With the 2025 planting season fast approaching, we wanted to give a quick update as we begin thinking about planting.  As is the case every year, keep in mind that planting conditions will be different than what we experienced last year.  Soil temps will warm up quickly, much as they did last year, if the longer range forecasts hold true (see weather outlook below for more info).  However, current soil moisture conditions heading into planting are on the dry side versus last couple of years (though rain is forecasted next week).  Because of the lack of moisture and snow cover this past winter leading to lack of breakdown of crop residue, expectations are that crop residue will be more of concern for planting than last couple of years….more like what was seen in 2022 (May derecho year).

• Early Spring conditions and weather outlook…
• Cold soils and Corn/Soybean Emergence & Disease…
• Things to Keep in Mind when Planting Early…
• Plant First & Hybrid Stress Emergence Ratings…

EARLY SPRING CONDITIONS & WEATHER OUTLOOK

 

While these maps must be taken with a ‘grain-of-salt’, they do give us a general trend outlook.  Note that soil temps will warm up quickly if the 8-14 day and 3-4 week forecasts hold true.  Moisture is forecasted over next 7-10 days, but outlook appears to be more normal amounts than above-normal amounts.  See link below for total moisture amounts over next 10 days.

Total Precipitation Forecast through Apr 4

Besides having equipment ready to go before planting, 2025 looks to be a year where it will be important to make sure your pivots are ready-to-run before planting begins.  As was mentioned at the March Crop Shop, if dry conditions persist through April into May, the pivot will be a critical management tool for achieving uniform stands and improving weed control.

COLD SOILS AND CORN & SOYBEAN EMERGENCE

Optimal soil temperatures for planting corn is 50 degrees and above.   Imbibition of cold water can lower germination rates and cold soil temperatures can delay emergence allowing for more diseases to set into the seedling.  If temperatures go as predicted above, we have a good chance for rapid soil temperature improvement, however, it will still take 4-5 days of such temperatures to reach minimal planting temperatures, especially on a consistent basis, so one will want to allow for a couple of warm days before dropping planter in the ground (as always, what the nighttime temperatures will be is the key thing here).  Here is a quick look at how a seed germinates.  Imbibition of soil water happens within the first 48 hours and is why it is critical to plant when soil conditions and soil temperatures are right.  Main point to keep in mind, is that the best time to plant is heading into a 2-4 day warm temperature period right after planting.  Most reduced stands occur when planting into a cold spell, or before giving the soil temperatures time to warm up some right after a cold period.  See link below for more info.

Soil Temperature and Cold Emergence

Because we always have variable temperatures during planting season, we recommend increasing soybean (by 10k/a) and corn (by 1-2k/a, unless already dropping 34-35k) populations when planting early.  We tend to plant soybeans when it seems to cold for corn, but soybeans are really not any better out-of-the-ground than corn….just less risk involved versus corn.  Keep in mind also, that the amount of crop residue will play a role here, besides temps.

DAYS TO EMERGENCE: SOYBEAN AND CORN

This graph helps explain days to emergence that it takes for both corn and soybeans when soil temps are at different levels. When soil temps are at 50-55 degrees it could take 3 weeks to see emergence. The next graph shows why we recommend planting soybeans early – it’s to maximize our flowering and poding days to allow for more time (days) for pods to set.

   

SOYBEAN/CORN EMERGENCE PROCESS:

Soybean Emergence:

Imbibitional Phase:

• Happens less than 24 hours; typically 8-12 hours. After imbibitional phase ends, the risk of chilling injury also ends.

Osmotic Phase:

• A much slower uptake of water occurs. Seedlings can be more tolerant to soil temps as low as 35-40 degrees. Will increase days of emergence and increase risk of soil borne pathogens if soil is cool.

Corn Emergence:

Wait to plant until soil is at 50-55 degrees

• Kernel moisture = 10-12% @ planting
• Imbibition of soil water
• Kernel moisture = 30%
• Soil at 50-55^oF
• Enzymes:  starch -> sugar

Typically 80 GDU’s: radicle emergence

Typically 130 GDU’s: plant emergence

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PLANTING EARLY

• Fluctuating soil temperatures can cause imbibitional seed chilling, erratic emergence and cold temperature injury
• Average last freeze date:  3^rd-4^th week in April for Central Nebraska…
• Seed Soil Contact is key to fast emergence and stand establishment…..soils that are too wet can lead to side wall compaction, crusting and poor seed to soil contact.  In dry conditions, it gets more difficult to get good seed/soil contact as air pockets are increased due to loose and crumbly soil structure, which is why having pivots ready-to-run is key here.
• Herbicide injury can occur more often in cool, wet soils where the plant isn’t growing at an optimal pace.
• Planting Depth….Optimum planting depth for corn is 1 1/2 to 2″, with 2″ best under normal conditions as this is best for optimal nodal root development.  Soil temperature fluctuates more in the top 1” = one reason why we plant at 1 1/2  to 2″ deep.   Never plant shallower than 1 1/2″ and we see no reason to go deeper than 2 1/2″.   Always err on the deeper side vs. the shallow side for depth.  More bushels are lost from too shallow than too deep planting.   Optimum soybean planting for soybeans is 1-2″…err on the deeper side under cold conditions.  If soil conditions stay dry, expect soil conditions to be harder than normal and seedbed will be ‘crumbly’ with high amount of air pockets, impacting planting depth and reducing seed-soil contact.
• Plant populations….Consider increasing population drop under heavy residue and cooler conditions.  This is especially so for soybeans….if planting in April consider bumping up soybean seed drop by 10% to offset adverse weather conditions….even more needed if planting in April and have a tilled seedbed.  Most of the time any replant discussions would’ve been eliminated had seed drop been bumped up at planting.  Seed corn maggots have been an issue the last few years on tilled, sandy soils when planting in April.  In these situations, it is recommended to use Lumiderm insecticide seed treatment for increased protection from seed corn maggots.  See link below for suggested plant populations by hybrid and hybrid x environment interactions for northeast Nebraska from Pioneer.

2025 Pioneer Planting Rate Suggestions & Hybrid x Enivronment

• Soybean planting date:   UNL research shows that you can lose up to ½ bu of yield potential per day after May 1^st. Just remember, the earlier you can plant you maximize the days of flowering and pod set to give you more time for re-flowering and setting more pods. (Refer to picture referenced earlier in this update)
• Soybean seeding rate: we recommend 140,000-160,000 seeding rates. This seems to give us a good compromise between seed cost and potential loss from storms or other unforeseen events. Here are a few scenarios to consider when looking at seeding rates:
• 

             

The above graphs show Corn Yield by Seeding Rate and Corn Yield by Week Planted for Nebraska using Granular Insights data from Pioneer Hi-bred.  The data shows what we have seeing in our geographic area as well.

See link below for more planting information, tips, and resources from Pioneer:  2025 Pioneer Planting Guide and Resources

PLANT FIRST RECOMMENDATIONS

One of the most frequently asked question is “What product should I plant first?”  With the cooler soil temperatures normally experienced at the beginning of planting, we believe that it is important to start with a hybrid that shows strong emergence and early vigor.  The below bullet points show our recommendations for “plant first” products if soil temps are cool. The hybrids are listed by maturity not by how well they emerge.  These are products that have shown to have strong emergence and early vigor over the past several seasons.  Selecting one of these hybrids to start with can help provide the best chance for optimum emergence when soil temperatures are cooler at the start of planting.   However, considering how fast our soils can warm up, and if one is planting into a warm stretch, we don’t have an issue with starting with most any hybrid…key is the first 48-72 hours after planting.  Keep in mind the 2-5 day forecast ahead of anytime you are planting.  Remember also, that we will continue to experience soil temperature fluctuations as we go through planting….whether planting in April or May….keeping right product, for right acre is just as important.

• 105-109 CRM – P0487, P05466*, P0622*, P0859, ,P09944*, P0924
• 110-118 CRM – P1164*, P1122, P1170, P13050*, P13476Q*, P13777, P1413, P1563, 17677
• * – very strong emergence….

CORN AND SOYBEAN EARLY SEASON DISEASE REMINDER & LumiGEN Seed treatment:

 Early planting, cool and possibly wet soils, all come with the increased risk of early season diseases.  Keep in mind that Pioneer has the industry-leading seed treatments on corn and soybeans.  No company has more active ingredients.   A new addition to the LumiGen soybean seed treatment for 2025 is Lumiante fungicide.  This product adds Ethaboxam fungicide to the mix for greatly improved Pythium control.  Pioneer has added Ethaboxam to corn for the past number of years now and it was a ‘game-changer’ when it first came out.  Our expectations are to see this in soybeans as well.  No seed company in the industry offers the number of MOA’s that Pioneer does.  We have seen the difference vs. competitor over the past few years!

2025 LumiGEN Soybean Treatment offering                                      2025  LumiGen Corn Seed Treatment

             

Please contact us with any questions or comments you may have.  Thank you for your business!!

Have a safe planting season!!

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of September 26th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2024:

Planting Date     GDD’s2024          Average GDD                 Departure from average

April 23                   2777                         2680                                +97 (+6.5 days)

May 4                      2694                          2602                               + 92  (+6 days)

May 14                    2597                          2506                                +91 (+6 days)

As one can see from the above table, we are FINALLY above normal for GDUs’.  Last year at this time, we had 2858 using April 23rd planting date.  Other than lack of rainfall, the month of September has been good for finishing the crop.  So far, September has been the 30th hottest in the last 132 years.  For the most part, we also had abundant sunshine in September.  This really helped kernel depth and test weights.

• Overall staygreen has been better than expected, with some fields still holding on to their color.  However, those fields that had high levels of Southern Rust and/or Tar Spot are now quickly losing color and should be on the list for early harvest.  Crown Rot is still prevalent in many fields, so continue to watch those fields that dropped ears quickly, or ‘turned overnight’, so to speak….
• High moisture corn, if planning on using fields planted in April, should be coming out now, as moistures are dryer than one thinks…due to the warm, dry, low humidity September.  Seeing dryland fields coming out at 14-20% moistures.  Early test weights have been good….see photo for corn harvest drydown and measuring corn loss….
•                                                        
• No trends for irrigated corn yields yet, but so far, early yields on dryland, heavy soils have been very good!
• Soybean dryland yields have also been better than expected, considering no rain since July 1st for much of our area.  In those areas that received more rain, dryland yields are excellent.  Early irrigated yields are average to above average, but still to early for a trend….mostly early group II beans coming out yet, with some early planted 2.5’s starting to come out….see photo for soybean moisture impact on yield and effect of harvest delay on soybean yield losses.
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POWERCORE ENLIST & VORCEED ENLIST

Photo shows the Insect Protection Modes of Action and Herbicide Tolerance Modes of Action for the new Powercore and Vorceed technology, along with the top available hybrids (new and current) for 2025.

Z-Series Soybeans

Photo shows the advantages of planting Z-Series soybeans from Pioneer, as well as the top varieties for 2025 in Z-series.  Early performance on the Z-Series has been very good!

It’s fun and rewarding to see one’s hard work over the past year come to fruition at harvest time; however, please remember that the most important thing is to be around to take advantage of that hard work.  Please stay safe out there!  Have a safe and successful harvest!

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.

 

Topics:

• Growing Degree Unit Update/Weather Forecast
• Corn/Soybean Update
• Prioritizing Harvest….
• New Corn Hybrids and Soybean Series for 2025…

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of September 9th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2024:

Planting Date     GDD’s2024          Average GDD     Departure from average

April 23                   2464                          2471                                -7 (even)

May 4                      2381                          2378                                + 3  (even)

May 14                    2294                           2297                                -3 (even)

From the above numbers, we have gained since the last update on August 25th, when we were 3-4 days behind average.  However, we continue to struggle to get a consistent period of heat.  This past weekend -while beautiful weather – we only accumulated 11 GDU’s/day.  This just doesn’t help us to gain a lot of ground.  On the other hand, the crop has continued to move along and the forecast for the next 10 days will help this out.  We should accumulate 20+/day, which is above average for this time of year.  For comparison, at this same time last year, we had accumulated 2630 GDU’s by September 9th with April 23rd planting date….this puts us a good 8-9 days behind last year…this difference is the same across all of 2024’s planting dates used above.

Current Corn Conditions…..

• Much of the corn crop is as follows:  April planting dates – 105-110 day hybrids 2/3-3/4 milk lines and 112-118 day 1/3 to 1/2.   Later planting dates are 1/8 to 1/3 for the most part.  Most fields will take another 10 days (April planting dates) to 30 days (mid-May planting dates) to finish, using average-to-above average temperature forecasts over this time period.  The current 10 day forecast looks conducive for development, so let’s hope it stays that way, as we need it.  Silage harvest is happening sooner than expected, which is a positive to further crop development.  The heat spell coming up will impact the crop in other areas, as it will move quicker than we have experienced as of late, more on this below….
• Sunlight:  Solar radiation for September has been above average by 10%, which has been a positive to kernel development and hopefully plant health.  On the flip side, sunlight for the month of August was 3% below normal.  Most of the sunlight that was received in August was received in the last two weeks.  The first two weeks were below average by 5-8% which was during early-mid grain fill.  This would have a possible negative impact on stalk integrity later into harvest due to reduced photosynthesis.  Sunlight plays a key role in kernel depth and test weight, as well as overall plant health.  Again, September sunlight has been very good, and is forecasted to stay that way.
• Disease:  If there is one big difference in this year over the past 5-8 years, it is in leaf disease.  Corn fields in the area have never been this ‘marked up’ with leaf disease for quite sometime.  Even fields with fungicide are showing more lesions overall, however, they are still reduced versus fields that had no fungicide applied.  The biggest driver of disease right now is Southern Rust.  This year has seen the biggest outbreak of this disease since 2006.  Most all area fields have this disease present, but the severity is not the same everywhere…and overall levels are not as high as was seen in 2006; however, there are some fields which are as bad as 2006.  This disease really ‘blew up’ the last week of August, but has slowed down some with the cooler weekend.  We are expecting it to increase in severity with the heat that is coming in this week.  This disease does not overwinter here, so it is not usually a concern, however, if we get a lot of southerly winds, and/or hurricane outflow (think hurricane Beryl in early July), we have a greater chance for this disease to develop.   See link for more info: Southern Rust in Corn              Tar Spot has been confirmed by leaf sample in our area.  Confirmation was 13 miles west of Elgin on a 113 day competitor hybrid.  With it being confirmed west of Elgin, this means that the disease is throughout our area now….and we have been finding it in most fields in the area this week.  This disease is a fast mover….see photos….113 Competitor hybrid.
•    
• First photo is from August 15th, first lesions.  Second photo is two weeks later, August 29th and third photo is another week later, September 4th.  This disease bears watching in the years ahead.  This is on a hailed field, so progression is faster than normal.
• This second set of photos is a comparison of a split planter of P1413AM vs. 112 day competitor, on tar spot and southern rust levels.  Photos taken September 10th.  This set of photos is from a field that had a fungicide applied.
•      
• For Tar Spot, Pioneer offers some of the leading tolerance, across the hybrid lineup, within the seed industry.  Besides the irrigated acre, keep this in mind for the dryland and more marginal acres, that do not see a fungicide every year…
• Due to the higher incidence of disease pressure in 2024, we expect to see an impact on area corn acres this year, most likely in late-season plant health.  See Prioritizing Harvest below for more info.
• Because of the delayed growing season, it is somewhat early to determine overall grain quality heading into harvest.  Test weights are still being determined over the next couple of weeks.
• Irrigation demand is slowing down and we can see the end, but is still needed in many cases.  Keep in mind that 1/2 milk line corn requires 2.5″ – 3″ to finish, more in hot weather.  ET rates will approach .30-.40+ over next few days if humidity stays low and winds increase.   Keep this in mind over the next 5-7 days.  Don’t shutoff to early….the longer it stays green, the better yield and plant health. 

Current Soybean Conditions…..

• Soybeans are starting to turn in much of the area.  Most fields are in mid-R6 to early R7.  The early group II soybeans are moving along quickly now.  A few mid-April planting dates with 2.0 maturity could be ready to harvest by next week, if heat comes as forecasted.
• Disease:  Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is present in the area, but not at the levels it was seen last year.  The same can be said for White Mold infestations.  White Mold has been light, compared to last year.  Disease pressure in soybeans has been much reduced this year compared to prior few years.
• Irrigation: Fields in the late-R6 to early-R7 stage need approximately 1.5-3″ of moisture to finish.  For reference, the chart below shows soybean stage of growth at R6-R7.  Don’t give up on that last watering…..
• 
• Dectes Stem Borer.  This insect enters the plant at a node and proceeds to ‘hollow out’ the stem leading to early plant death.   So far not much one can do in the way of management for this insect yet.  However, we are expecting to see heavier levels of this insect in our area versus the past few years.   Keep this in mind as harvest begins and progresses.   For more info see the following link….Dectes Stem Borer in Soybeans

Prioritizing Harvest!

The extremes in weather (early planting conditions/rainfall, cool summer with intermittent heat spells, reduced sunlight during grain fill, increased disease pressure, drought conditions) in 2024 have the potential to impact late-season stalk quality.  Southern Rust will have the biggest impact on stalk quality, which was the case in 2006.  Heavy fields of Southern Rust will be very likely to have poor late-season stalk quality.  We are also seeing Crown Rot show up in area fields.  Infestation is variable across the area, but it is noticeable.  See photo for ‘ghost stalk’…..

Stalk rots appear each year with varying degrees of severity. They are caused primarily by fungi and bacteria, but they can also result from environmental stresses. When these diseases or conditions happen, they weaken or destroy vascular tissue in the stalk, and the plant cannot transport water or carbohydrates effectively, which ultimately results in premature plant death and reduced grain fill.  The environmental stresses this year are putting more pressure on plant health.  Watch for those fields that lose staygreen quickly, or that have ears droop suddenly, as these are signs of premature plant death.  The longer the plant stays green, the better the standability will be as harvest progresses.  Bottom line….we are expecting 2024 harvest to have significantly more issues with stalk integrity as harvest progresses.  This is one year where you want to be ready ‘to go’ at the first opportunity….equipment, labor, etc.

New Corn Hybrids and Soybean Series

           

The above photos are some of the new hybrids for 2025 with a couple of the leader products from the show plot.  For 2025, Pioneer has over seven new corn hybrids across the 105-116 day maturities.  The photos above show some of these new products.  For 2025, Pioneer is also introducing new Powercore Enlist, Powercore Ultra Enlist and Vorceed Enlist technology in corn. All new hybrids from Pioneer in 2025 will have the Enlist technology, with Powercore providing above ground protection like the current AM products, Powercore Ultra providing above ground protection like the current AML products, and Vorceed is the new corn rootworm protection with RNAi performance.  These hybrids offer excellent drought tolerance (one new AquaMax hybrid) as well as good disease tolerance such as Goss’s Wilt and Grey Leaf Spot, with very good staygreen and improved brittle and root scores.  These are some numbers to watch as harvest progresses.

Pioneer has launched a new series of Enlist beans this year – the ‘Z-Series’ soybeans.   ‘Z-Series’ is the next generation in soybean breeding, bringing an increase in yield with improved, industry-leading, agronomic and disease scores.  Watch for Z-Series soybeans as harvest moves forward!

Just FYI, a quick update on Dicamba for over-the-top on soybeans.  As it sits today, there is no label for over-the-top application of Dicamba on soybeans for the 2025 growing season.  Dicamba is under review for renewed labeling under the FIFRA law with the EPA.  What label, if any, may come out by next spring is anybody’s guess at this time.  Bayer’s new proposed label to the EPA is for a pre-emerge only.

Please let us know any questions or concerns or comments you may have.   Let us know how we can help as harvest gets going!  Thanks for your support!

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.

 

 

Topics:

• Growing Degree Unit Update
• Quick Crop Update/Water Use/Weather
• Corn/Soybean Insect Update

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of August 15th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2024:

Planting Date     GDD’s2024          Average GDD     Departure from average

April 23                   1997                           1987                                +10 (even)

May 4                      1913                           1904                                +9  (even)

May 14                    1818                           1804                                +14 (+1 day)

As has been the case all this growing season, GDU accumulation continues to be average.  We continue to see cool and then warm periods for temperatures; warm temps are forecasted over the next 10-12 days.  We will go from below normal temps to above normal temps.  The last 7-10 days have seen around a 5 GDU/day reduction versus the average for this time of year.  Normally we should average 21-24 GDU’s/day, but we averaged 14-18/day the past week or so.  Forecasted temperatures for the next 10 days are forecasted to be normal to above normal, so we should see an increase of daily GDU accumulation back in the average range of 20-25 GDU’s/day.  The warmer temps are much needed to keep the crop moving along.  We are slightly behind 2023 and behind 2020-2022 by a week or so.  If the rest of the growing season tracks average, we should expect black layer for April planting dates around Sep 25 and the mid-May planting dates will need into the first week of October.

CROP/WATER USE/WEATHER UPDATE

• Crop conditions: Much of the Corn crop in the area is in the late-Dough to Beg. Dent stage, with some early maturity hybrids just showing the beginnings of a milk line.  Soybeans are in the R5(Beg. Seed) to late-R5 to almost R6(full seed).  These stages-of-growth track with the above GDU accumulation as average.  The hybrids that we currently plant today, perform best with a long grain-fill period….they still need four weeks of fill once crop reaches full-dent for highest test weights, kernel depth and good late-season plant health.
• Relative Humidity – Over the past two weeks, RH has been running normal to above normal.   Average RH has been 72% which is slightly above normal.  This is very similar to last year.  Higher RH usually has a negative impact on disease, however, temperatures, winds, rainfall, all play a role here as well.  Compared to last year, we are seeing less disease in soybeans, both white mold and SDS, but an increase in corn diseases (southern rust, gray leaf spot).  Overall ET rates are lower with high RH.
• ET rates – ET rates over the past 7 days have averaged .17″/day, or 1.2″ total for this period.   This figure is .05/day behind the average of .22/day.  Again, for reference, during this same time period in 2022, average ET rate was .27/day.  The cool temps with high humidity has helped reduce ET rates.  However, temperatures over next two weeks are forecasted to warm back up and humidity is forecasted to be lower, which will increase ET rates again to more normal to slightly-above normal.  Watch forecasts, and note those days which are predicted to be high temps, with low humidity and breezy conditions, those days will have the highest ET rates.  See tables below for Water Use for soybeans and corn as we head into the last half of grain fill.  Corn and soybean needs are still for 6-8″ to finish depending upon planting date and stage-of-growth.  Unfortunately, forecasts for this same period are for dry conditions, so irrigation will still be high over the next four weeks, considering that the crop will need most all of September to finish for the best test weights, deep kernel, and plant health.
•          
• Precipitation – Compared to last year, we are very much on the dry side for July and the first half of August.  See maps below for a comparison of July precipitation for 2024 vs. 2023:
• 
• Note how much drier July 2024 has been versus July 2023.  This is impacting our dryland acres even with the increased rainfall from this spring.  This is also playing a role in reducing white mold in soybeans versus last year, even though relative humidity has been higher than average.
• Sunlight – As always sunlight becomes a huge player during grain-fill for both yield and late-season plant health.  Solar radiation, believe it or not, was slightly above normal for July.  However, we did have a number of smoke-filled skies in July, which lowered overall solar radiation.  This should be a positive to both grain-fill and plant health.  The first two weeks in August were below average.  Conditions are forecasted for more sunny weather for the rest of August, this will be good thing as we finish grain-fill…..
• Diseases – So far corn diseases have not greatly increased in the area.  However, we are finding the most Southern Rust in the area since 2006, which had very high levels.  This disease bears monitoring over next few weeks as it’s greatest impact will be on late-season plant health.  Those fields which show the highest incidence of the disease will be a prime candidate for early harvest.
• Another diseases to monitor over next few weeks will be Tar Spot.  We are seeing first lesions in the area this past week.   Impact from this disease will also be on late-season standability.  We will update for any impact on harvest as the growing season progresses to the finish line.  Also seeing some Gray Leaf Spot starting to come in on lower leaves in some fields, along with Northern Corn Leaf Blight lesions showing up in hybrids that are not as tolerant to this disease.  Starting to see some Goss’s Wilt show up in the hailed areas.  Overall leaf disease in corn is higher than the past few years.
• For Soybeans, we are just beginning to see the White Mold show up in some fields.  Overall levels are much lower than at this time last year.  Forecasted temperatures will most likely keep this disease down overall, however, there could be local areas of heavier pressure.  SDS is also starting to show up in our area, but, as with white mold, the overall levels so far of SDS are reduced compared to last few years.   Overall disease levels in soybeans are low….

CORN/SOYBEAN INSECT UPDATE

• Spider Mites – Currently we are finding very little in the way of this insect versus the past two years, which is due to the cooler/wet conditions.  However, if temps increase, precip falls off, and RH is drier, we could still see isolated spots of this insect make an impact towards the end of grain fill.
• Corn Rootworm Beetles – we continue to see much reduced numbers of adult corn rootworm beetles versus the past few years.  This will be a positive to overall corn rootworm larvae infestations as we head into 2025, meaning much lower levels for next June.
• Western Bean Cutworm – the WBC moth flight has been very extended this year, and while overall numbers have been less than normal, we are still seeing low numbers of larvae in ear tips on those fields not treated.
• Soybean pests – so far, insect activity in soybeans continues to be very light.   Just not seeing much for soybean aphids or bean leaf beetles so far.  Expectations for major outbreaks of these pests are low, or anything else in soybeans at this stage, are quite low….

PICS OF INTEREST….

 

Pictures of Enlist variety P22A67E….clean field, nice plant height (waist high) with a lot of branching!  Zero white mold.  First three photos taken on August 12, same field.  Last photo is P22A67E taken on different field on Aug 9th.  There are a lot of nice soybean fields in the area….

These two photos show just how little light Palmer/Waterhemp needs for growth.  First photo is just a wide row from planting….2nd photo is next row over.  Note how clean the row is where normal canopy versus just a touch wider….

Reminder that the Pioneer Customer Appreciation Supper is next Friday evening, August 23rd.  Pioneer warehouse – Elgin, NE….5:30-8:30.   Bring the family!   See you there!

Plot tour is scheduled for September 4th….

All for now!  Thanks for your time!

 

 

Topics:

– Growing Degree Day Update/Forecast Maps

– What’s going on in my fields?…..Corn Development, etc. 

– Fungicide/Disease in Corn

– Insect Update

– Soybean Development

As of July 9th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Days in 2024:

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

Planting Date     GDD’s2024          Average GDD        Departure from average

April 23                  1288                         1298                               -10 (even)

May 5                     1192                          2012                                -20 (-1 day)

Current GDU’s are running average, to slightly behind average.  Last year at this time we had 1374 GDU’s accumulated, which means that we are 4 days or so behind 2023.  The first week of July in 2024 has seen much below average temperatures, 6-8 degrees below average to be in fact.  This is delaying tassel/silking by a few days compared to the last few years.  We will be tasseling more like normal, to slightly behind normal.

What’s the forecast for the next two weeks?

     

The above maps are the temperature and precipitation forecasts for the next 6-10 and 8-14 day periods.  The maps (which were issued July 9), are forecasting an increase in heat with normal precipitation through this period.  This would be good as it ‘feels like’ we are behind in crop development….

What’s going on in my fields?

• Baring the fields that were caught in Sunday’s hail event, much of the corn crop looks good overall.  However, most all fields in the area have spots of reduced stand from erosion, waterholes, etc., from the spring rains. Much of the corn crop is in the V13-V16 stage to almost VT, this is slightly behind last year.   From V10-VT, corn gains a new color every 50 GDU’s, or about every other day.  During last week’s cooler temps, it was taking three day for a new leaf to emerge.  Many fields will begin tasseling the end of this week, with most fields reaching full tassel mid-next week.  Majority of tasseling will occur from July 12-20th, which is behind last year by a few days.
• Kernels per row began around V12 and is continuing through and up to tassel stage
• Nitrogen needs will continue to grow through tasseling and into early reproductive stages.  Nitrogen uptake in corn is very rapid now through tassel (up to 4-8 lbs per day).  As we have discussed in the past, today’s hybrids use nitrogen later in the growing season and into the reproductive phases.  You will want to keep that last shot of N available for after tasseling….40-50#.  Due to the increased rainfall this spring and into June/July, it is safe to assume that some N leaching occurred on the sandy soils.  Keep this in mind as you determine your final N applications.  Overall color, however, looks very good throughout the area….
• We are now into the rapid growth and accumulation of dry matter by the plant.  The window for brittle snap is still open over the next 5-10 days.
• Under field conditions, pollen shed usually occurs in the late morning and early evenings.
• Pollen shed will extend for one to two weeks, but if field is uniform in plant emergence and height, pollen shed is 80% complete in 5-7 days from full tassel emergence….this will take place next week for most fields.  Expect some unevenness in tasseling/silk emergence in most fields due to the spring rains moving crop residue around and slowing emergence.
• At tassel, vegetative development is now complete; maximum plant height and root depth is achieved.
• VT overlaps with R1 (silking stage) when visible silks appear before the tassel is fully emerged.  By definition, growth stage R1 (Abendroth et al., 2011) for an individual ear is defined when a single silk strand is visible from the tip of the husk. An entire field is defined as being at growth stage R1 when silks are visible on at least 50 % of the plants. This whole field definition for growth stage R1 is synonymous with the term “mid-silk”.
• A captured pollen grain takes about 24 hours to grow down the silk to the ovule for fertilization.
• Peak pollen shed usually occurs in mid-morning.   Some research indicates that pollen shed decreases after temperatures surpass 86F.   A second “flush” of pollen often occurs in late afternoon or evening as temperatures cool.   Pollen shed may occur throughout most of the day under relatively cool, cloudy conditions….. Crop Focus – Corn Pollination Success
• Weather conditions influence pollen shed.  If the anthers are wet, the pores will not open and pollen will not be released.   Thus, on an average summer morning following a heavy evening dew, pollen shed will not begin until the dew dries and the anther pores open.  Similarly, pollen is not shed during rainy conditions.   Cool, humid temperatures delay pollen shed, while hot, dry conditions hasten pollen shed.
• Generally 2-3 days are required for all silks on a single ear to be exposed and pollinated, with the silks on the butt of the ear emerging first.  The silks will grow from 1-1.5 inches each day and will continue to elongate until fertilized.  If not pollinated, silk elongation stops about 10 days after silk emergence due to senescence of the silk tissue. Unusually long silks can be a diagnostic symptom that the ear was not successfully pollinated.
• Silk emergence and growth is dependent upon turgid pressure within the plant, in other words how much water is available in the plant to cover all of its needs.   If this is limited, (ie. dryland, low-gallon wells, etc.) silk emergence will be slowed and delayed with potential to miss the pollen shed.   Under severe water stress conditions pollen shed will still take place like normal, however, silks can be delayed, which means potential for poor pollination.
• It takes approximately 55-60 days from silking (R1) to physiological maturity.  So if a field is silking on July 15^th, it will need until September 15^th to reach maturity, given average weather.  Current 6-10 and 8-14 day forecasts call for above normal temperatures, which should give us a GDD accumulation of 25-30 GDU’s per day.
• High nighttime temperatures (ie. any stress) begin to play a role in final yield during grain-fill as this causes the plant to work harder to maintain both yield and overall plant health, thereby lowering potential final yield.

Corn Leaf Disease/Fungicide

• The next four to six weeks will be critical for disease infestations and fungicide applications.  The weather conditions experienced so far this year has increased the likelihood of seeing higher incidence of disease for the 2024 crop.  Keep in mind that if we continue to see cool temperatures and wet conditions, potential disease outbreaks will increase exponentially.  We will also see a wider range of different diseases.
• Begin scouting now and through the next few weeks for disease infestations.  So far, leaf disease load in area cornfields is very low, mainly bacterial leaf streak, however, we have seen some Northern Corn Leaf Blight lesions and, with the wet conditions, we are starting to see the first Common Rust show up.
• We are not seeing any Tar Spot in the area, however it has been confirmed in the counties just east of us.  So, we expect that we will see some lesions moving forward.  Hybrid tolerance is first line of defense with a fungicide giving added protection.  We will keep you posted on this disease if we find it….   See slides below:
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• If you are planning on only one fungicide application, the best timing for this application is after pollination, as the crop is working the hardest at this time and has the highest demand for energy.  We want to protect as much of the leaf surface as possible in this time frame, which is from pollination and the two weeks after.   Corn on corn acres are always a good place to start with fungicide applications.
• While any hybrid can have a response to foliar fungicides, hybrids such as P05466, P0622, P0924, P0908, P0995, P1185, P1278, P1366, P13050, P14830, & P1563 are hybrids to focus on first for higher probability of response from foliar fungicides, especially if gray leaf spot infestations are high…..2024 Corn Fungicide Management Guide ….This attachment is a list of Pioneer hybrids and their potential response to a fungicide application for Gray Leaf Spot and Norther Corn Leaf Blight.  The chart also shows staygreen and stalk strength ratings for each hybrid.   This chart can help with fungicide management decisions.  Highly recommended to fungicide corn with current weather conditions….
• See attachments on disease and fungicide management – Maximizing Foliar Fungicide in Corn
• Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Corn Diseases     This attachment shows efficacy and posted residuals by active ingredient.

Water Management

2024 has seen above normal rainfall from planting up to now….in many cases 200% above normal.  This means that we have excellent soil moisture profiles into pollination, which is a real positive to the dryland and limited irrigation acre.

Below are some key water management tips to keep in mind:

• The greatest yield loss from moisture stress occurs in the period two weeks prior to two weeks after pollination.  For the next two weeks, the corn crop will be at its peak water usage, with ET rates of .30+ inches per day – higher when temps are in the mid-90’s and higher yet when combined with low humidity….lower under cool and cloudy conditions.
• ET rates over the past two weeks have been average…. .20-.25/day depending upon temperatures, etc.  However, we are reaching peak water use in corn, and with the potential higher temps forecasted out two weeks, it will be important to stay on top of overall water needs by the crop.
• At present, we are seeing fairly good root depth according to the soil moisture probes….sandier soils are 20-32″, very similar to last year, and heavy soils are 28-40+” (average) depending upon plant date, conditions and soil type.  Remember that maximum plant height and root depth are achieved once the plant tassels.

Insect Update

Just beginning to see Western Bean Cutworm egg masses in sandy fields.  They are just getting flying.  Keep these tips in mind over the next few weeks:

• To scout for this insect, check the sandier fields first and look on the upper side of the leaf for a white, or purple, egg mass.  These will be found on the upper 1/3 of the plant.
• We again have pheromone moth traps located west of Elgin.   Current numbers are slowing trending upwards, but too early to tell how heavy the flight will be.
• Treat when the fields are 95% tasseled.  Use high rates (5-6oz) of a Capture-like product to give you 3-4 weeks of residual control.
• WBC are attracted to those fields that are closest to tasseling, so this means the later planted and later silking fields have the highest potential for infestations.  Cool conditions will delay and extend their flight, so what may appear low numbers now can pickup in two weeks, which is why we recommend the extra residual.
• Once a field has been tasseled, any egg masses that hatch will see the larvae move straight to the ear tip, so treatment soon after tasseling is critical.
• AML versions of Pioneer hybrids offer control of WBC/Corn earworm.  No need to treat these hybrids for WBC – these include P0622AML, P0908AML, P1122AML, P12904AML, P1366AML, P14830AML, P1563AML, & P2042AML.

Corn Rootworm

Adult beetle emergence is also beginning right now, and will continue over the next few weeks.  Monitor your continuous corn acres for adult beetle populations to:

• prevent high numbers interfering with pollination through silk-clipping.  Males emerge first and this is what we are mainly seeing right now.
• help with rootworm control in your continuous corn acres.  Strongly recommended to use Steward insecticide (by FMC) for control of adult beetle populations to help with next year’s control of rootworm.  This product has shown excellent results for both kill and residual, which can be upwards of 30 days.  As far as timing for control, it is best to wait until there are pregnant females present.

Grasshoppers….seeing very small grasshoppers in many sandy fields.  Numbers are low and defoliation is very minor….

Soybean Development

• Most of the soybeans in our area are at late-R1 (Beg flower) to late-R2 (Full flower).  I would not be surprised to see early R3 (pod set) on some fields end of next week.   Most fields are finally coming around and growing.
• Soybeans should be nodulating heavily at this stage.   At the beginning of the reproductive stage, soybeans will still put on 50% of their vegetative growth.
• Crop water use in soybeans starts to increase rapidly at full flower, peaks at R3 and will stay high through R6, or full seed  Flower stage is usually the time when the soybean plant begins to pull from the deeper root zones….we see this happening on the soil moisture probes in the area.  Heavy soil moisture profiles are full enough that very limited irrigation will be needed on soybeans through July, unless temps turn off hot.  Sandy soils will need monitoring during the upcoming heat and will need a shot of irrigation to keep growth moving.
• We continue to see a yield response from a fungicide application in soybeans, either at R1/R2 for white mold (applications of which should be on or going on) and/or a later R3 (pod set) stage of growth.  Environmental conditions over the next two months will determine disease incidence and overall level of disease infestation.  Just a reminder, keep an eye out for Frogeye Leaf Spot  in soybeans as not all fungicides control this disease.  This disease is normally not an issue in our area and many varieties have very good tolerance to this disease.  See attachment for more info on this disease….Frogeye Leaf Spot in Soybeans
• Recent weather conditions have increased the potential for White Mold.   If current weather trends continue into August, expect White Mold outbreak to be as high as a year ago.    For White mold management see attachment:  Managing White Mold in Soybeans
• The below picture shows precipitation and temperatures for the past 30 days.  This year has HIGH potential for white mold outbreak….every bit as heavy as we saw in 2023 or worse.  Highly recommended to apply a fungicide for white mold to most acres.  Apply Viatude, Aproach, or Delaro for best control…really, only control….for white mold….

Thank you for your business!!   Please let us know any questions or concerns you may have!!

Starman Seed Service, Inc.