Wait to Plant Corn with Forecast of Impending Cold Spell
By Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy
Integrated Crop Management News
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More Bean Leaf Beetles Predicted This Summer
Using a morality prediction model, entomologists say it is likely that more overwintering adult bean leaf beetles survived during the winter 2010-2011 than the two previous winters.
Alfalfa Weevil Hatch Happening Now
Based on accumulated temperatures since January, Alfalfa weevils are likely active now, or will become active in the next several days, in the southern half of the state and will be active in northern Iowa by April 20-25.
A 2011 Prediction for Stewart's Disease of Corn
Despite the warmer December, January and February temperatures, the risk for Stewart's disease of corn in 2011, based on two predictive models, is negligible to very low throughout most of Iowa.
Corn Growth Classic Rewritten and Available to Order
By Lori Abendroth and Roger Elmore, Department of Agronomy; Willy Klein, Extension Communications
ISU Extension's corn production team has completed a new publication. "Corn Growth and Development" (PMR 1009) replaces "How a Corn Plant Develops," the previous Iowa State publication that served as the standard reference on corn growth and development for more than 40 years.
Save Tractor Fuel by `Shifting up, Throttling Back'
Rising fuel prices present a challenge for Iowa's farmers as they prepare for spring field work. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension illustrates the "shift up, throttle back" technique to reduce tractor fuel consumption and related expenses.
Popular Soybean Disease Publication Now Available as E-Book
The popular 'Soybean Diseases' publication is now available as an e-book. The online reference guide features full-screen, high-resolution images of diseases that infect soybeans grown in Iowa, along with videos to assist with managing disease-related problems.
A New IPM Extension Journal Now Available
Journal of Integrated Pest Management, with a focus on extension education and research, is an additional venue for receiving information.
Check the Condition of Recovering Forage Stands
By Stephen K. Barnhart, Department of Agronomy
Most forage crops are planted and managed as perennial crops. With careful selection, grass and legume species and varieties can be planted that are capable of surviving normal Iowa winters. Even with good fertility and fall harvest or grazing management, some plants, and even entire stands, can be damaged during the winter.
Late-winter and early-spring is a good time to evaluate existing hay and pasture stands for winter injury.
Checklist for Spring Forage Seedings
By Stephen Barnhart, Department of Agronomy
Forage seedings can be made in the spring as soon as a suitable seedbed can be prepared. Spring seedings made after mid-May may not be as successful, due to rapid drying of surface soils.
Site preparation
Clear brush, fill gullies and take soil samples. Lime and fertilize according to needs shown by soil testing. For most efficient lime use, it is best to have needed lime applied and incorporated six months to a year before planting.