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Heat spurs crop growth
[JUNE
23, 2003]
Crops have progressed nicely
in Logan County the past two weeks as we have had some heat units to
spur growth along. The only thing we are now needing is some
moisture, as soil has rapidly dried out with the windy conditions.
Cracks have begun to form in some soil types. Shallow rooted corn,
or young soybeans, are most at risk from the dry conditions.
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It is hard to believe that maximum
yield potential in corn has been set, but ear size has already been
established by plants. This becomes a maximum, which probably won't
be realized come fall. Additional loss of kernels can occur from
many factors, such as pollination, insect problems, heat and lack of
moisture.
Soybeans should just begin flowering in
the next week. The bean plants hardly seem big enough to begin
flowering, but the plants flower based on the length of night rather
than size. Blooming can begin once the plants begin putting on their
trifoliate leaves. With the indeterminate varieties of soybeans we
are growing, they will then bloom throughout most of the summer.
Crop problems have been relatively
minor on the whole this year. Sure there have been some problems,
but they haven't been widespread. Probably the biggest trouble has
been weather-related, such as tornadoes through the north central
portions of the county and floodwaters in the southeast sections. We
have also had some limited problems from insects such as white
grubs, wireworms and cutworms.
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this article]
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Problems could occur in the near future
from insects such as Japanese beetles, corn rootworm beetles and
other insects that could clip silks. Treatment for these types of
insects is warranted to protect pollination. This assumes that
pollination is not complete and silk clipping is occurring. Most of
the synthetic pyrethroids are labeled. It will be very
 interesting
to see if the Japanese beetle area continues to expand this year
from the southeast corner of Logan County.
Field
crop scouting workshop
The next
workshop in the field scouting series is scheduled for this
Wednesday, June 25, from 9-11 a.m. at Dave Opperman's farm. The
educator speaking will be George Czapar. Please feel free to contact
the
office if you have questions; otherwise you may just show up.
Might be a good idea to bring your own lawn chair!
[John
Fulton]
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