Management in a successful soybean-after-soybean cropping system may require growers to make some slight adjustments in their practices, including irrigation, seed selection, and pest management.
In Part 1 of this article, we look at considerations for planting soybean after soybean. In this article, Part 2, we share considerations for in-season management.
A newly released map of confirmed Japanese beetle populations in Nebraska shows their westward movement from where they were first identified near Lincoln and Omaha several years ago.
Figure 1. (left) Western bean cutworm causing feeding damage in corn. (Photo by Jim Kalisch and Silvana Paula-Moraes) (right) A green lacewing beneficial insect eating western bean cutworm eggs. (Photo by Julie Peterson)
When it comes to buying corn seed, one way to save money can be to ensure that you don't invest in GMO insect protection traits that you do not need for your particular farm or field. Which corn rootworm, western bean cutworm, or European corn borer traits do you need? This article can help you determine which of the nine types of Bt proteins might best serve your needs.
If you're considering planting non-Bt corn this year, entomologists urge you to plan for the additional pest management practices (and associated costs) you may need to adopt, given this decision.
The Handy Bt Trait Table for US corn production has been updated for 2017. It includes information on all registered Bt corn hybrids commercially available and summarizes which insects are controlled by which hybrids, which Bt and herbicide tolerance traits are expressed in different hybrids, and the Insect Resistance Management Refuge requirements associated with these hybrids.
Proper cleaning of all harvesting equipment and grain bins and preparation of bins is a key to preserving stored grain quality. See these recommendations and lists of commonly used products for treating bins.
We are starting to see dead leaves caused by feeding of soybean stem borer larvae in south central Nebraska soybeans. No control measures are appropriate at this time, but monitor your fields and be aware that high populations of soybean stem borers may predispose the field to lodging and make harvest difficult.
Figure 1. Twospotted spider mites. Almost microscopic in size, the spider mites may be imperceptible on a leaf, but become more visible against its silk-like webs. (Photos by Jim Kalisch)
Recommendations for managing spider mites in corn and soybean, including treatment thresholds, insecticides as well as discussions on the potential impact of beneficial insects, diseases, and insecticide applications.
