MSU Extension field crops report

Here are some important highlights from the MSU Extension field crops team this week.

IPM BREAKFASTS

Crop updates and IPM information shared at the meeting have been incorporated into the SW MI Regional Update – see the link below. The field crops team update from the meeting is attached which also highlights several issues. This week’s meeting featured MSU weeds specialist Dr. Christie Sprague who talked to us about Field Crops Weed Issues. The article summarizing the talk is posted on the MSUE News site linked below.

If you would like to arrange a time with one of the speakers following a given breakfast meeting, please contact me in advance so I can arrange a schedule, assuming each speaker has time to stay in the area after the breakfast.

INSECT PESTS

Armyworm and black cutworm trap counts have essentially dropped off the map. Compared with the first week of May, cumulative counts from May 7-13 were 12 for true armyworm and 9 for black cutworm in St. Joseph County and just 5 and 2, respectively, from May 14-20. It appears peak flight was either the last week of April or the first week of May in our area. Scouting for crop damage from these pests should begin approximately 300 GDD after peak flight, although this may be extended a bit due to the colder weather we had earlier this month. I will begin scouting and keep you posted when I see significant damage.

DuPont Pioneer has produced general scouting calendars for corn and soybean that growers may find useful. These are general guidelines though, as pest population development differs from year to year and region to region, but it is a good all-around place to start. Also see Chris DiFonzo’s article posted this week (see link below).

WANTED: MANURED CORN FIELDS

I am hoping to conduct a mini-study to highlight the potential benefits of a PSNT (pre-sidedress nitrate test). I have a few fields signed up and would like 3-5 more fields. The test was originally designed to help growers gauge how much nitrogen would be available to this year’s corn crop from existing soil organic matter in manured fields. The criteria for fields include: 1) history of at least one manure application (any species) OR a field that has just come out of alfalfa OR had cover crops that had clover as a significant part; 2) must be planted to corn this year; and 3) must not have had a broadcast application of inorganic nitrogen prior to sidedress (banding or pop-up is OK). If you have one or more fields that meet these criteria, please contact me. I will come and pull soil samples and pay for the PSNT analysis, and you will receive the results, no strings attached. I will use the data from your fields, without any personal/identifying information included, in an article this summer in the MSUE News.

 

CALENDAR

· May 24 IPM Breakfast. Royal Café in Centreville, 7:00 AM. Join us for breakfast, an update from the field crops team, and a presentation from MSU Professor Dr. Kurt Steinke who will talk to us about Field Crop Nutrient Management Concerns and Technologies. The meeting will be sponsored by Karl Ritchie with Walther Farms and by Monsanto Company. No registration required, public is welcome. CEU (Nutrient Mgmt) and RUP credits available.

· May 25 Wheat Field Day 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Mt. Pleasant, MI. Agenda Items Include: Managing for High Yields; Weed Control; Disease Management Strategies; Wheat Market Update; Growth Regulators

· June 25 June Grazing and Pasture Field Day, Hillsdale County. Participants in the Hillsdale County Grazing and Pasture Field Day will enjoy a full day of intensive knowledge and sharing seminars, and farm tours.

· June 29 MSU Weed Tour 8:30 a.m. Lansing, MI. Pre-registration for the tour is $25 per person which includes a tour booklet and lunch.

Eric Anderson

Michigan State University Extension

Field Crops Extension Educator – St. Joseph County