Corn

Corn was starting to roll at about 10:00 am this morning (Monday July 9). When corn rolls it is in a defensive mechanism and is trying to slow down growth by reducing water usage. Corn is mostly teaseling and is at a time of maximum water usage. Rainfall within the next 3 days would be very helpful. High temperatures along with high winds have added increased stress.

Soybeans

Soybeans continue to be shorter than normal due to the early season moisture stress. They are still in the R-1 to R-2 growth stage. As the season progresses moisture will become more critical for maximum yields. Some nutrient deficiency and unusual leaf cupping is being found on soybeans in the area.

Wheat

Our 2007 wheat harvest is complete. Yields averaged from 40 – 67 bushels per acre. Very little disease was present.

Weeds

The last round of rainfall has resulted in a second flush of weeds in Roundup Ready soybeans. Grass, mornigglory and giant ragweed are common in many fields. Many fields are receiving second applications of glyphosate herbicides.

Insects

Japanese beetles and western corn rootworm beetles are feeding on corn silks. Feeding does not seem to be as bad as in past years. We are going to start digging corn rootworm trials at the end of this week and expect good pressure. No soybean aphids have yet been discovered in our plots.

Diseases

We have completed making most of our corn fungicide applications. Very little disease is present on corn or soybean. There is an impressive amount of aerial applications of fungicides to commercial corn in the area.

Thanks for reading!

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services