Month: July 2020

Williams County WBC Monitoring Update – Week #6

By:  Stephanie Karhoff

For the sixth week of monitoring there were 7 moths per trap (21 moths in a total of three traps). As we approach peak flight, make sure to scout for eggs or larvae by choosing at least 20 consecutive plants in 5 random locations and inspecting the uppermost 3–4 leaves for eggs, as well as the silks for larvae if tassel has emerged. Be sure to inspect different areas of the field that may be in different growth stages. For field corn, if 8% or more of the plants inspected have eggs or larvae, consider treatment. For sweet corn, consider treatment if eggs or larvae are found on >4% of plants for the processing market or on >1% of plants for fresh-market. You can learn more about this pest by clicking here to access the OSU Extension Western Bean Cutworm Factsheet.

Continue reading →

It’s in the Science: Court Allows Enlist Duo Registration but Requires Closer Look at Monarch Butterflies

By:  Peggy Kirk Hall

In a decision that turns largely on scientific methodology and reliable data, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday allowed continued registration of the Enlist Duo herbicide developed by Dow AgroScience (Corteva).  Unlike last month’s decision that vacated registrations of three dicamba herbicides, the two-judge majority on the court held that substantial evidence supported the EPA’s decision to register the herbicide.  Even so, the court sent one petition back to the EPA to further consider the impact of Enlist Duo on monarch butterflies in application areas. One dissenting judge would have held that the science used to support the Enlist Duo registration violates the Endangered Species Act. Continue reading →

ODA Asks Public to Not Plant any Unsolicited Packages of Seeds

Photo Provided By The Ohio Department of Agriculture

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has been notified that several Ohio residents have received unsolicited packages in the mail containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. The types of seeds in the packages are currently unknown and may contain invasive plant species. Similar seed packets have been received recently in several other locations across the United States. Continue reading →

Don’t Stop Managing Now: Preconditioning Pays

By:  Garth Ruff, (originally published in the Ohio Farmer)

As we approach fall, now is the time to maximize the value of your spring calf crop. Cattle buyers have placed a premium on preconditioned cattle, and as preconditioning becomes more of the norm across the U.S., unweaned, uncastrated, and unvaccinated cattle are receiving greater discounts.

Here in the Eastern Cornbelt where cow herds tend to be smaller, the number one barrier to preconditioning calves is often a lack of facilities to wean, vaccinate, and to feed calves. Even for smaller herds the cost of workable facilities can prove to be a sound investment with the increase in value of a calf crop

Here we will look at the different processes involved in preconditioning calves and the potential for increased revenue from each practice. Continue reading →

Leafhoppers, Grasshoppers, and Beetles, Oh My!

By:  Kelley Tilmon and Andy Michel

Adult red-headed flea beetle (P. Beauzay, NDSU)

As the summer progresses we are receiving reports of insect problems often encouraged by hot, dry weather.  Last week we reported on spider mites and especially if you are in an area of continued dry weather we recommend scouting your soybeans and corn  https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-22/watch-spider-mites-dry-areas . Continue reading →

Williams County WBC Monitoring Update – Week #4

By:  Stephanie Karhoff

For the fourth week of monitoring there were 1.66 moths per trap (5 moths in a total of three traps). You can learn more about this pest by clicking here to access the OSU Extension Western Bean Cutworm Factsheet.

The WBC monitoring program is a state-led initiative to better understand insect populations, and develop management recommendations for growers. Each week, WBC numbers will be published in the C.O.R.N. newsletter. Williams County WBC numbers will also be published on this blog on a weekly basis. If you are interested in hosting a trap in 2021, please call the Williams County Extension Office at 419-636-5608.

Corn Pollination

By:  Alex Lindsey

As temperatures remain hot for much of the state, corn continues to put on leaf collars and is approaching the start of flowering. Corn is a plant that has separate male (anthers on the tassel) and female (silks in the ear) flowers, and it is critical that the timing of flower emergence and activity overlap (sometimes referred to as the ‘nicking’ period) to ensure good pollination and kernel set. Another term used for flowering synchrony is the ‘anthesis-silking interval,’ which is the time from pollen shedding to silk emergence. Continue reading →