Greetings from the field!
I hope the crops in your region are looking good and growing well. I have visited many Harvey’s locations and it has been a pleasure working with you. Often I am called to investigate problems in the field. Sometimes we can fix the problem and other times offer solutions to correct the problem for the following season. This week I would like to share with you some of my notes which hopefully will help you advise your growers. Let’s take a look at some of the current problems.
Corn– I am beginning to see a lot of stink bugs in corn fields in Southeastern NC. Growers that are intensively managing corn may want to check fields to see if stinkbug populations are reaching threshold. Threshold levels are 1 per 4 plants during ear formation. During ear elongation threshold is 1 per 2 plants. I am not suggesting everyone treat for stinkbugs however growers that treated last year averaged 20 bushels more per acre. Fields to target for scouting are those surrounded by wheat. Fungicides can also be applied with insecticide for disease protection. Read the label on timing of application. Do not apply during the heat of the day or during pollination period.
Cotton and Peanuts– Thrip injury is the most common problem growers are experiencing. I am not seeing as many juveniles where insecticides were used at planting; however adult thrips are plentiful now warranting protective sprays. Plants under severe stress may benefit from some of our foliar nutritional products since the grower is making a trip across the field anyway. Expect to see more tomato spotted wilt problems with peanuts this year.
Tobacco– Tobacco looks very good in most areas. We do have fields that are irregular in growth caused from chemical injury, weather, fertility or a combination of all three. A common denominator with most problem fields observed is the varying degree of humic matter in the soil. Generally soils with low humic matter are slow to recover when injury occurs. Harvey’s has products that can help rejuvenate root growth. Diagnostic soil and plant samples can help you choose which product to recommend to your client.
Soybeans– Soybean planting is late this season. This could be a good thing. Soil temperatures are warm now allowing plants to grow rapidly. Growers that know they have nematode problems should consider choosing varieties that offer resistance and/or request varieties that are treated with Avicta. We know there are a number of farms with pH problems in our area. When soil pH rises above 6.2 manganese availability in the soil becomes restricted. Encourage farmers to apply a foliar application of manganese before a deficiency turns into crop loss. Corrective application rates for Mn are .5 lb / A.I. per acre.
Pasture and Hay – Growers have more options to manage problem weeds and native grasses than they use to. Check the Ag Chem Manual for products that can be used to manage weeds and grass and call if you have specific questions. Listed is the latest information shared with me by Wayne Vickers- Dupont.
Remember early season rainfall may have leached potassium and sulfur below the root zone and supplemental fertilization may be required if forage crops are slow to respond to nitrogen application.
Grain Sorghum– I do not expect to see a lot of sorghum planted this year unless the price of corn trends upward. Expect some of the same fertility problems with sorghum as we had with corn in the spring. In addition to N-P-K fertility programs, remind growers sorghum also needs sulfur. Twenty pounds of sulfur per acre should be sufficient.
Listed are several pictures of stink bug feeding, thrip injury in cotton and e-mail from Wayne Vickers-Dupont Rep with recommendations for farmers who use their products in forage crops. Please call if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Rick Morris
Harvey’s Regional Agronomist
Many hayfields are now being cut or getting close to it for the first time this season. With the hay shortage following 2013, we need to do all we can to maximize quality and quantity of hay production.
At about 7-10 days following a cutting, an application of Pastora herbicide™ at 1-1.5 oz/acre + a low rate of glyphosate (4-6 oz/acre Roundup Powermax¹, or equivalent rate of a 4 lb/gal material) will control and/or suppress many grasses and broadleaves including:
The addition of the glyphosate will improve control/suppression of crabgrass, goosegrass, and sandbur in particular.
The timing at 7-10 days following cutting is recommended so there is new growth on the grasses/weeds to be controlled, and minimal new growth on the bermudagrass.
Keep in mind that Pastora only affects grasses that have emerged and does not have any soil residual activity on grasses, but it does offer residual activity on many broadleaves.
This treatment should not be applied to bermudagrass that is under stress from dry weather or other stress-inducing factors.
Thanks for all your support on Pastora, Cimarron Plus, and other products.
Regards,
Wayne Vickers
