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By Rich Pope, Department of Plant Pathology
Knowing how to recognize and manage soybean cyst nematode is the sole focus of a new pocket guide authored by Iowa State University Extension Nematologist Greg Tylka, in partnership between Iowa State University and the Iowa Soybean Association.
By Charles Hurburgh, Department Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
The current cold weather provides some relief from the wet grain issues that have plagued farmers in 2008. There is considerable corn in storage over 18 percent moisture, with some over 20 percent. And there is still wet corn in the field that likely will not dry any more.
By XB Yang, S.S. Navi, and John Shriver, Department of Plant Pathology and Ken Pecinovsky, Northeast Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm
Prior to 2005, foliar diseases were not of major concern to soybean production in Iowa and much of the north central region, except for soybean seed production. However, since the report of Asian soybean rust in South America in 2001 and then in the United States in 2004, interest in fungicide applications in soybean production has increased consistently, making use of fungicides on soybeans a hot topic.
Steve Barnhart, Department of Agronomy
Rain in May and early June this year put most alfalfa producers behind two to three weeks for their first, and correspondingly their second, third, and sometimes forth cuttings. Now in mid-November, producers can look back on the season, determine if there are still some management decisions to make and guess about winter survival.
By Charles Hurburgh, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
As we observed a few weeks ago, the 2008 corn crop is wetter and lower in test weight than average corn. Long, cool growing seasons produce high yields but the corn is wet and soft, with more soft white starch. This means lower test weight, and reduced storability as mold can invade the softer textured kernels more rapidly. It also takes more energy to remove water from softer corn.
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) News is your link to the latest crop and weather interviews conducted by Doug Cooper, Iowa State University Extension communication specialist. Every Monday, Cooper visits with Extension climatologist Elwynn Taylor, integrated pest management specialist Rich Pope, and corn agronomist Roger Elmore or soybean agronomist Palle Pedersen. Once a month, Chad Hart, ISU grain markets specialist, is included in the program. Together, they take a look at the latest Iowa Crops and Weather report and the most recent USDA's Crop Production report.
By Rich Pope, Department of Plant Pathology
Wet and cold! That is how many people will recall the 2008 growing season.
And in a general sense that is a good description, as the Iowa statewide accumulation of crop growth degree days was about 130 behind the 30 year average, and rainfall was more than 7 inches above normal. But when we examine each by crop reporting district through the season, the story gets a bit more complex, depending on where you are looking.
By Charles Hurburgh, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology; Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy
Fall weather has allowed late planted corn to mature, increasing grain yields expectations - the USDA October yield estimate is 172 bushels per acre in Iowa. Although high grain yields are expected, reports of quality issues are surfacing.
By Charles Hurburgh, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy
Grains have a shelf life just like any food product. Shelf life is primarily determined by moisture content and temperature. It is gradually used through the time before use, and each operation or storage regime consumes a portion of the life.
By Charles Hurburgh, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy
Weather this fall has benefited the corn crop by allowing late planted corn to mature. Much of the state recently experienced its first killing frost. The USDA October yield estimate of 172 bushels per acre in Iowa surprised many. If this is the final yield, 2008 will produce the third highest yield recorded, behind the 173 bushels per acre of 2005 and 181 bushels per acre in 2004.
