Corn

Corn is quickly reaching maturing with our 104 day corn that was planted in mid April reaching the R-5 stage and ears starting to drop. We have other corn that was planted in late May and did not have any rootworm insecticides used on it just finishing up pollination. Overall, corn looks good with yield estimates showing yields ranging from 160-220 bushels per acres. It is a testimony to outstanding genetics to have these type of yield estimates considering what the crop has been through. These checks are helpful for yield estimates but is difficult to tell actual yields until the combine covers the entire field or plot.

Soybeans

Soybean are nearing the R-4/R-5 stage (pod fill). Drought stress during this period has a big impact on final yield. Soybean yield is determined by seed size and number of beans in pods. We started to see some pod abortion on upper portions of plants. Disease is becoming a problem in soybeans.

Insects

Soybean aphid continues to build but does not look like it will hit threshold in many commercial fields. We counted aphids on research trials this morning for over 6 hours and had a range of 0- 255 aphids per plant. More mature plants seemed to have less aphids. Also, plants at our Clinton County site had fewer aphids primarily due to drought stress. White flies and potato leaf hopper are also common. Surprisingly, we have seen few spider mites even though we are experiencing dry conditions.

Diseases

The primary corn diseases we are seeing are Gray leaf spot, Northern corn leaf blight and rust. The disease incidence is greatest at our Kirklin farm where we have received more rainfall. We can really see the impact of foliar fungicides to control these diseases.

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is becoming widespread on soybean. This disease can have a major impact on final yields. SDS is most common were soil compaction is a problem. Soybean varieties also have considerable differences in susceptibility to the disease.

Have a great week and send us some more rain.

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services