After another cold winter will there be many insects this year? The previous cold winter had more snow than this past year, thereby providing a blanket covering for the insects. This past winter had less snow, but bitter cold. Time will tell how much of an insect issue there will be this year. Stay tuned. Insect traps for black cutworm, European corn borer and fall armyworm will probably be in place by next week.
On the field tour the soil temperature for covered soil and uncovered soil was 52 and 53 degrees respectively. Normally the soil temperature should be around 58 to 60 degrees for planting. Warmer weather coming this week will raise the soil temperature. Having the proper temperature, warmth and water is needed for germination. The longer the seed stays in the ground without germinating, the greater the chance there will be insect damage. If the seeds don't come up in due time, it becomes a question of economics, does the field need to be re-seeded? In the case of field corn it would be about 30,000 seeds per acre.
Next to the field corn is a grassy, weedy strip of land for pollinating plants like clover. Unfortunately this grassy, weedy area also attracts moths and their larvae. Supposedly the corn yields increase with the pollinator plants.
Beyond the cornfield, a small grain crop is growing in a no-tilled field where last year's field corn was growing. So one type of grass is growing above another, which can be more susceptible to disease and insect damage, like the cereal leaf beetle.
Various winter annual weeds were identified like henbit, purple dead nettle, bluegrass and shepherd's purse.
The strawberry plot looks very good. June bearing and ever-bearing plants were planted. . The hop plants will need to be tied-up in the near future. The hop poles and wires have been straightened and tightened. The blueberry plants have been pruned and look fairly well. The other plots are currently being worked for planting in the near future. Three of those plots were tilled a second time today.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski
