Corn

Corn development this week is at the R3 growth stage. The timely rains in the past two weeks have helped the general overall appearance of the crop. There is no apparent crop stress such as leaf rolling. Corn rootworm beetle numbers are still fairly consistent with signs of visible leaf feeding. Disease pressure is still very low, but has the potential to increase with the current weather. The diseases present are corn rust and grey leaf spot.

Soybeans

Soybeans are at the R5 growth stage this week. In a dry year, such as this year, we are seeing the effects of soil compaction on soybean growth and development. This is not widespread, but noticeable in some areas. Soybean aphids are present, but in small numbers. In field counts range from 0-20 aphids per plant. The weather this week should suppress any rapid development. Soybean disease pressure in very minimal with brown spot is the primary disease (leas than 5 %). Sudden death syndrome starting to appear in some of the compaction stressed areas.

Pumpkins

You may find in odd that we are mentioning pumpkins? They have become a fun crop to grow as part of our crop rotation, plus it gives or kids something to do in the fall. Our crop looks fantastic this year with nearly every seed germinating. Our weed control program consists of a pre application of Dual and Roundup followed by hand weeding as necessary. The crop is just starting to flower and send our runners. Stay posted for more info.

Insects

We have not seen any significant soybean aphid populations since 2005. The cooler temperatures (70’s to mid 80’s) and lower humidity this summer would suggest ideal conditions for another aphid outbreak. But with the current weather pattern of hot humid weather may suppress the small numbers of aphids present.

Corn rootworm beetle feeding was very heavy in our late planted sweet corn during the middle of July. Since this time the population has started to decline.

Diseases

The current weather is ideal for disease development. We will keep you updated on any significant outbreak.

Thanks for reading!

Jared Alsdorf
ABG AG Services