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.

Fall Cutting Management for Alfalfa

September 12, 2011

Steve Barnhart, Department of Agronomy

Rainfall throughout the growing season put many alfalfa producers behind several weeks for their first, and correspondingly their second, third, and sometimes forth cuttings. Now in mid-September, producers are trying to decide on their remaining fall harvest options and the possible impact on winter survival of the stands.

Harvest Tips for Lodged Corn

September 6, 2011

With larger than average areas of Iowa dealing with lodged or downed cornstalks due to recent storms, it's a good time to review steps to take when faced with harvesting significant areas of lodged corn.

Crop Minute - Aphids in Corn

August 26, 2011

Erin Hodgson, ISU Extension entomologist, is monitoring the rapid aphid infestation in Iowa corn fields. During the weekly crop minute, she tells where the aphids have been found and what justifies treatment at this point in the growing season.

Reduce Risk of Mycotoxin Contamination by Scouting Fields for Ear Rot

August 25, 2011
Symptoms of Aspergillus ear rot

Corn fields should be scouted for ear rot and associated mycotoxin contamination. Corn damaged by hail is at risk of ear rots, as is corn that has experienced hot, dry weather with occasional rain - conditions that favor Aspergillus and Fusarium ear rot development.

Corn Aphids Explode

August 20, 2011
Large aphid colonies in corn

It seems aphids are colonizing corn later in the summer and are building up to striking levels. They can be found at the base of the stalk, around the ear and sometimes building up colonies above the ear leaf.

Crop Minute - Goss's Wilt

August 18, 2011

Alison Robertson, ISU Extension plant pathology, is monitoring the development of Goss's wilt in Iowa corn fields. During the weekly crop minute, she talks about the steady increase, no known rescue treatment and how to identify Goss's wilt.

CREP Wetland Tour near Nashua Aug. 24

August 12, 2011

By John Lundvall, Iowa Learning Farms

Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) are hosting a tour of a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) wetland near Nashua in southeast Floyd County on Wednesday, Aug. 24, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Weather Impact on Midwest Corn 2011

August 9, 2011
 Pollination and kernel set problems in northeast Iowa

Shallow kernels, missing kernels, and tip back are common in field corn this year. A few days of temperatures exceeding 93 F are "bad" for corn production, but consecutive days of the high temperatures are especially bad. When the heat comes as silking gets underway the negative aspect is increased.

Pages