June 16, 2017

damaged center pivot
Storms swept through western, south central, and southeast Nebraska this week, bringing high winds, hail, flash floods and heavy rains, causing damage to fields and farm structures.

CropWatch June 16, 2017

Corn Production

Western bean cutworm eggs and larva

Using Degree-Day Models to Predict Western Bean Cutworm Flights

Learn how degree-days are calculated and used to predict insect development and specifically, what they indicate for the timing of western bean cutworm development in Nebraska this year.
Corn field with severe weed population
Figure 1. A corn field in south central Nebraska without preemergence herbicide application. Applying a well-timed postemergence herbicide will be the only control option. (Photos by Amit Jhala).

Consider Corn Growth Stage When Applying Postemergence Herbicides

When applying postemergence herbicides, consider corn growth stage, weed species present, and crop and weed heights. The article includes how to determine corn growth stage, recommendations to avoid problems, and a table of application restrictions for common postemergence herbicides.
Bacterial leaf streak lesions of corn

Bacterial Leaf Streak Confirmed on V4 Corn in Nebraska

Bacterial leaf streak disease has been confirmed on a sample submitted to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic from Adams County. The corn was at the V4 growth stage and represents the earliest that the disease has been confirmed in a field.
Corn damaged by wheat stem maggot

Suspected Wheat Stem Maggot Damage in Corn following Cover Crops

Ag professionals across central and eastern Nebraska are reporting insect damage to corn following rye and wheat cover crops, likely from the wheat stem maggot. A recent field survey found stand losses in fields ranged from 2%-30% on a whole-field basis.

Soybean Production

Volunteer corn in a soybean field
Figure 1. Soybean field infested with volunteer corn in southcentral Nebraska.

Control of Glyphosate-Resistant Volunteer Corn in LibertyLink Soybean

Controlling glyphosate-resistant volunteer corn is a major challenge in some soybean fields this year as preemergence herbicides aren't very effective. Postemergence herbicides will be critical to its management.

Weather

Corn plant injured by hail
Figure 1. Corn plant exhibiting abnormal growth (wrapped or tied leaves) after being damaged by hail. (Photo by Justin McMechan)

Crop Hail Damage Resources

Check out these resources from Nebraska Extension and CropWatch on assessing hail damage to crops. View a seven-day time lapse video of how corn hailed at the V4 growth stage recovers.

Irrigation

center pivot irrigation

How Much Irrigation is Needed on Corn in the Vegetative Growth Stage?

Strategies to time crop irrigation for maximum effectiveness suggest delaying irrigation until the critical reproductive growth stages will most benefit yield. This will also help reduce the potential for nitrate leaching.

Insect Management

Insect light trap

Light Trap Data Provided for 3 Sites

UNL Extension Entomology is monitoring crop insect pests (primarily moths) using black light traps at the Haskell Ag Laboratory near Concord, the South Central Ag Laboratory near Clay Center, and the West Central Research and Extension Center near North Platte.

Forage Production

Market Journal & Crop Reports

Research

More IANR & Nebraska Extension Events This June