2019 Acreage Survey Confounds Market - The June 28th Acreage report was anticipated by the market to quantify the extent of the impact of the late planting season on corn and soybean acreage. Analysts surveyed before the report’s release expected corn area to decline to 87.03 million acres, which would be a 5.77 million-acre drop from the March Prospective Planting report.
Read MoreSouthern rust of corn, caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora, has NOT been confirmed in Kentucky, as of July 16, 2019. However, the disease has been confirmed in southeast Missouri and western Indiana, so it is possible that southern rust is present in Kentucky at low levels.
Read MoreThe sugarcane aphid (SCA) was spotted in Kentucky last week in Fayette and Monroe Counties on sweet sorghum. This invasive pest can cause up to 100% crop loss if left untreated on grain, forage, and sweet sorghum.
Read MoreMany soybean fields in Kentucky are approaching the R3 (beginning pod) developmental stage, which generally is a time to consider an application of a foliar fungicide to protect against foliar diseases.
Read MoreCorn is moving through growth stages quickly, and the warm, humid weather in many parts of Kentucky has been conducive for foliar disease development. Fungicides are commonly promoted to reduce the impact of foliar disease in corn, but with tight margins and a difficult market, it is important to pay careful attention to the factors that influence the profitability of a fungicide application.
Read MoreOnly certified applicators are allowed to purchase and use Restricted-Use Pesticides. Typically, when an applicator purchases one of these pesticides, they present their private or commercial applicator certification card.
Read MorePhyllosticta leaf spot of soybean has been observed in a few fields in western Kentucky recently. Although the economic risk of this disease is very low, its symptoms resemble those caused by frogeye leaf spot.
Read MoreMany producers are growing non-GMO corn for niche markets, including distillery and food-grade uses. Non-GMO corn is very susceptible to damage by European corn borer (ECB) and needs to be scouted periodically during ECB first and second generations.
Read MoreThe University of Kentucky Weed Science program will be hosting a field day in Fulton County, Kentucky with a focus on the management of Palmer amaranth. The field day will be held on July 16, 2019 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM across the road from Major Brothers Shop on 5305 State Hwy 94 W, Hickman, KY 42050.
Read MoreBe sure to enter the Kentucky Wheat Yield Contest by July 25, 2019.
Read MoreA farmer in Butler County KY observed a corn field that seedlings were being severely damaged and there was a heavy reduction in the number of stands. Inspection of plants showed entrance holes in the stalk just below ground level, tunnels going to plant crowns, suckers, stunting and center leaves were desiccated (deadheart).
Read MoreSymptoms of Fusarium head blight (head scab) are present in Kentucky wheat fields with varying levels of damage being reported. Heads often are partially affected, with both healthy green and affected bleached areas being present in the same head.
Read MoreSeedling corn presenting feeding injures caused by stink bug have been observed in commercial and research plots in western Kentucky.
Read MoreThis month’s update from Todd Davis includes prospective plantings report, WASDE analysis, soil conditions outlook, crop progress and condition, marketing analysis, and more.
Read MoreFly Species that Thrive on Decomposing Organic Matter and Moist Environments Stand Out in the 2019 Planting Season in Different Crop Systems
Read MoreMany insecticide seed treatments contain a neonicotinoid insecticide that can move systemically through plants. While producers rely on these treatments as tools to manage destructive pests, they also need to follow some basic steps to protect pollinators.
Read MoreWheat fields are beginning to flower in western Kentucky. Flowering (anthesis) is a critical time, as wheat becomes susceptible to infection by Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB; also known as scab)
Read MoreThe University of Kentucky Weed Science Program will be hosting two field days at the UKREC in Princeton, Kentucky in 2019. The Pest Management Field Day will be held on July 2, 2019 and the Spray Clinic will be held on July 18, 2019.
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