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.

Care with Plant Nutrient Analysis

June 22, 2012
Relationships between relative corn yield response to P and K fertilization and the nutrient concentration of small plants or leaves

Producers may wonder whether plant growth is affected by nutrient deficiency or if climatic and soil factors are causing the problem. This article summarizes key points to consider with plant analysis.

Soybean Response to Drought

June 22, 2012

By Andy Lenssen, Department of Agronomy

Although drought typically is an infrequent occurrence in Iowa, 2012 has been an exception to the rule. Winter, spring and early summer precipitation has been below long-term average, and soybeans in some areas of the state are experiencing periodic water stress due to inadequate available water content in upper soil depths. Farmers have asked whether drought stress early in the season can influence yield if precipitation levels approach long-term average later in the season. 

Should you be scouting for Goss's wilt?

June 12, 2012
Typical Goss's leaf blight symptoms on corn

Goss's wilt was found recently on plants in Iowa and Nebraska. If you are scouting for Goss's wilt, focus your attention on fields that are planted to susceptible hybrids, have a history of the disease, have surface corn residue, and have been recently injured by sever weather.

New Approach to Assessing Possible Nematode Damage to Corn

June 10, 2012
Section of the new ISU Plant Nematode Sample Submission Form

Determining whether plant-parasitic nematodes are present in high enough numbers to cause damage and yield loss to corn is difficult. Multiple nematode species are usually present in a field, and the number of nematodes necessary to cause damage can vary from field to field. A new approach has been developed to assess the overall likelihood of damage occurring based on the nematode species and numbers present and the conditions of the field. This article explains the basics of the new system.

Twisted whorls and yellow leafs

June 8, 2012
Plants exhibiting effects of twisted whorls

Corn producers might see yellowing leaves above the canopy. The symptom is not unusual in fast-growing corn; leaves should unfurl and turn turn green within a few days.

No-Till Corn-on-Corn Field Day Near Waverly

June 7, 2012

Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) will host a field day (2012 Field Day Guide) at the Mark Mueller farm near Waverly on Thursday, June 14, beginning at 11 a.m. the field day will focus on no-till conservation farming and crop residue management for optimum results.

Now is the Time to Look for SCN Females on Soybean Roots

June 7, 2012
Hatched SCN juveniles penetrating soybean root

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) continues to cause serious soybean yield losses in Iowa and throughout the Midwest. It is easy to identify SCN infestations in the field during the growing season by checking soybean roots for the presence of SCN females. This article discusses the benefits of checking soybean roots in fields planted with susceptible and SCN-resistant soybean varieties.

Insect Activity Update

June 1, 2012
Early Soybean aphids in May and June

Iowa's mild winter has accelerated insect development across the state. Recent sightings include soybean aphids, Japanese beetle adults, black cutworm, European corn borers, and corn earworm.

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