Agronomy Zone 7

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I was out in a soybean field in central Iowa last week and saw my first soybean aphids of the season.  The numbers were low, and they were still hard to spot, but they were there.   For the most part, corn is looking good.  From what I last calculated, we were 200 growing degree units ahead of last year at this time, so for those of you who have kept your maturity diversification and not gone to all shorter season corn it will pay out this year.

Soybean Aphid resistant update

The new soybean aphid resistant soybeans that are out on the market are resistant to aphid biotype 1 and some have resistance to biotype 2.  This resistance comes from the source of Rag 1 and Rag 2 genes.  Researchers have already found that there are 3 biotypes of aphids, so having an aphid-resistant soybean may not be the answer to all of our problems with this pest.   

I spoke with Bob Quinn from WHO Radio's "The Big Show" this morning about the 2010 planting season in Iowa. I gave him a quick corn planting update, we talked frost damange and how the cool weather has slowed early season growth. Overall, I'd give this year's planting season an "8" but compared to last year, it's definitely a "10!"

Iowa Planting Report on WHO Radio

Like most of Iowa, my territory is nearing the end of corn planting, with some growers finishing a week ago.  I have been urging them to wait on soybean planting until conditions are more favorable, especially in fields that are known to be prone to Sudden Death.  Planting in cooler, wet soils will make the variety more susceptible to SDS infection.  A few weeks ago we had a cool stretch of weather where soil temps dropped to 50°F or below in some areas.  Having soybean seed in the ground at this time is not good.  I know many growers want to get their soybeans in the ground in the next week but remember this: a soybean will germinate in 50° F soil, but favors 60-70°F.  If you are concerned about yield loss because you do not plant by Iowa State’s recommended planting date, then you should evaluate what maturity you are planting.  Many growers have gone to shorter maturities so they can harvest earlier, and in return are giving up yield.

I have been listening to farmers talk about how wet the corn could be again this year.  Yes, since we are behind on growing degree days, it will most likely be similar or worse than last year’s moisture levels. 

Many are asking about Stine’s shorter season corn hybrids for purposes of improving dry down.  They have seen the shorter season corn hybrids in the last several years yield just as well as the later season hybrids.  I would urge many of you to remember that you should still keep later maturing hybrids in your mix, especially in case of dry or adverse weather conditions.  Remember past the last two years and try and make a good diverse hybrid selection.  Stine Hybrids such as 9806, which flowers as early as a 103 day hybrid and has a long fill period, is a good example of a hybrid that would help you spread your risk.