Trap #1 - Black Cutworm
2 moths – Black cutworm, 7 chaffer beetles, 1 bee, 1 lightning bug
Trap #2 - Corn Ear Worm
1 Corn Ear Worm moth, 9 noctuid moths, 1 chaffer beetle
Trap #3 - European Corn Borer
Inactive
Trap #4 - Fall Army Worm
1 chaffer beetle, 3 ground beetles, 1 undetermined beetle (due to deterioration), 1 mosquito
Helios Trap
Inactive
Field Corn
In the field corn, we looked at an example of plant growth when reaching for sunlight. We looked at a velvet leaf plant that was nearly 6 feet tall and mostly stalk. Leaves were few and far apart. It is a very different growth pattern from velvet leaf plants on the edge of the field.
We looked at the milk line on the kernel. At this time it is clearly visible. The kernel is wet when crushed, but will change to a doughy starch when the corn is ready for harvest.
This field corn variety has the end of the ear exposed when the silks fall away. This makes it susceptible to many pests and conditions including, bugs, worms, moisture, fungus.
There is a disease beginning to show on the stalks. If this progresses sufficiently the stalks will become weak and may break in wind or heavy downpour conditions.
Popcorn
Noted some leaf damage but could not locate an agent. Popcorn is at a stage where the whorl is open to environmental and insect impact.
Note: Erosion after the 4” rain received has reached depths of 4 – 8 inches with clear gullies and rills. Some plants are having sediment buildup above the roots, while others are having soil taken from the root system leaving roots exposed.
Wheat/Soybeans
This field is at stage V2 or the 2nd trifoliate stage. The root system is strong but no nodule formation yet. Soybeans are sensitive to the length of the day, so it is a race to see if the plants will fully develop and fruit before the lack of daylight shuts the plants down.
Sweet Corn
All varieties are tasseled, but there is little silk showing. The tassels have not started shedding pollen, so there is still some time. Most of the varieties are putting down brace roots.
Hay Field
The hay has been cut down and is drying. 2nd cutting is considered to be a good hay for its smoothness in the mouths of the feed animals.
Soybeans
These soybeans are now classified as being in the reproductive stage and would have an R-number instead of a V-number (see above). They are setting bean pods and still blooming. There is evidence of leaf hoppers (from the cut hay field) and thrips (leaf curling).
Demonstration Gardens
- Peanuts - Plants were showing signs of needing calcium and potassium. Calcium was added without incident. Potassium was applied at the recommended rate but still burned the leaves. Plants are recovering and showing growth with the added nutrients. The plants should have more flowers but may be being affected by the lack of heat. There is not much evidence of pegging from existing flowers.
- Peppers are recovering nicely.
- Tomatoes – next thing to watch for will be late blight.
Thanks to Roger for compiling this week's notes.
