Recent symptoms in some Ontario soybean fields have raised concerns about a new virus that may be in Ontario. Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV) is a relatively new disease to northern US soybean growing areas. SVNV is common in the southern US soybean growing areas. Symptoms typically start around the midvein of the soybean leaf…
The 2014 growing season started late for most and has not been a particularly warm season. On a year where the marketing of a corn crop has taken a turn south, protecting the bushels you have or potentially trying to create extra bushels is very important. Why Would I Spray at Tasseling Time? (Silking to…
We have reached the stage in soybean development when nodules are forming. Every year I customers that are concerned that their soybeans are yellowing. We received a nice rain in most areas and warm temperatures have boosted crop growth. In just a few days things have changed. Soybean plants have used up the native nitrogen…
Understanding what goes on within a corn plant is important to your final yield. In order to track your corn’s growth progress, we use a standard Developmental Stage Key. The Vegetative Stage of corn is noted by the letter V. As each leaf unfurls from the whorl, a collar is formed. These collars are numbered…
Weed management in several areas of the province has been challenging. Weather has prevented herbicides from being applied and from being activated. Early weed control remains critical for maximum yield, despite the weather. Dr. Swanton at the University of Guelph has shown that corn plants have the ability to “see” weeds. To compete with weed…
Despite a lot of variability in development, there are corn fields that are now in the application window for an early fungicide application. The recommendation for the early application is from 7 to 10 leaf corn (V5 to V8). One of the main drivers for a fungicide application now is the thought that since a…
I have heard and spoken about many positives around strip till, but wanted to share a big negative that I saw in spots this spring. One of the goals of strip till is to create a seed bed in a zone while leaving the majority of the soil untouched. A late, wet fall last year…
In areas where rainfall amounted to 1 to 3 inches in a matter of minutes, there is a possibility of crusting. We need to be proactive in watching our crop. Seed is very resilient and vigourous this time of year, so it will remain healthy under the crust and will definitely push through if the…
When soybeans are planted, germination begins by the seed absorbing water from the soil until the moisture content is approximately 50%. The radicle is the first visible sign of germination and grows downward (primary root). Not long after the radicle emerges, the hypocotyl starts growing upwards pulling the cotyledons. After it emerges, the hook shaped…
Little critters will be scouring the soil looking for something juicy to eat. Below is a brief summary of what to watch out for. For more detailed information on thresholds, scouting and lifecycle, Publication 811: Agronomy Guide and Publication 812: Field Crop Protection Guide, have great information. Wireworms – Feed on roots, seeds and germinating…