Field Crop News

Website Address: http://fcn.agronomy.psu.edu/

May 13, 2005    Vol. 05:04

IN THIS ISSUE:

Mark Your Calendar

Weather Outlook

Production

Pest Management

Agents Corner

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SMALL GRAINS FIELD DAY UPDATE

We are planning an interesting field tour of our small grains trials at Rock Springs this year on June 7. We probably have more small grain activities on the farm this year than any in the recent past. We hope to review commercial wheat and barley entries, review disease research and issues in the field this year, review some of our intensive management research and evaluate some of the hard wheat lines that we have in our trials this year. We also will review milling industry trends where opportunities might exist with specialty hard or soft wheats. We'll also have a discussion of seed testing and its importance as part of producing top yielding wheat. If you have an interest in these issues, consider joining us on the 7th. A program is available on the web at (http://smallgrains.psu.edu/fieldday.cfm)

Greg Roth, gwr@psu.edu
Grain Crops Management, Crop and Soil Sciences

WEATHER OUTLOOK

The very dry first third of May will be moderated by weekend (May 14-15) showers and thunderstorms. More rain is likely in corners of the state, northwest and southeast, as warm, almost humid air is slowly pushed away. A period of settled (dry) and seasonably cool weather is anticipated from Monday through Wednesday (May 16-18). Daybreak temperatures will fall into the 30's in the northern tier on Tuesday. A warming trend during the latter half of the week (May 18-21) will also bring episodes of clouds and thundershowers. Another push of cool air from Canada should arrive during the weekend (May 21-22) and will stay around for much of the next week. It is possible that abundant clouds and scattered showers will accompany this cool air mass in the May 23-25 time-frame. A cooler than average June-July is still expected with the warmest and driest conditions expected in August.

Paul Knight, pgk2@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State Climatologist

PRODUCTION

EARLY SEASON GRAIN CROP ISSUES

As we move into mid May, now is the time to monitor corn and soybean fields for emergence, weed and insect control issues. In many parts of the state, conditions for planting were excellent in mid to late April and many growers took advantage of this to get most of their corn planted. In some areas, it has taken more than 3 weeks for this corn to emerge. Many of these April planted fields should have emerged or in cooler areas, be emerging soon. In the Midwest, some of these mid April fields are having emergence problems. Here, it seems the relatively dry conditions in many areas have helped to avoid seed decay and seedling blights for the most part. We are still waiting for emergence of our corn planted 3 weeks ago here. It is still a good idea to monitor emergence of these later emerging fields and consider an early replant of those fields that may not reach desired population levels. Slightly deeper planted fields at 2 inches or more may be at more risk of poor emergence.

Refer to our replanting charts in the Agronomy Guide (http://agguide.agronomy.psu.edu/) to estimate the yield potential of a reduced stand. A 17,500 stand will yield about 87% of a 30,000 stand. We may also see some reduced plant populations and stand uniformity in both corn and soybeans due to dry conditions during the past two weeks. These would be especially true in cloddy, tilled or shallow planted fields. Also while scouting, note the weed control from preemergence herbicides- often performance can be reduced in dry springs. If necessary, make plans for a postemergent application.

Also, take some time to monitor the condition, maturity and diseases in wheat and barley. Some of our barley may have experienced frost damage last week during head emergence. This may cause some sterility in the heads and low grain yields. If you suspect frost damage, monitor these fields for grain development and consider salvaging these fields for silage if that is an option. The dry condition in some areas may have limited the tillering and height of wheat and especially barley crops. Powdery mildew will be one of the first diseases to appear. In wheat, an average of two or more pustules on the leaf below the flag leaf is the threshold for fungicide application. Also, review your variety selection in the future if you are finding considerable powdery mildew levels. Consult the Agronomy Guide for fungicide effectiveness and timing recommendations.

Greg Roth, gwr@psu.edu
Grain Crops Management, Crop and Soil Sciences

CHECK MOISTURE BEFORE BALING HAY

Baling hay at the optimum moisture content can be a tricky business, which often involves some guesswork and cooperation from the weather. Baling at moisture levels above the optimum will cause heating and spoilage of the hay. Conversely, baling at moisture levels below the optimum causes excessive leaf loss which translates into lower quality hay. The optimum moisture for baling is not a constant and depends on the bale size being used.

Moisture for small rectangular bales should be no higher than 20%, unless a preservative is used. The upper moisture limit in large bales, both round and rectangular, is about 16% to avoid excessive heating during storage. If large round bales are stored outside and uncovered, moisture content at baling can be up to 20%.

Determining moisture content can be done with a microwave oven or Koster moisture tester before baling, or an electronic moisture meter at baling. When using an electronic moisture meter, probe from the end of rectangular bales and through the rounded diameter of round bales. At least five probes of each bale should be taken and the readings should be averaged. If readings vary more than three percentage points, more probes should be taken and the average re-calculated.

Many factors can affect a meter's accuracy such as bale density. Tightly packed bales will give the most accurate readings. The use of chemical preservatives is another factor that may affect the accuracy of electronic moisture meters. Some chemicals such as propionic acid can increase readings as much as four percentage points. If preservatives are used and the instruction manual for the moisture meter does not provide information about effects of chemicals on meter performance, contact the manufacturer for additional information.

Marvin Hall, mhh2@psu.edu
Forage Management, Crop and Soil Sciences

STORING FORAGE SEEDS UNTIL FALL OR NEXT SPRING

Some planned forage seedings may not have been realized this spring. Here are some suggestions to help maintain the viability of seed until fall or next spring.

The longevity of stored seeds depends on storage environment. The two most important environmental factors that farmers can control are temperature and relative humidity. Within limits, the storage life of seeds decreases as storage temperature increases. Subfreezing temperatures are usually superior to warmer temperatures for seed storage. Store seeds in a cool location!

Relative humidity is of no concern when the seeds have been dried to an appropriate moisture content and stored in sealed moisture-proof containers. However, relative humidity is important when seeds are stored in open or porous containers. Under these conditions the moisture content of seeds will equilibrate with the surrounding relative humidity. In general, high relative humidity (seed moisture content) reduces the storage life of seeds. Store seeds in a dry location!

The general rule-of-thumb to minimize the rate of seed deterioration is to store seeds in an environment where the sum of the temperature and relative humidity is below 100. For example, if the storage temperature is 50° F then the relative humidity should be below 50%. Fortunately, for those farmers storing seed until next spring, seed storage is easiest during the winter because cold temperatures slow seed deterioration as long as the seeds are stored in a dry location.

Marvin Hall, mhh2@psu.edu
Forage Management, Crop and Soil Sciences

MOISTURE SAVINGS WITH NO-TILL

Tillage equipment operating in the field

Moisture saving is one of the selling points for no-till in semi-arid climates. It is a reason for higher yields and increased cropping intensification in the western U.S. and in Australia, for example. In our humid climate we often don't give much thought to the moisture savings in no-till, until we hit a dry spell, that is. Moisture savings with no-till are all related to mulch cover. With a bare soil no moisture savings are likely. The mulch helps in two ways: (1) it breaks the impact of raindrops hitting the soil surface and (2) it reduces evaporation. While drops of drizzly rains do not do much damage to soil structure, the large drops of thunderstorms do. They cause creation of a surface seal that has greatly reduced infiltration. Thus infiltration is usually greater in no-till than in tilled soil. Another reason no-till leads to moisture savings is reduced evaporation, the loss of moisture from the soil. Some of the classical studies done in Kentucky showed that moisture savings in no-till are greatest until canopy closure. In the first two months after corn planting they recorded a savings of almost 2 inches of water per month. Considering that our monthly rainfall is about 4 inches, this is a considerable difference with tilled soil. It is likely that no-till helps improve uniform emergence this spring as tilled soil on the hill crests dries out most quickly.

Sjoerd Duiker, swd10@psu.edu
Soil Management, Crop and Soil Sciences

PEST MANAGEMENT

WEED MANAGEMENT TIDBITS

Drought and PRE herbicides: Dry weather can affect both soil applied and postemergence herbicide performance. All soil applied herbicides require rainfall to mobilize them for effective weed control. In general, rainfall should occur within 7 to 10 days after application or before weed emergence. As a general rule of thumb, 1/2 inch of rain is considered the minimum depending on current soil moisture levels and the herbicide used. The less mobile materials (Prowl, Atrazine, Scepter) and deeper germinating weeds (e.g. yellow nutsedge, cocklebur, velvetleaf, ragweed, etc.) will require more rainfall for effective mobilization. If 10 days have past without rainfall following a Pre treatment and weeds are starting to break, consider using a rotary hoe, start planning for a post herbicide application, or think about using that old cultivator that you have been dying to try again. Although some "reach back" can be expected on small annual weeds (esp. broadleaves) with some herbicides when rainfall occurs, depending on this may be a little like gambling in Las Vegas. In particular, the new pigment inhibiting herbicides (Balance Pro, Lumax, Lexar) tend to have better "reach back" potential then some other herbicides and escaped grass control is probably of greater concern. As for post herbicide applications, remember that small annual weeds are easier to kill than large ones and examine adjuvant options to maximize activity under dry weather conditions. Delaying the herbicide application until after a rainfall rarely increases your chances of success unless you're making that decision while watching a large storm front move in from the west. A recent article entitled "Dry Weather and Preemergence Herbicide Activity" by Mark Loux at Ohio State also discusses this dilemma. It can be found at http://corn.osu.edu/index.php?setissueID=79#B

Synchrony XP, Synchrony STS, and Canopy EX for soybean burndown programs: Dupont has introduced another chlorimuron-containing product called Synchrony XP. It is a new extruded paste (XP) formulation of chlorimuron (Classic) and thifensulfuron (Harmony GT). It has the same relative ratio components as the older Synchrony STS, but has an overall lower percentage of active ingredients. (So, higher product rates of XP will be needed as compared to STS.) In addition to an in-crop postemergence label, Synchrony XP is labeled for burndown use within 45 days of planting. When used in a burndown program Synchrony XP rates range from 0.75 to 3 oz/A. The lower rates (0.75 - 1.5 oz) can aid glyphosate and/or 2,4-D in the burndown of broadleaf weeds. The higher rates (2 - 3 oz) of Synchrony XP will increase burndown efficacy as well as provide some residual control of broadleaves. However, since Synchrony XP is sold in 3.75 oz packets the typical use rates for burndown would be 1 packet per 3 acres, equaling 1.25 oz/A XP or 1 packet per 2 acres, equaling 1.88 oz/A XP. The 1.88 oz rate would be about $12/acre. For more information and a rate conversion chart on Synchrony XP, STS or Canopy EX please see http://www.dupont.com/ag/products/pdfs/K-06227.pdf, and http://corn.osu.edu/print.php?issueID=72

Sweet corn: Callisto is labeled, Lumax and Lexar are not: As a reminder, Callisto is currently the only mesotrione-containing product labeled for use on sweet corn. We continue to receive calls inquiring about the use of Lumax or Lexar on sweet corn and must unfortunately inform the caller that neither of them is legally approved for use in this crop. Despite the fact that all of the active ingredients are individually registered for use on sweet corn, the premixed products have not yet been approved. Until Lumax and Lexar are approved by EPA for use on sweet corn, one suggestion is to tank-mix Callisto (3 - 6 fl oz/A) with Bicep II Magnum (1.6 - 2.1 qt/A) or another approved pre-grass plus atrazine herbicide product to obtain a similar mixture.

New weeds and 2004 Hurricanes: Now that the warm weather is here, it is time to watch for any new weeds species or infestations that may have been introduced into fields from displaced soil and debris due to the floods that occurred during the 2004 season. This may likely be most prevalent in the central and northeastern parts of the state along the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. As an example, burcucumber might spread into new fields with river flooding events. While you are scouting fields be on the lookout for any new species that have not historically been there. As with any new invading weed infestation, it is best to eradicate the patch when it is small otherwise the problem will only get worse.

Dwight Lingenfelter, dxl18@psu.edu and
Bill Curran, wcurran@psu.edu
Weed Science, Crop and Soil Sciences

Agents Corner

Capital

After an early start for the planting season, a week of very cool temperatures had many folks pulling in their horns as they saw the earliest planted corn emerging with pale yellow color. Still, many farmers are getting close to finishing corn planting and getting started on soybeans. Although showers were a possibility in the forecast for many days, very little rain fell and the soil is getting very dry.

Wheat planted first last fall is at the emerged flag leaf stage (9) and beginning to be "in the boot" (10). I have not seen signs of leaf disease wherever I have looked. Pale green areas are showing up in some fields, perhaps from the loss of N due to heavy rains after early topdressing. This may have been the year to split apply N or just wait until the wheat had begun to grow. The prevailing opinion seems to be that winter grains will be shorter than normal. Rye for silage was being harvested last week (May 2-6). Alfalfa harvest has just begun.

I have found only one black cutworm moth in the pheromone trap I put out on April 12. Either I put my trap in the wrong place or my catch just happens to be consistent with low numbers that other areas report.

Jon Rowehl, jer2@psu.edu
Cumberland County

Central

We could sure use some rain! I think that it has been almost two years since that sentiment has been voiced. Locally many acres of corn have been planted since as early as April 11. Very few of these acres have emerged corn at this point. Cool, dry soil conditions have slowed or stopped crop emergence. This may have been a blessing in disguise since we had 3 nights with frost last week. The quality and vigor of the seed corn will be tested this year. Most farmers have not let the dry weather deter them from continued plantings of corn and soybeans. Acres being no tilled have increased, the primary reason given is the higher price of fuel this spring.

Pastures and hay fields also are noticeably lagging behind in growth compared to years past. Again lack of warm temperatures and dry soil conditions are to blame. Wheat and barley seem to be doing fairly well. Most producers were able to get topdress nitrogen applied soon after the soaking rains stopped. The current field conditions should keep fungus and disease problems away from the small grains for now.

Greg Hostetter, gjh10@psu.edu
Juniata County

Northeast

Excellent conditions for field work continue across the northern tier and I can report a good measure of activity. However, some wonder as I do, if the lack of moisture now will become an issue later this growing season as we would expect still dryer times ahead. Timely planting always seems to be the best hedge so we're encouraging producers to take advantage of the current situation.

I look to a timely forage harvest and resultant good quality as much of the planting will be done before the 1st cut is optimum.

The dry conditions have also given us the opportunity to optimize the value of manure this year as spreading and tillage can happen in short order enabling us to capture the nitrogen contribution better than in recent years. With the price of fuel and other inputs this year, there's little doubt this is a good thing.

Mark Madden, mmadden@psu.edu
Sullivan/Bradford County

Northwest

Spring has finally arrived in the Northwest region, with warm sunny weather appearing. Corn planting is in full swing as the soil temperatures have risen and fields have dried out.

Oats and new seedings are emerging quite nicely as the weather improves. Soybean planting is beginning in our region.

Alfalfa and grass fields are growing nicely with some seed heads appearing in pasture grasses. Pastures are starting to respond with the moisture and warm temperatures. For the most part animals have been keeping up with growth, but that hopefully wonÕt last much longer.

Forage harvesting should begin shortly with the warmer weather appearing now. Alfalfa weevil activity has not been observed in fields yet.

Nelson Smith, nes2@psu.edu
Clarion County

Southeast

Field preparation and corn planting have been the primary operations in the past week due to warming temperatures and a dry weather pattern. Significant progress has been made. About 50-60% of the acres are estimated planted, with few acres emerged. There have been some soybeans planted.

Pasture has significantly slowed its growth due to the cool temperatures and low soil moisture level, lengthening the rotation between paddocks. Grass and mixed grass hay is about ready to be harvested now for highest quality.

Barley is heading out. Oats are germinated but lack vigor due to the need for soil moisture in the upper soil profile.

Other than earlier reports of cereal rust mite, no other major insect pest has been reported. Warm season weeds, such as burcucumber, have germinated.

Mena Hautau, CCA, mmh10@psu.edu
Berks County

Southwest

Spring has finally arrived! Heavy frost occurred on May 5th with lows in the mid twenties. Farmers are finally able to take off the insulated coveralls while doing field work. Corn and soybean planting is in high gear, as of writing this on the 11th, IÕve yet to see any corn emerged, but it isnÕt far off.

Winter barley is beginning to head out. Oats that were planted at the end of April have emerged and are waiting for some moisture.

Alfalfa growth has accelerated with the warmer temperatures, first cutting was looking to be pretty thin until the weather change. Weevil populations are low, I donÕt expect any spray applications to be necessary. Orchardgrass is beginning to head and I look for first cutting to begin with the next stretch of nice weather.

Kevin Fry, ksf107@psu.edu
Armstrong County