Scout for Twospotted Spider Mites This Summer
A few places in Iowa and surrounding states have reported heavy twospotted spider mite populations in soybeans, and the first reports of spider mites in Iowa corn started this week.
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A few places in Iowa and surrounding states have reported heavy twospotted spider mite populations in soybeans, and the first reports of spider mites in Iowa corn started this week.
With adult corn rootworm becoming active in Iowa before silking this year, extension entomologists recommend producers keep an eye on fields to protect yield.
Maps with data from soybean fields in all 99 Iowa counties show that population densities of bean leaf beetle and other insect vectors of Bean pod mottle virus were relatively low in 2010 and 2011.
Stress in District(s) 5 across the Corn Belt prompts concern of a U.S. corn yield that is below trend.
By Mark Hanna, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Size and capacity of farm equipment keeps getting larger and fertilizer equipment is no exception. Each year in Iowa approximately a billion pounds of nitrogen is applied as anhydrous ammonia. As equipment has gotten larger, many dealers are now using multi-tank systems with two anhydrous ammonia tanks mounted on to a single wagon running gear.
By Roger W. Elmore, Department of Agronomy
Soil texture, tillage practices, residue cover, drainage and weed control can play a significant role in soil moisture availability.
By Jim Fawcett and John Holmes, Extension Field Agronomists, and Greg Walston, Extension Program Director
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host two tours of residue management plots in July.
Weeds have survived early-season control tactics this year, and many producers want to take action. But many rescue treatment have little chance of providing effective control. Carefully evaluate the risks with applications made at this time and use this year's experiences to develop a more consistent weed control program for next year.
There have been few foliar problems on corn and soybeans this spring. When applying foliar fungicides in the absence of significant disease, selecting the right product is important.