C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2016-39
-
Are you seeing purple wheat?
Some farmers in northwest Ohio have noted purple-reddish leaves on their wheat crop (see picture). If your wheat plants turned purple, here are a couple of things to note:
Environmental: Was the shift in color fairly sudden and widespread in the field? If so, the purple leaves may be weather related. With the abnormally warmer temperatures we experienced this fall, the shift to colder temperatures may have been sudden enough to slow the wheat growth and cause the leaves to turn purple. If this is the case, make a note and watch what develops. Also, planting too shallow, late planting date, abnormally dry compaction soils can accentuate the appearance of the wheat as it adapts from warm to cold temperatures. There is nothing you can do at this time and new growth should shift back to green when warmer temperatures return in the spring.
Some of the purpling may be due to a build-up of sugars (sucrose) in the leaf tissue. The switch from warm to cool temperatures can affect the rate of sugar transport in the plant, which may trigger anthocyanin formation. Anthocyanins are reddish-purple pigments that form in stem and leaf tissue, and can help absorb excess light energy and divert it away from photosynthetic centers. These pigments act as a sort of “sunblock” to help the plant handle the sunny and cool environmental conditions while minimizing permanent damage to the leaves.
Fertility: If your wheat has been purple for a longer period of time, it may be indication of a phosphorus deficiency. For wheat production, soil phosphorus should be at least 25 ppm Bray P, according to the Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendation. We are currently re-evaluating P requirements of wheat through on-farm research to validate that wheat P needs are higher than corn and soybean. Between 2013-2015, we conducted statewide soil testing and found 41% of the soils tested had soil phosphorus levels < 35 ppm Mehlich P. If you haven’t had your fields tested recently, we suggest taking a soil sample to evaluate soil fertility.
Disease: Purple leaf discoloration may also be caused by diseases, particularly, barley yellow dwarf virus (BRDV). Indeed, BYDV could have been one of the possible causes of this problem, since conditions remained warm for several weeks after planting, favoring survival of the aphids that transmit this virus. However, contrary to what is being reported, plants with BYDV are usually not found uniformly distributed across the field or associated with tile lines. Due to the fact that this virus is transmitted by aphids, affected plant are commonly found in patches, often close to the edge of the field where aphids usually land and feed. In addition, on plants with typical symptoms of BYDV, only the tips of some of the leaves usually become discolored, not the entre leaf or the entire plant. So, based on what is being reported, it is unlikely that BYDV is the problem, however if it is, there is nothing you can do about it at this time, we will just have to wait and see what happens in the spring.
-
2016 Ohio Corn Performance Test: Regional Overviews
In 2016, 212 corn hybrids representing 26 commercial brands were evaluated in the Ohio Corn Performance Test (OCPT). Four tests were established in the Southwestern/West Central/Central (SW/WC/C) region and three tests were established in the Northwestern (NW) and North Central/Northeastern (NC/NE) regions (for a total of ten test sites statewide). Hybrid entries in the regional tests were planted in either an early or a full season maturity trial. These test sites provided a range of growing conditions and production environments.
The 2016 Ohio growing season was characterized by cool, wet conditions in April and May followed by warmer and drier than normal conditions from late June to early-mid August, especially in parts of northern and western Ohio. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor during the second week of August, 46 percent of the state was rated as in “moderate drought” with that area covering most of northern Ohio. Another 15 percent of the state was rated in “severe drought” with that area spreading from west central Ohio to northeast Ohio. Hot, dry conditions at pollination and early grain fill resulted in poor kernel set and ear tip fill but timely rains in August and September reduced the impact of the drought on yield. Premature kernel sprouting and moldy grain caused by ear and kernel fungi, including Diplodia, Gibberella, and Trichoderma fungi, were present in localized areas across the state and were often more evident in early planted, earlier maturing hybrids. Foliar diseases and insect pests were not a major factor at most test sites. There were reports of major stalk lodging in localized areas but stalk quality problems were generally not widespread and negligible. Warm, dry conditions in September and October promoted crop maturation and dry down.
Yields varied across the state depending on the timing and duration of drought conditions. Averaged across hybrid entries in the early and full season tests, yields were 241 bu/A in the Southwestern/West Central/Central region, 195 bu/A in the Northwestern region, and 197 bu/A in the North Central/Northeastern region. Yields at individual test sites, averaged across hybrid entries in the early and full season tests, ranged from 163 bu/A at Wooster to 256 bu/A at Hebron. The Wooster, Hoytville and Van Wert test sites were especially dry in June and July and averaged lower yields than other test locations. The full season tests averaged consistently higher yields than the early tests. Moldy grain was observed in some hybrids at Hebron and Beloit. Moderate to high levels of gray leaf spot were evident in a few hybrids at Bucyrus and Beloit. Lodging was largely absent across sites except at South Charleston where some hybrids lodged as a result of heavy rains and strong winds in late August.
Tables 1 and 2 provide an overview of 2016 hybrid performance in the early maturity and full season hybrid trials by region. Averages for grain yield and other measures of agronomic performance are indicated for each region. In addition, the range in regional test site averages is shown in parentheses. Complete results are available online at: http://oardc.osu.edu/corntrials/ . A bulletin containing the results, 2016 Ohio Corn Performance Test, will be published shortly as an insert in Ohio’s Country Journal.
As you review 2016 test results, it’s important to keep the following in mind. Confidence in test results increases with the number of years and the number of locations in which the hybrid was tested. Avoid selecting a hybrid based on data from a single test site, especially if the site was characterized by abnormal growing conditions. Look for consistency in a hybrid's performance across a range of environmental conditions. Consider the tables providing a “Combined regional summary of hybrid performance” which indicate the performance of hybrids common to all ten state test sites as well as the seven tests in western Ohio. Differences in grain moisture percentages among hybrids at harvest can provide a basis for comparing hybrid maturity. Yield, % stalk lodging, grain moisture, and other comparisons should be made between hybrids of similar maturity to determine those best adapted to your farm.
-
Ohio Soybean Performance Trials - Sortable Tables Online Now
The results of the 2016 Ohio Soybean Performance Trials are now available online at: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/soy2016/. The online results includes sortable tables, soybean physical characteristics (plant height and seed size), and seed quality (protein, oil, and fiber).
-
Farmers asked to respond to survey on Natural Gas Grain Drying
Farmers have long explored options to provide energy savings associated with their agricultural operations. Ohio State University and the Ohio Soybean Council have partnered to provide research-based data driven tools to help Ohio farmers assess and navigate various energy infrastructure investment options for their farm. Specifically, the project team is interested in learning more about your experience and interest in extending natural gas lines to service your farm. Very little is known about the economic feasibility and regulatory process of investing in critical natural gas infrastructure to service farms in rural communities throughout Ohio. To determine the economic feasibility of converting to natural gas it is important to simultaneously study the real costs of installing critical energy infrastructure, ongoing risks, challenges, as well as the costs of converting equipment in a comprehensive manner.
If you are an Ohio farmer and interested in participating, you may click the survey link below to participate in this voluntary study. The survey will take less than 5 minutes and is designed to determine the overall level of interest of investing in extending natural gas service to Ohio farms and to identify individuals who have experience with this type of project to summarize benefits and challenges. This project will provide our research team with data to identify actionable recommendations that will inform future Extension outreach and education programs.
Survey Link: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0oGajAme3sXnHmZ
-
Central Ohio Precision Ag Symposium
The Central Ohio Precision Ag Symposium will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at All Occasions Catering, 6986 Waldo-Delaware Rd., Waldo Ohio from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This symposium will feature the most current technologies available in precision agriculture. These topics will be shared by some of the leading University precision ag experts such as 2013 Precision Ag Educator of the Year Winner - Dr. John Fulton from The Ohio State University. Dr. Fulton has also been recognized as one of Precision Ag Magazine’s 2016 Top 10 (#4) People in Precision Agriculture. Dr. Scott Shearer, Chair, Department of Food and Biological Engineering at the Ohio State University, and Dr. Erdal Ozkan, Department of Food and Biological Engineering at the Ohio State University will also be presenting.
Many industry experts will be on hand. Tim Norris and Dustin Crunkilton from AgInfoTech - Precision Farming Dealers’ magazine - Most Valuable Dealership for 2015, will share their experiences, research and field data collected from many Central Ohio Farms. In addition to AgInfoTech, leading industry representatives from Ag Leader, Case IH, John Deere, Opi-Integris, Precision Planting, Soil-Max and 360 Yield Center will be on hand to share their technologies and insights on today farming technology.
The $50 registration fee includes a buffet lunch, breaks and handouts. Seating is limited, and the registration deadline is December 29, 2016.
This symposium will provide:
8.5 Continuing Education Credits (CEU’s) for Certified Crop Advisors (N.M. 1.0, S&W 1.0, I.P.M. 1.0, C.M. 5.5.)
Pesticide Recertification Credits (Applied for) Core – 1 hr. - Commercial and Private; Cat 1 - 0.5 hr. Private
This program is sponsored by The Ohio State University Extension, AgInfoTech, Ag Leader, B&B Farm Service, Beck’s, Central Ohio Farmers Co-op, Channel, Evolution Ag, JD Equipment, OPI-Integris, Precision Planting, Seed Consultants, Soil-Max, Town & Country Co-op and 360 Yield Center.
For more information or to download registration form, go to http://knox.osu.edu/news/2017-central-ohio-precision-ag-symposium or contact the OSU Extension Office in Knox County at 740-397-0401 or AgInfoTech 740-507-2503.
-
All-Ohio Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society Annual Conference
“Important Issues in Soil Health” will be the theme of the SWCS conference on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Der Dutchmen Restaurant in Plain City, Ohio. Topics include: Soil Infiltration Research, Management Systems Impact on Reactive Phosphorus, Soil Conservation Programs Overview, Evaluating Glyphosate & Reactive Phosphorus, Soil Health Profitability, Soil Health website.
The public is invited.
Register by January 12 at http://fabe.osu.edu/OhioSWCS
Questions: call Alan Sundermeier, Wood County Extension, 419-354-9050.
-
Learn to Control Problem Weeds
Learn to control problem weeds such as Palmer amaranth, giant ragweed, waterhemp, and marestail. Erdal Ozkan, OSU Spray Technologies Specialist, and Mark Loux, OSU Weed Scientist, will be discussing nozzle selection and best management practices at an upcoming weed management program Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Clinton County Fairgrounds Expo Building. This program, with the help of Crop Production Services, Midland Branch, is free and open to anyone wanting to get the latest strategies for weed control. We ask that you please RSVP by calling the Clinton County Extension office at (937) 382-0901.
Crop Observation and Recommendation Network
C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.
Contributors
Disclaimer
The information presented here, along with any trade names used, is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is made by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.