Beautiful early-fall conditions are resulting in another early corn harvest this year, and Kentucky grain farmers will soon decide if and how much wheat they will plant this fall. Compared to last year, there is a significant increase in wheat prices and a slight increase in soybean prices.
Read MorePlanting season is right around the corner for those in Kentucky growing winter wheat this year. Are you thinking about adjusting management practices by increasing seeding rates or adding phosphorus in anticipation of increased yields? Have you ever wondered how planting and harvest timings affect winter wheat yields?
Read MoreA nice good-looking stink bug was observed in western Kentucky on several occasions during mid-July and mid-August this year. Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Pentatomidae) (Figure 1), known as the Florida predatory stink bug, has been previously detected in Kentucky and several northern states (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, etc.). This recent occurrence was the first time in nearly 5 years that I have observed this beneficial insect.
Read MoreIn 2020, tallies completed in western Kentucky during the last week of August and first 3 weeks of September resulted in the capture of BMSB in 17 out of 19 counties (Figure 1). Tallies were conducted in 29 commercial soybean fields and three research sites at the REC using sweep nets. This outcome may show a geographical expansion of BMSB colonization of western Kentucky.
Read MoreView the rules for the 2020 Kentucky Soybean Yield Contest.
Read MoreThis group of insects is especially damaging during the late part of development of soybeans. Adult and immature stink bug stages feed by piercing tender terminals and developing pods causing direct damage to beans. These injuries may cause poor seed formation, aborted seeds, reduced seed size, or seed deformation. Therefore, it reduces yield and quality of beans.
Read MoreAlthough soybean rust has not yet been observed in Kentucky this year, it is likely present in the state. Soybean rust was recently reported in southern Illinois (Union County, IL).
Read MoreFertilizer applications can influence the overall yield and profit of crop production systems. Phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and lime additions for winter wheat production should be based on a good soil sampling and testing protocol. A soil test is recommended every two years or less, depending on the crop rotation and individual field knowledge.
Read MoreOver the past few weeks, there have been increased reports of spotting on corn leaves across the state. Symptoms include tiny tan to brown spots with a darker brown margin.
Read MoreSymptoms of sudden death syndrome (SDS) of soybean have begun to appear over the last couple of weeks in Kentucky.
Read MoreView the rules and entry form for the Kentucky Corn Yield Contest. Deadline is November 16.
Read MoreCrop scouts and field researchers now have a new tool at their disposal to help correctly estimate disease severity and insect defoliation in field crops. The new online tool has been developed by the Crop Protection Network and can be found here.
Read MoreThis insect gets its name from the triangular body shape of the adult stage (Figure 3a). It is an insect with a large list of hosts; however, they prefer leguminous species. In soybeans, they are considered sporadic pests.
Read MoreIn parts of the state where wet weather has continued through the season so far, one of the diseases being observed is Phytophthora root and stem rot.
Read MoreSouthern rust of corn, caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora, was confirmed in Caldwell and Daviess counties in Kentucky on July 20, 2020.
Read MoreFungicides 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 MoreAs soybean fields in Kentucky approach the R3 (beginning pod) developmental stage, it generally is a time to consider an application of a foliar fungicide to protect against foliar diseases.
Read MoreAs the rains fall, environmental conditions become favorable for leaf diseases of soybean. Currently, there are a couple of foliar diseases of soybean that can be observed in fields in Kentucky, which are Septoria brown spot and Phyllosticta leaf spot.
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