Red Crown Rot of Soybean

Figure 1. Foliar Symptoms

Red crown rot (RCR) is a soybean disease caused by the soilborne fungus Calonectria ilicicola that is spreading to parts of the Midwest. There have been no confirmed reports of RCR in Ohio, but it has been detected in Kentucky and Illinois.  RCR can be easily confused with other soybean diseases that cause similar foliar symptoms.

RCR can be misidentified as sudden death syndrome (SDS) or brown stem rot (BSR) as all three diseases can cause yellowing between the leaf veins or interveinal leaf chlorosis (Figure 1.)

Figure 2. Stem discoloration

Proper diagnosis will require digging up the plant, scraping the soil off, and inspecting for red discoloration on the outer stem (Figure 2). Also look for small, brick red perithecia (fungal sexual structure) on the lower stem or root crown area. These perithecia will be smaller than the tip of a pencil and more likely to be observed following wet weather.

In general, concentrate scouting efforts for RCR in low-lying, saturated areas of the field between the R3 (beginning pod) and R5 (beginning seed) growth stages. Keep an eye out for scattered patches of plants dying off early.

If you have questionable areas in your beans and suspect RCR or sudden death let me know.  I can collect plant samples and send them to our lab for diagnosis.

Federal Legislation Introduced to Address Farm Estate Taxes

Source: Robert Moore

On July 26, 2023, Representatives Jimmy Panetta of California and Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania introduced legislation related to farm estate taxes.  The proposed bill seeks to increase the limit on the deduction that can be taken by farmers under Section 2032A of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).  The 2032A provision in the IRC allows farmers to value their land at agricultural value, rather than fair market value.  However, the current law limits the deduction to $1.16 million.  This relatively small deduction can limit the usefulness of 2032A for some farm estates.

Consider the following example:

Farmer’s estate includes 500 acres with a fair market value of $5,000,000.  The agricultural value, allowed by 2032A, is $4,500/acre or $2,250,000.  The difference between the fair market value and the agricultural value is $2,725,000.  So, by using 2032A valuation, the land value can be reduced by $2,725,000.  However, 2032A limits the deduction to $1,160,000.  Therefore, Farmer’s estate can actually use less than ½ the reduction in land value.

The newly introduced legislation would increase the 2032A deduction limit to the federal estate tax exemption, currently $12,900,000.  Applying the proposed legislation to the above scenario, Farmer’s estate would be able to deduct the entire $2,725,000.

The farm value of farmland is determined by a formula included in the IRC.  The value is the net cash rent of comparable land less real estate taxes divided by the Farm Credit System Bank interest rate, which is 4.57% for a 2022 Ohio estate.  Let’s assume the fair market cash rent for a farm is $220/acre less $50/acre for taxes.  Dividing by the interest rate, we get a value of $3,720/acre.  The 2032A rate (farm value) is usually 1/3 to ½ of the fair market value. Continue reading Federal Legislation Introduced to Address Farm Estate Taxes

Is a Handwritten Will Valid?

By: Robert Moore

 

You may have seen the news story about Aretha Franklin’s will.  Aretha, the famous singer, died in 2018.  A will executed in 2010 was originally thought to be her last will and the document that controlled the distribution of her assets to her heirs.  The 2010 will appears to have been a formal will, prepared by an attorney, and properly executed by Franklin.  However, a 2014 handwritten will was later found in a notebook in Franklin’s couch.  Some of the heirs of Franklin’s estate disputed the validity of the 2014 will.  The 2010 left Franklin’s home to three sons while the 2014 will left her home to only two sons.  The issue was recently resolved by a Michigan jury.  The primary issue was: can a handwritten will be a valid will?

The answer in most states, including Ohio and Michigan, is yes.  Known as a holographic will, a person can write their own will and the will can be valid provided it is signed and witnessed by two adults.  Generally, the holographic will must be in the person’s handwriting to confirm that they did, in fact, write the will themselves.  So, even a will written by hand on notebook paper found in someone’s couch, like Aretha’s will, can be valid.  Presumably, two witnesses were present when Franklin signed the handwritten deed.  A few lessons can be learned from Aretha Franklin’s situation:

  • Revoke the prior will.  When executing or updating estate planning documents, the new or updated documents should clearly revoke the prior relevant documents.  If Aretha’s 2014 will would have expressly revoked her 2010 will, the matter may not have gone to court because her intent to use her 2014 will would have been much clearer.
  • Every requirement of a will matters.  If Aretha’s will would not have been signed, it would not have been valid.  The law vigorously enforces the technical requirements of estate planning documents.  An unsigned will is typically not enforceable even if it is clear the person intended to use the will but did not sign it in error.  Aretha’s will met all the requirements of a holographic will in Michigan and was deemed valid.
  • Secure your estate planning documents in a safe location and make sure someone knows where they are.  Whether a desk drawer, safe or filing cabinet, your estate planning documents should be held in a protected location and the executor and/or heirs should be aware of the location of the document for easy access.  Also, the law firm drafting the documents usually retains a copy in their files.
  • Put a “No Contest” clause in your will.  A No Contest clause disinherits any heirs who challenge the validity of a will.  If Aretha’s 2014 will had included a No Contest clause, the son disputing the will may have not initiated the lawsuit in fear of losing his inheritance in her valuable song royalty rights.
  • Every change in an estate planning document should be a formal change.  Scratching out a line on a will or adding a provision by hand will likely not be effective.  If a change needs to be made to a document, a formal amendment should be drafted and executed or the document should be changed and re-executed.
  • Casual execution of documents can cause conflict among heirs.  Because Aretha took a more casual approach to her 2014 will, heir heirs ended up in a lawsuit and family relations are likely strained.  Have an attorney assist with your documents so that formalities are followed and conflicts among heirs are minimized.
  • Take the time to visit with an attorney for your documents.  No one likes spending money on legal fees but a modicum of legal fees preparing estate planning documents can save heirs many thousands of dollars in litigation fees.

Field Observations Thru August 18

Corn

Growth & Development

Corn development continues to vary throughout the county.  Last week I highlighted the R2 (Blister) growth stage.  R3 is the next stage, occurring approximately 20 days after silking.

R3 – Milk Stage

  • Occurs approximately 18‐20 days after silking.

  • The  kernel is colored yellow with the inside containing ‘milky’ white fluid.
  • Kernel moisture  content is approximately 80%
  • Starch is beginning to accumulate in the kernel.
  • Stress is not as severe at R3 as at R1; however, yield reduction can occur due to a reduction in the number of kernels that ultimately develop and to the final size and weight of the kernels.
  • Very little root growth occurs after R3.

Scouting

Disease pressure throughout the county continues to be very low.  At this stage of growth, with little to no disease pressure, and new crop corn under $5 can we justify at least $25 per acre for a fungicide application?

Read more on disease scouting here.

Soybeans

Growth & Development

Like corn, soybean development continues to vary throughout the county.  Beans are looking much better than they were a few weeks ago. Last week I highlighted the R4 (Full Pod) growth stage.  R5 (Beginning Seed) is the next stage, occurring approximately 10 days after R4.

  • Seed is 1/8 inches long in the pod at one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem with a fully developed leaf .

  • Rapid seed filling begins, while root growth slows.
  • Dry weight and nutrients begin redistributing through the plant to the developing seed.
  • 50% defoliation can decrease yield by 15-17%.
  • Symptoms of many diseases, including white mold and SDS begin to show up at this growth stage.
  • This is a good growth stage to determine the severity of disease.
  • Treating most diseases with fungicides is not recommended at this time.

Scouting

All of the bean fields that I have seen this week look very similar to this one.  I am seeing very little (if any) disease pressure.  Current and projected weather conditions may change  this.  As you continue to scout your bean fields, look for Sudden Death Syndrome, White Mold, and Frogeye Leaf Spot.

Weeds

It’s that time of year when weeds are beginning to show their ugly heads above the soybean canopy in many fields.  During your scouting, if you find Palmer Amaranth or Waterhemp you should do whatever you can to prevent these devastating weeds from going to seed, including removing the entire plant from the field.

Click here for tips on identifying pigweed, palmer and waterhemp.

County Rainfall Update

Is it Pigweed or Palmer? – Hope it’s not Waterhemp!

It’s that time of year when weeds are beginning to show their ugly heads above the soybean canopy in many fields.  During your scouting, if you find Palmer Amaranth or Waterhemp you should do whatever you can to prevent these devastating weeds from going to seed, including removing the entire plant from the field.

Each of the last 3 weeks I have included a post highlighting the different characteristics of Pigweed, Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp.  These posts also included a step by step video to help with the identification process for these weeds.

Depending upon the growth stage, identifying these weeds in the field can be challenging. If a seedhead is present, most weeds are easier to identify, including pigweed, palmer and waterhemp. If you have seen a mature palmer seadhaed you will never forget it!  (see pictures above)

When trying to differentiate between these weeds I look for the following 3 plant characteristics:

1.Hair

Pigweed has hair the others do not.  Rub the stem and leaves checking for a “rough” texture.  Palmer and waterhemp will be smooth.

 

2. Leaves

Long Lanceolate Leaves

Waterhemp has long, slender leaves (lanceolate). While pigweed and palmer are more oval in shape.  Pigweed is wider in the middle and palmer is wider near the base of the leaf (this is usually hard do differentiate in the field).

 

 

3. Petiole

The petiole is the part of the plant that connects the leaf to the stem.  The petiole on palmer plant is as long or longer than the leaf.  Pigweed and waterhemp have much shorter petioles (often less than 1/2 the length of the leaf).

These weeds are here, they best way to prevent the spread is by preventing them from developing a seedhead.  One mature female plant  can produce up to 1,000,000 seeds.

 

Weed Identification Videos

 

If you  are still not sure about the identification, do not hesitate to call 740-397-0401) or send (barker.41@osu.edu) me a picture!!!

Scout for Soybean Diseases

Source: Horacio Lopez-Nicora

Now is the time to scout for mid-season soybean diseases. Though, disease levels across Ohio are low to moderate, current weather conditions are turning things around, and more fields are developing disease symptoms.

Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS)
We are finding fields in Ohio affected by sudden death syndrome (SDS). These symptoms are showing up earlier than normal. SDS is caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium virguliforme. This species is the most prevalent in the region, however, other Fusarium species can cause SDS. SDS above-ground symptoms can be confused with those produced by a different fungus (Cadophora gregata) that causes brown stem rot (BSR). To distinguish SDS from BSR, symptomatic plants should be dug out and stem cut open longitudinally. SDS-infected plants have white, healthy-looking pith, while BSR-infected plants present brown discoloration of the pith. Moreover, fields with severe SDS symptoms can also have high levels of soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

If you are seeing SDS symptoms, we encourage you to submit a sample to the Soybean Pathology and Nematology Laboratory in the Department of Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University in Columbus (read more HERE). We will confirm if it is SDS or BSR; additionally, if it is SDS, we want to determine what Fusarium species is the causal agent. To submit samples, dig out three to five symptomatic plants (including roots), placed them in a plastic bag, complete the SDS submission form, and submit them to our lab. Do not hesitate to contact your extension educator or us if you have any questions.

White Mold, and Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot
Weather conditions are favorable for development of white mold, a fungal disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. To scout for this disease, we recommend walking soybean fields and looking in-between rows. A white fluffy mass of fungal mycelia will be observed in infected plants (Fig. 4). Black round sclerotia will be present amidst the white mycelia. Visit here for more information about scouting for white mold of soybean.

We continue to receive samples with plants affected by Phytophthora root and stem rot. Commonly, these samples come from fields with poor drainage. Phytophthora root and stem rot can sometimes be confused with stem canker and white moldYou are welcome to submit samples to the Soybean Pathology and Nematology Lab for diagnosis. Visit here for more information about scouting for Phytophthora root and stem rot in soybean.

Frogeye Leaf Spot
We are finding frogeye leaf spot in our fungicide trials in northern and southern Ohio. Frogeye leaf spot is caused by a fungal pathogen (Cercospora sojina) which can reduce yield if plants are severely affected between R3 to R5 soybean growth stages. This year, symptoms in Ohio are visible at R2/R3 growth stage. We encourage growers to submit samples with frogeye leaf spot lesions to our lab. The fungus can develop resistance to fungicide, and we want to determine if these populations are present in Ohio. Best way to submit frogeye leaf spot samples to our lab is by placing symptomatic leaves in a plastic Ziploc bag and mail it to our lab as soon as possible. Keep samples in cool conditions and avoid exposure to sunlight and heat. Visit here for more information on frogeye leaf spot.

We can help diagnose soybean diseases with you!
You are welcome to submit your samples to the address below. Contact us if you have any questions. Send your samples to:

Soybean Pathology and Nematology Lab
Attn: Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Ph.D.
110 Kottman Hall
2021 Coffey Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43210
lopez-nicora.1@osu.edu

Ohio’s Farm Lease Termination Deadline Approaching

Source: Robert Moore

A new Ohio law took effect last year that impacts some landowners who want to terminate their farm crop leases. If a farm lease does not include a termination date or a termination method, the law requires a landowner to provide termination notice to the tenant by September 1. The law was adopted to prevent late or otherwise untimely terminations by landowners that could adversely affect tenants.

It is important to note that the law only applies to verbal leases or written leases that do not include a termination date or method of notice of termination.  If a written lease includes a termination date or method of notice, the terms of the lease apply and not the termination notice law.  Also, the law does not apply to leases for pasture, timber, farm buildings, horticultural buildings, or equipment.

The notice can be provided to the tenant by hand, mail, fax, or email.  If termination is provided by September 1, the lease is terminated either upon the date harvest is complete or December 31, whichever is earlier.  While no specific language is required for the termination notice, it is good practice to include the date of notice, an identification of the leased farm and a statement that the lease will terminate on the completion of harvest or December 31.  If termination is provided after September 1, the lease continues for another year unless the tenant voluntarily agrees to terminate the lease early.

A tenant is not subject to the new law and can terminate a lease after September 1 unless the leasing arrangement provides otherwise.  Because it is generally easier for a landowner to find another tenant, even on short notice, the law protects only the tenant from untimely terminations, not landowners.

For more information, see Ohio’s New Statutory Termination Date for Farm Crop Leases law bulletin available at farmoffice.osu.edu.

Farm Real Estate Values and Cash Rents

Source: USDA

The 2023 average Ohio farm real estate value, including land and buildings, averaged $7,800 per acre, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician of the USDA, NASS, Ohio Field Office.

Farm real estate values in Ohio were up 8.3 percent from 2022. Ohio is in the Corn Belt region, which also includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri. The Corn Belt region value was $8,100 per acre, up 7.1 percent from 2022. The value of farmland in States bordering Ohio were: Indiana, $9,100 per acre; Kentucky, $4,700 per acre; Michigan, $6,400 per acre; Pennsylvania, $7,610 per acre; and West Virginia, $3,200 per acre.

Ohio’s cropland value was $8,200, an increase of 8.6 percent from the previous year. The Corn Belt region experienced a 7.7 percent increase to $8,540 per acre. The average value of cropland in the United States increased 8.1 percent from 2022 to $5,460 per acre. Ohio’s pasture value was $3,700 per acre, up 2.8 percent from 2021.

Ohio’s cropland cash rent was $178 per acre in 2023, up $8.00 from the previous year. Cropland cash rents in the Corn Belt region increased $13.00 from last year to $236 per acre. The cropland cash rents in the States bordering Ohio were: Indiana, $226 per acre; Kentucky, $168 per acre; Michigan, $148 per acre; Pennsylvania, $107 per acre; and West Virginia, $45 per acre.

Pasture cash rents in the Corn Belt region increased $1.00 to $42.50 per acre. Pasture cash rent in the United States was $15.00 per acre.

Click here to download the report

Determining a Fair Cash Rent Value in Knox County

 

Sudden Death Syndrome of Soybean in Ohio

Source: Horacio Lopez-Nicora

We are finding fields in Ohio affected by sudden death syndrome (SDS). These symptoms are showing up earlier than normal. SDS is caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium virguliforme. This species is the most prevalent in the region, however, other Fusarium species can cause SDS.

With support and funding from Ohio Soybean Council, we will process soybean plants with SDS symptoms from fields in Ohio to: 1) Determine the species and genetic diversity of Fusarium associated with SDS in Ohio, and 2) Determine the fungicide sensitivity of isolates in the culture collection. To successfully achieve these goals, we need your help.

If you are seeing SDS symptoms, we encourage you to submit a sample to the Soybean Pathology and Nematology Laboratory in the Department of Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University in Columbus (read more HERE). If it is SDS, we want to determine what Fusarium species is the causal agent. To submit samples, dig out three to five symptomatic plants (including roots), placed them in a plastic bag, complete the SDS submission form, and submit them to our lab. Do not hesitate to contact your extension educator or us if you have any questions. Read more about SDS and other mid-season diseases of soybean HERE.

Mail your samples to:

OSU Soybean Pathology and Nematology Lab 
Attn: Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Ph.D.
110 Kottman Hall
2021 Coffey Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43210
lopez-nicora.1@osu.edu

Read more about SDS here