C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2017-1

There are some new fungicide seed treatments and an updated efficacy chart from the North Central Extension Research Committee, my soybean colleagues across the region.     We look at all of our results across our trials and make modifications to this list.  The table is posted here. (Printable PDF-Management of Soybean Seedling Diseases Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Soybean Seedling Diseases – January 2017)

Seeds planted into cool or warm wet soil are vulnerable to infection from a number of different pathogens.  Ohio’s poorly drained soils are particularly favorable for the group of pathogens known as watermolds, Pythium spp. and Phytophthora.  We have documented two species of Phytophthora that infect soybean, Ph. sojae (the most famous) and Ph. sansomeana.  There are many Pythium spp., more than 30 that we have recovered and confirmed as pathogens of soybean in Ohio.  Historically, metalaxyl and mefenoxam were the two seed treatments that targeted the watermolds, but in Ohio; there are a number of Pythium populations that are resistant or have reduced sensitivity to these compounds.  The strobilurin fungicides (azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin) have activity towards some Pythium spp. but not all.  There are now two new fungicide seed treatments on the market, ethaboxam and oxathiopiprolin.  Ethaboxam was developed by Valent and it has very good activity towards Phytophthora sp. and a good proportion of the Pythium spp.. Oxathiopiprolin was developed by DuPont and it has very good activity towards Phytophthora. 

For the true fungi, again the theme is that no one fungicide will cover all the bases.  Two examples of this are sedexane, which is for Rhizoctonia only and the newly registered material, fluopyram which targets Fusarium virguliforme, the sudden death syndrome (SDS) pathogen.  Fusarium graminearum has been associated with poor stand in Ohio, especially in fields with high levels of corn residue.  Pay particular attention to this if the field has had a history of head scab on wheat or Gibberella ear or stalk of corn.  This pathogen can infect and cause disease on ALL THREE crops. 

For seed borne diseases, the one we deal with the most is Phomopsis.  This can occassionaly occur in Ohio, but usually associated with a highly susceptible variety.  For seed lots where germination is greater than 70%, there are a number of products that are very effective in limiting infections to young seedlings.  Phomopsis mycelia can be on the seed coat, but not harming the seed until it is planted and then it will grow just as fast as the young seedling and kill it.  So the seed treatment will take care of these situations, if the seed is already dead, or dried from infection, the seed treatment, will not bring it back to life! 

Occasionally, we will see some secondary effects of seed treatments.  Some not so good, if seed treatments are applied to damaged seed it can reduce the germ.  But some can be serendipitous.  Which is why I have added a SCN column to the table this year.  Fluopyram, the same fungicide for SDS, does appear to impact SCN.  This is not a total control, nor have we observed a decline in populations, but obviously protects young seedlings from those early infections and delays SCN establishment.  Which can help.  Interestingly this effect is observed at a lower application rate than what is required to manage SDS.  So if you are trying to mitigate the effects of SDS on a susceptible variety, then the higher rate on the label is required.  If you know you have high SCN populations and are planting a resistant variety (please don’t plant a susceptible variety under high SCN pressure…), then this seed treatment does provide some additional protection from early feeding. 

We are entering the last few months for fertilizer applicator certification which involves attending a training program offered by Ohio State University Extension then being issued a certification from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Through the first two years of the program 12,000 farmers and ag retailers who apply fertilizer have been certified.  Some common questions are answered below along with a link to the upcoming schedule through April. Attend soon to find the most convenient meetings to your home location.

Do I need agricultural fertilizer certification?

The certification is required if you apply fertilizer (other than manure) to more than 50 acres of agricultural production grown primarily for sale. If you hire a co-op or other custom applicator for fertilizer applications, you do not need the certification. If you do not have an Ohio Pesticide Applicator License, you need to attend a 3-hour class. If you have a license, you need to attend a 2-hour class.

Do I need the certification if I raise forage for my livestock?

The term “agricultural production” is defined as the cultivation, primarily for sale, of plants or any parts of plants on more than 50 acres.  If you raise forage (e.g., hay, silage, corn) for use on your farm, and have questions about fertilizer certification, please contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6987 or email: pesticides@agri.ohio.gov

When do I need the certification?

Individuals are encouraged to obtain certification as soon as possible, or when renewing their pesticide applicator license. The certification must be obtained by September 30, 2017.

Where do I find meeting locations?

All meetings request registration with a list of locations found at http://nutrienteducation.osu.edu/ or contact your local Extension Office for more details http://extension.osu.edu/lao#county .

Join OSU Extension on Tuesday,  January 31, 2017 as we present a hands-on, intensive soybean management workshop that may help Ohio growers become more profitable soybean producers.  This workshop deals with all management aspects of soybean production and will feature Dr. Laura Lindsey, Soybean/Wheat Extension Specialist; Dr. Kelley Tilmon, Field Crop Extension Entomologist;  Dr. Steve Culman, Soil Fertility Extension Specialist, and Dr. Anne Dorrance, Field Crop Extension Pathologist.

It will be held at the OSU Muck Crops Research Station located at 4875 State Route 103 S. in Willard, Ohio. The meeting will run 9 am until 4 pm with lunch served on site.

In addition to the great presentations throughout the day, participants will receive a soybean management notebook.   The notebook will include the following publications:   Ohio Agronomy Guide; Corn, Soybean, Wheat and Alfalfa Field Guide; and Profitable Soybean Disease Management in Ohio.

Pre-registration is required.  Full cost of the program is $70; however, a $50 “no hassle” scholarship is available for all who attend making the net cost only $20.  Registration deadline is January 24, 2017. For questions please call the Huron County Extension office at 419-668-8219 or email gastier.3@osu.edu.  

The annual Northern Ohio Crops Day will be held on February 2, 2017 at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed, 1375 N. St. Rt. 590, Gibsonburg, Ohio.  Registration is requested by January 27 by calling Al Gahler at 419-334-6340 or email at gahler.2@osu.edu.  Cost is $15 for lunch and $35 if pesticide recertification credits are needed, this is payable at the door.  Certified Crop Advisor CEU and Fertilizer Certification is offered.

The agenda includes:  Farm Program Update, Ag Law what you need to know, Forage and Livestock update, Fruit & Vegetable Pest Update, Fumigation Update, Soybean Slugs, Utilizing Precision Ag, 4R Nutrient Management, Nitrogen Management, Grain Marketing, and Phosphorus Management.

Sponsored by local Ag Businesses and OSU Extension.