’s also been answering a lot of questions about grasshoppers and the means by which they can be kept in check.

Also on the July 11 edition of “Market Journal,” an assessment of current corn and soybean market conditions from Roy Smith, Plattsmouth area producer. Al Dutcher, Nebraska State Climatologist, will review the most recent drought monitor and offer an ag weather forecast for the coming days and weeks.

”Market Journal” will be broadcast via satellite (NEBSAT 106) beginning at 8 p.m. CDT (7 p.m. MDT) on Thursday, July 11. The program can be viewed at county extension offices across Nebraska. Contact your local county extension educator for program availability in your area. In Lincoln, “Market Journal” can also be seen on Time-Warner Cable channel 21.

Viewers who want to offer comment or ask questions on-air are encouraged to call in during the program. The toll-free number is 1-800-755-7765

. The July 11 edition of “Market Journal” will be recorded on tape and re-broadcast on Friday, July 12, 2002, at 9am (CDT) on the same satellite coordinates.

Post herbicide activity is strongly influenced by spray additives. Most, but not all, post herbicides require the use of spray additives. There can be a 'fine line' between increased weed control and crop injury. Consult the herbicide label for specific information.

The most commonly used spray additives include oils, surfactants, and certain fertilizers. Oil concentrates include both petroleum and seed derived oils and are usually composed of at least 17% emulsifier plus oil. Methylation of seed oils (MSO) improves their performance. Oil concentrates are generally used at 1-1.25% by spray volume or 1-2 pints per acre depending on the herbicide, oil, and spray volume.

Surfactants are compounds that reduce the surface tension of liquids. Used with post herbicides they cause spray droplets to spread out and "wet" the leaf surface. This results in increased penetration of the leaf surface and increased activity. Nonionic surfactants (NIS), meaning no electrical charge on the molecule, are the most commonly used surfactants. Surfactants are usually used at 1/4 % by spray volume or 1 quart per 100 gallons of spray mixture.

Surfactants and oils generally perform the same function: increasing penetration of the leaf cuticle. Generally one or the other, but not both, would be used in a spray mixture. Where both an oil and a surfactant are suggested with a particular herbicide, the oils tend to increase activity the most.

Ammonium containing fertilizers are effective spray additives with 28-0-0, 32-0-0 solutions, and 21-0-0 spray grade ammonium sulfate, the most commonly used formulation. The ammonium in these materials enhances the uptake of certain herbicides by a mechanism not well understood. While oils and surfactants function primarily at the leaf surface, the ammonium ion functions inside the cell wall. Ammonium fertilizers are not surfactants and do not replace the need for surfactants or oils in a spray mixture.

Ammonium containing fertilizers are used at 2-4 quarts or 2-4 lb per acre and can be used with equal effect with post herbicides except glyphosate. With glyphosate only ammonium sulfate (AMS) should be used as the additive. AMS is effective in countering the effect of calcium, iron and magnesium in our water, cations that complex and deactivate glyphosate. The other ammonium containing fertilizers are not effective in counteracting the effect of these cations.

The benefit of using spray additives with post herbicides is greatest under adverse conditions, when it is hot and dry and weeds are stressed. Give yourself an edge and use the best additive for the herbicide.

Weeds under drought stress caused by lack of rainfall or high weed density, or covered with dust are difficult to control, especially if low rates of glyphosate are used. Approved AMS should be used with all glyphosate products. Stress also may be caused by diseases, insects, and either too little or too much water. Do not add other surfactants, wetting agents, or buffering agents unless the label requires them. Glyphosate efficiency may be reduced on some weed species when mixed with fertilizer solutions.

Several factors can contribute to less than desirable control, depending on the situation and time of year glyphosate is applied. Glyphosate works best under good conditions for plant growth, especially when weeds are small. Labels give specific information on weed height and rate to use for different species. Weeds differ in the sensitivity to glyphosate. Table 1 lists those weeds that are tougher to control with glyphosate. Unless a preemergence herbicide is added, two applications of glyphosate may not be sufficient to control weeds season long in Roundup Ready crops. Some weeds such as carpetweed, tumble pigweed and puncture vine may emerge after the last application. Perennial weeds may escape the glyphosate rate used in Roundup Ready crops because rates are too low.

Glyphosate should not be allowed to stay in the tank for more than 24 hours because glyphosate degrades and additional glyphosate would need to be added to compensate for the loss of glyphosate.

Reasons for slow control in the early spring or late fall

Speed of kill depends on the rate used and air temperature. It takes longer to kill volunteer wheat, downy brome, and jointed goatgrass after September 20 than before. In the spring, cool temperatures usually slow the kill of volunteer wheat, annual bromes, and jointed goatgrass. However, suggested rates usually end with the same degree of control if applied early or late. Tough to control weeds, such as prickly lettuce or kochia, may need to be tank-mixed with 2,4-D or dicamba or a commercial formulation containing these herbicides should be used. This spring, glyphosate failed to control kochia in thick stands under drought stress, but did control scattered plants. The glyphosate label states that kochia should not be treated in the button stage.

Reasons for poor weed control in Roundup Ready soybean or Roundup Ready corn

Poor control is related to stage of weed growth, weed species, and weather conditions. Sometimes glyphosate + Pursuit may not control emerged common lambsquarters. Cloudy cool weather may lead to reduced control of some Russian thistle and kochia biotypes. Dust along gravel roads has reduced control with glyphosate. Velvetleaf control has diminished with evening applications of glyphosate.

Reasons for poor weed control in stubble

Glyphosate performance in wheat stubble fields is affected by many factors. These include spray volume, time of day when sprayed, temperature, rainfall, weed species, stage of weed growth, weed density, water logging, drought stress, wind, climatic conditions, water hardness, distribution of crop residues, cropping history, and vigor of the winter wheat crop. Other factors reducing weed control with herbicides include cutting off tops of weeds during harvest, glyphosate-tolerant weeds, thin wheat stands, dust, and poor straw and chaff distribution. Sometimes large weeds intercept the herbicide so that it doesn't reach shorter weeds. In the case of dense stubble, consider increasing the rate. This may be why glyphosate labels suggest increasing the glyphosate rate in no-till systems.

Tank mixes of glyphosate and atrazine have led to reduced control of barnyardgrass and yellow foxtail. There is some evidence that evening spraying reduces the antagonism caused by atrazine.

If weeds are cut off when harvesting, you may need to allow sufficient regrowth to occur before applying glyphosate. With broadleaf weeds it may be advisable to add 2,4-D or dicamba to the mix. Weeds must be sprayed before they produce seeds or use to much soil water.

Operators becoming more knowledgeable about sprayers, herbicides, weeds, and conditions that improve performance can overcome many of these factors. Simply adding ammonium sulfate to the water before adding glyphosate can improve control, especially when weeds are under stress. Increasing the glyphosate rate can solve many of the poor weed control problems. Using 100% overlap will decrease strips from plugged tips.

Climatic conditions that affect weed control

Conditions at the time of herbicide application are important in obtaining maximum control. Glyphosate is the most popular herbicide to use after wheat harvest. High temperatures (95^oF or higher) zero to three days before spraying reduces control with glyphosate. Rain within 24 hours reduces control of some weed species with some formulations of glyphosate. Some labels state they are rainfast within two hours; however, some species of weeds, such as barnyardgrass, under drought stress may not be controlled adequately. Most applicators wait until dew is off the plants before spraying. Time of day may make a difference with some weeds. Poor control of velvetleaf has been observed with glyphosate when applications are made in the evening. In surveys taken after wheat harvest we have not seen differences in weed control. However, in research plots control of barnyardgrass decreases with lower rates applied in the evening, especially when under drought stress. Rain up to a week after spraying stressed weeds reduces control, probably due to inadequate translocation of glyphosate.

Western bean cutworm moth

Western bean cutworm larvae in corn

After the small, dark brown larvae hatch on corn plants, they move to the whorl or tassel to feed on the tender yellow leaf tissue or on the tassel itself. Once the tassel emerges or if it has already emerged when the eggs hatch, the larvae will move to the green silks. The developing larvae will feed on the green silks moving down the silk channel until they reach the ear tip. The larvae will feed in the ear tip until they are fully developed. If the infestation on one ear tip is so great that the larvae become crowded, a few individuals may move outside the ear and begin to feed on the side of the ear.

Western bean cutworm that hatch on dry bean plants, feed on blossoms and young, tender leaf material. The larvae will attack bean pods as they develop, eventually feeding on the developing seeds.

In corn

Even though field scouting for western bean cutworm in field corn should begin when the first moths are caught, control decisions should be made shortly after the moth flight peaks. The moth flight usually peaks between July 10 and July 24.

When scouting for western bean cutworms in corn, check 20 plants in at least five areas of each field. Look for eggs on the top surface of the upper most leaf or look for larvae in the tassel. If 8% of field corn plants, 5% of seed corn plants or 5% of popcorn plants have egg masses or larvae, consider applying an insecticide.

Western bean cutworm moths prefer to lay eggs in corn plants that are in the late whorl stage compared to those that have completely tasseled. Pay particular attention to later planted fields or those with uneven development. Western bean cutworm eggs that hatch when corn plants are in the whorl stage of growth have a high rate of survival. The larvae are well protected in the whorl or tassel.

If an insecticide treatment is warranted in corn fields, it should be made when 95% of the plants in a field have tasseled. This timing of the application increases the chance that the worms will be exposed to the insecticide resulting in better control.

Grasshopper management Grasshoppers are easier to control in both rangeland and crops when they're still in the nymph stage. Two UNL publications on grasshopper management were revised this year and offer detailed information on scouting and control measures. They are: A Guide to Grasshopper Control in Cropland and A Guide to Grasshopper Control on Rangeland. See the June 14 and June 21 issues of Crop Watch for additional information on grasshopper management. (Photo by Jim Kalisch)

In dry edible beans

This week Tom Dorn, Extension Educator in Lancaster County, reported chinch bugs had moved from a poor stand of wheat into a corn field and wiped out the first 24 rows.

Control in corn may be difficult because chinch bugs are feeding at the base of the stalk, and may be hidden behind leaf sheaths or below ground during the heat of the day. Good coverage is needed for good insecticide control. Best control would be achieved with ground applications to the base of the plant.

An eastern Nebraska wheat field nearing harvest. (Photo by Brett Hampton)

Drought conditions have left many fields with low yield potential, said Drew Lyon, dryland crops specialist at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff. Hot, dry weather shortened wheat's grain filling period and amplified stresses from pests and diseases such as wheat streak mosaic and crown and root rot.

Yields in the central and southern Panhandle are projected to be less than 20 bushels per acre, Lyon said. With prices sitting below or around $3 per bushel and some fields yielding only 5 to 8 bushels per acre, many farmers may not be able to cover harvesting costs and will leave some fields unharvested, he said.

Poor yields don't seem to be significantly influencing market prices, which are well below the 20-year average. The 2002 wheat harvest season begins with a large global carryover supply, which may overshadow low yields and inhibit price improvements, said Paul Burgener, an Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources agricultural economics research analyst, also at Scottsbluff.

"We've seen high production levels worldwide," Burgener said. "When you get that much wheat out there, it just depresses prices. It makes for fairly difficult economic times."

While U.S. wheat exports remain fairly unchanged, ample production in major wheat-producing nations such as Australia, Canada and Russia have added competition and supply to the market, he said.

However, wheat prices are expected to stabilize or improve, said Lynn Lutgen, NU marketing specialist. "There's no reason to really see a big harvest-time drop in prices," he said. The market has maintained a fairly narrow basis, which is good news for wheat growers, Lutgen said. As futures prices increased, cash prices followed.

Adequate worldwide wheat supplies will prevent a large price increase, but drought's impact on other markets could reasonably raise wheat prices, Lutgen said. Market prices for soybeans and corn are suddenly beginning to respond to the drought with significant price jumps this week, Lutgen said.

"When all three crops are threatened with hot, dry weather, price changes in other crops will carry over to wheat," Lutgen said. "Because of that, farmers need to follow other markets and watch for pricing opportunities for wheat. When corn and soybean prices increase, wheat prices also increase." Western Nebraska already has seen a 20-cent price increase for hard red winter wheat, Burgener said. But prices still aren't increasing as much as farmers would like.

Despite prices, alternatives are limited. Some fields may go uncut, but most growers will harvest unless yields are exceptionally low, said Robert Klein, cropping systems specialist at the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte. Wheat may be too mature to retain much nutrient value as hay and too short to leave adequate crop residue if baled for straw. Residue already will be limited because dry conditions prevented wheat from achieving much height, Klein said.

Baling or grazing livestock on unharvested fields further depletes what little residue is available.

"Farmers will have to do their best to maintain crop residue to protect against wind and water erosion and to benefit next year's crops," Klein said.

Wheat residue is important in Nebraska for corn, grain sorghum and other rotations, he said. The residue helps collect soil moisture and suppress weeds. Last year's wheat residue helps conserve moisture for crops this summer, Klein said. As for wheat, it may be too late for moisture to improve yields in most fields.

"Rain could help some areas depending on how far along the wheat is," Klein said. Lower temperatures, below 85^o could increase yields for wheat still in the filling stage, but most wheat is currently maturing.

Some wheat already has been harvested. If hot, dry conditions continue, harvest in southern Nebraska will be in full swing this week, Klein said. Harvest is expected to begin next week in the Panhandle, Lyon said.

"The farmers are really optimistic," Klein said. "Of course, you've got to be in the farming business. You just do the best you can given the situation."

Low prices for row crops and more promising livestock markets in recent years convinced more Nebraska producers to convert center pivot-irrigated cropland to irrigated pasture. Success with irrigated pasture requires proper management, said Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska forage specialist.

"With row crops, irrigation generally is used to supply moisture to a 4-foot root zone," he said. "Many plants in irrigated pastures, though, tend to be more shallow rooted and may have 95 percent of their roots in the first 2 or 3 feet of soil. They become moisture stressed more quickly, and soil moisture at the 4-foot level may not be very useful."

For pastures, water use will average about a quarter-inch per day, Anderson said. Water use starts much earlier in the season for pastures than for row crops, too.

"Start irrigating early for pastures if the rain isn't doing its job," Anderson said.

Pastures need to be irrigated more frequently than crops. Ideally, producers should apply one-half to three-fourths of an inch at least twice a week.

To minimize compaction, producers should avoid irrigating where animals are grazing or will soon graze before the surface dries.

Alfalfa irrigation is very different from pasture irrigation. In alfalfa fields, improper irrigation can stimulate weeds and weaken the stand, Anderson said.

"Alfalfa can require up to 40 inches of water a year and sometimes over four-tenths of an inch a day," he said. "It's no wonder irrigators find it difficult to keep up with these demands. As a result, alfalfa is often irrigated as soon as the hay is removed from the field until the next cutting."

Constant watering, though, can hurt alfalfa because it increases the chance that grassy weeds like foxtail and perennial grasses like bluegrass will invade the alfalfa. Constant watering also encourages rood disease in alfalfa and reduces the soil oxygen content.

Since alfalfa roots can penetrate below 6 feet, the best irrigation strategy encourages deep rooting of alfalfa and dry surface soils during harvest, Anderson said. He suggested that producers stop irrigating a few days before harvest to allow the soil surface to dry and become firm. They also should not irrigate after harvest until regrowth is 3 to 4 inches tall. By delaying irrigation, Anderson said, "shallow-rooted weeds like foxtail and bluegrass won't be able to grow until alfalfa already has a head start."

"Your alfalfa will regrow more rapidly because the roots will find more oxygen they need in soil that has not been saturated with water," he said. "Of course, this assumes that you have been deep watering when you do irrigate so there is deep water available for alfalfa roots that weeds can't reach."

Heather Corley
IANR Newswriter

But some years are harder on these seedlings than others, and this is one of those years. Because of the extended heat and dry weather, alfalfa seedlings are experiencing more stress than usual. Anything you can do to reduce stress and competition will help..

The place to begin is weed control. Weeds use moisture and intercept light, two critical needs of seedlings. If weeds aren't too large and they are growing actively, herbicides are a good option. Otherwise, clipping may be necessary. If you must clip, be careful that you don't smother seedlings with your clippings. And leave a tall stubble so seedlings don't go into shock after clipping due to the sudden change in their micro-environment..

Also scout for insects. Leafhoppers, aphids, grasshoppers, and other insects cause extra problems during stressful weather. Timely insecticide application or mowing is more important than ever..

Finally, consider mowing or topping off your dryland alfalfa, even if there isn't enough there to harvest. The larger the plant, the more soil moisture it needs to survive. Making plants smaller by clipping will reduce the plant's moisture requirement, relieving some stress and conserving what little precious moisture still remains..

"As much as you can, help your body become acclimated to the heat. That can help when we get to the hottest part of the summer," said Dr. Bob Muelleman, a University of Nebraska Medical Center professor and chief of the Nebraska Health System emergency room.

Working up to a good sweat for an hour or two a day for 10-14 days can help your body become accustomed to the heat and initiate its own safety measures. The body will start sweating at a higher volume and at a lower temperature and will reabsorb its sodium, Muelleman said. Then when a heat wave hits, your body will be better prepared to deal with the extreme temperatures.

"The body is pretty good at maintaining a normal body temperature through evaporation of sweat," Muelleman said. On really hot days, with maximum exertion, you can sweat up to two quarts an hour. However, if it's too humid and the sweat can't evaporate, your body won't be able to cool down as well and there is an increased health risk.

"When people ask me if it's the heat or the humidity [making it uncomfortable], it's the humidity," Muelleman said. As the relative humidity increases, it feels warmer than the actual air temperature because you can't sweat and naturally cool your body.

Predicted air temperatures on weather reports can indicate a potential problem, but it's important to account for the humidity. To help people recognize when they may be more at risk of heat stress, the National Weather Service (NWS) now issues heat index warnings when the temperatures and humidity are expected to be high. Calculating the heat index

Several web sites offer tables or on-line calculators to estimate the heat index in your location. Try the National Weather Service site at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/elp/wxcalc/heatindex.html

For example the NWS heat index indicates that with an air temperature of 90^oF and a relative humidity of 40%, it will feel like it's 91^oF outside -- not much of a difference. However, the same 90^oF temperature with a relative humidity of 75% will feel like 109^oFand put an individual at risk for heat stress.

Effects on the body

A person can develop a heat-related illness on any hot, humid day, given a variety of health and climate factors. When your body temperature rises, your body tries to compensate. Your heart starts beating faster, you breathe faster, and your blood vessels dilate to bring more blood closer to the surface to cool.

These physical changes that develop when working outside in the heat also can increase the risk of complications from other illnesses such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, emphysema or asthma, and it can make it harder to control diabetes. Some individuals also will be at higher risk for heat illnesses or heat stroke, Muelleman said, if they're taking drugs which inhibit sweating. These might include antihistamines; drugs prescribed for some psychological illnesses, blood pressure medicines; or any stimulants or drugs that increase your metabolism. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist if any medications you're taking may affect your ability to sweat or be in the heat for an extended time.

Symptoms of heat illnesses

Heat-related illnesses range from fatigue and cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

• Cramps due to excessive sweating typically develop in the thigh muscles and indicate a deficiency of electrolytes. Taking in electrolytes through fruit or sports drinks can help alleviate this.
• Heat exhaustion symptoms include nausea, chills, dizziness and dehydration. Once you notice these symptoms, stop what you're doing and cool off. Apply wet rags to help your body cool.
• Heat stroke is much more serious. Symptoms include a lack of sweat, headache, rapid pulse, altered mental state, confusion, lethargy, seizures, and even unconsciousness and a body temperature over 101^oF.

If the body temperature isn't quickly lowered, heat stroke can be fatal, Muelleman said. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, seek medical help and take immediate action to start lowering his or her body temperature. While you wait for an ambulance, help the person into the shade or to a cool place, wet their bodies or wrap them in a wet sheet to increase evaporation, and provide them with water.

While you can't control the heat and humidity, you can control your activity level. When you begin to notice the first signs of heat illness, reduce or stop activity, get in the shade, remove any excess clothing you can, apply cool cloths to help lower body temperature, drink fluids and take it easy. If children are helping you in the field, be sure to watch for warning signs and let them take a break and cool down when they need it. The first signs of heat exhaustion for children are when they become flushed, crabby, and don't feel well.

Drinking plain, old-fashioned water works well to replace fluids if you've been outside for several hours, but if you've been sweating profusely for more than a few hours, you'll need to replace electrolytes too. Eat a banana, drink fruit juices, or drink a sports drink that provides electrolytes. You may need to replace up to two quarts of fluid for every hour spent in strenuous exercise. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

This summer's heat waves are around the corner and likely will come while you're harvesting wheat or scouting your fields. Be sure to keep water readily accessible for drinking and for helping your body cool down, check the weather for that day's heat index, and notice your body's signals.

July 9 - Grand Island

July 9 - Norfolk

July 11 - Alliance

July 16 - North Platte

July 16 - Beatrice

July 19 - Ainsworth

July 22 - Norfolk

July 23 - Lexington

The clinics offer individual and confidential information on farm finances; the laws, regulations and policies governing Farm Services Agency (FSA); debt restructuring and other legal options; and how the mediation program can help work with lenders on a workable solution. Make appointments through the Farm Hotline at 800-464-0258.

The training will be at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The clinic will help participants stay informed about today's ever-changing world of crop production and is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand, in-field experience while obtaining continuing education credits, said Keith Glewen, program co-coordinator and extension educator in Saunders County.

"Last year's participants indicated the average profits gained from attending were at least an additional $5.54 per acre," Glewen said. "Those just out of school, well-seasoned producers and crop production professionals all will benefit from this clinic and be able to use this information daily."

The clinics provide an unbiased approach by highly skilled trainers, Glewen said. Participants will learn first-hand from noted subject matter specialists in areas important to crop production profitability and what the presenters have experienced in their research.

Presenters are NU faculty and agricultural industry representatives. Topics include: making important crop production decisions, soybean pests, sprayer management, fertilizer application equipment, hands-on crop nutrient management plan decisions, herbicide mode of action, accessing NU recommendations, insects, diseases and weeds.

Early diagnostic clinic registration is $115 until July 11. After that, registration is $165. Approximately six Certified Crop Advisor credits are anticipated.

This is one of the three clinics scheduled for this summer. An Aug. 20 clinic will cover field-crop diseases, late-season insects, fall nutrient management and fall-tillage implications. A precision farming clinic will be Sept. 4.

The Iowa Attorney General has filed lawsuits alleging that two companies operating out of New York and Florida are engaged in deceptive and fraudulent practices in the telemarketing sales of pesticides. The companies market the pesticides Triple Threat, Turf King, and C-Lex.

"They claimed their products would exceed the performance of similar products on the market, but they failed to disclose that their products were highly diluted compared to other reputable products," Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said recently when filing the lawsuits.

A mosquito-borne disease first discovered in 1999 in New York City., the virus can cause West Nile encephalitis. The virus was found for the first time in the Western Hemisphere in 1999 in the New York City area. Since then, it has spread rapidly throughout the eastern half of the United States. It was found in four states in 1999, 12 in 2000, and 28 in 2001, including Iowa and Missouri. The virus is expected to appear in Nebraska this summer.

A West Nile Virus surveillance program is being conducted in Nebraska by Wayne Kramer of the Nebraska Health and Human Services System.

Guidelines for avoiding exposure to the virus include:

• avoid exposure to mosquito bites;
• make sure windows and doors screens are repaired;
• wear long-sleeved pants and shirts when active outdoors at dusk or dawn, and
• use insect repellants such as DEET.

West Nile Virus fact sheets:

The pattern occurred as isolated plants in which the entire plant was affected. The plants were prematurely ripening with all of the heads being affected. These plants were producing grain, but it was shriveled. The pattern did not fit freeze injury and there were no signs of take-all or scab. Examination of the affected plants revealed discolored crowns and a poor root system. Based on this, it appears that the plants were prematurely dying from crown and root rot.

John E. Watkins
Extension Plant Pathologist

• Bob Wright, Extension Entomologist at the South Central Research and Extension Center: We started to see western corn rootworm beetle emergence at Clay Center Tuesday, June 25.

  Beetles emerging when corn plants are in the whorl stage will feed on leaves, scraping away the surface tissue leaving a bleached, parchment-like scar on the upper leaf surface. This damage is not economically important. As soon as silks and pollen are available beetles will feed on these tissues.

  Cracks, many much deeper than these, are typical in fields and pastures across drought-stricken areas of the state. (Photo by Brett Hampton)

• Karen DeBoer, Extension Educator in Cheyenne County: Wheat harvest may begin next week in eastern Cheyenne County. The wheat has matured quickly due to recent hot weather and lack of rainfall. Affects from the May freeze can be seen in some fields with wheat heads that are white and contain no berries. Also, many of the wheat heads did not fill very well with only two or three berries in some heads.

• Ron Seymour, Extension Educator in Adams County: Although, most crops look very good, dryland fields are showing symptoms of heat and drought stress. Strong southernly winds and high temperatures have dried soil surfaces quickly. Depending on the crop, soil moisture is moderately dry in the top 2 feet and very dry below that depth.

  Grasshoppers continue to be common in field borders. Irrigated field corn plants are in the 7-leaf stage and look very good. Most of the corn has been ridged and farmers have either begun to apply water or are setting out irrigation pipe. Irrigated soybeans have four nodes, have been cultivated and look very good. Wheat fields are ripening rapidly and should be ready for harvest within the next 7-10 days. Grain sorghum plants are in the 7-8 leaf stage and look very good. Alfalfa fields range in height from 8 to 18 inches and look very good. Second cutting has begun on a few fields. Pasture grasses are beginning to show some heat and moisture stress but generally look good.

• Terry Gompert, Extension Educator in Knox County: Grasshoppers are on the move. They are about 1/3 inch in size. Much of the pasture land does not justify treatment because of the low forage tonage. Field margin treatments may be needed to keep the hoppers from entering crops and alafalfa. Pasture and hay yields are about 60% of normal. That matches the rain fall numbers too. Corn still looks good except in sandy spots.

  

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