C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2017-25
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Soybean Fields with Sudden Death Syndrome are Popping up Around the State
I don’t think too many people in the state will deny that Ohio’s planting conditions were tough. We had a mix of saturated soils and cool temperatures. We have several soil borne pathogens that love these conditions, among them is Sudden death syndrome, which is caused by Fusarium virguliforme. In Ohio, this disease tends to occur with greater frequency in fields that have higher populations of soybean cyst nematode. With the environmental conditions we had earlier this spring, extensive flooding injury, I would not be surprised to see a much wider distribution of this disease in the state.
The most common symptom occurring at this time, as soybeans reach growth stage R5, as they start to fill out the pods are patches of soybean with yellowing in the leaves (Figure 1). This yellow will expand on the leaf and the centers will turn brown or necrotic. This fungus produces a toxin as it colonizes the crown (base of the plant). The toxin moves through to the top of the plant and causes the initially yellow and then necrotic or dead areas between the veins. As the disease develops, severely affected leaves will die and drop from the plants and leave the petioles. This fungus is a very good root rotter, and if you dig a few plants and look at the roots, especially after a rain, there may be blue green growth on the top and outside of the root. These are the spores of the fungus. This fungus will survive in the affected fields in this old plant residue and as specialized fungal structures in the soil. Meaning, it’s not going anywhere.
There are several very good options for management now. The first is host resistance. This will be a very good year to a) see which fields have high populations of this pathogen, but b) score the resistance of varieties. Through a check-off funded project from Ohio Soybean Council we have been able to participate in a variety trial. I have been amazed at the change or shift towards high-yielding resistant lines (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Varietal differences.
Again – if you do observe SDS in your area make a note on what the resistance scores were for SDS on your varieties; that is if you can remember what variety ended up in which field.
The second line of defense is seed treatment. This is best used in fields with a history of disease and susceptible varieties are planted. ILeVO is a newer product which has had very good activity towards Fusarium virguliforme.
Moist, cool conditions provide and environment that is highly conducive to this disease. If we could only have the weather cooperate with our planting schedules – but this isn’t possible in Ohio. Reducing Soybean Cyst nematode populations is also key. There is conflicting information in the literature, but overall anything we can do to reduce the numbers of SCN in the soil will greatly help.
Other diseases that cause premature dying of soybeans include: Sclerotinia stem rot, Diaporthe stem canker and brown stem rot. There are a lot of similarities among these, many of these diseases will develop necrosis in between the veins. Sclerotinia will develop a bleached stem where the infections occurred, Diaporthe will have a clear necrotic lesion on the lower stem, and brown stem rot will have chocolate brown discoloration continuously or spotty through the pith of the affected plant.
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Cover Crops Following Wheat Harvest in Grain Rotations
Considerations for planting cover crops after wheat in grain crop rotations are common this point in the season. With any cover crop, it is advisable to select a species with a given target in mind (surface erosion prevention, nutrient scavenging, N fixation, soil coverage, etc.).Grass species, like oats or ryegrass, are typically fast to establish and can provide soil coverage to reduce erosion. Some species (like oats) will typically winterkill, whereas other species are more hardy and may need to be controlled in the spring before or shortly after planting. Additionally, some grass species may be alternate hosts for some corn pests (fungal diseases, nematodes) and may not be the best choice to follow wheat and precede corn in the rotation.
Some legume species (like vetches and crimson clover) may be able to tolerate August weather well if temperatures stay on the cooler side of average. These could provide N to corn next year if inoculated with rhizobia prior to planting, but may serve as an alternate host for soybean cyst nematode and should be avoided if soybeans are planned for next year. Other legumes (most other clovers) are poor hosts for soybean cyst nematode and could be a better option if rotating to soybean. Field pea may be another option as a legume, but if seeded in August it may not overwinter as compared to a mid-September seeding.
Brassica species (like tillage radish) will establish well and help reduce winter annual weed populations if seeded early, and should produce large taproots to help aerate the soil. Because precipitation and temperatures can be variable this time of year, the use of a cover crop mixture may be advantageous to ensure at least one species succeeds in establishing in the field. For more information about different cover crops and planting methods, be sure to see Chapter 10 – Considerations for Using Cover Crops in the 15th edition of the Ohio Agronomy Guide (Bulletin 472) - http://estore.osu-extension.org/Ohio-Agronomy-Guide-15th-Edition-P475.aspx. Also refer to a small plot cover crop stand evaluation study available at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/forage2016/table10.asp.
Cover crops after winter wheat can also be a source of forage for producers with livestock. Excellent options for August to early September plantings include oat, spring triticale, Italian ryegrass, forage brassicas (early August plantings and for grazing only). Be aware that Italian ryegrass can become a weed problem in grain crop rotations, so it may not be desirable where grain production is the main objective for the land.
For more details including planting dates, planting rates, and expected forage yield and quality parameters for forage cover crops, refer to “Short Season Forages to Fill Supply Gaps for Dairy Farms”, DIBS 31-16 by Ohio State University Extension, available at https://forages.osu.edu/sites/forages/files/imce/DIBS31-16_Short_Season_Forages_to_Fill_Supply_Gaps_for_Dairy_Farms.pdf. The following article provides good information on using August planted oat for forage, http://u.osu.edu/beef/2017/06/14/oats-an-annual-forage-slump-buster/#more-3440.
Also refer to the Annual Forages section of the Ohio Agronomy Guide referred to above for more information on annual short-season forages.
Sources:
Lindsey, A.J., R.M. Sulc, and V.R. Haden. 2017. Chapter 10 - Considerations for using cover crops. Pages 124-130 in Ohio Agronomy Guide, 15th ed. (Bulletin 472). The Ohio State University: Columbus, OH.
Sundermeier, A. 2008. Oilseed Radish Cover Crop. Agriculture and Natural Resources SAG-5. The Ohio State University: Columbus, OH.
Pavek, P.L.S. 2012. Plant fact sheet for pea (Pisum sativum L.). USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pullman, WA.
Warner, F. and G. Bird. Nematodes and Cover Crops. Michigan State University: https://pestid.msu.edu/nematodes-and-cover-crops/. Last accessed 7 Aug. 2017.
Watters, H. and R. Mullen. 2012. Winter pea in Ohio and the nitrogen contribution to corn. Oster 1700, Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH.
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Weather Update
The headline the next 10 days for the middle third of August will be below normal temperatures, about 2-4 degree below normal. Rainfall is now in a more normal mode through much of August with more variability to the pattern. If anything like we talked about in July, the tendency will be on the slightly drier side of normal but nothing real extreme the next few weeks. In fact some of the lower rain totals the next 16 days will be in our region of the corn and soybean belt.
You can see the latest rainfall totals at the Ohio River Forecast Center Briefing Page at:
http://w2.weather.gov/ohrfc/FloodBriefingWeek of August 8 outlook:
Temperatures will be below normal. Normal highs now are near or just above 80 with lows in the 60s. Rainfall will generally be at or below normal.
Temperatures - 2-4F below normal
Rainfall - normal to below normal. 0.25-1.00 inches.
Relative Humidity - daily average 70-80% below 80-85% fungus threshold except 80-85% Friday August 11
Week of August 14 outlook:
Temperatures - below normal 0 to 2F below normal
Rainfall - below normal - 0.25-0.75 inches
Relative Humidity - daily average 70-80% below 80-85% fungus thresholdRest of August Outlook:
After August 20, temperatures will return to a few degrees above normal and rainfall close to normal. Therefore, August will likely end the month within a degree of normal either side and rainfall will be variable and end the month within an inch of normal most places.
Fall Harvest Outlook:
Confidence is high we will have above normal temperatures and delayed freeze risk this fall. Wetter than normal soil moisture will mean night time minimum temperatures will be held up some resulting in normal to 1 or 2 week delays in freezing temperatures. Confidence is low in the harvest rainfall outlook. It appears any drying from August into September could be replaced by wetness sometime in later September through November.
The latest two week rainfall forecast from the NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center can be seen i the attached graphic. Generally 1-2 inches are forecast on average in Ohio the next 14-16 days which is normal to slightly below normal in most places. Isolated totals will be higher.
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Western Bean Cutworm Monitoring Update for Week ending August 4, 2017
Western bean cutworm (WBCW) populations decreased for all monitoring counties in Ohio for week ending August 4. A total of 72 traps were monitored in 23 counties. Overall, 653 WBCW adults were captured. The state average per trap decreased from 21 WBCW (week ending July 28) to 9 WBCW (week ending July 28).
Amy Raudenbush, Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel, Mark Badertscher, Amanda Bennett, Lee Beers, JD Bethel, Bruce Clevenger, Sam Custer, Thomas Dehaas, Allen Gahler, Mike Gastier, Jason Hartschuh, Ed Lentz, Rory Lewandowski, David Marrison, Sarah Noggle, Les Ober, Adrian Pekarcik, Eric Richer, Garth Ruff, John Schoenhals, Jeff Stachler, Alan Sundermeier, and Chris Zoller monitored the western bean cutworm traps.
Figure 1. Average western bean cutworm (WBCW) trap counts within participating counties for week ending August 4, 2017. Number represents the average WBCW per trap in each county.
Figure 2. Overall average number of western bean cutworm adults captured in traps in Ohio.
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Register Now for Hardin Precision Ag Field Day
Plan to attend the Precision Ag Field Day to be held August 23 at Kellogg Farms, 17392 Township Road 50 near Forest. Aaron Heilers, project manager for the Blanchard River Demonstration Farms will give an overview of the water quality and nutrient management goals of the three farms in Hardin and Hancock County. Greg LaBarge, OSU Extension agronomist will discuss how Edge of Field research is addressing nutrient management issues in Ohio. Kirt Wells will show how farmers can get started with precision data management to make their farming operation more efficient while Kevin Ward will explain how precision agriculture equipment can be used with the smaller producer. Both Wells and Ward are from Findlay Implement Company.Logan Haake, Legacy Farmers Cooperative and Kyle Haselman, Haselman Ag Management will show how farmers can utilize their precision ag data in making accurate soil sampling and fertilizer recommendations. Mike Gilkey, 3D Aerial and John Fulton, OSU Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering will answer questions about how drone technology is collecting imagery to help grain producers make crop health management decisions. During lunch, Megan Burgess, USDA-NRCS will share information about cost share opportunities and local programs that farmers can use to improve nutrient management problems and address conservation issues. Harold Watters, OSU Extension agronomist and Mark Badertscher, Hardin County OSU Extension Educator will explain how producers can make adaptive nitrogen management decisions to meet the needs of their growing corn crop. There will be vendors displaying their precision ag equipment and services at this event and field demonstrations of this equipment in the afternoon.
This Precision Ag Field Day will start with registration at 8:00 am. Parking will be provided in a field near the event location with shuttles providing rides from the field to the shop area where morning sessions will be held. Shuttles will then move people from the shop back to the field area in the afternoon for demonstrations and program wrap-up. Coffee, juice and donuts will be provided by Ag Credit with the program starting at 8:30 am. Lunch will be provided courtesy of vendors, Ohio Farm Bureau, and OSU Extension. Fertilizer certification credit will be available to farmers and commercial applicators for participating in the entire field day. This is one of the final fertilizer certification programs being offered before the September 30, 2017 deadline for all farmers and commercial applicators who apply fertilizer to 50 or more acres of crops for sale. CCA credits are being requested for Certified Crop Advisers who attend this field day. Although the Hardin Precision Ag Field Day is free to attend, registration is required at go.osu.edu/hardinprecisionagday or by calling the Hardin County Extension office at 419-674-2297 by August 16 in order to plan for meals and other event arrangements.
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Beef and Forage Field Night
Beef and forage enthusiasts alike are invited to attend the upcoming 2017 Beef and Forage Field Night scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 24, from 5-8:30 P.M. This event will be held at the Jackson Agricultural Research Station of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), 019 Standpipe Rd. Jackson, OH 45640.
The agenda for the program is as follows:
Tour Stop #1: Adding Value to Calves to Enhance Marketing Opportunities
* This stop will discuss management practices covering health, nutrition, animal identification and documentation, and other topics that can add value to calves on sale day.
* Featured speakers will include representatives from some of the leading feeder calf markets in Ohio.Tour Stop #2: Managing the Reproductive Calendar
* Reproductive performance of the breeding herd has the single largest impact over any other production trait on the potential profitability of any cow-calf operation.
* Featured speakers and topics:
– Dr. Justin Kieffer, The Ohio State University Animal Science Department: Importance of Pregnancy Diagnosis
– Jess Bowen, Extension Educator, ANR, OSU Extension – Vinton County: The Cost of an Open Cow
– Jeff Moore, Extension Educator, ANR, OSU Extension – Gallia County: Developing an Annual Reproduction PlanTour Stop #3: Successful Forage Seedings and Inter-Seedings
* Productive forage stands in hay or pasture situations are a key component of a successful nutrition program for the beef herd. This stop will discuss processes such as seeding methods, planting dates, fertility, varieties, etc. to increase the probability for success in a forage production enterprise.
* Featured speakers and topics:
– Dr. Jimmy Henning, Forage Specialist, University of Kentucky Plant & Soil Sciences: Making Successful Long-Term Hay and Pasture Seedings
– Scott Payne, Manager, Jackson Agricultural Research Station, OARDC: Inter-Seeding Forages to Improve StandsPRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. $10 per person. Registration deadline is August 21. Includes dinner. Registration and dinner begin at 5 p.m. Program begins promptly at 6 p.m. Make checks payable to Ohio State University/OARDC. Complete the registration form linked here and mail it and your check to Scott Payne, 019 Standpipe Road, Jackson, OH 45640. For more information, contact Scott Payne at (740) 286-3803 or payne.252@osu.edu .
This event is sponsored by OARDC and OSU Extension along with support from Armstrong Ag and Supply, Circle M Farms Feed and Supply, Jackson Ag Service, Jackson – Vinton Farm Bureau, and Bridgeport Equipment.
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Soil Health Testing Field Day
Growers can learn best practices for their soil at the Soil Health Testing Demonstration Field Day on Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10492 E. Poe Road in Bowling Green. The event will focus on obtaining and maintaining healthy soil and will discuss the importance of chemical, physical and biological field tests and how they work.
The field day is free of charge, and lunch will be provided. Preregistration is required by Aug. 28 and can be done by contacting Alan Sundermeier at 419-354-9050 or sundermeier.5@osu.edu.
For more information, go to go.osu.edu/B2XB
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.
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