Winter rye has been seeded at different times where the soybeans and field corn were growing. The younger winter rye has a reddish color called "color banding" due to the cooler nights. Eventually the plant will turn green. The sprouting from the base of a winter rye plant or from the axils of its lower leaves is called tillering. If the rye is left alone to grow into the following spring it can be used as "longstraw" for bedding for farm animals or the rye can be harvested as a grain. Farmers don't like wildlife (geese in particular) on their winter rye because they constantly eat it through the fall and winter season. The rye does grow back.
The soybeans that were planted later this year have yet to be harvested. The moisture content needs to be around 14% for harvesting. A heavy dew or rainfall will increase the moisture content. Since most farmers are harvesting their soybeans at the same time of year (now) there can be logistical problems of having a truck for harvesting, or even waiting in a truck line for hours to have your harvested shipment accepted.
The alfalfa field has been cut short for winter, and will not be harvested again until next May. Several netting sweeps of the alfalfa field contained grasshoppers, leafhoppers, aphids and a plant bug. Alfalfa is a leguminous plant (as are soybeans) used for hay and forage. It is high in protein. Alfalfa likes a higher soil pH. Alfalfa and soybeans are nitrogen-fixing plants, but alfalfa provides more nitrogen. Using proper crop rotation every year, a farmer will need less nitrogen if corn is planted on the previous year's alfalfa or soybean field.
The demonstration plots are winding down for the year. The pumpkins, millet and broomcorn were harvested and moved up next to the pole barn as a display to be viewed and enjoyed by the crowd each Saturday at the farmers market. A few of the demonstration plots will be seeded next week with the cover crop winter wheat.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Monday, October 5, 2015
IPM Notes from October 1, 2015
The winter rye is sprouting where the field corn was harvested.
The soybeans are drying down, but with the approaching wet weather and strong winds the next few days there is concern the wind will split the bean pod off the plant, or knock the plant over resulting in many plants lodging on the ground.
The insect traps were also removed today.
A pH soil test of each of the 10 demonstration plots was recently performed by Rob Mazza. The results are below.
Plot 1 – Bell Pepper – 6.35
Plot 2 – Pollinator – 6.60
Plot 3 – Hops – 6.50
Plot 4 – Blueberry – 6.12
Plot 5 – Strawberry – 6.2
Plot 6 – Hot Pepper – 6.35
Plot 7 – Compost – 6.40
Plot 8 – Broomcorn - 5.93
Plot 9 – Pumpkin – 5.99
Plot 10 – Tomato / Millet – 6.30
As in the past, additional sulfur will be added to the blueberry plot to lower the pH to make it more acidic. Lime will be added to the broomcorn and pumpkin plots to raise the pH to make it less acidic.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps at the BCCAC in Moorestown.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 1 each black cut worm and spider
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each spider and grasshopper.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 1 each fall army worm, stink bug, katydid.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 1 stinkbug.
Trap 5 (Stink Bug) – None.
Compiled by John Siemanowski
The soybeans are drying down, but with the approaching wet weather and strong winds the next few days there is concern the wind will split the bean pod off the plant, or knock the plant over resulting in many plants lodging on the ground.
The insect traps were also removed today.
A pH soil test of each of the 10 demonstration plots was recently performed by Rob Mazza. The results are below.
Plot 1 – Bell Pepper – 6.35
Plot 2 – Pollinator – 6.60
Plot 3 – Hops – 6.50
Plot 4 – Blueberry – 6.12
Plot 5 – Strawberry – 6.2
Plot 6 – Hot Pepper – 6.35
Plot 7 – Compost – 6.40
Plot 8 – Broomcorn - 5.93
Plot 9 – Pumpkin – 5.99
Plot 10 – Tomato / Millet – 6.30
As in the past, additional sulfur will be added to the blueberry plot to lower the pH to make it more acidic. Lime will be added to the broomcorn and pumpkin plots to raise the pH to make it less acidic.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps at the BCCAC in Moorestown.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 1 each black cut worm and spider
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each spider and grasshopper.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 1 each fall army worm, stink bug, katydid.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 1 stinkbug.
Trap 5 (Stink Bug) – None.
Compiled by John Siemanowski
Friday, September 25, 2015
IPM Notes from September 24, 2015
The winter rye is sprouting where the field corn was harvested. This despite having no rain. This is due to the moisture retained in the soil. Where the field corn was previously, the concern for next year will be the amount of weeded plants, corn borers and root worms that may be an issue for next year's crop. Root worm larvae will overwinter in the soil and can damage the plants roots next spring. They also may be resistant to BT corn. There was no sign of slugs in the soil.
Also discussed in the former field corn today was the issue of nutrient removal. As the corn is harvested and taken away, so much of the nutrient elements go with it. But the remains of the corn plant in the field also leave valuable nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. By doing it this way, and with a proper soil test analysis, a farmer will not need to fertilize as much for next year.
The soybeans are drying down, and the plants loose leaves based on day length, which is now shorter. The beans are small due to the lack of rain.
Walking through the alfalfa field there was quite a few grasshoppers, moths and leafhoppers flying around. They're there because it's the greenest field around for this time of year. Despite these insects the alfalfa field looks good. It shows no feeding damage or crinkling leaves. The field will be harvested again in the near future.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps at the BCCAC in Moorestown.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 3 black cut worm.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each spider, grasshopper, mayfly, damsel fly.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 5 fall army worm.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 6 noctuid.
Trap 5 (Stink Bug) – None.
Compiled by John Siemanowski
Also discussed in the former field corn today was the issue of nutrient removal. As the corn is harvested and taken away, so much of the nutrient elements go with it. But the remains of the corn plant in the field also leave valuable nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. By doing it this way, and with a proper soil test analysis, a farmer will not need to fertilize as much for next year.
The soybeans are drying down, and the plants loose leaves based on day length, which is now shorter. The beans are small due to the lack of rain.
Walking through the alfalfa field there was quite a few grasshoppers, moths and leafhoppers flying around. They're there because it's the greenest field around for this time of year. Despite these insects the alfalfa field looks good. It shows no feeding damage or crinkling leaves. The field will be harvested again in the near future.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps at the BCCAC in Moorestown.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 3 black cut worm.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each spider, grasshopper, mayfly, damsel fly.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 5 fall army worm.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 6 noctuid.
Trap 5 (Stink Bug) – None.
Compiled by John Siemanowski
Friday, September 18, 2015
IPM Notes from September 17, 2015
As mentioned last week the field corn has been harvested. Yesterday the field was seeded with a cover crop, winter rye. This will prevent soil erosion, keep the weeds to a minimum and keep the soil moist for the spring.
The soybean plants have grasshoppers and beetles feeding on the leaf edge. The stinkbugs are also piercing the pods searching for moisture. The soybeans are drying down, but the beans are small. Due to the moisture in the morning and the hot dry days, there is the concern the pods will crack open. Also, the bronzing effect on the leaves, called cercopera, can cause possible purple seed stain on the bean. Knowing this, it may be a better idea to try a more resistant soybean plant for next year. Some of the soybean crop will be harvested in two weeks.
In the demonstration plots the strawberry plants look well, except that the Chandler June bearing plants are showing beetle and grasshopper damage. The pumpkin plot also did well this year, and the master gardeners learned that to grow giant pumpkins organically is a lot of hard work every day.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps at the BCCAC in Moorestown.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 2 fall armyworm.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each spider, milkweed bug and cucumber beetle.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 6 fall armyworm.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 9 noctuid.
Trap 5 (Stink Bug) – 2 stink bugs.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski.
The soybean plants have grasshoppers and beetles feeding on the leaf edge. The stinkbugs are also piercing the pods searching for moisture. The soybeans are drying down, but the beans are small. Due to the moisture in the morning and the hot dry days, there is the concern the pods will crack open. Also, the bronzing effect on the leaves, called cercopera, can cause possible purple seed stain on the bean. Knowing this, it may be a better idea to try a more resistant soybean plant for next year. Some of the soybean crop will be harvested in two weeks.
In the demonstration plots the strawberry plants look well, except that the Chandler June bearing plants are showing beetle and grasshopper damage. The pumpkin plot also did well this year, and the master gardeners learned that to grow giant pumpkins organically is a lot of hard work every day.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps at the BCCAC in Moorestown.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 2 fall armyworm.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each spider, milkweed bug and cucumber beetle.
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 6 fall armyworm.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 9 noctuid.
Trap 5 (Stink Bug) – 2 stink bugs.
Notes compiled by John Siemanowski.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
IPM Notes from September 10, 2015
The seeds for the non-BT corn grown this year were about $100 a unit cheaper than the BT seeds. A week ago the master gardeners estimated that 150 to 160 bushels of corn per acre would be harvested. Within the past few days 160 bushels of corn per acre were actually harvested. The actual moisture content was 16.8%, which was slightly higher than the allowable 15.5%. So a slight deduction was made when the corn was sold. The harvested cornfield will probably be seeded with a cover crop like winter rye.
As mentioned last week the soybean crop is also very dry. Different portions of the field show various colors of green and yellow. The yellow fields are loosing their leaves and drying down, so today's rainfall will not do them any good. The beans inside the pods are on the small side due to lack of rain. This will make them less marketable and less profitable.
The Pedron peppers were picked last Tuesday (due to the Labor Day holiday) and yielded about 80 pounds. They are picked every Monday by the master gardeners, probably until frost.
In the demonstration plots the additional strawberry plants that we expected to receive this fall for planting will not arrive until next spring. The Bell pepper plants suffered from bacterial leaf spot due to the heavy rainfall in June and July. With the disease the plants lost much of their leaves. They produced more fruit before the leaf spot than after. Recently new foliage has been growing, along with new buds, but it's probably too late in the growing season to expect a significant harvest.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps at the BCCAC in Moorestown.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 2 black cut worm.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each click beetle and spider
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 3 Fall army worm.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 12 noctuid.
Trap 5 (Stink Bug) – 1 each green stink bug and chafer beetle
Compiled by John Siemanonski
As mentioned last week the soybean crop is also very dry. Different portions of the field show various colors of green and yellow. The yellow fields are loosing their leaves and drying down, so today's rainfall will not do them any good. The beans inside the pods are on the small side due to lack of rain. This will make them less marketable and less profitable.
The Pedron peppers were picked last Tuesday (due to the Labor Day holiday) and yielded about 80 pounds. They are picked every Monday by the master gardeners, probably until frost.
In the demonstration plots the additional strawberry plants that we expected to receive this fall for planting will not arrive until next spring. The Bell pepper plants suffered from bacterial leaf spot due to the heavy rainfall in June and July. With the disease the plants lost much of their leaves. They produced more fruit before the leaf spot than after. Recently new foliage has been growing, along with new buds, but it's probably too late in the growing season to expect a significant harvest.
Below is the weekly summary for the insects caught in the four insect traps at the BCCAC in Moorestown.
Trap 1 (Black Cut Worm) – 2 black cut worm.
Trap 2 (European Corn Borer) - 1 each click beetle and spider
Trap 3 (Fall Army Worm) - 3 Fall army worm.
Trap 4 (Corn Ear Worm) – 12 noctuid.
Trap 5 (Stink Bug) – 1 each green stink bug and chafer beetle
Compiled by John Siemanonski
Monday, September 7, 2015
Beneficial Insect - Blue Wing Wasp
Wasp is a general term that refers to a group of related insects in the order Hymenoptera. Blue-winged wasps are members of the order Hymenoptera and the Scoliidae family.
Blue-winged wasps are solitary wasps and have a stinger. The stinger is primarily used to subdue prey such as spiders, cicadas and beetles. These are beneficial insects. It is important to know how to distinguish between social and solitary wasps, since solitary wasps rarely require control.
Blue-winged wasps are about 20-25mm long, blue-black, with blackish purple wings. There are two yellow stripes, one on each side of the abdomen. Their bodies are fairly hairy and the back part of the abdomen is covered with reddish hairs. They are generally seen flying over the lawn during the day, leaving in early evening. Scoliids are beneficial wasps and parasitic on grubs. They are not aggressive and generally do not attack people. They disappear at the end of the season and help control the beetle grubs. Adults are often seen visiting golden rod flowers in late summer.
The presence of Blue-winged wasps may mean that there is a green June beetle, Japanese beetle or May beetle grub infestation.
Additional Information
Xerces Staff Pollinator Pick #3 Blue Winged Wasp
Florida Scoliid Wasps - University of Florida UF/IFAS
Identification of Bees and Wasps
Blue-winged wasps are solitary wasps and have a stinger. The stinger is primarily used to subdue prey such as spiders, cicadas and beetles. These are beneficial insects. It is important to know how to distinguish between social and solitary wasps, since solitary wasps rarely require control.
 |
| Blue-winged wasp (Scolia dubia) |
The presence of Blue-winged wasps may mean that there is a green June beetle, Japanese beetle or May beetle grub infestation.
Additional Information
Xerces Staff Pollinator Pick #3 Blue Winged Wasp
Florida Scoliid Wasps - University of Florida UF/IFAS
Identification of Bees and Wasps
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)