Corn

Corn harvest is rapidly making progress in Central Indiana. We completed our harvest yesterday. Yields are surprisingly better than predicted. Back in early July, I was anticipating yields in the 120-130 bushel range. However, yields were much better than anticipated with most corn being in the 170-180 bushel range. What caused the better yields? This seems to be the million dollar question. Here are my thoughts:

In our area we are not used to seeing drought stressed corn and we do not have enough history dealing with the stress condition to predict how yields will be impacted.

• The rainfall that we received occurred right when we needed it, at tassel.
• The BT traits in hybrids act to provide yield insurance, by reducing unseen stress that protects yields.
• Just like human beings, healthy plants can deal with stress.
• Plant breeders are doing an awesome job with selecting hybrids that can deal with stress

Soybeans

Soybean harvest has been a challenge this year. Many soybeans have maintained their green stems and have refused to mature. This has caused harvest delays and made cutting beans difficult. Usually we have a frost by this time of year which would put an end to this condition, but it has not happened. The cause for this unusual condition is that many soybeans started to mature in the end of August and then we received some rain. The rain caused the plant to continue to grow but the photosynthate did not go into the beans but rather was directed to the stem. Soybean yields are generally in the mid-50s to mid- 60 bushel/A.

Insects

Recently, we had the opportunity to split corn stalks in conventional corn and identify European corn borer damage. I was surprised to see the amount and extent of damage. Many ECB galleries were 3-5 inches in length. It is not surprising that ECB can have a significant yield impact. Unfortunately, few farmers take the time to split stalks to see how much injury ECB does.

Disease

Dry conditions have reduced many diseases this year. Stalk rot is not prevalent in corn.

Safety

Safety in harvest season is critical. We had a combine fire this season that we kept under control by having the proper fire extinguishers. Maintaining a safe work environment requires awareness about safety as well as having procedures in place to ensure personnel are well trained.

Thanks and we will provide one more update for the 2007 season

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services 

Corn

Corn yields are surprisingly good. We have corn plots that are averaging 200 plus bushels/A for 104 day hybrids. The moisture is also surprisingly low on these early hybrids averaging in the 15-18% range. Test weights also are good averaging around 55 lbs. Our highest single plot yield has been 263 bushels per acre. What is amazing about these yields is that the test area received virtually no rain from mid-July to mid-August. The area also experienced extremely high temperatures during this time. Most hybrids with the high yields have had triple-stack traits. As expected longer day corn is much higher in moisture and still needs drying time. With temperatures in the 80s, we are loosing about 1-2 points of moisture in corn per day.

Soybeans

Soybean yields are averaging in the 40-50 bushel range. There are many green stems in mature beans. Soybean seed size is relatively large due to rains that occurred in mid- August. Seed size looks to be in the 2600-2800 seeds/lb range. Most soybeans have dropped their leaves and are beginning to turn their final color. Once beans have dropped all their leaves, about 10 good drying days are needed before harvest can occur. We have noticed considerable scaring on bean pods from bean leaf beetle. This is especially true of the longer maturity soybean.

Wheat

With high wheat prices, it looks like many more acres of winter wheat will be planted. When planting wheat it is important to plant after the Hessian fly free date. This is the date when the area you are planting wheat is free from the Hessian fly. Wheat planted before this time can result in considerable damage from Hessian flies laying eggs and having larval damage on newly emerged wheat. Our fly free date is around Oct 3-5.

Insects, Weeds and Diseases

Poor weed control is very evident at harvest. Giant ragweed and lambsquarters were the primary weeds this season. Both weeds not only compete for nutrients and moisture but they take up so much space. Disease pressure is winding down with crop maturity. Insect pressure is also rapidly decreasing and will essentially be gone with the first frost. Our first frost is generally the end of September or early October.

Thanks for reading and have a good week.

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services 

Corn

Corn has entered late R-5 to R-6 stage. We ran some moisture tests this morning. Our 104 day hybrid ran 19.7 to 20.6%, while the longer season hybrid (110 day) ran 27.2%. Both were planted about the same time.

Soybeans

A majority of the beans have entered R-7 and early R-8. We have seen some group 2.6 beans at full maturity. The later groups are starting to turn yellow and loose leaves.

Pumpkins

Pollination in the pumpkins have been an issue this year. We are only seeing one to two fruits per plant. Some of the fruit will turn out to be good shape, color, and size. A majority of the fruit will be ready after the season. The plants are showing signs of bacterial wilt and powdery mildew.

Diseases

Northern Corn Leaf Blight seems to be the dominant disease pressure. Gray Leaf Spot is apparent with select hybrids. Rust has also made an appearance.

Thanks for reading and have a safe and enjoyable harvest.

Nick Carrothers

Corn

Corn is in the R-4 to R-5 stage (dented) and is starting to drop ears. We hand shelled some corn and tested the moisture. The moisture was about 38%. Corn will need to enter black layer before dry down really begins to move along. With additional warm conditions, I would predict that harvest will begin in mid-September.

Soybeans

Soybeans are in pod fill. The rain should help to produce larger seed size. Lodging is a problem in some of the taller soybean varieties. We have some 2.7 maturity soybeans that are loosing leaves rapidly. We also have some 2.9 beans that are starting to yellow.

Insects

The soybean aphid population has crashed. We did some aphid counts early in the week and populations have dropped to 50 or less. Lady beetle populations have also increased which may account for the decrease.

Diseases

Northern corn leaf blight and gray leaf spot still are problems where we received rain. Sudden death syndrome is the primary problem in soybeans.

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services 

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 

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 

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 

Corn

Corn is almost completed pollination. Corn planted before May 8 looks the best. Corn planted after this date is really showing drought stress. Soil quality and genetics seem to have the biggest impact on corn drought stress ability. Uneven pollination continues to be a problem. I would guess that yield potential at this point has been cut to 150 to 160 bushels per acre at best with optimum planting times.

Soybeans

Soybean growth remains slow. This is a defensive mechanism with many soybeans staying at the R-1/R-2 stage. Early planted soybean are starting to enter R-3 stages but this is slow.

Weeds

Weeds are really showing drought stress. This morning I saw several 3-4 ft giant ragweed with all leaves at a 90 degree angle. There are few new weeds emerging. Many soybean fields are receiving 2nd applications of glyphosate due to the slow nature of row closure.

Insects

Corn rootworm feeding continues with many adults emerging. Silk clipping by rootworm is impressive. Our first root digs indicated good pressure but also significant root regrowth. The early emergence this year along with the rainfall at the end of June helped to cause the regrowth.

Diseases

There is little disease pressure in any crops due to the dry conditions.

Thanks for reading and send some rain our way.

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services 

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 

Corn

Corn started to tassel on our early corn late last week. Tassel emergence is uneven in some areas which may make pollination less efficient. Overall corn height will be shorter than in past years due to the moisture stress and reduced corn growth during that time. Corn stages range from V-8 to V-T. Sweet corn is beginning to form kernels.

Soybeans

Soybean responded nicely to the rainfall. Many beans are in V-8/R-1 stage. The rainfall helped rhizobia performance as soybeans are much darker in color and vigor has improved.

Wheat

Wheat in our southern Indiana location was running about 60 bushel per acre. We are going to start cutting wheat at our central Indiana location today (Monday). Fungal disease is starting to appear on heads.

Alfalfa

Our first cutting of seedling alfalfa was last week. Commercial alfalfa hay is on its second cutting.

Weeds

All of our corn and soybeans has received at least one post emergent herbicide treatment. Grass failures are still common in many plots. Corn that does not have good canopy is also experiencing breaks of morniggolory and some instance cocklebur. Mornigglory emergence is very common in Roundup Ready corn following the recent rain.

Insects

Adult western corn rootworm beetles are very common. Full emergence is yet to happen. Japanese beetle adults are also starting to feed on corn tassels. Potato leafhoppers are common in soybean and no soybean aphids have yet been found.

Diseases

Few corn and soybean diseases are present. Wheat disease is starting to show on some heads. Fungicide applications for corn are starting this week using airplanes

Thanks for reading!

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services 

Crops

Crops have come through a stressful period during the last 4-6 weeks.  We have been very dry in Central Indiana with our Clinton County site receiving only 2.2 inches of rainfall since April 17.   Although things have been dry, crops look amazingly good. 

Corn

Corn varies in growth from V-4 to V-10.  Rainfall amounts and planting dates seem to be having the biggest impact on growth.  Our earliest planted corn (April 21) is our best corn with planting dates in mid-May having the poorest growth.  Rainfall in the next week to ten days will be critical for optimum yields.  Corn was starting to roll by 8:00 am and would stay rolled until 7:00 pm.  Corn with BT traits are tolerating stress much better than conventional corn.  The rain we received this past weekend will be helpful.

Soybeans

Soybeans can tolerate a great deal of stress.  Bean size varies from V-2 to V-8/R-1.  We started seeing beans flower around June 19.  Overall, they can handle the stress and are looking good.

Wheat

We hope to start cutting wheat at the end of this week and we have seen very little disease due to the dry conditions.  Our staff is estimating yields to be between 37- 60 bushels to the acre.  Dry conditions have really cut into yield. 

Alfalfa

Our alfalfa crop is looking good and we hope to cut seedling alfalfa this week.  We had a severe leaf hopper outbreak about 10 days ago. 

Weeds

Weeds are slow to grow under dry conditions.  The small seeded broadleaf weeds are doing better than large seeded ones.  Grass breaks are common in our preemergent weed control trials.  Postemergent herbicide performance does not seem to be impacted by the dry conditions, but using the proper surfactants (especially AMS) is important.

Insects

As I mentioned, we had a severe potato leafhopper outbreak.  Corn rootworms started feeding early (May 25) and are really hammering the untreated corn.  A few adult western rootworms have been observed.  We are seeing few other corn or soybean insects.  White grubs have begun to pupate and we have not yet seen any Japanese beetle adults.

Diseases

We have seen few diseases due to the dry conditions.

Thanks for reading!

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services