Trap report from Lise:
- Trap 1 (for Black Cutworm): one black cutworm
- Trap 2 (for Corn Ear Worm): 4 black cutworm (juvenile)
- Trap 3 (for European Corn Borer): one corn borer
- Trap4 (for Fall Army Worm): one true armyworm.
Opened our day with a discussion of soil pH. It is a logarithmic scale used to measure acidity of the soil. It ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral. Logarithmic means that for every change of 1 on the scale there is a change of 10 times in the amount. 0 – 6.9 is acidic and 7.1 – 14 is basic. General agricultural/gardening optimal pH is 6.2 to 6.5 with some plants such as blueberries preferring more acidic soil. Remember that when amending soil with lime to bring down the acidity “Lime Takes Time” – up to 6 months to achieve the full benefit and change. General discussion determined that this should be in a ‘reminder binder’ at the help desk when we are asked to interpret soil test results.
As we walked, we identified the following:
- Sedge (triangular stock and corms on the roots)
- Lambs Quarters
- Jimson Weed
- Velvet Leaf
- Wild Geranium
- Annual Bluegrass
Corn Field
- Corn is in the 2 collar stage or 2nd leaf stage
- Cereal leaf beetle is causing some leaf pane-ing
- There is some environmental damage to the leaves due to heat and moisture.
- Found some evidence of ‘buggy whipping’ – the main leaf remaining tightly furled. Can clip the top to help it to open up.
- We examined the inside of a corn plant – where at this stage you can see all the leaves and even the silk that the plant will have in full maturity. Very beautiful.
Wheat Field
- The wheat is starting to turn. Probably ready for harvest in another month.
- We found Septoria tritici and Powdery Mildew. The mildew has slowed its growth in the heat.
- Cereal leaf beetle continues.
- Birds are swooping and feeding in the field.
- Possible Rust beginning.
- Flag leaves seem healthy enough to complete filling of the ears.
- Ears are in the milk stage and almost finished forming.
- We found head stalks clipped as in Army Worm damage at the edge of the field in one small area. We were unable to find the worms at the base of the plants. However, we did find one in the trap. This is a concern.
- Because the crop is set the strategy is one of protection.
Soybean Field
- Soybeans are not yet in the 1st trifoliate leafing.
- We found an area at one corner of the field that looked very barren. Upon examination, it showed that the seeds had germinated, but the plants have been nipped.
- First, we looked for slug evidence such as trails.
- Then we discussed rabbits, groundhogs, and deer.
- We have a groundhog burrow close by and deer have been seen in the alfalfa field.
- Continue to monitor.
Demonstration Gardens
Tomatoes – stakes were brought to complete the trellis.
Peanuts – peanuts did not germinate, so plants were purchased and planted in the plot.
Quinoa – still not sure of germination since young plants resemble Lamb’s Quarters. We think we have some Quinoa germinating.
A special thanks to Roger for compiling the notes from the week's IPM session.
