Integrated Crop Management News

Links to these articles are strongly encouraged. Articles may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If articles are used in any other manner, permission from the author is required.

Weed Science Field Book Available

June 19, 2008

Despite the cancellation of the Iowa State University Weed Science field day originally scheduled for June 26, there is still an opportunity to review the weed management demonstrations and research at the ISU Curtiss Farm on South State Street in Ames. 

Since planting and herbicide applications are still underway, particularly for soybeans, it is suggested that a good opportunity to see the weed science research exists after the first week in July. 

Crop Insurance May Help Flooded and Wet Corn and Soybean Acres

June 17, 2008

By William Edwards, Department of Economics

Wet weather has delayed planting of corn and soybeans across the state, and flooding has severely damaged many acres that have been planted. Fortunately, nearly 90 percent of the corn and soybean acres in Iowa are covered by multiple peril crop insurance (MPCI), which can provide some relief.

Wet and Wetter

June 17, 2008
Image taken near Boone, IA showing the ponding of farm fields

During the week of June 8, Iowa witnessed record high flood crests on several interior rivers that made national news. But for agricultural interests, the sheer volume of rainfall remains the story even more than the flooding rivers. Total statewide rainfall for Iowa in the 6 weeks from May 1 to June 15 averages 13.3 inches, which is double the normal precipitation load. The wettest areas are central Iowa (9+ inches above normal) and northeastern Iowa (8.5+ above normal).


Flooding Increases the Risk of Certain Diseases in Corn

June 15, 2008
Image of Pythium stalk rot in a corn plant

By Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology


Infection by a number of pathogens is favored by flooded conditions. Excess soil moisture and anaerobic soil conditions also favor the development of certain diseases.


Root Rots


Over the past week, I have received a number of reports of crown, mesocotyl and root rot of corn. Although root rots of corn occur to some extent every year, under wet conditions, they can cause economic losses.

Corn Size Restriction for POST Herbicides

June 14, 2008
Table of the application restrictions for selected corn post-emergence herbicides

By Mike Owen and Bob Hartzler, Department of Agronomy


Weeds have continued to grow thus making the application of POST herbicides imperative despite the slow development of the corn crop. However, it is also important to follow the size restrictions that exist on the herbicide label, particularly given that corn is under stress due to the poor growing conditions. 


The Nation’s Wet Spot

June 14, 2008
Map of the US showing the percent of normal precipitation

By Elwynn Taylor, Department of Agronomy


It only takes a glance at the year’s (water year begins in October) precipitation map to identify the region of ABNORMAL wetness. The record setting floods of 2008 are no surprise in light of the records. If it seems that high water years in the Midwest are increasingly common since about 1970; they are.



Hayfield Lodging – Management Concerns and Guidelines

June 13, 2008

By Stephen K. Barnhart, Department of Agronomy and Mark Hanna, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering  

Rain, wind, hail, and unavoidable harvest delays have led to lodged and flat hayfields across the state. This is not usually a concern in more normal seasons, but if it occurs, producers have to manage for and around it.  

A ‘bright side’ of delayed harvest is that the forage plants have longer to accumulate carbohydrate ‘stores’ and maintain plant vigor. 

Livestock and Farm Buildings After a Flood

June 13, 2008

By Jay Harmon, Department of Agricultural and BioSystems Engineering
 
Once the water recedes after a flood there are many things that need to be dealt with before putting a building back in service. These involve dealing with safety issues, service issues and other efforts that will prolong the life of the building. 
 

Good Seed Supply Available from Most Companies in Iowa

June 12, 2008

By Palle Pedersen and Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy

Excessive rainfall in Iowa over the last 2 months has challenged most farmers, agronomists, extension workers, and researchers. With another front of storms moving into Iowa today (June 11) we do not know when we will be able to get back into the fields. Our best estimate is that it will first be next week at the earliest.

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