Corn

The overall corn condition is average to slightly below. Pollination looks to be adequate in early planted corn. Ear size seems to be smaller that in past years with many ears being 14 and 16 rows in development, compared to “good” years when ears would have 16-22 kernel rows. Corn development is in the R-2 stage in many cases. Late planted corn is being hit hard by silk feeding insects such as western rootworm beetles. This may reduce pollination success.

Soybeans

Soybeans are short this year. Many beans are in the 16-24 inches in height. Early planted beans are now entering the R-3 stage of development. We have found few soybean aphids. Japanese beetles are causing some soybean damage but not at an economic level.

Insects

Our corn rootworm trials were dug last week. Checks averaged in the 2.0 range. Considerable regrowth was present due to the early feeding of the rootworm beetles. Potato leaf hopper is present at high levels in alfalfa. We sprayed for this insect in our alfalfa this morning.

Diseases

Gray leaf spot is starting to show up in lower leaves of certain corn hybrids. The level is not severe.

What is corn smut?

I was working with a group last week, many which had never seen corn smut before. I have included a link to a site which describes the disease.

If you are hungry, it is edible.

Have a good week

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services