Trap #1 – Black Cutworm
5 click beetles, 1 corn earwig, 12 European Chaffer beetles, 3 lady bugs, 4 chaffer-related beetles.
Trap #2 – Corn Ear Worm
2 European Chaffer beetles, 2 click beetles, 3 lady bugs, 6 juvenile moths (not corn ear worm)
Trap #3 – European Corn Borer
Pheromone has been removed due to high attraction for bumble bees. Trap still contained many bumblebees.
Trap #4 – Fall Army Worm
2 Alfalfa Weevil, 1 Lightning bug, 1 click beetle
Helios Trap
The corn has overtopped the trap, so no analysis done.
Corn Field
The corn is in the ‘Tassel’ stage. Also, we are seeing the development of the ‘brace’ roots or adventitious roots. Many of the tassels are not only out, but the pollen is out also. However, many of the ears have not yet put out their silk. This will mean undeveloped ears. This is possibly due to the stresses of the rain and low nitrogen. Because of the rain and wet conditions leaf spot is now developing.
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| Brace roots in corn field |
Popcorn Field
Buggy whipping is occurring in the popcorn – perhaps as much as 10%. This can be from herbicide damage, flea beetle (no evidence), and environmental causes. Most likely it is from late germination with twisting in the ground before emergence. We are noting the growth of algae on the top of the ground due to the wet weather and presence of standing water in the fields.
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| Buggy whipping |
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| Algae in popcorn field |
Sweet Corn Field
Noted areas of stunting due to wet conditions. Noted presence of ‘suckers’ (extra stalk coming up from the root). Noted nitrogen deficiency with some evidence of ‘firing’ on the lower leaves.
Wheat Field
Wheat has been harvested. Field has been replanted with soybeans. Straw was not harvested. Due to the wet weather, harvesting and planting was delayed by approximately 6 days from the optimal. This may mean a 6% loss in yield at harvest. (1% per day after optimal planting day)
Soybean Field
Herbicide applied – particularly for horsetail (Equisetum species). Soybeans are flowering. There is a stem and leaf disease developing.
Hay Field
Behind time for the 2nd cutting. (time is determined by alfalfa bloom @ 10%) Need 3 good drying days.
Demonstration Gardens
- Peppers are still water-stressed. Seeing fungal/mushroom growth from the woodchip mulch.
- Tomatoes are showing leaf curl with the presence of lace wings, thrips, and leaf hoppers. Tomato harvest is expected to be much lowered by the wet weather this season.
- Peanuts are still blooming but are not pegging. This is possibly due to the wetness and possibly to a calcium deficiency.
- Cowpeas look great.
- Buckwheat was planted too thickly. Stems were spindly and long and the center of the plot has been laid over by the wind.
- Blueberries – 2 plants are showing Scorch or Fire Blight.
- Hops cones are ready for harvest.
Community Garden Plots
Evidence that powdery mildew has begun.
Other Notes
Bill noted that he is receiving reports from farmers that potatoes are rotting in the ground.
Thank you Roger for compiling this weeks notes.
