October 30, 2013

Agricultural News Release

For more information, contact Mark Badertscher

OSU Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

419-674-2297 or badertscher.4@osu.edu

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Soybean Research Conducted in Hardin County

by Mark Badertscher, OSU Extension Educator

Ohio State University Extension, Hardin County – Five Hardin County soybean fields were part of a statewide OSU Extension Soybean Yield-Limiting Factor Study to determine how to increase production, profits, and quality for local farmers. This research was conducted in 60-70 fields in Ohio, collecting information about soil quality, pests, and management practices. Fields were mapped using Global Positioning System (GPS) points based on two normal production areas and one low production area. Separate soil tests were taken in each area for soil quality and presence of soybean cyst nematode. Field scouting was done to determine the type and amount of insects, weeds, and diseases at two different stages of crop growth, while leaf samples were collected at the flowering growth stage of the soybean plants.

A cultural practices survey was completed identifying crop rotation, tillage methods, seed information, planting information, field drainage, fertilization, and pest management. Harvest date and yield data was collected for each of the three areas in each field. A grain sample was taken from each area for lab analysis of protein and oil content. Data collection was a collaborative effort among faculty, graduate students, and Extension personnel. Soil quality factors, pests, and soybean yield will be correlated to management practices using multivariate analysis conducted by the Ohio State Statistical Consulting Center.

October 15, 2013

Agricultural News Release

For more information, contact Mark Badertscher

OSU Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

419-674-2297 or badertscher.4@osu.edu

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Giant Ragweed, Marestail Problem Weeds in Some Area Soybean Fields

by Mark Badertscher, OSU Extension Educator

Ohio State University Extension, Hardin County – Giant Ragweed and Marestail (horseweed) are problem weeds in some Hardin County soybean fields this fall. A survey of 105 Hardin County soybean fields was conducted in September to determine which weeds are considered problem weeds in the county. There were also some fields with some volunteer corn, which had grown from the previous year’s crop. This on-going research is conducted annually by OSU Extension to find out which weeds are competing with crops for nutrients and moisture, which decreases yields while increasing herbicide and other input costs.

The weed survey was conducted over a three day period, driving around the county and stopping at each intersection on a chosen route. Weeds were scouted from the road in standing soybean fields with amounts being recorded as widespread, large patches, or occasional. After being recorded, these results are sent to OSU Weed Scientist Mark Loux for further analysis and statewide comparison. The study will then be repeated yearly to find out the pattern of weed infestation around the county and state from year to year. This information gives OSU Extension specialists better information for making weed control recommendations as some weeds are becoming resistant to certain herbicides that were once used to control them. Although 68 fields were found to contain weeds, 37 fields were considered weed free.

October 2, 2013

Agricultural News Release

For more information, contact Mark Badertscher

OSU Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

419-674-2297 or badertscher.4@osu.edu

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Western Bean Cutworms Not in Traps This Year

by Mark Badertscher, OSU Extension Educator

Ohio State University Extension, Hardin County – Western Bean Cutworms were not caught in Hardin County OSU Extension traps this growing season. Four bucket type traps were placed around the county starting in July and were checked weekly for this pest by trapping the adult moth. The trapping of this agricultural crop pest is a part of a statewide OSU Extension monitoring program.

According to the OSU Department of Entomology, the Western Bean Cutworm was historically found in the western Corn Belt, where it was a common pest of dry beans and a sporadic pest of corn. Starting in the year 2000, economic damage from this pest was found on corn in Iowa and Minnesota. Since then, this pest has continued to rapidly spread eastward, reaching Ohio in 2006. Most moths have been caught in the extreme northwest or west central portion of Ohio.

The adults emerge in late June–early July after fully grown larvae overwinter inside soil chambers in the soil 3–8 inches deep. The adults are mostly dark brown and black, with three characteristic markings that distinguish them from other moths: (1) a white stripe on the top edge of the forewing, (2) a light brown tan colored dot, and (3) a comma or crescent-shaped mark behind the dot. Mid-flight of the adults usually occurs in mid-July, with adult flight ending by mid to late August. There is one generation per year.