Update from the Field
So you finally got, or are about to get, some rain. Whew! Good news after a tough 6-8 weeks here in the Midwest. What now?
Disease Watch: Northern Corn Leaf Blight
Northern corn leaf blight is an annual threat in cornfields from the Midwest to the Atlantic Coast, wherever environmental conditions are met. It spreads quickly from south to north, riding hurricane winds to infect new areas.
Disease Watch: White Mold
Soybean white mold is an annual threat in the northern United States (north of Interstate 70) from Nebraska to the Atlantic Coast, though it may appear anywhere when conditions are right.
Timely, preventive action is necessary to maximize yield in the presence of white mold. Geographic location is only one piece of the puzzle. Also consider spring climate, planting practices, soybean variety, microclimate and field history when weighing the potential of white mold development.
Watch for These Emergence Diseases
During the spring planting season, farmers need to watch for several diseases that can affect corn and soybean seedlings. Below we will explore some of the most common emergence diseases.
Managing Ear Molds & Rots
Plan ahead to avoid ear mold development next season. Rotating crops and planting a hybrid with ear rot resistance can lessen the chance of developing ear molds. Hybrids with in-plant insect protection can reduce insect damage to help prevent diseases from entering the ear.