May 15, 2020

Crop Production

emerging corn showing varying degrees of frost damage

Evaluating Freeze and Chilling Injury in Corn and Soybeans

The weather took a turn to the cold side over the last week. Across Nebraska, lows at or below 32°F were recorded. Clear conditions coupled with these temperatures favor frost formation especially in low lying areas. So, what does this mean for our crops?

When estimating whether severely injured plants will survive, check the growing point. Healthy growing point is yellow/white and firm as is shown in this picture. Unhealthy growing point is discolored and soft to the touch.

Replanting Corn: Things To Do and Think About

With the recent frost events that occurred the weekend of May 9-10, 2020 in portions of the State, some are questioning the need to replant corn. It’s important to assess potential recovery before making replant decisions.

Soybean Replanting Considerations

With the recent cold temperatures and frost in portions of the State, some are questioning the need to replant soybean. It’s important to assess potential recovery before making replant decisions. Soybeans are more resilient than one may think!

Septoria tritici blotch in the lower canopy of wheat

Wheat Diseases Developing, Scout Fields for Early Detection

Reports from the wheat growing regions in Nebraska indicate low or no disease pressure in most growers’ fields. However, some fields are showing low to moderate levels of disease.

Pest Management

Scout Emerging Corn for Insects; Don’t Assume Protection

As corn begins to emerge, be alert to the potential for damage from early season insects such as cutworms, wireworms and white grubs.

Cutworm Pheromone Trapping Network Update

Pheromone traps have been established at several locations in eastern Nebraska to monitor for several spring migrants to Nebraska; black cutworm, variegated cutworm and true armyworm moths. Find the latest report here.

Crop Reports

Nebraska Corn and Soybean Planting Ahead of Averages

As of Sunday, May 10, Nebraska Corn planted was 79%, well ahead of 43% last year, and ahead of 60% for the five-year average, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Emerged was 30%, well ahead of 7% last year, and ahead of 18% average.

N Field Observations for This Week

This week, Extension educators preview the upcoming 2021 Cover Crops and Soil Health Conference and offer tips on how to get prepared for chemigation training sessions beginning this month in Nebraska.

Nebraska Extension

Donated hay bales accumulate at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead following flooding in 2019. (Photo by Deloris Pittman - Nebraska Extension)

Nebraska Extension Launches Online Platform for Exchange of Carbon Sources Needed by Livestock Producers

Nebraska Extension is calling on farmers, municipalities, lawn care companies and others to donate or sell wood chips, hay, lawn waste and other carbon sources to livestock producers hit hard by COVID-19.

Crop Research

barbel ear and short husk deformations in corn

Planting Date Impact on Corn Growth and Ear Issues

Despite the above-average yields in recent years, there has been reports of ear formation issues in corn that ranged from sites in the Texas Panhandle, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. Does planting date play a role?