Corn
Growth & Development
Corn development continues to vary throughout the county. Last week I highlighted the R1 (Silking) growth stage. R2 is the next stage, occurring approximately 10 days after silking.
R2 – Blister
- Occurs about 10‐12 days after silking.
- The kernel is visible and resembles a blister
- Clear fluid fills the kernel
- The embryo is barely visible
- Approximately 85% moisture content.
- If severe stress occurs now or during R3, kernels can be aborted from the tip downward.
- Kernel abortion will occur until the plant has a sufficient supply of carbohydrates for the remaining kernels.
Scouting
Disease pressure throughout the county is very low. SO … Do I spray or not? This is literally the same decision that we had to make with our wheat crop this year. 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 R3 (Beginning Pod) growth stage. R4 (Full Pod) is the next stage, occurring approximately 10 days after R3.
R4 – Full Pod
- A 3/4 inch pod at one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem
- Rapid pod growth & beginning seed development
- From R4 to middle R5 critical period for soybean yield potential
- Flowering is complete
- Pod abortion occurs naturally and allows the soybean plant to adapt to current environmental conditions.
- Pod number and seed size affect yield more than seeds per pod.
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. More information on scouting for these problems next week.
County Rainfall Update
