Now that we’re within the time frames for planting to achieve optimal yields for corn and soybean, producers might be getting antsy with the cold, damp weather, and weighing the risks of a potential cold front that can cause damage to germinating seeds or seedlings.
For those that have planted in the small windows of dry weather this season, it’s imperative that stand counts are conducted in the fields to assess seedling diseases and evaluate germination rates — given the quality of 2018’s grain. Given the variable weather conditions, it’s important to evaluate how well seed has emerged after this cool, moist weather period. There's a high probability that some portions of the state will see reduced stand counts. With low quality seed, there's a possibility that the reduced stand counts could be exacerbated. Seed treatments applied to low quality seed can provide protection against certain diseases, but not cool, wet weather.
For information on the types of seedling diseases and planting with low germination rates in mind, be sure to skim through last month’s ICM article on the subject, as well as the Crop Protection Network’s recommendations.
Daren Mueller Professor
Daren Mueller is an associate professor and extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. He is also the coordinator of the Iowa State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Daren received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996, and his master's degree a...
Alison Robertson Professor of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Dr. Alison Robertson is a professor of plant pathology and microbiology. She provides extension education on the diagnosis and management of corn and soybean diseases. Her research interests include Pythium seedling disease of corn and soybean and Goss's wilt. Dr. Robertson received her bach...