Agronomy

The Insects Were Quiet This Summer, Until…Notes on Corn Leaf Aphid, Spider Mites, Fall Armyworm, and Soybean Aphids

Aphids on corn leaves

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-26/insects-were-quiet-summer-until%E2%80%A6notes-corn-leaf-aphid-spider by Kelley Tilmon, Amy Raudenbush, Andy Michel

Corn Leaf Aphids
Corn leaf aphids are making an unusual appearance this year in field corn, reaching high numbers in our test plots and in other locations in Ohio.  This outbreak is not restricted to Ohio, but appears to extend throughout the Midwest and also into the coastal southern US and also southern Canada.  Other aphid species may be in the mix on corn, but corn leaf aphid is the dominant species.  We do not recommend spraying for aphids in field corn regardless of numbers, because there won’t be an economic return with the relatively low value of the crop per acre.  Sweet corn and popcorn may be a different story – if in doubt, contact specialty crop entomologist Ashley Leach leach.379@osu.edu The good news is that in most cases the natural enemies are taking care of the aphid populations.  In the outbreak pockets we’ve been observing, lady beetle larvae and adults, syrphid larvae, lacewing larvae/adults, parasitoids, and insect-killing (entomopathogenic) fungus abound, and are knocking back populations as they build.  The fungus is especially effective, and humid weather and rain will give it a boost. Lady beetle larva feeding on corn leaf aphids.

Lady beetle larva feeding on corn leaf aphids. Photo credit: Amy Raudenbush.

Continue reading The Insects Were Quiet This Summer, Until…Notes on Corn Leaf Aphid, Spider Mites, Fall Armyworm, and Soybean Aphids →

Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus and Downy Mildew

Soybean field

Article is taken from  https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-26/soybean-vein-necrosis-virus-and-downy-mildew by Horacio Lopez-Nicora

As we progressed with our field scouting this past week, it has become evident that Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV) is making a noticeable presence in our soybean crops across various regions. SVNV, a viral disease primarily spread by thrips, manifests typically as yellowing and necrosis along the veins of the soybean leaves. Initial symptoms include chlorotic lesions that evolve, resulting in a necrotic, vein-associated appearance. The impact of SVNV on overall yield is still under investigation, but early infection is generally more detrimental. Growers should be vigilant about thrip populations and adopt integrated pest management strategies, including the use of resistant varieties if available, to mitigate the spread of this virus.

Continue reading Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus and Downy Mildew →

Fall Forage Management

Alfalfa forage field

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-26/fall-forage-management by Dr. John Yost

The fall is a critical time in our yearly forage management calendar. Regardless of how the growing season has progressed, your fall management practices will set the stage for getting the next spring off on the right foot. In this article, we will give some recommendations on soil fertility, fall planting of new alfalfa stands, and when to take the last forage harvest for the season.

Your soil fertility program is far and above the most critical component of your alfalfa management. While current weather conditions and harvest timing will most influence the quality of a single cutting, a well-balanced fertility program will ensure that the plant has the available resources to perform within its environment. Again, the goal is to finish the growing season with a healthy plant that has had sufficient time to accumulate top growth that will protect the crown from cold temperatures during the late fall and winter. Allowing for enough top growth will also allow the plant to increase its energy reserves to initiate rapid growth in the spring.

Continue reading Fall Forage Management →

Save the Date: CAP Field Day on August 28, 2024

CAP Field Day
Nutrient Management
August 28, 2024   5-8 pm
Location – Todd Hesterman Farm
R 802 Rt 109, Napoleon, Ohio 43545

No Cost to Attend,  Meal Included,   Registration needed by August 26
Contact Alansundermeier@gmail.com  or call 419-261-0625

CAP Field Day: Nutrient Management

Two August Field Days to Explore Barriers and Benefits of Crop and Livestock Integration

Exploring Crop and Livestock Integration Field Days

Article taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-25/two-august-field-days-explore-barriers-and-benefits-crop-and by Cassandra Brown

Over the last 50 years, both crop and livestock production systems in the U.S. have become increasingly specialized and separated. A two-year Ohio State project has partnered with 31 working Ohio farms to examine the economic, ecological, and social impacts of specializing or integrating these farming systems. During this event, attendees will consider soil health results and other on-farm data from our two-year study, join in discussion with study participants about the benefits and barriers to integrating crop and livestock systems, and hear about specific strategies or issues from area farmers.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required to receive the meal provided during the event. This project is supported by a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Two options to attend “Exploring Crop and Livestock Integration: Barriers and Benefits”

Wheat field unharvested

Article taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-25/2024-ohio-wheat-performance-test-results-available-online by Laura Lindsey, Matthew Hankinson

Results from the 2024 Ohio Wheat Performance Test are now online by clicking here. This year’s report includes 84 winter wheat varieties and 17 brands grown in five counties (Wood, Wayne, Darke, Union, and Pickaway) (Figure 1).

In fall 2023, wheat was planted within 14 days of the fly-free date. Fall growth was good, and wheat entered dormancy in great condition. Higher than normal growing degree days in March through June accelerated crop development. Wheat was harvested about 10 days earlier than normal, with harvest dates ranging from June 18 in Pickaway County to July 2 in Wayne and Darke County. Overall, wheat yield was lower than the previous year, likely due to higher levels of disease and shorter grain fill period. In 2024, average grain yield across the five counties was 83 bu/acre (90 bu/acre average high and 75 bu/acre average low). In 2023, the average yield across locations was 108 bu/acre (117 bu/acre average high and 95 bu/acre average low).county map of ohio

Figure 1. The 2024 Ohio Wheat Performance Test was conducted in five counties and included 84 winter wheat varieties.

The purpose of the Ohio Wheat Performance Test is to evaluate wheat varieties, blends, brands, and breeding lines for yield, grain quality, and other important performance characteristics. This information gives wheat producers comparative information for selecting the varieties best suited for their production system and market. Varieties differ in yield potential, winter hardiness, maturity, standability, disease and insect resistance, and other agronomic characteristics. Selection should be based on

Battle for the Belt: Season 2, Episode 18- Planting Date and Weed Control Interactions

Champion Belt for Battle for the Belt in corn

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-25/battle-belt-season-2-episode-18-planting-date-and-weed-control by Taylor Dill, Osler Ortez, Laura Lindsey, Alyssa Essman

Episode 18 of Battle for the Belt is now available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbf-dlV-jmc

In Episode 18, we are with Dr. Alyssa Essman, Weed Control Extension State Specialist, at the Western Agricultural Research Station in South Charleston, Ohio talking about weed management considerations for different planting dates.

Weed Control Considerations
The critical period for weed control is the first four to six weeks after crop planting. This period is when the young plants are most sensitive to competition with weeds for resources such as moisture and sunlight. Timely weed management, especially within this window, will reduce yield loss potential from the presence of weeds. In situations where soybean or corn are planted, but inclement weather prevents us from being able to get back into the field in a timely manner, it is very important to refer to herbicide labels and the weed control guide to evaluate management options. In areas that have had dry weather, the use of adjuvants becomes especially important, as plants develop a thicker cuticle and the herbicide has a harder time getting into the plant.

Weed Control in Corn – Western Site
The fifth planting date (June 17) of Battle for the Belt has more weed competition than the other planting dates at this time, as the plants were not tall enough yet to fully canopy, and the weather had not allowed a post emergence application. The height of weeds, growing past the top of the corn, shows that the weeds have a competitive advantage. In these plots, the plants near the weeds are about a leaf in growth stage behind the plants that are further from the weeds. In earlier planting dates, there is greater canopy closure and fewer weeds.

Continue reading Battle for the Belt: Season 2, Episode 18- Planting Date and Weed Control Interactions →

Lep Monitoring Network – News on WBC and CEW, Update # 15

Article taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-25/lep-monitoring-network-%E2%80%93-news-wbc-and-cew-update-15 by Stephanie Pflaum, Amy Raudenbush, Maddie Brillhart, Nic Baumer, Lee Beers, CCA, Trevor Corboy, Allen Gahler, Don Hammersmith, Mary Jo Hassen, Alan Leininger, Ed Lentz, CCA, Sarah Noggle, Les Ober, CCA, Jordan Penrose, Mike Sunderman, Frank Thayer, Kyle Verhoff, Brooks Warner, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, CCA, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon

We have just finished out our 15th week of monitoring for Ohio pests at the Lep Network. This past week, we have seen a continuation of WBC numbers trending down and a slight increase in the CEW average. As was mentioned last week, WBC populations across Ohio have most likely hit their peak numbers of the season and a decline should be expected. While we are most likely beginning to round out of the peak for this pest, any counties with averages that are still above 7 should continue scouting until their county numbers have significantly declined.

Western Bean Cutworm numbers are peaking in many counties across the state
This past week was our 6th week monitoring for WBC in Ohio. The statewide average for WBC decreased again from 1.9 during the week ending on July 21st to 1.0 for the week ending July 28th. The counties with the highest averages are Sandusky (19.0), Huron (7.0) and Henry (4.8) (Figure 1). While we are relatively certain that we have surpassed the peak in WBC moths for this year and are starting the decline, it is still important to be scouting for WBC egg masses (Figure 2). As mentioned above, if this week’s average topped 7 moths in your county, see below for tips on how to scout for this damaging pest. Counties that should continue scouting this week are: Huron and Sandusky.

Continue reading Lep Monitoring Network – News on WBC and CEW, Update # 15 →

Lep Monitoring Network – Time to Scout for Western Bean Cutworm, Update # 14

Corn earworm eggs and larvae on leaf

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-24/lep-monitoring-network-%E2%80%93-time-scout-western-bean-cutworm-update by Stephanie Pflaum, Amy Raudenbush, Maddie Brillhart, Trevor Corboy, Allen Gahler, Don Hammersmith, Mary Jo Hassen, Ed Lentz, CCA, Kendall Lovejoy, Sarah Noggle, Les Ober, CCA, Jordan Penrose, Beth Scheckelhoff, Mike Sunderman, Frank Thayer, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Kayla Wyse, Curtis Young, CCA, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon

We have just finished out our fourteenth week of monitoring at the Lep Network. This past week, we saw WBC numbers trending down and CEW numbers close to zero across the state.  Western bean cutworm numbers topped out with Sandusky County having the highest average by far of 38 moths. As for corn earworm, Putnam was the only county to report any CEW sightings for this past week and averaged 0.3 moths in the county. Western bean cutworm populations across Ohio have most likely hit their peak numbers of the season and a decline should be expected. While we are most likely beginning to round out of the peak for this pest, any counties with averages that are still above 7 should continue scouting until their county numbers have declined.

Western Bean Cutworm numbers are peaking in many counties across the state
This past week was our fifth week monitoring for WBC in Ohio. The statewide average for WBC decreased substantially from 9.3 during the week ending on July 14th to only 1.9 for the week ending July 21st. The counties with the highest averages are Sandusky (38.0) and Lorain (8.0) (Figure 1). Here at the Lep Network, we are fairly certain that we have already seen our peak in WBC moths for this year and are starting the decline. Despite this shift in numbers, it is still important to be scouting for WBC egg masses (Figure 2), especially if this week’s average topped 7 moths in your county. Counties that should continue scouting this week are: Defiance, Huron, Lorain, Sandusky, Wayne, and Wood.

Continue reading Lep Monitoring Network – Time to Scout for Western Bean Cutworm, Update # 14 →

Risk of Corn Grain Contamination with Vomitoxin in Ohio in 2024: Projection for the Weeks of July 21 and 29

Corn contaminated by vomitoxin

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-24/risk-corn-grain-contamination-vomitoxin-ohio-2024-projection by Pierce Paul, Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Aaron Wilson, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA

This week we continue providing updates pertaining to the projected risk of grain contamination with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), which is commonly referred to as vomitoxin. This week, the focus is on fields reaching the silking or R1 growth stage between July 21 and August 4. Using temperature and RH data from CFAES weather stations across the state of Ohio as predictors, the chance (or probability) of vomitoxin contamination of corn grain was estimated using models developed in the Paul lab. Models were run separately on data from each of nine weather stations for 15 silking dates from July 21 to August 4. Predictions generated by these models should only be applied to corn pollinating during the 15-day pre-silking model prediction window, which may be specific for each area of the state and field within that area.

Based on weather data collected from CFAES weather stations located in Ashtabula (LAT: 41.8846, LON: -80.6978), Franklin (LAT: 40.0112, LON: -83.0442), Noble (LAT: 39.7478, LON: -81.5167), Jackson (LAT:  39.0519, LON: -82.6367), Sandusky (LAT: 41.3503, LON: -83.1219), Wood (Latitude:  41.2847, Longitude: -83.8444), Pike (LAT: 39.0681, LON: -83.0144), Clark (LAT: 39.8633, LON: -83.6721), and Wayne (LAT: 40.7787, LON: -81.9308) Counties, OH, grain developing in corn fields in close proximity to the stations that reach the R1 growth stage between July 21 and August 4 are at high risk of being contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON.     

Our models were not developed to predict whether vomitoxin will be 2, 5, 8, or 10 ppm, they only predict whether vomitoxin will be ≥ 1 ppm. Whether or not contamination will be considerable higher that 1% will depend on other factors such as hybrid maturity and susceptibility, field location, tillage, and crop rotation, as well as weather conditions. Under favorable weather conditions, a highly susceptible hybrid planted no-till into corn stubble will likely be contaminated with vomitoxin well above 1 ppm compared to a tilled field of a moderately resistant hybrid planted after beans.

These model predictions can be used to help you determine if a fungicide for vomitoxin management would be beneficial. However, no single management strategy will be fully effective again vomitoxin. Even with a fungicide application, hybrid resistance is critical for achieving low vomitoxin levels at harvest. Treated fields planted with partially resistant hybrids will often have lower levels of vomitoxin at harvest than treated fields planted with susceptible hybrids. Two of the most effective products for vomitoxin management are Proline and Miravis Neo. These fungicides tend to be most effective when applied at R1 when silks are still wet. Applications made after silks are dry and brown are considerably less effective at reducing vomitoxin. The fungicide must penetrate the canopy and reach the corn silks to be effective.

These models are the first step towards the development of a prediction tool that would be available to growers to run on a daily basis during pollination to assess vomitoxin risk at their field location. The current model development has been generously supported by the Corn Marketing Board through your corn check-off. As more data are collected, models will be developed to predict the risk of higher levels of contamination (2 ppm, 5 ppm, etc etc).

More information on vomitoxin risk assessment and management in corn can be found in this corn newsletter article: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-22/risk-corn-grain-contamination-vomitoxin-ohio-2024-july-8

Estimates of the risk of DON contamination of corn grain are provided at no cost within the state of Ohio. The model developers, The Ohio State University, and funding agencies cannot guarantee prediction accuracy. Users should always consult extension educators and state and field specialist when making disease and mycotoxin management decisions.

Check Roots for Soybean Cyst Nematode: What’s Your Number?

Soybean Cyst Nematode in hand

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-24/check-roots-soybean-cyst-nematode-what%E2%80%99s-your-number by Horacio Lopez-Nicora

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is quietly expanding its presence in Ohio, with increasing numbers across the state. Fields affected by SCN might not show aboveground visible symptoms, but SCN females can be detected attached to soybean roots six to eight weeks after planting. We encourage Ohio soybean growers to actively manage SCN by checking roots for the presence of SCN. If you’re unsure whether you have SCN in your fields, take a walk through your fields with a shovel, digging up plants every 30 to 50 paces. Carefully remove soil from the roots (a water bucket can help) and look for SCN females (Fig. 1). Initially white to cream, turning yellow and eventually brown, SCN females are significantly smaller than nitrogen-fixing nodules (Fig. 1). The SCN females will eventually fill with over 200 eggs, transforming into cysts that protect the eggs and allow them to survive for several years in infested fields. We encourage growers, agronomists, and crop consultants to check soybean roots for SCN throughout July, August, and September.

Figure 1. Soybean roots infested with SCN. Note the significantly smaller lemon-shape SCN female (red circle) attached to roots compared to larger nitrogen-fixing nodules (yellow circle).

Figure 1. Soybean roots infested with SCN. Note the significantly smaller lemon-shape SCN female (red circle) attached to roots compared to larger nitrogen-fixing nodules (yellow circle).

Knowing if you have SCN is the first step in managing it effectively. Watch this video to learn how to check your roots for SCN females. If SCN is detected in your field, a fall soil sample can determine your SCN numbers and help tailor appropriate management strategies. If you are already planting SCN-resistant varieties, checking roots can help evaluate the effectiveness of your resistance management or identify if the SCN population in your field is adapting to those resistant varieties (a shift in virulence).

Maintaining low SCN levels is much easier than reducing high numbers below damage thresholds. With support from the Ohio Soybean Council and The SCN Coalition, we can process up to two soil samples per grower for SCN testing, free of charge [read more here]. Share your #SCNRootCheck photos on social media by tagging @TheSCNCoalition on Twitter and Facebook, and @Ohiosoycouncil on Twitter and @ohiosoybeancouncil on Facebook.

Join OABA for the 4R Technology Review Field Day on August 28

Education of audience on wagon

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-23/join-oaba-4r-technology-review-field-day-august-28 by Aaron Heilers

Ohio AgriBusiness Association invites you to attend the free 2024 4R Technology Review Field Day.

The OABA 4R Technology Review Field Day event will bring together experts in the field of agriculture technology and conservation to share their knowledge and best practices for implementing 4R nutrient management. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest technology and techniques in fertilizer management, precision agriculture, and soil health. This is a great opportunity to learn about the latest advances in agriculture and connect with industry experts.

Join OABA for a day of informative presentations, field demonstrations, and networking opportunities. This event is perfect for farmers, crop advisers, ag retailers, and anyone else interested in maximizing crop yield and improving the quality of Ohio’s waterways.

Six hours of Continuing Education Credits will be available for Certified Crop Advisers in attendance.

The event will take place August 28, 2024 at The Ohio State University Wooster Campus Secrest Aboretum, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691. Please register online by clicking here.

Educational demonstrations and sessions for the day include:

  • Suflur, phosphours, and nitrogen management
  • Manure sensing equipment
  • Drones in agriculture
  • Best soil sampling practices

Thinking of Grain Market from Field: Updated 2024 Planting Estimates and Market Outlook

Article taken from https://u.osu.edu/ohioagmanager/2024/07/04/thinking-of-grain-market-from-field-updated-2024-planting-estimates-and-market-outlook/ by Dr. Seungki Lee, Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics,  The Ohio State University

Click here to access a PDF of this report

 

Highlights 

  • Despite relatively hot and dry conditions, new crop growth is plain sailing.
  • Corn acreage is estimated to be larger than expected.
  • US grain stocks for both corn and soybeans are the highest post-Covid.
  • Ohio on-farm soybean stock is 64% higher than in 2023.

Introduction

Summer is a busy season for grain producers, leaving little time to analyze the market and strategize sales plans. Nevertheless, the first week of July is a good time to take a “10,000-foot view” of the market, as the USDA releases several important reports by the end of June. In this article, we will discuss grain market outlook by reviewing the USDA new crop planting estimates, WASDE report, and grain stocks report.

Continue reading Thinking of Grain Market from Field: Updated 2024 Planting Estimates and Market Outlook →

Risk of Corn Grain Contamination with Vomitoxin in Ohio in 2024: July 8 Projection

Article taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-22/risk-corn-grain-contamination-vomitoxin-ohio-2024-july-8 by Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Pierce Paul, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA

Mycotoxins, specifically deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly referred to as vomitoxin, has become a significant problem for Ohio corn growers. What was once considered an every-ten-year problem, has now become a yearly challenge in some sections of the state. DON contamination of grain is often associated with Gibberella ear rot (GER), a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. The Ohio State University Cereal Pathology Lab led by Dr. Pierce Paul has been researching and developing weather-based models to predict when weather conditions are favorable for DON contamination of corn grain. The current models have an 80% accuracy at predicting when conditions are favorable for grain to be contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON, meaning that based on data collected so far, the models are correct about 8 out of 10 times at predicting whether DON contamination will reach or exceed 1 ppm.

The fungus that produces DON infects corn ears during pollination while silks are wet (R1 growth stage). Each week, we will be updating the models and share estimates of the chance of grain in various parts of the state being contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON. This information will be made available through the C.O.R.N newsletter. Predictions generated by these models should only be applied to corn pollinating during the model’s prediction model’s prediction window, which is specific for each area of the state and field within that area. As a result, each week predictions will likely change for the corn that is pollinating based on changes in weather conditions. Similarly, during any given week, predictions will likely change from one field to another based on hybrid maturity, planting date, and weather condition, all of which affect the silking/pollination window.

Continue reading Risk of Corn Grain Contamination with Vomitoxin in Ohio in 2024: July 8 Projection →

NW Ohio Agronomy Day

Join Henry County Extension at their NW Ohio Agronomy Day at the Bavarian Haus in Deshler, OH on Wednesday, February 7 from 8:00 AM until 3 PM.  If you plan to attend, please take a moment, and register on the registration link.  CCA, Commercial, and Private Pesticide Credits will be available. Speakers will include Bruce Clevenger (Economics of Drainage), Dr. Vinayak Shedekar (Drainage Water Recycling), Alan Leininger (Spray Drones), Michael Staton (Management of White Mold in Soybeans), Greg Labarge (Fertilizer Management). Additionally, if you need fertilizer or pesticide credits the day will continue from 3:00 – 4:00 PM.

See the official agenda here. 

 

Northern Ohio Crops Day

Join OSU Extension in Sandusky County for the 2024 Northern Ohio Crops Day on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed (1387 SR 590, Gibsonburg, OH 43431). Registration Deadline: January 25, 2024. Call OSUE Sandusky County to RSVP at (419) 334-6340. The cost is $55.

Education Credits offered:
•3 hours private pesticide applicator Categories 1,2,3,6 and core. Others by request
•2.5 hours commercial pesticide applicator Categories 2A,2B, Core
• 1-hour fertilizer applicator re-certification
•Certified Crop Advisors CEUs

To view the official flyer and schedule click the 2024 NOH Crops Day agenda.

Webinar Series on Soil Health for 2023

Greetings Soil Heath Enthusiasts,
The Ohio State University Extension Soil Health Committee as part of the OSU Agronomy Team wanted to make sure you were aware of our upcoming soil health programs scheduled for this winter.

To participate in the SOIL HEALTH 2023 WEBINAR SERIES – Registration can be found at www.go.osu.edu/soilhealthweb
CCA Credits will be available for each webinar.

Continue reading Webinar Series on Soil Health for 2023 →

Choosing and Evaluating Seed Varieties to Meet your Market Needs: A Grower Panel and Discussion

Growers of organic produce or those interested in organic varieties and production are welcome to join the Ohio Organic Farmer Researcher Network for their monthly online meeting Thursday, January 5 at noon. Denise Natoli Brooks and Matt Kleinhenz will host a small but varied panel of Ohio produce professionals. They will discuss their variety and selection processes and priorities, some of their best and worst experiences, and how their choices relate to marketing, labor, and other concerns. Panelist Q&A will be followed by an open discussion about what motivates us to choose certain seed varieties and how we decide where/how to source them. The primary focus will be on organic vegetable varieties that perform well in Ohio.

Connection details are available at https://offer.osu.edu/events/organic-farmer-researcher-network-january-meeting. Sign up for reminders and future meeting notices by emailing Cassy Brown. Continue reading Choosing and Evaluating Seed Varieties to Meet your Market Needs: A Grower Panel and Discussion →

Soybean Diseases Are Showing Up in Ohio

By: Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA

Source: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2022-28/soybean-diseases-are-showing-ohio
In early August, we recommended starting scouting fields for soybean diseases. At that time (two weeks ago), disease incidence across Ohio was very low to moderate. Conducive environmental conditions, however, are turning things around and more fields are developing disease symptoms.

Figure 1. Soybean field in southern Ohio are severely affected by sudden death syndrome (SDS) with premature defoliation in the R5/R6 growth stage (A); symptoms begin with interveinal yellowing (chlorosis) of a leaf (B); eventually, leaf tissue dies and becomes brown but veins remain green (C). The fungus infects the root and produces toxins that are responsible for the above-ground symptoms.

Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS)

We are finding fields in Ohio severely affected by sudden death syndrome (SDS) [Fig.1 and Fig. 2]. 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). Visit here for more information on SDS.

Continue reading Soybean Diseases Are Showing Up in Ohio →

eFields Partnering with Growers to Evaluate Xyway™ Fungicide

By:  Sarah Noggle

Northern Corn Leaf Blight Symptoms

Northern Corn Leaf Blight Symptoms

Preventing significant yield losses from disease is likely on the forefront of growers’ minds following the 2021 growing season. A new product in our disease management toolbox is FMC’s fungicide Xyway™ LFR®. OSU Extension eFields program is partnering with growers to conduct on-farm trials evaluating the effect of an at-plant soil application of flutriafol (Xyway) on corn health and yield. Information from this trial will be used to improve corn disease management recommendations for growers throughout the state.

At each field site, an untreated control will be compared to plots treated with Xyway (applied in-furrow and/or 2×2). Additionally, growers also have the option to include a third treatment of Xyway (in-furrow/2×2) + VT/R1 Foliar Fungicide. For this study, a minimum of three replications is required, and four are preferred. Plots must also be randomized to eliminate bias due to plot order. Plots should be at least 500 feet long to ensure accurate yield monitor data.

If you are interested in hosting an on-farm trial, contact Paulding County ANR Extension Educator Sarah Noggle at 419-399-8225 or noggle.17@osu.edu or Rachel Cochran, Water Quality Extension Associate at cochran.474@osu.edu.

eFields is a program at The Ohio State University program dedicated to advancing production agriculture through field-scale research. To learn more visit digitalag.osu.edu.