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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.

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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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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