|
Be Proactive
Two primary pests, nematodes and sudden death syndrome (SDS), were highlighted in a presentation given recently by Dr. Anthony Ohmes, Agronomy Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension.
Photo by John LaRose, Jr.
Keep Ahead Of Pests By Scouting, Monitoring And Sampling For Them
BETTY VALLE GEGG-NAEGER
MidAmerica Farmer Grower
PORTAGEVILLE, MO.
Dr. Anthony Ohmes, Agronomy Specialist with University of Missouri Extension, recently presented disease management practices in soybeans at the MU Extension Certified Crop Advisor meeting held at the Fisher Delta Research Center.
Two primary pests, highlighted in Ohmes’ presentation, were nematodes and sudden death syndrome (SDS).
“Although there are number of nematodes in Southeast Missouri soils, soybean producers and consultants should be aware of and scout for soybean cyst nematode (SCN), a serious threat in over 75 percent of Missouri soybean acres,” he said. “Another potential threat on southeast Missouri sandy soils are root knot nematodes (RKN).”
Ohmes suggested, based on a SCN survey conducted in 2015 that indicated 54 percent of those surveyed reported they have never sampled for nematodes, that many producers are not aware of the nematode levels in their fields.
“The winter months offer a prime opportunity to scout and identify some troubled fields that have not been performing well,” Ohmes said. “Good sampling procedures and testing for nematodes are necessary to accurately identify a potential problem in your field.
“For soybean cyst nematode, ideally, one should sample and submit an egg count test in the fall through winter,” he stated. However, Ohmes pointed out, that the only way to confirm root knot nematode is through live parasitic nematode lab analysis. “That test is ideally done during the months from August through October, as long as there is an actively growing crop and/or root system.
“The soil borne fungus Fusarium solani that causes sudden death syndrome (SDS),” Ohmes noted, “enters through the root system early; however, the noticeable SDS symptoms of yellow to reddish-brown discoloration between leaf veins appears during reproductive development.”
He also indicated that lab analysis may be necessary for keying in on other symptoms such as those on lowers stems. This is important since there can be other biotic and abiotic look-a-likes.
“One of the look-a-likes that showed up this season was stem canker. Sudden death syndrome management includes, but is not limited to, SDS labeled seed treatment, variety selection and crop rotation.
“My take-home message is to be proactive through scouting and monitoring your soybean crop. Properly sample and test for nematode levels routinely to manage any potential species shifts and identify and manage SDS fields accordingly,” he summed.
For additional information, Dr. Ohmes can be contacted at 573-243-3581 or OhmesG@umsystem.edu . ∆
BETTY VALLE GEGG-NAEGER: Senior Staff Writer, MidAmerica Farmer Grower
|
|