A new strawberry disease has been found in Indiana and researchers are looking for samples to determine the extent of the problem. The disease, caused by a species of the fungus Neopestaltiopsis, has been reported in several southeastern states and other countries where it causes leafspots, fruit spots and a plant decline. In Indiana, the disease has been reported to cause a leafspot (Figure 1) and a plant decline. This disease resembles Phomopsis and upon further investigation may ultimately turn out to be Phomopsis.
Month: May 2021
Small Grain Disease Management
Wheat Between Feekes 8 and 10 and Disease Concerns
Source: Dr. Pierce Paul, OSU
Now is the time to take a closer look at your Wheat field … In between rain showers!
Wheat is now between Feekes 8 (flag leaf emergence) and Feekes 10 (boot) across the state. Feekes 8 marks the beginning of the period during which we recommend that you begin scouting fields to determine which disease is present and at what level. Septoria tritici leaf spot is usually one of the first to show up, and it has already been reported in some fields. So far, it is restricted to the lower leaves and severity is low in most of the affected fields. This disease is favored by cool (50-68F), rainy conditions, and although it usually develops early in the season, it really does not cause yield loss unless it reaches and damages the flag leaf before grain fill is complete.
Like many other foliar diseases, Septoria reduces grain fill and the size of the grain. It usually does not affect the number of spikelets per spike, an important yield component that is defined very early in the development of the plant. A fungicide application at this time will control Septoria and powdery mildew, another disease that usually shows up early under cool conditions, protect the flag leaf, and minimize grain yield loss. If the weather conditions continue to be rainy and favorable for foliar disease develop, spores will continue to be produced or blown in from other areas, and new infections will occur, particularly if the variety is susceptible.
Results from previous studies have shown that the greatest benefits from foliar fungicide applications were seen when applications were made to a susceptible variety between Feekes 8 and 10. This is largely because most of our major foliar diseases usually develop and reach the flag leaf after Feekes 8-9. However, the residual effects of a Feekes 8-9 fungicide application will not adequately protect the head from late season diseases such as head scab and Stagonospora glume blotch or the flag leaf from rust and Stagonospora leaf blotch. In addition, some of the fungicide that effectively control foliar diseases are ineffective again, or are not recommended for control of, head scab.
There are several very effective fungicides available for use on wheat see the post above or (see resource chart). Carefully read labels before making an application.
Are Periodical Cicadas a Threat to Field Crops?
Source: Curtis Young, OSU Extension
OK, let’s dispel any of the wild rumors right now!
Are periodical cicadas a threat to field crops? The quick and dirty answer to this question is NO! Are they a threat to the health and welfare of anything? There is no quick and dirty answer to this question.
The best way to answer the second question is to start by looking at what the periodical cicada is, what it feeds on, where one would expect to find them, and its life cycle.
The periodical cicada or 17-year cicada is an insect with an extremely long life cycle that takes 17 years to get from the egg stage to the adult stage. Some people mistakenly refer to this insect as a locust. Unfortunately, locusts and cicadas are not one-in-the-same. Locusts are a type of grasshopper (Order Orthoptera). Cicadas (Order Hemiptera) are not grasshoppers. And the 2 look nothing like one another.
The periodical cicada feed mostly in their nymphal stages and are hosted by trees of many species. And since it takes 17 years of feeding by the nymphs, the trees have to be old and well established, minimally 20+ years old.
Therefore, periodical cicadas are going to be found in and around long-standing woodlots, forests and landscapes (homes, parks, and cemeteries), especially those that have been established in or next to woodlots. What does this preclude? We will not find periodical cicadas in crop fields, pastures, landscapes recently established on field crop ground, housing developments where all of the ground was excavated, or basically anywhere where there isn’t long established trees. There are also northern limits to their natural range (e.g. they do not exist very far into the state of Michigan).
Continue reading Are Periodical Cicadas a Threat to Field Crops?
When making baleage, what plastic do I use?
During the second session of this past winter’s Ohio Beef Cattle Management School, one focus of the evening was effectively utilizing plastic wrap for fermenting baled forages and making baleage. In the 2 minute excerpt of that evening’s presentation, Jason Hartschuh answers the question, “When making baleage, what plastic do I use?”
Continue reading When making baleage, what plastic do I use?
Weekly Ohio Weather Report
Click on the image below to hear Aaron’s weekly forecast.
Maple Leaf Development and Heavy Seed Production
Author: Joe Boggs, OSU Extension, Previously published on Buckeye Yard and Garden onLine – May 5, 2021
Concerned Ohioans are reporting their maples have stunted leaves or no leaves at all; particularly towards the top of the tree. Several issues can produce thinning maple canopies including poor
site conditions, girdling roots, a vascular wilt disease, etc. However, it’s unlikely one of these issues has become so common or multiple issues have converged to produce a general widespread maple malaise throughout Ohio.
It’s more likely the common condition of thin maple canopies is a condition common to maples. Indeed, red (A. rubrum), silver (Acer saccharinum), and sugar maples (A. saccharum) in many regions of Ohio, as well as Indiana and Kentucky, have produced loads of winged seeds (samaras). The challenge is that the timing of the blooms and thus seed production varies widely between the three dominant maple species in Ohio with red maples usually the first to bloom and sugars the last.
Continue reading Maple Leaf Development and Heavy Seed Production
Knox County Hazardous Waste Disposal
NOW SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS
Knox County residents can now schedule appointments to properly dispose of hazardous waste by calling 740-393-4600. Appointments are available the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month beginning in May and running through September. Appointments are still available next week, May 12th.