Integrated Crop Management News

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Week of May 26 Crop and Weather Report

Doug Cooper, Iowa State University Extension communications specialist, interviewed climatologist Elwynn Taylor, integrated pest management specialist Rich Pope, and corn agronomist Roger Elmore Tuesday, May 26 for the weekly Iowa crop and weather report.

Elmore reports heavy rain has created a bit of a dilemma for farmers trying to determine whether or not to replant corn. He says replanting at the end of May will normally reduce production by about 30 percent compared to late April early May plantings.

SCN and Corn Nematode Workshops Set for July

Image of SCN females on roots

On July 29, experience training designed to improve management SCN; the next day, learn more about corn nematodes. Both workshops will be held in Ames.

May 18 Crop and Weather Report

Iowa State University Extension climatologist Elwynn Taylor, integrated pest management specialist Rich Pope, and soybean agronomist Palle Pedersen are interviewed during the weekly crop and weather report with Doug Cooper.

Taylor says La Niña will not be a factor during the 2009 growing season and there is a chance that an El Niño could develop. El Niño would take the threat of drought out of the picture, according to Taylor.

Drift Management Considerations

Specialists offer reminders of management practices that reduce drift.

May 11 Crop and Weather Report

Iowa State University Extension climatologist Elwynn Taylor, integrated pest management specialist Rich Pope, plant pathologist Daren Mueller and corn agronomist Roger Elmore join Doug Cooper for the weekly crop and weather report on May 11.

Taylor says weather patterns are starting to show a wet period moving into the Corn Belt and that could be very bad news for Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. La Niña continues to lose strength and should not be factor in the 2009 growing season.

Spring Sampling Not Recommended for Most Corn Nematodes

Image of a young corn crop damaged by nematodes

Only Iowa fields with sandy soils need to be sampled for corn nematodes in the spring

May 4 Iowa Crop and Weather Report

This week's crop and weather report includes interviews with Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University Extension climatologist; integrated pest management specialist Rich Pope; soybean agronomist Palle Pedersen; and soybean entomologist Erin Hodgson.

It appears that La Niña is dead—effective Monday, May 4, 2009, according to Taylor. He doesn't guarantee ideal growing season weather, but says it should eliminate extremes in temperature and precipitation.

Pay Attention to Soil Crusting After Heavy Rain Events

Image of soil crusting after a heavy rain event

Heavy rains on recently planted crop fields may create soil crusting that can affect the emergence of the crop.