Farm News
06-16-06
Rain needed in most areas of state
By KRISTIN GREINER- Farm News staff
Relentlessly dry weather has begun to concern farmers across the state as the
corn continues to grow rapidly and the soybeans show slightly spotty stands in
areas.
John Holmes, Iowa State University Extension crop specialist, said some
areas in his territory have received rain, but most have not. Holmes said the corn
has reached the V5 stage, but there are some uneven fields and fields that are
lighter green.
“I expect these fields to improve as the roots become larger. This unevenness is
probably a reflection of uneven emergence and development to this point. As this
corn starts to grow more rapidly, I expect fields to even out,î” he said.
So far, pests have not become a big problem, but corn rootworms may become
one soon.
“ISU Entomology Department researchers told the Extension crop specialists
that most corn rootworm eggs have now hatched and very small larvae are
probably feeding on roots now. Farmers who want to scout fields for rootworm
feeding will have more success if they look next week or later,Ӕ Holmes said.
“The adults will likely emerge in early July. Farmers will want to look for larvae
during the week of June 19.î”
Most soybeans in Holmes’ north central Iowa region have two trifoliate leaves,
but some are showing some iron deficiency chlorosis.
“I have also found soybean cyst nematode feeding on roots. Iron chlorosis is
characterized by yellowing of the upper leaves. ISU Extension staff and ISU
researchers have reported finding ‘a few’ soybean aphids in fields. This is
roughly the same time that soybean aphids were found last year. I’m not seeing
any soybean diseases so far this season,Ӕ he said.
Also, some potato leafhoppers are being found in alfalfa fields in Holmes’ area,
so producers should scout the regrowth in recently harvested fields and watch for
injury, he advised.
Paul Kassel, who is Extension crop specialist in Spencer, said northwest
area is “real dry,î” despite some rain received last weekend west of Milford to
Terril.
“The crops are not really suffering, but could benefit from a rain,î” Kassel said.
“There is some corn where the main (nodal) root system is not developing,
because the seed furrow has opened up. There is also some uneven
development of corn starting to show up, because of dry surface soil. But for the
most part, the corn looks good.Ӕ
Spraying is wrapping up in corn and producers have begun spraying soybeans in
the Spencer area, with some spotty soybean stands due to dry soil. Joel
DeJong, Extension crop specialist in LeMars, also reported slightly spotty
soybean stands.
“Some have been lying in dry soil for quite a long time, but most fields have
adequate stands. Soybean root systems seem to be establishing much better,Ӕ
DeJong said. “It is very dry in northwestern Iowa. Corn roots are having trouble
getting well established in these very dry surface soils. Plants that are
established are starting to take off—others are showing that they are struggling.
Rain is needed to wet that area so roots can establish. Some corn showed a lot
of moisture stress in the heat of last week. They will again later this week if no
rain falls.î”
According to the state crop report released by the Iowa Department of Agriculture
Monday, topsoil moisture rates 14 percent very short, 34 percent short, 50
percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rates 8 percent very
short, 30 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus across the
state.
Corn condition is reported as 3 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 57 percent good
and 22 percent excellent. Soybean emergence is reported at 94 percent, which is
6 percentage points ahead of last year and 11 percentage points ahead of the 5year average. The state soybean condition is reported as 1 percent very poor, 3
percent poor, 19 percent fair, 60 percent good and 17 percent excellent.