AMES, Iowa – Crop advisors, agronomists and agribusiness professionals are encouraged to take a day this summer to learn about and improve their knowledge of diagnostics and identification of common issues in corn and soybean fields. The Field Diagnostics Clinic, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will include topics such as: herbicide injury identification, Palmer amaranth and nutrient deficiencies and fertilizer injuries. The clinic will take place at the Field Extension Education Lab in Boone, Iowa.
“The program is scheduled for mid-July, which is an advantage for crop advisors who attend because they will be able to see and learn to identify issues that will occur throughout the growing season,” said Warren Pierson, coordinator of the Field Extension Education Lab. “Most issues we discuss at the clinic will be current topics or issues that may show up in July and August.”
Mark Licht will lead two discussions: “Digging for issues in corn: what went wrong?” and “What went wrong with these soybeans?” Licht will take the group out to the demonstration plots to explain what to look for above and below the ground when assessing a corn crop for issues. The soybean discussion will be centered around the risks of early soybean planting and reduced populations that could lead to frost damage and reduced stands.
Learn about common corn diseases that are appearing or are expected to appear based on the growing conditions this summer in Alison Robertson’s presentation “Corn diseases and how to tell them apart.” Daren Mueller will discuss how to use field guides to help diagnose soybean diseases in his presentation: “How to use ‘A Farmer’s Guide to Soybean Diseases’ to identify soybean issues this year.” Those who attend the Field Diagnostic Clinic will receive a 50 percent discount on "A Farmer's Guide to Soybean Diseases" for a purchase price of $15.
“We have a great lineup of common issues that occur in corn and soybean production,” said Pierson. “One topic that agronomists may find of particular interested is the Palmer amaranth discussion where Bob Hartzler will talk about Palmer amaranth identification and compare it to other amaranth species.”
The Field Extension Education Laboratory is located at 1928 240th St., Boone, Iowa. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. on July 12, with opening comments at 8:55 a.m. The clinic will adjourn at 4:30 p.m.
Advance registration is required to attend this clinic. Registrations must be received by midnight, July 5, 2017. Registration is $125 and includes refreshments, lunches, and course materials and publications.
Interested in management during the mid- to late-growing season? A Crop Management Clinic will take place the next day, July 13, at FEEL.
For assistance with registration, receipts, cancellation or questions on the status of your registration contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429 or anr@iastate.edu.
PHOTO: Alison Robertson, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach plant pathologist