Nematodes that Feed On Corn

Time to Sample for Corn Nematodes

Most corn nematode populations peak in early July.  This is considered the best time to sample for the pest, except on sandy soils when sampling should be done in the spring or fall.  The method is NOT the same as for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) because with corn nematodes you are collecting the live worm-like nematodes, not cysts or eggs as with SCN.  The laboratory process is also a bit more difficult for corn nematodes, so the fee for a corn nematode sample ($30) is more than for a SCN sample ($15).  The procedure for collect a corn nematode sample is:

1)  Use the Sample Submission form from ISU.  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PD32.pdf   On the back of this form under “Tests Available and Fees”, you select “Complete nematode count  $30.00”.

2)  Collect 15 to 20 soil cores taken at 12 inches deep and cored at an angle under corn plants to include root fragments in the sample.

3)  Also collect and submit 3 to 4 root balls with the soil core sample.

4)  Handle samples carefully (don't toss or drop samples) and mail immediately after the sample is collected.

The results from ISU will list the different nematodes found, their numbers, and what types and numbers of nematodes might be of concern.

For more information, see the article at:  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/0713tylka.htm

INSECTS

Billbugs

            I have seen and heard about several fields in EC and SE Iowa that have lost some stand due to billbugs. This is not a common pest in Iowa, but for some reason is more prevalent this year. The injury looks similar to stalk borer injury, but there is no frass and there is no stalk borer. The billbugs are small and very hard to find because they hide and blend in with the soil. At this point in the season it is not likely to pay to try to treat the problem. For a picture of billbugs and more discussion see http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/billbugs.

Western Bean Cutworm

          Over the years as European corn borer problems have decreased, western bean cutworm (WBC) has moved in to fill the niche. The first few catches of WBC moths are now being found in pheromone traps setup across the Midwest.  Scouting for this pest should be done sometime between 25 and 50% adult (moth) emergence, which is currently predicted to occur between July 13 and 17 is SE Iowa, and between July 16 and 20 in EC Iowa.  If you want to check the trapping yourself, go to:  http://apps.csi.iastate.edu/pipe/    For more information on WBC, see our article on ICM News at:   http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2011/0701sisson.htm

WEEDS

Few Options Now for Bur Cucumber Control in Corn

Bur cucumber is becoming an increasing problem in many corn and soybean fields. One problem with the weed is that it continues to emerge throughout the season. There are several herbicides that are labeled for bur cucumber control, but most corn fields are now too tall for most of the labeled products. Roundup can control small bur cucumber, but must be applied (with drops) before corn is 4 foot tall on Roundup Ready corn. Ignite can also control any emerged bur cucumber in Liberty Link corn, but must be applied (with drops) before the corn is 36” tall. Callisto and Northstar have good activity on the weed, but Callisto should not be applied to corn taller than 30” and Northstar is only labeled on corn up to 36” tall (with drops). A “new” herbicide with good bur cucumber activity is Peak, but this will be mainly useful on continuous corn because of the carry over potential, and it is only labeled on corn up to 30” tall.

Impact is labeled for bur cucumber and can be applied up to 45 days before harvest. Buctril also provides some control of the weed and can be applied until tasseling.

Late applications of Roundup can work fairly well in soybeans, although this is one weed that glyphosate is a little weak on. Additions of Classic can improve the control in soybeans. Unfortunately there is no magic bullet for this troublesome weed in corn.

SOYBEANS

DISEASE

Brown Spot

Brown Spot, also called Septoria Leaf Spot, has been particularly widespread this year, especially in the SE where there has been excess rain.  It is often present in the lower canopy this time of season.  However, if the disease advances up the plant canopy during the early reproductive stages (early July), it may warrant a foliar fungicide treatment typically at the R3 stage (beginning pod).  Right now most soybeans in SE & EC Iowa are R1 stage (early flowering). For photos and additional information, go to:  http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/1996/7-8-1996/soyfoldis.html

Bacterial Blight

Bacterial blight is also fairly common in many soybean fields. This disease tends to show up more in the upper canopy. Since the disease is caused by a bacteria, fungicides have not affect on it. For photos and additional information, go to:  http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/1996/7-8-1996/soyfoldis.html.

INSECTS

Japanese Beetles

Judging on how the Japanese beetles are devouring everything around my house this year, it looks like this may be a bad year for the beetles. One thing to remember is that the damage on soybeans looks a lot worse than it is, and it is better to hold off spraying as long as possible, especially if soybean aphids are also becoming a problem. An early application of an insecticide can actually cause a soybean aphid problem because it will kill off the beneficial insects. I have been seeing a lot of lady beetles and lady beetle larva in soybean fields this year. I'm not sure what they are feeding on now, but at least they will be ready if the aphids move in. Also if fields are sprayed too early, the Japanese beetles tend to repopulate the field a week or so after it is sprayed. During flowering and pod set, an insecticide is not likely to pay unless the beetles have eaten 20% of the leaf area. Most people (including me) tend to overestimate defoliation. If you think it is 20% defoliation, it is most likely only 5-10%.  For help in estimating defoliation see http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/2002/7-29-2002/soydefoliation.html. For more information on Japanese Beetles see http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/0727hodgson.htm.

Soybean Aphids

            Before 2008, we thought one thing we had learned about soybean aphids was that they were mainly a problem every other year in odd numbered years. I don't know whether they are reverting to their old habits this year, but so far aphid counts in NE Iowa have been fairly low. Brian Lang reported that he is finding only 1.3 aphids per plant in a field he is monitoring, which so far is most similar to the 2006 season (an “off” year). Fortunately for us in the southern part of the state, we will get some advance warning from the north on whether we are likely to have an aphid problem this year.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Field Diagnostic Clinic at the Field Extension Education Lab near Ames

July 11-12

This program is on the fundamentals of crop plant diagnostics.  Sessions focus on insect, weed and crop disease identification, herbicide injury, nutrient deficiency symptoms, and understanding crop growth and development.  For more information go to:  http://www.aep.iastate.edu/feel/fdc.html

Crop Management Clinic at the Field Extension Education Lab near Ames

July 13-14

The Crop Management Clinic is an intensive two-day training program that focuses on the latest developments in crop production and protection.  Attendees select from 20 different topics to develop a course agenda that fits their specific needs.  The curriculum is divided into four primary areas: crop management, pest management, nutrient management, and soil, water and tillage.  A detailed listing of scheduled topics is available at:   http://www.aep.iastate.edu/feel/cmc.html

MUSCATINE ISLAND (horticulture) RESEARCH and DEMONSTRATION FARM, Fruitland

SUMMER FIELD DAY

JULY 19, 2011

Details will be posted soon at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Pages/eccrops/meetmusc.html.

Corn Nematode Field Day

Cedar County Coop – West Branch

Evening of August 2

Greg Tylka will discuss research evaluating seed treatments for nematodes that feed on corn.

Details to follow soon.