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Ohio State University Extension

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C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2017-28

  1. Troubleshooting Ear and Kernel Disorders in Corn

    Abnormal ears of corn
    Author(s): Peter Thomison

    When checking corn fields prior to harvest, it’s not uncommon to encounter ears exhibiting abnormal growth such as those shown below (Fig. 1), especially when the crop has experienced stress conditions. Some of these ear and kernel anomalies have a limited impact on corn production but others can affect yield and grain quality adversely. To assist with the diagnosis and management of various ear and kernel disorders, check the following: “Troubleshooting Abnormal Corn Ears” available online at http://u.osu.edu/mastercorn/

    Fig. 1. Corn ears exhibiting “tip dieback”.

     

    Also available is a poster (Fig. 2) highlighting fourteen abnormal corn ears with distinct symptoms and causes. “Abnormal Corn Ears” posters can be obtained from the CFAES Marketing and Communications section at http://estore.osu-extension.org/

  2. Last Alfalfa Cutting and Risk Management

    Alfalfa
    Author(s): , Mark Sulc

    It’s the end of August and some alfalfa growers will need to make a decision if they should take another cutting of alfalfa, and if so, when. The recommendation in the newly revised 15th edition of the Ohio Agronomy Guide is to complete the last regular harvest of alfalfa by September 7 in northern Ohio, September 12 in central Ohio and by September 15 in southern Ohio. At this point, undoubtedly some alfalfa growers are saying that they have taken a last cutting at the end of September or early October without any harm to the stand. True though that be, the fact is that the last or fall harvest of alfalfa is a question of risk management. Sticking to the Ohio Agronomy Guide recommendations provides the least risk of an alfalfa stand suffering damage due to low root reserves. Later fall cutting dates increase the risk for stand damage.

    All perennial forage plants including alfalfa use the fall period to build up carbohydrate reserves that keep the plant alive over the winter, provide sugars to keep the plant from freezing, and provide the energy needed to start spring growth. Photosynthesis is the process that produces the needed carbohydrate reserves. Photosynthesis requires green, healthy leaves to collect energy from the sun. The rate of photosynthesis in those leaves in the fall remains high. The issue with fall cutting is vegetative growth and recovery after a harvest cut is slow. There may not be time to regrow leaves and replenish the energy expended to grow them before a frost or cold weather ends the growing season. The worst time to take a last cutting is in the late September to later October period.

    Growers also need to decide if they need the forage a last cutting will provide. If the last cutting is extra, just some insurance, the better decision may be to let the stand rest. Realistically evaluate the amount of growth out there. Is there enough forage to justify the cost of harvest equipment and labor? In terms of risk management there are a number of factors besides the last cutting date that need to be considered when trying to determine if and when to take a last cutting. Those factors include overall stand health, variety, disease resistance, insect stress on the stand during the summer, age of stand, cutting schedule/frequency, fertility, soil drainage and winter weather.

    A vigorous, healthy stand is more tolerant of fall cutting than a stressed and weakened stand. This past year, many alfalfa fields were harvested under wet soil conditions. Ruts in the field and/or areas of soil compaction can reduce plant vigor. Damage to plant crowns from harvest equipment traffic decreases stand health.

    What alfalfa variety is in the field? Are you choosing improved genetic varieties that have been selected to perform under more intense cutting schedules? Alfalfa varieties with high disease resistance and good levels of winter hardiness will be more tolerant of a fall cutting. Adequate fertility, especially soil potassium levels, and a soil pH near 6.8 will improve plant health and increase tolerance to fall cutting. Stands under 3 years of age are more tolerant of fall cuttings than older stands where root and crown diseases are setting in.

    The cutting frequency during the growing season can affect the energy status of the plant going into the fall. Frequent cutting (30 day intervals or less) results in the plant never reaching full energy reserve status during the growing season. A fifth cutting taken in the fall carries more risk than taking a fourth or third cutting during the fall.

    Another factor is soil drainage. Alfalfa stands on well-drained soils tolerate later fall cuttings better than alfalfa on moderately or poorly drained soils. Removing the top growth of alfalfa plants on heavy soils and poorly drained soils going into the winter increases the risk of damage from spring frost heaving. Winter weather is another risk factor. Plants with adequate carbohydrate reserves can withstand temperatures down to about 5 degrees F at the crown before damage occurs. For colder temperatures, plants are dependent upon snow cover for insulation and protection from damaging cold. How reliable is that snow cover? Will it be there if temperatures get to zero or lower? Open winters increase the risk of damage to late harvested stands due to the potentially lower carbohydrate reserves and less top growth.

    Finally, if a last cutting is taken in that late September through late October period, leave some un-cut comparison strips in the field. Observe what happens in those strips vs. the cut portions of the field in terms of spring green up, vigor of new growth, number of stems initiated per crown and first cutting yield.

  3. Future Weather Predictions

    Rainbow
    Author(s): Jim Noel

    During August the weather and climate pattern switched where areas of the western half of the corn and soybean belt that needed rain got it while the eastern half dried out. Rainfall the last 30-days has been 2-6 inches with isolated totals to 10 inches in the western half of the region to 0.50 to 2.00 inch eastern areas including Ohio.

    Through Labor Day it does look like some much needed rain for Ohio with some of the moisture of the remnants of Harvey. Rainfall is expected to range from 0.50 to 1.50 inches across Ohio on average with isolated totals higher or lower due to thunderstorms.

    The latest 16-day average rainfall outlook from the NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center can be seen here in the graphic.

    For September, we expect a return to normal or below normal precipitation and near normal temperatures once we get past Labor Day.

    The outlook still looks like it will turn wetter starting about October during harvest season and likely continuing into winter.

    The outlook for frost in Ohio will likely be normal to a week later than normal as soil moisture is good and increasing chance for rain by late September into October should help delay frost slightly.

    You can get the latest rainfall consensus estimates at 10 km resolution from both NOAA/NWS and Environment Canada at:

    http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/gismaps/naprecip.htm

    You can get the latest National Weather Service Estimates of Rainfall from:

    http://water.weather.gov/precip/

  4. Western Bean Cutworm Monitoring Update for Week Ending August 25, 2017

    Western bean cutworm adult

    This is the final week for WBCW trap monitoring in Ohio as very few numbers are being reported in trap counts across the state. We would like to thank everyone for their participation including land owners and farm cooperators who allowed us to place traps in their fields and monitor WBCW this season. For week ending August 25th, a total of 61 traps were monitored in 19 counties. Overall, 21 WBCW adults were captured, with 12 counties reporting a “zero” for their trap count. The state average also decreased from 2 WBCW (week ending August 18) to less than 1 WBCW (week ending August 25). Next week we will provide an overall summary of WBCW trap monitoring for 2017.

    Amy Raudenbush, Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel, Mark Badertscher, Lee Beers, JD Bethel, Bruce Clevenger, Sam Custer, Thomas Dehaas, Allen Gahler, Jason Hartschuh, Cecelia Lokai-Minnich, David Marrison, Les Ober, Eric Richer, Garth Ruff, John Schoenhals, Jeff Stachler, Alan Sundermeier, Chris Zoller participated in monitoring Western bean cutworm moths.

    Figure 1. Average western bean cutworm (WBCW) trap counts within participating counties for week ending August 25, 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.

     

  5. Fertilizer Certification Window Closes Soon

    Fertilizer Spreader
    Author(s):

    It doesn’t seem very long ago that we were first getting information about SB 150, and what it might mean to our farming operation.   At that time there was no urgency because we didn’t have to have this until September of 2017. 

    There have been many opportunities to get certified since then.  In fact, there have been over 17,250 people certified in Ohio in the past 3 years by OSU Extension.  There are still a few opportunities to become certified through a 3-hour training class before the September 30 deadline, however they are becoming fewer.  There is no an age limit.

    The question occasionally still comes up, who needs the training?  From the OSU Extension web site (http://pested.osu.edu), here is the answer.  Fertilizer certification is required if you apply fertilizer (other than manure) to more than 50 acres used for agricultural production grown primarily for sale. If you have the co-op or other custom applicator make your fertilizer applications, you do not need the certification.  You can always check out the site for more information, or call (614) 292-4070.  More details, including registration are available online.

    Here is a list of the 23 remaining opportunities prior to the September 30 deadline:

     

    August 30, 2017 9-12 pm Licking County Extension 740-670-5315

    August 31, 2017 12:30-3:30 pm Fisher Auditorium, OARDC 330-264-8722

    August 31, 2017 1-4 pm Clermont County Fairgrounds 513-732-7070

    August 31, 2017 6-9 pm OSU Extension Muskingum County in Zanesville 330-264-8722

    September 7, 2017 9 am-12 pm OSU Extension, Jackson County 740-702-3200

    September 7, 2017 6-9 pm Elizabeth Township Community Center in Troy, OH 937-403-3945

    September 12, 2017 1-4 pm OSU Extension Athens County 740-593-8555

    September 13, 2017 4-7:30 pm Classic 57 Restaurant Comm. Room in Minerva 330-832-9856 ext. 3476

    September 14, 2017 9-noon Hancock Agriculture Service Center in Findlay 419-422-3851

    September 14, 2017 1-4 pm Geauga County Extension 440-834-4656

    September 14, 2017 5:30-8:30 pm North Adams H. S. Seaman, OH  937-544-2339.

    September 26, 2017 6-9 pm OSU Extension Defiance County 419-782-4771

  6. Two Events Will be Held at OSU's Molly Caren Agricultural Center - September 12 and 13

    Field Day Event

    FSR Agronomy College – September 12

    Agronomists, Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) and custom applicators can stay current on agronomy issues during the Farm Science Review Agronomy College, hosted by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association in partnership with Ohio State University Extension on Sept. 12.

    Held one week before the start of the annual Farm Science Review at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, the event will bring industry experts, OSU staff and researchers, and agronomy service providers together to enhance collective knowledge through presentations, hands-on activities, demonstrations, equipment exhibits and more.

    “The Agronomy College will help agronomists and applicators better serve their customers,” said Harold Watters, certified professional agronomist, CCA and assistant associate professor in agricultural and natural resources at OSU. “Attendees will be able to confidently apply current research and knowledge in their businesses thanks to the solid lineup of speakers and topics arranged for the day.”

    The program will also provide continuing education credits to help CCAs and custom applicators meet professional requirements. For a complete list of CCA and ODA pesticide credits available, visit this event listing at oaba.net/events

    Participants will rotate through seven sessions covering topics including insect and weed management, crop diseases, spraying and more.

    This is the third year OABA and the OSU Extension Agronomic Crops Team have partnered for the event to give participants access to a broader resource base in an ever-changing industry.

    “OABA continues to build and grow its industry partnerships to provide access to a broader resource base in an ever-changing industry,” said Chris Henney, OABA president and CEO. “This event is a great opportunity to help service providers meet the evolving needs of their customers at a personal, professional and industry-wide level.”

    Registration

    Registration for the Agronomy College is $120 per participant. For complete event details and to register, visit http://www.oaba.net/aws/OABA/pt/sp/events or contact Janice Welsheimer at 614-326-7520 or jwelsheimer@oaba.net.

    Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. the day of the event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

     

    4R Technology Review Field Day - September 13

    The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is partnering with The Fertilizer Institute, Environmental Tillage Systems, Mosaic, Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and other industry leaders to host a 4R Technology Review Field Day to continue efforts and strengthen the industry’s commitment to improving quality of Ohio's waterways.

    The free field day event for retailers, farmers and other interested parties will take place on Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an hour lunch break, at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center - 135 Ohio 38, London, Ohio 43140.

    The event will feature guest speakers Dr. Robyn Wilson of The Ohio State University and Dr. Kevin King of USDA-ARS, as well as field demonstrations. Continuing Education Credits are also available for Certified Crop Advisers in attendance.

    See http://www.oaba.net/aws/OABA/pt/sp/events for the agenda and registration.

    • Date: Sept. 13, 2017
    • Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
      • Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
    • Location: Molly Caren Agricultural Center - 135 Ohio 38, London, Ohio 43140
  7. OSU Agronomic Crops Team at FSR - September 19, 20, and 21

    OSU Agronomic Crops Team at Farm Science Review

    The Farm Science Review will be held again this year at the London, Ohio location. Dates are September 19, 20 and 21. Tickets can be purchased at your local Extension office, at many retailers or on-line at the FSR website: https://fsr.osu.edu. New this year is a great app to help you find and locate what you are looking for – look for “Farm Science Review” on the Google Play store or on the Apple App store.

    The Agronomic Crops Team will once again be welcoming visitors on the east side of the grounds between the parking lot and the exhibit area. We did put in our demonstration plots this year but they are a little bit different. We have had the same issues you had this year with wet conditions, dry conditions, pounding rains, even a mini-derecho that caused a lot of green snap to our corn – I think we even had a bit of hail.

    Themes for this year – and we will have some examples of each to talk about:

    • Nutrient management
    • Precision crop management
    • Soil health and quality
    • Pest management

    Many farmers arrive early to Farm Science Review to beat the traffic. This year we will reward those early risers with Pesticide Recertification credits at 7:30 and 8 a.m. Stop in for coffee, a donut and pesticide credits at the Agronomy plot tent. Other talks we will have at 9 a.m. and at 1 p.m. include Managing Manure for Crop Use, Soil Quality and Soil Health, Adaptive Nutrient Management and talks on Corn and Soybean management.

    • While at the Agronomy plots – ask about our hourly and daily drawings
      • OSU Agronomy publications – the new Ohio Agronomy Guide and a Weed Control Guide
      • AgCrops logoed seed corn digging tool
      • AgCrops logoed Yeti products
    • Sign in for the C.O.R.N. newsletter with your county, email and a text number so we can let you know to pick up your prize

    The Agronomic Crops Team also supports the work of Certified Crop Advisers in the state. So, with many farmers and their advisers coming to Farm Science Review we will have several places across the grounds for CCA continuing education credits – all for the price of admission.

    • Areas to look for CEUs are in the:
      • Agronomy plots at the east end of the exhibit area, at the
      • Small Farms Centers in the northwest corner of the grounds and up the road toward the grain bins is the
      • Gwynne Conservation area. The Gwynne has really increased their activities and the number of CCA CEUs there shows this.
    • Check the FSR program guide for CEU opportunities.

    Keep up with us at http://agcrops.osu.edu.

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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

Amanda Douridas, CCA (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Beth Scheckelhoff (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Chris Zoller (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Ed Lentz, CCA (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Elizabeth Hawkins (Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems)
Eric Richer, CCA (Field Specialist, Farm Management)
Garth Ruff (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Glen Arnold, CCA (Field Specialist, Manure Nutrient Management )
Jason Hartschuh, CCA (Field Specialist, Dairy & Precision Livestock)
Ken Ford (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Lee Beers, CCA (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Mark Badertscher (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Mike Estadt (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Mike Gastier, CCA (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Pierce Paul (State Specialist, Corn and Wheat Diseases)
Sam Custer (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Sarah Noggle (Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources)
Steve Culman (State Specialist, Soil Fertility)

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 more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.