Ag Partners Agronomic Insights
 Dave RichterBelle Plaine |
 Tanner BorgschatzGoodhue |
 Steve YochElgin |
WEST
As we finish spraying soybeans, we will be observing fields as they move from vegetative growth through to the reproductive stages. Most fields are already into the R1 stage and getting close to R2, which would be full bloom. The reproductive stages is when soybeans will express more of the diseases. Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) will show up with chlorotic spots between the veins on the upper most leaves. This can lead to significant yield loss due to the fact, as in its name, when the plant is infected it dies at that stage.
We can start treatment for SDS before planting with a seed treatment product called Saltro, which can be applied directly to the seed. By doing so it reduces nematodes, which pierce the roots and allow infection into the plant, will significantly increase SDS control. Saltro also gives the soybeans a faster start than other seed treatments, such as Ilevo. Ilevo can tend to have a hallow effect on the cotyledons. Below is a picture of Ilevo treated beans on the left and Saltro treated beans on the right. – Dave
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It’s hard to believe it’s already the middle of July. With that, corn fungicide applications will likely be starting in the next 10-14 days. Tar Spot and other diseases have already been found in the area. The weather so far this summer has been a conducive environment for diseases- moderate temperatures, higher humidity, and prolonged wetness (rain). Fungicide applications will help prevent or slow the advancement of these diseases. Our AYS data shows yield responses of 12-15 bu on average in the presence of disease, or more especially with an early onset of Tar Spot like we saw a couple years ago. Another benefit of a fungicide application is plant health. Fungicide applications will also help preserve stalk integrity and harvestability later in the season. Talk with your Ag Partners Agronomist or AYS Specialist to see if the hybrids on your farm are responsive to fungicide applications. – Tanner
Pictured below is Northern Corn Leaf Blight and Tar Spot found in the area this past week.
SOUTH
I have spent most of the last two days in alfalfa fields. I managed to wander into a few nearby corn fields, pulling whorls and counting leaves, estimating the days until corn fungicide application. With this week’s much needed heat and dryer weather, we will be applicating soon!
Back to alfalfa… In the fields I have been in, most have been below threshold on leafhoppers and aphids. Actually, surprisingly low numbers for this time of the growing season. With the investments that had to be made earlier in the season with controlling alfalfa weevils, I’m sure you are reluctant to spend more this season on “bug” control. However, we aren’t quite done scouting yet. I would expect leafhopper and aphid numbers to increase with increased temp and dryer conditions. Continue to monitor fields.
There has been a fair amount of wheel traffic damage in the alfalfa fields. Not surprising with the field conditions we were forced to harvest in. Time will tell how those areas recover long term. There is some talk about interseeding a few new-seeding fields if plants do not recover.
Lepto Leafspot (see picture below) is still out there. The older leaves on some fields have been affected, but the new growth is looking good. The fungal disease prefers cool and wet weather. With the change in weather, that disease should not be an issue the rest of this cutting.
Thank you for your business and have a great summer! – Steve
