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| Field Crop Advisory Team Alert newsletter | ||||
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| Vol. 22, No. 3, April 26, 2007 |
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In this issue |
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Sandhill crane repellent (Avitec) available in 2007 |
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For agricultural use, anthraquinone is manufactured and sold by Arkion Life Sciences as Avitec. It can be applied as a liquid seed treatment by a commercial seed-treater, or by the do-it-your-selfer in the dry form as a planter box treatment. It is NOT a restricted use pesticide, and you don’t need a DNR permit to apply it. However, you must have a copy of the Section 18 label at the time of application. Avitec repels cranes without harming them. The birds detect the treated seed and avoid feeding on the corn. However, cranes may still be present in treated fields, feeding on other seeds, worms or insects. Cranes are amazing birds. They are considered the oldest living bird species, as close as we can get to dinosaurs. But they can also be destructive to crops. Sandhill cranes return to Michigan each spring to mate and lay eggs in wetland areas. Mating pairs and chicks (1 to 2) feed in wetlands and move into upland areas such as pastures and fields. Pairs are territorial; with the small field sizes in Michigan, there is usually only one pair plus offspring per field. Juvenile (year-old) cranes, however, have a different behavior. When they return to Michigan, they gather in large flocks that move from field to field. Jim Harding, a wildlife specialist with the MSU Museum, calls juvenile cranes “troublemakers” and he says “all there is for them to do is eat.” It is these large groups of hungry juveniles that cause the most crop damage. A nesting pair will drive groups of juveniles away, so it is technically an advantage to have a nesting pair in your field. Sandhill cranes have a varied diet, eating plant tubers, seeds, insects, worms, mice, frogs, and snakes. Some of their feeding – on cutworms, grubs, and other soil pests – is beneficial to crop production. However, a crane can probe down into the ground with its long beak and pluck out germinating seed and seedlings as it walks down a row. A group of cranes can destroy acres of corn in a short period. The majority of crop damage from cranes is reported from southwestern Michigan (Hillsdale and Jackson Counties, west), an area with many small fields interspersed with lakes and wetlands. Not many alternatives Some growers have proposed feeding or baiting cranes by putting seed corn along field edges to lure them away from production fields. Every bird expert I talked to said NO to this idea. Cranes prefer the open middle of fields where they can see potential predators, so they probably wouldn’t stay on bait corn on a field edge. Also, in addition to grain, they eat high-protein food like insects, and thus naturally may wander from the baited area. Finally, baiting might make things worse by drawing additional birds to a field. Harassment and removal (a nice way to say shooting) of birds is an option, but it is time consuming. A permit is required to kill cranes. To get information on obtaining a permit, call the USDA-APHIS Michigan Wildlife Service office in Okemos, Michigan, at (517) 336-1928. Note that a permit is less likely to be issued if you have not tried the Avitec repellent. Important contact numbers Avitec pricing, availability Arkion Life Sciences LLC Wilmington DE, 1-800-468-6324 http://www.arkionls.com/ Research on crane repellents, crane biology Section 18 labels for Avitec Permits for crane removal |
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| Soil-applied residual herbicide benefits in soybeans Christy Sprague Crop & Soil Sciences The use of postemergence (POST) glyphosate in Roundup Ready soybeans has been the primary weed control program used by many Michigan soybean growers. While this system has seemed to simplify weed management, relying on total postemergence herbicide programs can be difficult to manage if not properly implemented. The flexibility in application timing that glyphosate offers may make it easier to control larger weeds, however the benefits of early-season weed control to protect crop yield can be lost if applications are not made in a timely manner. Additionally, untimely applications can lead to a reduction in weed control. Another thing to consider is by relying only on glyphosate as the weed control strategy this system puts tremendous selection pressure on the weeds that could possibly lead to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. One way to help overcome some of these concerns is to implement the use of a soil-applied or preemergence (PRE) herbicide into your soybean weed control program. Using a planned PRE residual herbicide followed by a POST glyphosate application can result in more consistent weed control, reduces the size and number of weeds present at the POST application timing, and offers greater flexibility in the POST application window. One of the concerns that many producers have in implementing a PRE herbicide is the economics. While a PRE herbicide may increase the cost of your weed control program, resulting benefits often make up for the cost by increasing weed control and yield. Below are some of the benefits realized by PRE followed by POST weed control programs. Reduced early-season weed competition Using a PRE herbicide will control a number of weeds that would have emerged and competed with the crop as it becomes established. While early-season competition may not be a factor if the POST application is timed appropriately, (remember that weeds can increase in size in a number of days and if you are trying to spray a large number of acres or you become delayed in your applications due to rain) early-season weed competition can become a problem. Remember, for timely POST applications to avoid yield losses due to early-season weed competition MSU recommends weeds should be controlled before they are 4-inches in height in 7.5- and 15-inch rows and 6-inches in height in 30-inch rows. Consistent control of weeds that continually emerge Several weed species have continual emergence or emerge only later in the season. These species can include: annual grasses, giant ragweed (Southern Michigan), eastern black nightshade, pigweeds and common lambsquarters (occasionally). Because of the later emergence of these weeds, they may actually emerge after the POST herbicide application and can produce seed and become a problem at harvest. PRE herbicides allow for a delay in the POST applications, which will result in more effective control of these late-emerging weeds. Consistent control of hard-to-control weeds In Michigan, we have seen a few weeds that have become harder to control with one POST glyphosate application. Common lambsquarters and giant ragweed are examples of weeds that are not always effectively controlled with glyphosate. A PRE herbicide can aid in control by providing effective control or suppression of these weeds so they are easily controlled with the POST application. For example, over several MSU trials a PRE residual herbicide followed by POST glyphosate treatment has provided more consistent control of common lambsquarters than 1- or even 2-application of glyphosate (Figure 1). Effective control of perennials Control of perennial weeds is more effective in the later stages of growth (bud to flower stage). Because PRE residual herbicides will provide initial control of annual weeds the POST glyphosate application may correspond more appropriately to the stage of growth needed for perennial weed control. Weed resistance management One possible long-term benefit from including a PRE herbicide in your weed control program is the implementation of herbicide resistance management strategies. A PRE herbicide would include another mode of action into the weed management program and reduce the number of weeds present for the POST application. Ultimately, these two benefits will relieve the selection pressure of a glyphosate-only weed management system. This has become a much greater concern as we see more glyphosate-resistant weeds being reported around the United States. |
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| Soybean seeding rates Kurt Thelen Crop & Soil Sciences Recent research conducted in the North Central Corn Belt suggests that soybean planting populations may be able to be dialed back somewhat without compromising yield, or more importantly, profitability. Research conducted throughout the Midwest is showing that a final harvest population of 100,000 plants per acre is generally sufficient to achieve maximum yield. The challenge is in deciding what your seeding rate must be in order to achieve a final harvest population of 100,000 plants or higher. What does this mean for Michigan soybean growers? With fall soybean price forecasts looking favorable, growers do not want to compromise yield. However, as mentioned above, recent Midwest studies clearly show that it is not necessary to continually increase soybean planting populations in order to obtain maximum yield. Unlike corn, soybean has a great propensity to compensate or “flex” when plant populations vary. Therefore, the optimal planting population range is wider for soybean than it is for corn. Determining the minimal scale of that optimal soybean planting population range will optimize profitability and still maintain yield. As a starting point, begin with a planting population of 175,000 seeds per acre for drilled systems and 130,000 seeds per acre for 30 inch rows and then adjust from there based upon field productivity and planting conditions. Low productivity fields require higher seeding rates to obtain maximum yield than do high productivity fields. Similarly, if forced to plant in less than optimal soil and planting conditions, adjust seeding rates upward to compensate for expected decreases in seedling emergence and survival. Several things to consider when operating on the low end of the optimum planting population range include managing in a manner that maximizes emergence and seedling survival. Calibrate your drill or planter to ensure that seed drop is adequate and uniform across all rows. This is important to do every year as seed size and planter mechanical efficiency and wear can vary from year to year. Avoid planting when soil conditions are less than optimal to facilitate good seed to soil contact and seedling germination. Inoculate soybean seed with Rhizobium bacteria regardless of field history. Finally, if planting early in the season, consider using fungicide treated seed (be sure it is labeled for use with your soybean inoculant) to protect against soil borne root diseases. |
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| New crop and pest management soybean hotline Mike Staton Van Buren County Michigan soybean growers can access timely crop and pest management information through a new toll-free, soybean hotline. The toll-free number is (888) 201-9301. Growers will hear a recorded greeting directing them to select from six subject areas: insects, diseases, weeds, agronomic information, soybean cyst nematodes and the Michigan Automated Weather Network. Callers can listen to multiple topics without redialing the toll-free number. If you don’t get the information you need from the hotline, please call your local Michigan State University Extension office. The updates and recommendations for each topic area will be recorded by Michigan State University Extension specialists. Messages will be updated as often as needed to provide Michigan soybean growers with the most up-to-date information for improving soybean yields and farm profitability. Topics will be added and updated under the main subject areas as needed from May through August. The soybean hotline is a new and valuable resource for Michigan soybean producers. The hotline is sponsored by MSU Extension and The Michigan Soybean Checkoff and is part of the Soybean 2010 project. |
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| Soybean rust and freezing temperatures in the south Diane Brown-Rytlewski Plant Pathology You’ve probably read about the soybean rust found in early March on soybean residue from a bin of soybeans produced in Iowa in 2006, but if you haven’t you can read about it at the link listed here: http://www.plantpath.iastate.edu/soybeanrust/node/394 . Even though it’s early in the season, I thought that I’d start giving you some updates on what is happening with soybean rust so far this year further south. |
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| Soybean rust fungicide update for early 2007 Diane Brown-Rytlewski Plant Pathology Section 3 label for Domark fungicide on soybeans Previously available only for soybean rust under a special Section 18 emergency use label, Domark (Valent USA Corporation) has received a new label (Section 3) allowing use on soybeans for soybean rust (as both a preventative and a curative), and a number of other soybean diseases. New Section 18 label for Topguard Topguard (Cheminova, Inc., flutriafol) is a triazole fungicide. Consult the accompanying table for a complete listing of fungicides currently registered for soybean rust in Michigan. There are other fungicides in the pipeline for Section 18 registrations for soybean rust. As they receive approval for use in Michigan, we’ll provide you with updates. (View label.) Soybeans: Fungicides approved (Section 18) or registered (Section 3) for soybean rust management in Michigan – updated April 2007.
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| Increased Michigan coverage for Fusarium head blight risk assessment tool Diane Brown-Rytlewski Plant Pathology For the second year, I will be providing Michigan-specific commentary about weather conditions, wheat diseases and wheat developmental stages for the Penn State Fusarium head blight (FHB) model website. The Michigan Agricultural Weather Station Network (MAWN) weather station locations (48) have been added to the model website, providing significantly increased coverage for the state. The Penn State Model predicts the risk probability of epidemic conditions based on observed weather patterns. Separate models are used for spring and winter wheat. The winter wheat model is based on the interval of time that relative humidity is 90 percent or greater, with temperatures between 48 and 85°F (9 -30°C). Wheat is most susceptible to FHB infection during flowering. The model uses weather conditions observed during the seven days prior to the flowering date you select to predict the level of risk. You can select a risk prediction based on the previous seven days weather, six days and a 24-hour forecast, or five days and a 48-hour forecast. The Penn State model is available at: http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/. Select the risk map tool on the menu, then follow the directions to choose an assessment date, wheat type and state. Once you select the state (Michigan), the weather station locations will appear on a map of the state. Clicking on an individual station (represented by a purple circle or a red triangle) will bring up the previous seven days temperature, rainfall and risk probability for that station point. The models are tuned to reflect average rainfall. In the past, model predictions have not always reflected risk accurately when an area has been under extended periods of drought or higher-than-normal rainfall. A means to help address that issue has been to allow for input by the state extension specialist to provide additional commentary that may not be reflected by the risk maps, including information about rainfall or drought conditions and wheat growth stages in specific areas of the state. The models have an accuracy of about 80 percent given the data used to develop and test the models. They are intended as a decision aid to be used along with other resources, such as weather forecasts, grain markets and local expert advice to help you with disease management decisions. Weather conditions that take place during flowering and grain fill of the crop are not part of the model, and could significantly affect the development of disease and accumulation of mycotoxins. This year, state-specific commentary will be available for all 24 states included in the model. |
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| Management of foliar wheat diseases, Part 2 Diane Brown-Rytlewski and Willie Kirk, Plant Pathology Martin Nagelkirk, MSUE Sanilac County Recent freezing temperatures in Michigan caused some injury to wheat foliage. Injury is showing up as tip burn, and in low areas of fields as more extensive browning of leaves. The wheat should recover with little impact on yield. However, be watchful for diseases this spring, as the stress caused by freeze injury may cause wheat to be somewhat more susceptible to foliar diseases. Part two of this series covers leaf rust, stripe rust, and fungicides for managing foliar disease of wheat. As of mid April 2007, leaf rust has been showing up in parts of Texas and southern Kansas. A fact sheet containing the foliar disease management information from part one and part two can be found at: http://fieldcrop.msu.edu/documents/wheat%20foliar20%disease-final.pdf Leaf rust Cause: Wheat leaf rust, Puccinia triticina (fungus). (view image) Symptoms: Infections first appear on the lower leaves. Reddish-orange spore masses of the fungus break through the leaf surface leaving an orange powder that rubs off the leaf. As the crop develops and matures, leaf rust generally appears on upper leaves of plants and severity increases. Disease cycle: The fungus can survive on wheat during a mild winter or when covered by deep snow, or be carried in on wind currents from more southern areas as the wheat crop develops in spring. Conditions favoring the disease: Temperatures of 60-80ºF and conditions that promote leaf wetness in the canopy for extended periods of time, such as rain, ground fog and dew increase the severity of leaf rust. Management: The primary means of controlling leaf rust is to use resistant varieties. Scout fields from around heading to flowering. Several foliar fungicides are labeled for control of rusts. Check the label for application timing if a fungicide is used. The threshold for fungicide applications is an average 5-10 pustules/ flag leaf (averaged over 30-50 leaves). Avoid spreading the disease on clothing or farm equipment. Clothing, boots and farm equipment contaminated with rust spores should be cleaned before entering healthy fields. Stripe rust Cause: Stripe rust, Puccinia striiformis. (fungus) (view image) Symptoms: Stripe rust appears as long stripes of small yellowish orange pustules on the leaves. The pustules are masses of rust spores. It can be confused with leaf rust, but the stripe rust pustules are arranged in rows, or stripes, while the leaf rust pustules are scattered on the leaf. Wheat is the only host for stripe rust. Disease cycle: Stripe rust usually arrives in the north on wind currents from more southern wheat growing areas. It survives down south on volunteer wheat until it can infect newly planted wheat in fall and winter. Conditions favoring the disease: Stripe rust is favored by cool, humid weather. Disease development is most rapid between 50 and 60ºF. The disease is inhibited when night time temperatures reach 65ºF or temperatures for several days in a row reach the mid 80's. Management: The primary means of controlling both leaf rust and stripe rust is to use resistant varieties. Several foliar fungicides are labeled for control of rusts. Fungicides aren’t commonly used for stripe rust unless the disease occurs early in the season. Check the label for application timing if a fungicide is used. Avoid spreading the disease on clothing or farm equipment. Clothing or boots contaminated with rust spores should be cleaned before being worn to walk through healthy fields. Likewise, rust can spread from contaminated farm equipment. Clean contaminated equipment before using it in a field of healthy plants. Growth stage limitations for applying certain fungicides
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| Fungicide efficacy for control of wheat diseases Diane Brown-Rytlewski Plant Pathology The North Central Regional Committee on Management of Small Grain Diseases has developed the following information on fungicide efficacy for control of certain foliar diseases of wheat for use by the grain production industry in the United States. Efficacy ratings for each fungicide listed in the following table were determined by field testing the materials over multiple years and locations by the members of the committee. Efficacy is based on proper application timing to achieve optimum effectiveness of the fungicide as determined by labeled instructions and overall level of disease in the field at the time of application. Differences in efficacy among fungicide products were determined by direct comparisons among products in field tests and are based on a single application of the labeled rate as listed in the table. Efficacy of fungicides for wheat disease control based on appropriate application timing
2 Efficacy may be significantly reduced if solo strobilurin products are applied after infection has occurred 3 (G) indicates greater efficacy at higher application rates. 4 Folicur does not have a federal label, but may have Section 18 emergency registration in some states (including Michigan). *There may be other generic propiconazole and tebuconazole products available (check with your supplier). This information is provided only as a guide. It is the responsibility of the pesticide applicator by law to read and follow all current label directions. No endorsement is intended for products listed, nor is criticism meant for products not listed. Members of NCERA-184 assume no liability resulting from the use of these products. |
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| Fertilizer placement Darryl Warncke Crop & Soil Sciences Placement of fertilizer in the seed furrow (pop-up) or 2 inches below and 2 inches (2x2) to the side of the seed can enhance early plant growth, especially in cool soil situations. Soils tend to warm more slowly under no-till and reduce tillage systems where there is more plant residue. At a 2x2 placement, there is minimal risk of any plant injury. Placement of fertilizer directly below the seed increases the injury, especially with limited soil moisture or with some fertilizers that may release volatile ammonia, such as ammonium thiosulfate. Placing fertilizer with the seed (pop-up) has the greatest risk of injury, but can be done safely at low rates. The primary concern is with the amounts of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K2O) being applied. General guidelines from several land-grant universities are to limit the total amount of N + K2O to 5 lbs/acre for sandy soils to 10 lbs per acre for clayey soils. At 3 gallons per acre a 9-24-3 fertilizer supplies 4 lbs N + K2O per acre and a 10-34-0 fertilizer supplies 3.4 lbs N per acre. Therefore, in sandy soils the rate of liquid pop-up fertilizer should be limited to about 5 gallons per acre, whereas in loam and clay loam soils up to about 8 gallons per acre can be used. |
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How much winter injury did alfalfa receive from recent low temperatures?
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Regional reports Our weather over the past two weeks has been snow, rain, and cold and even very warm temperatures. February was the coldest month on record, according to Toledo TV weathermen. We finally had an 80+-degree day this past Sunday, which was the first 80-degree day since September 17, 2006, about 216 days ago. The weather this winter and spring has been extremely variable; warm and cold, snow and rain. Farmers in this area are generally behind in their normal spring fieldwork and planting progress, with no wheels turning now after a cold and drenching rain that started yesterday and is continuing today and forecast into tomorrow. Some good news is that the Red Wings got past the dreaded first round of the playoffs. Crop report Alfalfa has greened up and is growing, with many fields about four to six inches tall. I have not seen any alfalfa weevil feeding in my hay field. Corn planting started on April 10, with gradually more planters operating as fields have dried up, weeds controlled and fertilizer applied. Perhaps ten percent of the corn is planted as the weather has improved during this past week and early this week. I have not seen any emerged corn as soil temperatures have only gotten to +50 degree for one day this month. Most fields are clean of weeds with more spring tillage than normal. Some wheat fields have been torn up and planted to corn. Oats have been planted and are emerged. Soybean planting also started on April 10, though only a few acres are planted. One large acreage farmer is planting all corn this year, no soybeans, including 400 acres of wheat going into corn. Wheat fields look good because the poor ones are now going into corn. Most fields are at Feekes’ growth stage 4. |
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2 -- Southwest Warmer and drier weather occurring last week provided 5 to 6 continuous days suitable for field work. Widespread rains fell on Wednesday, April 25 bringing field work to a standstill. Crop reports Corn planting began on Friday, April 20 and proceeded until Wednesday, April 25.Corn planting is estimated to be 5 percent completed Very few soybeans have been planted. Remember to calibrate your drill and inoculate all of your seed. If you plan to plant early, consider using a seed treatment labeled for pythium, as this soil-borne pathogen is prevalent in southwest Michigan. Cold temperatures in early April damaged early leaf and stem growth. Alfalfa is 4 to 6 inches tall. Alfalfa weevil larvae have begun feeding in the Paw Paw area. Growers should evaluate the health of their roots and crowns. Root and crown tissue should be firm and white. Plants having soft or discolored tissue will not be productive or survive long. Wheat stands vary from excellent to poor. Most of the wheat is at growth stage 5. Growth regulator herbicide can be applied until you can feel the first node at the base of the stem. Evaluate your stands and make replant decisions carefully. All nitrogen fertilizer applications should be completed as soon as soil conditions permit. |
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3 -- West Central Spring has arrived, we hope. Minimum soil temperatures as recorded at the MSU Experiment Farm in Entrican have been in a range of 40 to 47 degrees for the last week – 10 degrees warmer than the previous week. Rain showers have been very light this week with only a tenth or two reported over most of the area. Crop reports Wheat was virtually unaffected by the recent cold snap. Many fields do have a few necrotic leaves similar to fertilizer burn. Wheat is in Feeks growth stage 4-5. By in large, the wheat that got planted last fall looks good. Winter annual weeds continue to grow well and many fields will need to have the herbicide applied soon. Oat planting is progressing well with 25 percent plus of the crop planted. Sugar beet planting is progressing rapidly where soil conditions will allow. We are seeing fewer acres of sugar beets this year in this western edge of the production area. Corn planting has begun despite the cool temperatures with 5 percent of the crop planted on some of the well drained soils. New growth on alfalfa at good sites, with a history of good fertility is 4-6 inches. There are some dead leaves from our winter rerun, but over all conditions look good. New seedings are being established. Field activities Grass and pasture fields are also in the 4 - 6 inch growth stage. Serious grazers have started fast rotations to stage future utilization of forages. |
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4 -- Central The region has received scattered showers over the past week. Some areas of the region are too wet for field work, while farmers on lighter soils are able to plant. Soil temperatures range from the mid forties to mid fifties. Field operations include fertilizer applications, burndown and pre-emergence herbicide applications. Crop reports Corn is being planted where field conditions allow. Farmers that are able to plant are reporting very good field conditions. The wheat crop is in Feekes 3-4 growth stage. The weeds seem to be growing very well. Growers are advised to scout wheat fields for weed size and growth stage. We are seeing chickweed as a problem in several fields. If you have chickweed, herbicide applications should be made as soon as possible as this weed can become very competitive with the crop. Some stands were hurt by excessive water standing this spring. Oat planting and alfalfa seeding is progressing as field conditions allow. The alfalfa crop seems to have come through the winter in very good shape. Growth is 4-6 inches and does not seem to be hurt by the cold temperatures of a few weeks age. It appears harvest will be on schedule this year. Most of the sugar beets have been planted at this time. |
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| Weather news Jeff Andresen Agricultural Meteorology Geography Following a period of mild temperatures and a resumption of growing degree day accumulations, and spring fieldwork activity late last week, cooler temperatures have returned recently in association with an upper air troughing feature moving into the region. On the surface, an area of low pressure will move through the Lower Peninsula on Friday (April 27), setting the stage for more rainfall and fieldwork delays. Rain is expected in all areas of the state through early Saturday with the possible exception of the western Upper Peninsula, where some areas will remain dry. Rainfall totals through Saturday morning will range from 0.5 to 1.0 inch or more in southern sections of the Lower Peninsula to 0.25 to 0.50 inch across northern Lower Michigan to less than 0.1 of an inch across most of the Upper Peninsula. Warmer and drier weather is expected to develop Saturday and should continue into early next week. Daytime temperatures will reach the mid 50's north to near 60 south, gradually warming to the 60's to near 70 by Saturday. Low temperatures will range from near 30 north to the low 40's south, warming to the 40's to low 50's by Sunday. Medium range forecast guidance suggests the eventual return of a troughing feature across the western United States, with southwesterly flow across the Midwest and Great Lakes Regions. This type of pattern would suggest an active storm track across the Midwest, with relatively frequent chances for precipitation and an elevated risk for severe weather. The official NOAA 6‑10 day and 8‑14 day outlooks (covering May 1-5 and May 3-7) both call for above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation totals statewide. It is important to note that the warmer and wetter than normal forecast covers the vast majority of the Midwest region as well. Given current heavy rain and flooding across many major Corn Belt production areas (e.g. eastern Iowa, northern Illinois), it is a good bet that weather-related delays are likely to be an issue (and a factor in the commodity markets) for at least the next couple of weeks. New NOAA Climate Prediction Center long lead outlooks for the next couple of months are highly vague. For both the month of May and the May-July period, the outlooks call for the equal odds or climatology scenario statewide for both mean temperatures and total precipitation, with near equal odds of below, near and above normal levels. The outlooks do suggest increased odds of above normal temperatures for Michigan during the latter half of the summer. The outlook for the Midwest including the Corn Belt is very similar, with the equal odds scenario for precipitation and temperature early, followed by increased odds of above normal temperatures across western sections of the region later in the summer. ENSO conditions in the equatorial Pacific are currently near neutral levels, with hints of a possible cool or La Nina event at some point later in the year. |
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