This Saunders County field was planted to corn Wednesday (May 1), followed by rain and then snow on Thursday. See this week's story on how cold soil water can affect the imbibitional process in soybean.  (Photo by Mark Schroeder)

May 3, 2013

Wheat Production

• Stripe Rust Confirmed in Wheat in Southeast Nebraska. On May 7 stripe rust was confirmed in research plots at the UNL Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead. Weather conditions are currently favorable for rapid development and spread of this disease and fields should be scouted regularly. 
• Scout Wheat Fields for Early Detection of Diseases.This week stripe rust was reported in southeast Kansas. Regular scouting of wheat fields for disease is critical in making timely decisions about fungicide application. 

Corn Production

• Imbibitional Chilling Injury of Corn. Corn planted 0-48 hours before last week's chilling rains and snow may warrant early scouting to watch for signs of imbibitional injury.

Soybean Production

• How Cold Stress Affects Soybean. Soybeans are likely to be affected if soil temperature was below 40°F during the first 24 hours after planting. Soil moisture may be a more important factor. Seeds sitting in cold, soggy soils for an extended time can substantively reduce soybean emergence.

Planting

• Take Comfort that Planting Delays Don't Signal "Game Over."  Let weather and soil conditions rather than a date on the calendar guide your planting date. See planting tips and data from other states indicating that planting delays may not hurt yield as much as might be expected.
• Soil Temperature Comparisons for York. See how soil temperatures for the month of April compare among cropping systems and years.

Weather

• Warmer, Drier Conditions Forecast for Next Week. Temperatures are expected to slowly moderate through the middle of next week with western Nebraska possibly seeing some 80s by the end of next week.

UNL Water for Food Conference

• Experts: Transforming Scientific Knowledge into Ag Practices, Policy is Essential. Effective transfer of scientific and technological information to the world's small farmers as well as policy shifts among foreign governments needs to occur to meet growing food needs.

Insect Management

• The Miller Moth Returns. Larger populations of army cutworms are leading to a flush of miller moths in some parts of western Nebraska.

Alfalfa, Pastures & Forage

• Pastures Weakened by Drought Require Time to Recover

Farm Management

• Update: UNL Farm Bill Webinar on ACRE and DCP Now Available Online

AgNews

• New Yeast Strain Could Lower Costs for Cellulosic Ethanol Production. This yeast strain can break down and ferment the sugars in corn cobs left behind after the compound xylose—which is sometimes used for industrial activities—has been extracted.