C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2024-20
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Take Action Against Combine and Field Fires
Weather conditions have helped Ohio wheat fields mature a little early this year – but these same conditions can lead to an increase in fires to combine harvesters and crop fields. Unintentional fires are never an enjoyable event. Two recommendations to prevent injuries and property damage include preventative maintenance and pre-planning for fire emergencies.
Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for combine fires. Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1st), Iowa (2nd), Illinois (3rd), Kansas (5th), Nebraska (6th) and South Dakota (7th).
The majority of harvester fires start in the engine compartment. Contributing factors for heat sources include faulty wiring, over-heated bearings, leaking fuel, or hydraulic oil. The dry crop residue makes a ready source for rapid combustion to occur when the machine is operated in the field. Birds and wildlife are known to make nests in the engine compartment or exhaust manifolds – which can add fuel sources for unsuspecting combine operators.
Tips to prevent combine fires include:
- Have a daily maintenance plan during the harvest period. Keeping the machinery well-maintained plays a large role in preventing fires from these sources. Cleaning up spills, blowing off chaff, leaves, and other plant materials regularly, proper lubrication of bearings/chains, and checking electrical connections should be part of the daily routine. Farmers may choose to do their daily maintenance in the morning while waiting for the dew to burn off the crops. However, performing maintenance at night will highlight any hot spots or smoldering areas as the machine is cooling down. Removing chaff at the end of the day will reduce the amount of debris available to spark a fire.
- Eliminate static electricity. A chain may also be mounted on the bottom of the machine to drag on the ground while in the field. This decreases the buildup of static electricity.
If a fire breaks out, it’s important to have an emergency plan in place:
- Call 911 or your local first responders at the first sign of a fire. Don’t wait to know if you can contain a fire yourself, rapid response is important to saving valuable equipment. Combine fires are often in remote locations where a specific address may not be available, and access is limited. Emergency response times will be longer in these situations.
- Have (2) ABC fire extinguishers mounted on the combine. A 10-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher in the cab or near the ladder of the cab is quick access to protect the operator. A second extinguisher (20-pound ABC) is recommended to be mounted on the outside of combines where it is accessible from the ground. One unit may extinguish a small fire; having the second unit will help with any additional flare-ups. Don’t forget to check that the extinguishers are fully charged at the beginning of the season. Not having extinguishers ready when needed leads to a helpless feeling of watching one of your most expensive pieces of equipment go up in flames.
- Have a water truck positioned by the field. Hot mufflers and catalytic converters from other vehicles driving in the field can pose a risk to the dry field fodder. Smoldering materials may take 15 to 30 minutes before being noticed. A small gust of wind could rapidly turn that smoldering into a fire. In extreme dry conditions, a water truck may help protect against field fires. Never use water on fires that are electrical or fuel-sourced.
- Have an emergency plan in place and discuss it with the other workers or family members. Knowing what to do in the event of a fire emergency is important. Knowing the address to the field and how to contact fire departments directly instead of through the 911 system are important safety conversations for the entire harvest crew.
Don’t get caught thinking it can never happen on your farm. Take preventative action and be prepared.
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Battle for the Belt: Season 2 Episode 13 - Spider Mites
Additional author - Chris DiFonzo, Michigan State University.
Episode 13 of Battle for the Belt is now available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XL7sqUhZUA
In Episode 13, we have the field crops entomologist from Michigan State University, Dr. Chris DiFonzo, discuss spider mite scouting and management during dry conditions. Luckily, most of the state received rainfall over the weekend giving some relief to crops.
In Ohio, we started with a wet spring, which can bring about slug damage; however, the state is turning toward a hot and dry period which brings different pests to deal with. If we have a long-term dry spell, spider mites (Figure 1) can become an issue.
Spider mites are always around, in ditch banks and roadsides. Spider mites like hot and dry weather, so when those conditions occur, the mites will move into the field from the roadsides into the edges of fields, and depending on how severe the conditions are, they can move further into the field. Generally, spider mite damage can be identified by yellowing field edges (Figure 2).
Spider mites may be found in fields near dirt roads, where the dust can settle on the leaf surface and dry it out. The mites want the leaves dry to lay their webs and become like a “highway” for the insect. Naturally, there is an entomopathogenic fungus, which would normally stop this type of infestation in wetter conditions. However, in the dry areas, infestations can begin.
If you are beginning to have dry conditions and are scouting for spider mites, start scouting the areas that tend to dry out first (e.g., field edges, hilltops, and sandy knolls). There are no economic thresholds for scouting spider mites but there is a visual guide for both corn and soybeans, which can assist in the scouting process (Figures 3 & 4).
For management, an issue with adding an insecticide to the tank for application is that some insecticides will kill off beneficial predatory insects that will prey on spider mites, so in dry situations, that allows spider mites to flourish.
Once you start spraying mites, you only have one chance because you will likely not get all of them and then their eggs survive. Some insecticides kill eggs but are very expensive. If you need to spray spider mites, getting full coverage and using the right product is essential for efficacy.
Scouting to assist in deciding whether it is worth it to spray always pays because there are beneficial insects, that will naturally kill off spider mites. If you are going to spend the money, spend money where it counts.
Many materials for spider mites and insects in field crops are available for scouting, chemical applications, and management. For scouting, identification, and rating there are factsheets for both corn and soybeans, Rating Infestations of Spider Mite on Corn, Rating Infestations of Spider Mite in Soybean, and Twospotted Spider Mite on Soybean. For chemical applications use Field Crops Insect Pest Management Guide and Cheat Sheet for Spider Mite Spraying in Michigan Field Crops.
What’s happening in the field?
This week at the Western location, the date five was planted (Table 1), which means planting 2024 at this location is finished. Soybean planting dates one and two were scouted for Septoria brown spot. Interestingly, planting date one had very low levels while planting date two had almost 80 percent incidence (meaning that most plants presented symptoms at any level, low, medium, or high).
At the Northwest location, date four was planted (Table 1). At this location, the crop growth slowed and only increased by one stage because of the very hot conditions and lack of rain most of this month.
At the Wooster location, date five was planted (Table 1). The crops also stalled in growth and increased by one stage only (also hot and dry weather for the past week). Both planting dates one and two in the soybeans had a high incidence of Septoria brown spots in the lower canopy. Planting date one in the soybeans began flowering.
Table 1. Planting conditions for planting date five at the Western and Wooster locations and four at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station. Location
Planting date
2-inch soil temperature
(at planting)Air Temperature
(at planting)
Western,
Clarke County
June 17, 2024
80°F
96°F
Northwest,
Wood County
June 17, 2024
88°F
98°F
Wooster,
Wayne County
June 20, 2024
77°F
79°F
The soybeans at these locations have been quite short and are not even to 50% canopy closure in the early planting dates (April/early May). The summary of planting dates and conditions from June 17 to June 23 at all three locations is presented in Table 2.
Table 2. Weekly weather conditions for each updated planting date at the Western Agriculture Research Station, Northwest Agriculture Research Station, and Wooster Campus, with day of planting, soil, air temperature averages, and Growing Degree Days (GDDs) from June 17 to June 23. Information from CFAES Weather System (https://weather.cfaes.osu.edu/). Location
Precipitation
(Inches)
(June 17- June 23)
2-inch soil temperature
(June 17-June 23)
Air Temperature
(June 17- June 23)
Planting date
GDDs
(Cumulative)
Soybean
Stage
Corn
Stage
Western,
Clark County
0.36
Max: 80°F
Mean: 75°F
Minimum: 71°FMax: 98°F
Mean: 92°F
Minimum: 69°F
March 25th
April 16th
May 6th
May 24th
1318
1209
972
666
220
R2
R2
V5
V2
-
V11
V10
V7
V5
-
Northwest,
Wood County
1.47
Max: 94°F
Mean: 79°F
Minimum: 70°FMax: 98°F
Mean: 82°F
Minimum: 69°F
May 16th
May 23rd
June 10th
June 17th
866
700
371
227
V3
V2
VC
-
V6
V5
V1
-
Wooster, Wayne County
0.15
Max: 82°F
Mean: 76°F
Minimum: 75°FMax: 93°F
Mean: 78°F
Minimum: 61°FApril 22nd
May 3rd
May 21st
June 4th
June 20th
974
869
632
414
116
R1
V4
V2
VC
-
V8
V7
V5
V3
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References
DiFonzo, Chris. (2016). Cheat Sheet for Spider Mite Spraying in Michigan field crops. Michigan State University, East Lansing. 46-Miticide-list-for-field-crops.pdf (msu.edu)
DiFonzo, Chris, Tilmon, Kelley. (2021). Field Crops Insect Pest Management Guide. Michigan State University, and The Ohio State University. 2021 IPM Guide Online Version.pdf (osu.edu)
DiFonzo, Chris. (2016). Rating Infestations of Spider Mite on Corn. Michigan State University, East Lansing. 44-MiteScoutingCorn.pdf (msu.edu)
DiFonzo, Chris. (2016). Rating Infestations of Spider Mite on Corn. Michigan State University, East Lansing. 16MiteScoutingSoy.pdf (msu.edu)
Hammond, Ronald, Michel, Andy, Eisley, James. (2014). Twospotted Spider Mite on Soybean. Ohio State University Extension. Twospotted Spider Mite on Soybean | Ohioline (osu.edu)
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Upcoming Dicamba Cutoff Reminder
There has been much uncertainty regarding the use of dicamba for the 2024 growing season and beyond as a result of the vacated dicamba registration in February and the EPA’s existing stocks order for dicamba use in 2024 that soon followed. The EPA’s order allowed for existing stocks of dicamba products (Engenia, Tavium, and XtendiMax) purchased for use in dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybeans to be sold and distributed through May and to be applied through June. The future of dicamba applications over-the-top (OTT) to DT soybean remains uncertain, but a reprieve from the intense heat experienced last week and growing weeds means that POST applications will continue to take place this week across the state. The last date for OTT applications of dicamba in DT soybean in Ohio is by the labeled soybean growth stage, or June 30th, whichever comes first. The date and growth stage cutoffs for the respective products are as follows:
- Engenia – no later than June 30th
- Tavium – V4 growth stage or through June 30th, whichever comes first
- XtendiMax – R1 growth stage or through June 30th, whichever comes first
At the plant level, soybean is at the V4 growth stage when there are four open trifoliates on the plant. A soybean plant is at the R1 growth stage when there is one open flower somewhere on the main stem. At the field level, a certain growth stage is achieved when greater than 50% of the plants within the field exhibit the designated characteristics. For detailed descriptions and pictures of soybean growth stages, check out this soybean growth stage guide. Information related to POST applications including maximum crop size and harvest intervals for corn and soybean can be found in Table 8 and Table 18 of the weed control guide, respectively. Scouting fields before planning POST applications can help determine management practices including product selection and application timing. As always, be sure to check all herbicide labels before treating fields.
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Lep Monitoring Network – Corn Earworm Update # 10
We have just concluded our tenth week of monitoring for Ohio pests and are happy to report on our first week of western bean cutworm moths (WBC) and our third week of corn earworm (CEW). Up until now, scouting numbers for CEW have been relatively low, but this week we have begun to see a turn in the data and an increase in the overall average number of moths per county in Ohio. This past week, Defiance County saw the highest average of WBC moths, and Williams County saw the highest CEW counts, reaching a peak number of 41 moths in one trap. In Van Wert County, it should be noted that while no WBC moths were recorded, several yellow striped armyworms (YSA) were found in the WBC traps – the county has 10 running traps and recorded an average of 2.1 YSA moths per trap this past week. A special shout-out to Curtis Young for his YSA-spotting.
Western Bean Cutworm
This past week from June 17th to June 23rd we began monitoring for western bean cutworm pests in Ohio. While reports of this pest are low as of now, expect WBC numbers to increase as we get further into the season (they usually peak in July). We plan to monitor for WBC for 7 weeks, give or take, depending on the numbers scouted. The statewide average for WBC this week is 1.8. Counties with the highest averages included Defiance (2.4), Clinton (2.0), and Auglaize (1.7) (Figure 1). While WBC scouting numbers are currently low, it is still important to be ready for these pests in Ohio and scouting is the best way to stay ahead of any infestations before they happen. As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, western bean cutworm is a common pest of dry beans and a sporadic pest of corn in Ohio. Adults are primarily dark brown and black and can be identified by a distinct comma or crescent-shaped mark in the middle of each wing that is seated behind a light brown to tan colored dot. A white stripe can also be seen along the top edge of the forewing (Figure 2). To continue the conversation and learn more about the western bean cutworm, please visit https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-40.
Western bean cutworm moth map
Week 1 - June 17th to June 23rd, 2024
Corn Earworm
This is our third week of monitoring for CEW pests in Ohio. The statewide average for CEW increased from 0.12 during the week ending on June 16th to 1.6 for the week ending June 23rd. Counties with the highest averages included Williams (11.8), Clinton (8.0), and Morgan (3.5) (Figure 3). When scouting for CEW pests, these moths are attracted to fields that are in the early green silk stage of development, when fields will be most susceptible to damage. CEW caterpillars vary in color from light to dark but will always have the same characteristic markings. Scouting for the larval stage of these pests is practically impossible, but adult (Figure 4) scouting is important to predict larval damage in a field. To monitor CEW moths, we are using green bucket traps with a lure that attracts adults to the trap. Traps are checked weekly, and an average is reported for each monitoring county. To learn more about corn earworms, check out one of our previous newsletters: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-27/corn-earworm-field-corn-watch-molds
Corn earworm moth map
Week 3 - June 17th to June 23rd, 2024
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Application of Manure to Double Crop Soybeans to Encourage Emergence
The summer manure application window following wheat harvest is typically the 2nd largest application window each year. In recent years there has been more interest from livestock producers in applying manure to newly planted soybeans to provide moisture to help get the crop to emerge.
Both swine and dairy manure can be used to add moisture to newly planted soybean fields. It’s important that the soybeans were properly covered with soil when planted to keep a barrier between the salt and nitrogen in the manure and the germinating soybean seed. It is also important that livestock producers know their soil phosphorus levels, and the phosphorus in the manure being applied, so soil phosphorus levels are kept in an acceptable range.
An acre-inch of water is 27,154 gallons. Applying 10,000 gallons per acre of dairy manure would be about 0.37 inches of moisture. Applying 7,000 gallons of swine manure would be about 0.26 inches of moisture. While we strongly encourage the incorporation of livestock manure whenever possible, using manure to help with double-crop soybean emergence does not allow for incorporation unless one uses a Grassland applicator toolbar or perhaps an Aerway set on maximum soil disturbance.
If soybeans are just out of the ground, swine-finishing manure and dairy manure will kill the emerging plants. We applied swine finishing manure to early V3 soybeans at the Hoytville OARDC research farm for three years and while the manure did not kill the soybeans, there was significant leaf burning. Swine nursery manure and sow manure are unlikely to kill emerged soybeans.
If manure is incorporated before planting double-crop soybeans be sure the manure salt and nitrogen are not placed in the planting zone. Placing the manure in contact with germinating seeds can result in severe emergence problems.
If red clover was frost seeded in the wheat, young clover is easy to kill with a summer manure application. Livestock producers have told me stories of accidentally killing clover stands when applying manure to wheat stubble just after wheat harvest.
As always, print out the weather forecast when surface applying manure. Remember the “not greater than 50% chance of 0.5 inches of rainfall in the next 24 hours” rule in the Western Lake Erie Basin.
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Regional Updates: June 18 – 24, 2024
Scattered showers brought relief to some, but many areas remain dry. Field issues Ohio State University Extension Educators and Specialists have seen or heard of this past week include potato leafhopper on alfalfa and emerging waterhemp. Keep reading for region-specific details.
Central and West Central – Mark Badertscher of OSU Extension Hardin County reported that wheat harvest began late last week in Central and West Central Ohio, with an estimated 25-50% of fields harvested in the region. Reported yields have ranged between 80 and 115 bu/ac. Area growers have taken advantage of an early wheat harvest and begun double crop planting of soybean. Other field activities included side dressing corn, spraying post emergent herbicides, and second cutting hay. Rainfall was extremely variable, from a few tenths to over 1.5 inches in other areas.
Southeast – Jordan Penrose of OSU Extension Morgan County shared that both corn and soybean remain in good condition, despite the warm, dry weather this past week. First cutting hay is finished in the region and second cutting is underway. Reported hay yields have been average to above average so far.
Northwest - Wood County Extension Educator Nick Eckel reported that soil conditions remain dry in northwest Ohio with rainfall anywhere between .1 and 2 inches this past week. Soybean is in fair condition and between V1 and V4 growth stages. Corn is in good condition with early planted fields reaching the V8 growth stage. There are growing concerns of tar spot since it has been seen in Indiana, but there have been no confirmed reports in Ohio for 2024 so far. (Remember that the optimum fungicide timing for tar spot is between VT (tassel) and R3 (milk), based on research conducted by State Specialist Dr. Pierce Paul.) Potato leaf hopper was seen in area alfalfa fields, so growers who have yet to making second cutting should scout for potato leaf hopper and the tell-tale symptom of “hopperburn.” For more information on this pest, see the factsheet here. Wheat harvest began last week with reported moisture levels of 13-18% with average to above average yields.
Northeast – Lee Beers of OSU Extension Trumbull County reported that dry weather this past week provided a much-needed window for applying herbicides, as waterhemp continues to emerge and rapidly grow to the point that control is no longer as effective (Figure 1). Other field activities included soybean replant in low-lying areas and second cutting hay.
Southwest – Clinton County Extension Educator Brooks Warner shared that 20% of wheat harvest is completed in southwest Ohio. Area growers have also been able to make spray applications and make hay between scattered rainstorms this past week. The main field issue facing the region currently is poor weed control, specifically giant ragweed and waterhemp.
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.