Scout For Insects And Know The Difference From Bird Damage
LAMAR, MO.
Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension, scouted fields south of Lamar for the April 26 crop scouting update.
Wheat was in the heading and 50 percent flowering stages.
"The best time to apply a fungicide to protect against head scab is when flowering is 50 percent complete. Flowers begin at the middle of the head, top, then lower half of the head," said Scheidt.
There are no rescue treatments for head scab, make a preventative fungicide application during flowering if forecasted weather conditions are warm and humid or wet during flowering.
Head scab causes bleached or blank kernels and kernels with a pinkish colored mold growth.
"Head scab infected wheat can also develop mycotoxins, such as vomitoxin, which can be toxic to different species of livestock at varying amounts," said Scheidt.
Scout for armyworm once wheat begins to head. "It is best to scout in the morning and when conditions are no longer rainy and wet," said Scheidt.
Corn was emerging to 5-6 leaf stage. Scheidt recommends scouting for black cutworm until the 5-leaf stage.
"Some corn was yellowed from nitrogen deficiency caused by rain. Replant decisions should be based on plant population, estimated yield potential and current prices," said Scheidt.
MU Extension has a replant decision worksheet at http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G4091.
"Last week I found bird damage in two fields. Bird damage is differentiated from black cutworm damage first, by inspecting the soil for the presence of worms. Black cutworms are generally found up to 2" deep next to the damaged plant. Birds will create a small hole above the damaged plant; seeds, stems and leaves and sometimes entire plants will be destroyed," said Scheidt. ∆