Field Crop News

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

August 11, 2009    Vol. 09:23

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Weather Outlook
• Western Bean Cutworm Update
• Cover Crop Strip Plots
• Pennsylvania Corn and Soybean Prospects
• Biochar — A New Technology to Increase Soil Organic Carbon
• Grain Crop Research & Field Demonstration Walk
• Nitrogen Management Field Day
• Ag Progress Days
• Wheat Varieties Data and More
• Wheat Seed Fungicide Treatments

Weather Outlook — Paul Knight, Pennsylvania State Climatologist

A new weather pattern is developing across the region which will favor longer periods of warm and humid conditions for most of the remainder of August. While it will turn a bit cooler and less humid in the northwest half of Pennsylvania on Wednesday, there will be enough residual moisture in the southeastern section to trigger scattered thunderstorms during the afternoon. The drier air will dominate the state on Thursday with plentiful sunshine after patches of dense fog around daybreak. Starting on Friday, winds will turn in from the southeast allowing a steady creep of humid air back into the Commonwealth. Initially, whatever clouds and afternoon showers that are associated with the returning sultry weather will be restricted to the southeastern portion of Pennsylvania — on Friday and Saturday, but odds favor widespread clouds and showers late Saturday into Monday morning as very sticky air flows back into the region. A couple of uncomfortably warm and humid days are expected during the first half of next week. A weakening cold front should reach the area either Wednesday or Thursday.

The very slow start to the hurricane season is ending as the first storm, Ana, is expected to be named in the east—central Atlantic on Wednesday. There should be an active period from August 18–September 10 when a couple of storms strike the U.S. coastline (probably western Gulf and Southeast). A very cool spell is likely during mid—September, with perhaps an unusually early end to the growing season in the northern counties. However, the latest indications point to a warmer than average September and October. The expected development of a moderate El Nino in the Pacific portend a wetter winter (and probably snowier) in the state.

Western Bean Cutworm Update — John Tooker, PSU Entomologist

We continue to trap western bean cutworm (WBC) moths in Pennsylvania. As of today, we have found a total of 30 moths. While this number may not seem high, these are the first records of this pest species in our state, so each record is informative. The first captures occurred in Erie and Lycoming counties on 10 July and our most recent findings were confirmed in Bradford and Lackawanna counties on 10 August. We had a lull of no catches from 22 July – 9 August; what the moths were doing in that time frame is unclear. A surprising result of our efforts is the distribution of WBC moths across Pennsylvania. We have captured moths in nine counties: Washington, Erie, Clarion, Forest, Franklin, Tioga, Lycoming, Bradford, and Lackawanna. These counties are scattered across the southwest, south central, northern, and northeastern portions of Pennsylvania. This distribution indicates to me that all these moths did not first arrive in Pennsylvania in 2009.

The picture that is coming into focus is that a small WBC population has been in Pennsylvania for at least a year, perhaps longer. (In my mind this is the only way to explain some of the fresh looking moths we have found as well as the trap catches in Lackawanna and Franklin counties.) However, a larger population continues to invade Pennsylvania from the west and north. From the experiences of states to our west that have also been invaded in recent years, it seems unlikely that this pest species will cause economic damage for a few years. In the meantime, my goal is continue tracking the spread of this pest species across Pennsylvania so that we may keep growers apprised of local population sizes and the risk to their crops.

For more information on western bean cutworm, see a previous newsletter article (http://fcn.agronomy.psu.edu/2009/fcn0920.cfm) or a Department of Entomology webpage, which features images and a map showing up—to—date distribution of trap catches (http://ento.psu.edu/extension/field-crops/corn/western-bean-cutworm).

Cover Crop Strip Plots Coming to a Farm Near You! — Ron Hoover, PSU On—Farm Research Coordinator

The interest in no—till crop production continues to grow in Pennsylvania and beyond. If you talk with a long—time no—till farmer, and ask what it takes for one to be a consistently successful no—tiller, the inclusion of cover crops into the rotation will likely be one of the top 3 secrets for success. Many are using cereal rye but wonder if there are other species that should be tried. The questions being raised include: are there opportunities to include a legume, possibly as part of a mixture, to produce more nitrogen for succeeding crops? How late can I plant some of these species? What can be planted late and still provide soil protection? Is there such thing as planting too early (after small grain harvest)? Is there a fit for a non—winter hardy species (oats) in my rotation? What species are better as nutrient scavengers?

A team of Crop Management Extension Group county educators and state specialists are planning and soon will be drilling a series of strip plots across the Commonwealth. To date, we have plans for no—till plantings in the counties of Westmoreland, Jefferson, Bradford, Columbia, Northampton, Berks, Dauphin, Montgomery, Lancaster, York, and Franklin. Species to be planted either alone or as part of mixture include oats, triticale, rye, wheat, annual ryegrass, tillage radish, red clover, crimson clover, hairy vetch, and Austrian winter pea. A first planting of plots will occur in mid to late August, followed by a second planting of all the same materials during mid to late September. Manure, where available, will be broadcast onto parts of plot to determine the benefits of fall applications onto these crops. We will monitor for fall growth vigor, winter hardiness, early spring vigor, aboveground biomass prior to destruction in the spring, and nutrient content on some entries (especially those containing legumes and where manure was spread.)

We anticipate fall and spring field days at most locations to view establishment, winter cover, and biomass production. Previous field days focused on projects of this nature have resulted in spirited, wide—ranging, enjoyable, and very educational discussions between farmers and advisors. Stay tuned to the Field Crop News for more details of these events as their planning continues.

Pennsylvania Corn and Soybean Prospects — Greg Roth, Grain Crop Management

Corn and soybean crop conditions around the state are generally good, with some fields really benefitting from the recent “million dollar rains” in late July and August. A recent study we published indicated that an inch of rain in July relates to about 12.5 bushels per acre of. The recent USDA Crop progress reports indicate that 78% of the PA corn crop is rated good to excellent and 75% of the soybeans are rated good to excellent.

I suspect we will encounter some very high yields of corn in some fields and lots of good to average yields, especially on some of our traditionally droughty soils. Now is the time to start doing some preseason yield estimates. Many growers pushed populations this year and the lack of heat and drought stress in some areas could result in a yield response from this tactic. A quick estimate from our population study here at Rock Springs suggests our high population strips might be in the 200 bu./acre range. I spent a lot of time traveling throughout the state and then on to Illinois last week. My observations indicated that crop maturity and variability are issues in western PA, but there is a lot of pretty good looking corn between here and central Illinois, with only a few pockets of drought stressed corn. The biggest concern for our Pennsylvania crops will be maturity related and perhaps a slow dry down period, particularly in our shorter season areas.

Soybeans seem more variable with a few more later planted fields in the landscape, but with the recent rains, many are increasing in height substantially. Our variety trials are some of the best looking plots we have had. If we can continue to have some warm weather without excessive moisture through the end of the season, I think our yield prospects will be very good. I saw some of my first lodged soybeans this week and we have had a few reports of white mold and other diseases coming on which would be expected with the precipitation pattern in the last two weeks. In soybeans, some producers cut back on plant populations, and this season could favor that tactic. We still have a lot of growing season left for our soybeans but at this point I am optimistic about yield prospects for this crop as well.

Biochar — A New Technology to Increase Soil Organic Carbon — Sjoerd Duiker, Soil Management Specialist

There have been some articles published about biochar in the local media, and a questionnaire has been going around in parts of Pennsylvania about this new topic, which may have raised some questions in peoples’ minds. Is this a hoax that we should disregard or is this something we should pay attention to? Biochar is nothing else than charcoal. Research in former Indian settlements in the Amazon region revealed soils that contained high amounts of carbon. The source of the carbon was charcoal produced hundreds of years ago. It is also estimated that 5–10% of soil organic carbon in prairie soils of the Midwestern U.S. is charcoal, produced over thousands of years during prairie fires. Charcoal is unique in that it is highly stable — contrary to most of the soil organic matter naturally formed in our soils. Charcoal has a half—life of more than 1000 years. So when charcoal is applied to soils, there is a greater guarantee that this will stay there for a long time to come — in contrast to most other organic amendments we apply to soils. Charcoal has some beneficial properties for soil quality — (1) it is a great adsorbent that has the potential to reduce leaching of a variety of chemicals to groundwater; (2) charcoal contains plant nutrients that would be very slowly released to crops; (3) charcoal has a low density and could potentially reduce bulk density of agricultural soils; (4) charcoal is a liming agent that could alleviate the acidification of our soils. In an article published in the Agronomy Journal last year a vision was presented to process agricultural biomass through pyrolyzers, which would produce bio—oil (60% of mass), syngas (20% of mass), and charcoal (20%). The oil could be used as fossil fuel, whereas the syngas would be used to produce the charcoal. The author of the vision proposed that the charcoal would be applied to soils instead of used as fuel, to improve soil quality and sequester carbon in soils. The bio—oil that could be produced from agricultural crop residues could offset some 25% of current oil consumption in the U.S.. Combined with the carbon sequestered in soil the charcoal (or biochar) vision would reduce U.S. carbon dioxide emissions 10%. It seems this idea has merit and is worthy of further investigation. However, just like other ’solutions’ to the greenhouse gas and fossil energy conundrum, careful evaluation of benefits and drawbacks is warranted before large—scale implementation is warranted.

Reference: David Laird. 2008. The charcoal vision: A win—win—win scenario for simultaneously producing bio—energy, permanently sequestering carbon, while improving soil and water quality. Agronomy Journal 100:178–181.

Grain Crop Research & Field Demonstration Walk — John Rowehl Extension Educator, York Co.

Thursday August 27, 10 am–noon and 6:30–8:30 pm
Flinchbaugh Farm field—Hallam, PA (York County)

Directions to the field:
Rt 30 to Hellam Exit, go south on Kreutz Creek Rd toward 462.
Continue straight through across 462; the road becomes Frysville Road
Go approx. 1.3 mi. Field is on the right just past where the road turns sharply to the right.

Research and Demonstration Plots on Tap
*Penn State Hybrid Evaluation
*Triple Stack Corn and Related RR—only Hybrid Comparison
*Controlled Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Study

Nitrogen Management Field Day

Thursday, August 13th, 9:00 – 11:30 AM

Penn State SE Research & Extension Center
1446 Auction Road, Manheim, PA.

One of the most challenging issues of 2009 was effectively managing fertility, particularly NITROGEN. Nitrogen deficiency appears to be more widespread this year and can easily be spotted in corn fields where the lower leaves have begun turning yellow and a general pale and unevenness exists.

Farmers, Lancaster Farms Participants, and Ag Professionals are invited to view some of Penn State’s research on nitrogen response, hear from some of the experts on using nitrogen measurement tools, and join a discussion on managing this essential and expensive nutrient.

Topics and speakers include:
Crop Circle research — Dr John Schmidt, USDA;
Chlorophyll meter, Pre—Sidedress N and Stalk nitrate tests — Dr. Doug Beegle, PSU, & Dr. Tom Morris, U. Conn.
Local experiences in N management — Jeff Graybill, Lancaster Extension and others.

No cost to attend. Reservations are not required but appreciated at Lancaster Ext. 717–394–6851

Meeting qualifies for 1.5 PA Nutrient Management Credits

Ag Progress Days

The Penn State Crop Management Extension Group (CMEG) hopes to visit with you at Ag Progress Days beginning on Tuesday, August 18th and running through Thursday, August 20th. See the APD Web site http://apd.psu.edu/ for daily times and specific attractions. Sponsored by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, the event is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs about nine miles southwest of State College on Pa. Route 45.

Ag Progress Days is the largest outdoor agricultural exposition in the state attracting more than 400 commercial exhibitors displaying their latest goods and services. Interactive educational exhibits, guided tours and workshops will show how agricultural researchers and educators are addressing important issues, safeguarding and improving our food supply and the environment, and helping to enhance the efficiency and profitability of agriculture and related industries.

The crops, soils, and conservation exhibits will again be located together at the traditional location for the crops and soils exhibits at the end of 5th Street. We will be hosting several Penn State Department exhibits, exhibits from allied organizations such as the Pennsylvania Corn Growers Association, the Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council, and the Pennsylvania No—till Alliance. In addition, the many agencies and organizations that support agriculture and natural resources conservation such as NRCS, USDA’s Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission will have exhibits located here.

Specialists and county educators from CMEG will be on hand to field questions and discuss crop production issues. We’re interested in what you have to say so please make time to visit with us.

Admission and parking are free and there is plenty to do for the entire family, so join us for a day and celebrate the promise we all share for Pennsylvania agriculture!

Wheat Varieties Data and More — Greg Roth, PSU Grain Crop Management

For many folks this was a less than wonderful wheat year and one that many of us are glad to put behind us. Our wet weather during grain fill in many areas increased the risk for scab and ultimately resulted in varying levels of DON levels in much of our wheat. It appears that Fusarium can infect wheat well into grain fill and result in serious scab infestations even though models that predicted scab based on the conditions at flowering indicated the risk of scab is low to moderate.

The scab situation led to many frustrations during the marketing the crop. Different standards of acceptance among mills and elevators and variations in DON levels from the same fields and loads have been common concerns voiced by growers. PDA is studying the vomitoxin situation this year to assess vomitoxin levels in feed and flour samples obtained from the industry. Hopefully this will provide some insight into the extent of the problem and better ways to deal with this issue in the future.

One question now is whether the seed from a scab infested wheat crop will predispose the new crop to head scab. I posed this question to Dr. Gary Bergstrom from Cornell and he indicated that in their studies there has been no increased risk of Fusarium Head Blight due to scab infested seed. There is a risk of lower germination, however from Fusarium Seedling Blight and other diseases. Thus, thorough seed cleaning, seed treatment with the appropriate fungicide and germination testing are key management steps if you plan to save seed. The PDA Seed Testing Laboratory can provide germination testing (717–787–4894). This year is a good opportunity to consider buying some new seed.

We have released our 2009 wheat variety tests (http://smallgrains.psu.edu/). Unfortunately we had to abandon the Landisville test this year due to erratic stands. Yields at our Centre County site were good with yields ranging up to 100 bu./acre, but test weights were a bit low. We experienced a hard winter this year and noticed some differences in stand and crop vigor coming out of the winter, despite uniform fall stands. We rated the lines for stand and crop vigor as well. We also rated lines this year for powdery mildew and head scab incidence as well and found significant differences for both.

Ohio State has also released its variety test information this week (http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/wheattrials/). Ohio State has also conducted multiple location ratings for scab (http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/wheattrials/table6.asp?strSort=6&strSite=1&year=2009), which are better than relying on single location date. Both the University of Maryland (http://www.mdcrops.umd.edu/wheat/) and the University of Delaware have released their information as well (http://www.udel.edu/varietytrials/small_grains/index.html)

Wheat Seed Fungicide Treatments — Del Voight, Extension Educator, Lebanon Co.

RELATIVE EFFICACY OF FUNGICIDE SEED TREATMENTS FOR MANAGEMENT OF CERTAIN DISEASES OF WHEAT IN PENNSYLVANIA

Trade Name	Active Ingredient	Loose Smut	Common Bunt	Stagonospora nodorum	Fusarium Head scab	Pythium Damping Off	Pricer per Gallon or Quart
Source: Ohio State University adapted for PA by Del Voight. Prices subject to change. a Efficacy based on labeled rates of active ingredient for each product. b Efficacy rating scale: E=Excellent, G=Good, F=Fair, P=Poor and N=No activity.
Allegiance/DynaShield Metalaxyl	Metalaxyl	N	N	N	N	E	$384/gal
Apron XL	Mefenoxam	N	N	N	N	E
Dividend XL	Difenoconazol + Mefanoxam	E	E	E	G	E	$67.50/gal
LSP Flowable Fungicide	TBZ	N	G	P	G	N	??
Maxim 4FS	Fludioxonil	N	N	N	G	N	$504.65/qt
Raxil-Thiram	Tebuconazole Thiram	E	E	E	G	F	$68/75/gal
Raxil MD	Tebuconazole Metalaxyl	E	E	E	G	E	$80.25/gal
Raxil XT/DynaShield Small Grains	Tebuconazole Metalaxyl	E	E	E	G	E	$55.85/gal
RTU-Vitvax-Thiram	Carboxin, Thiram	G	G	F	G	F	??
Vitavax-200	Carboxin, Thiram	G	G	F	G	F	??
Cruser Maxx Cereals -							$94.55/gal

Contributors: Extension Educators: Paul Craig (Dauphin), Jeff Graybill (Lancaster), Kevin Fry (Armstrong), Del Voight (Lebanon), John Rowehl (York), Mark Madden (Sullivan), and Susan Alexander (Jefferson). State Specialists: Ron Hoover, John Tooker, Sjoerd Duiker, Greg Roth, and Doug Beegle.

Editor: Tom Murphy, Lycoming County

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