Heavy residue area with frost-damaged soybean plants. Several rows impacted like this make replant decisions more difficult as often what is seen is the entire length of the field isn’t impacted, just areas of several rows with heavier residue. At first glance, these plants may all seem dead, but it’s been interesting to see what may be surviving when the residue is pulled back. (Photo by Jenny Rees)
Nebraska Extension recommendations on evaluating fields that were affected by crusting, hail, wind and frost damage this past week in order to make plant recovery or replant decisions.
Extension advises growers who are concerned about recent abnormally low temperatures to wait five days or so after the freeze to assess plant damage, as it takes several days of warm weather for injury to become apparent.
Did your alfalfa suffer freeze or frost damage last weekend? If you suspect more than frozen or wilting leaves, check the growing point of plants. All new leaves, stems and branches initially develop from the growing point.
Disease Management
Figure 1. Seedling with post-emergence damping off (left) next to a healthy seedling. (Photo by Tamra Jackson-Ziems)
As heavy rains and cool soils continue during early plant development, be sure to monitor seedling emergence and stand establishment to detect diseases as early as possible.
Pest Management
Figure 1. Russian wheat aphids on a flag leaf of wheat.
Nebraska producers should begin scouting for Russian wheat aphids, as signs of this crop pest have begun appearing in Panhandle wheat plots and ongoing cool temperatures will support population growth.
CPC's latest forecast calls for below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures for Nebraska in June.
Forage Production
When selecting a summer annual forage to plant, base your choice primarily on whether you plan to use it for pasture, hay or silage. For example, this sorghum-sudangrass would be best used as hay, due to its yield and feed value. (CropWatch file photo)
The time to harvest cool-season annuals, perennial forages and alfalfa first cutting is quickly approaching. Read these extension tips to get prepared for spring harvest and summer forages.
Nebraska producers made significant gains in planting last week, with nearly a fourth of the total estimated corn acreage and another 28% of soybeans finished.
Recent drought-like conditions have slowed the onset of diseases in wheat fields, with only trace levels of diseases observed in southeast Nebraska so far.
Both Enlist herbicide labels require the applicator to select mitigation measures worth a certain number of "credits" to avoid product runoff from the application site and subsequent surface water contamination.
