Black Layer is the Time to Shut Irrigation Off

Contact: Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist
Headquartered in Barton County
PHONE: 417-682-3579
EMAIL: scheidtjk@missouri.edu

LAMAR, Mo. -- Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Barton County, scouted fields east of I-49 along Hwy. 126 on Aug. 13 for the crop scouting program. Scheidt offers this advice from the field.

CORN

Corn is nearing the black layer stage, or physiological maturity. “Once black layer is reached, irrigation can be turned off,” says Scheidt.

Scheidt observed diplodia ear rot on ears. “Diplodia is identified by grayish-white mold between kernels,” says Scheidt.

According to Laura Sweets, state pathologist with University of Missouri Extension, diplodia ear rot is favored by wet weather just after silking and is more severe when corn is planted following corn.

SOYBEANS

Soybeans are in the 8 trifoliate and beginning seed stages.

“Very little insect activity was seen. Scout for podworms now; podworms pose the biggest threat to double crop beans, scouting should begin in the flowering stage,” says Scheidt.

Threshold levels for podworm in soybean are 1 per foot of row and 5 percent pod damage.

According to Wayne Bailey, state entomologist with University of Missouri Extension, Hero and Mustang Max are the recommended insecticide controls.

A fungicide application to soybeans at the R5 stage, or beginning seed development, will most often result in a yield increase, if disease is present.  Fungicides applied at R6 may result in improved seed quality, this is may not happen every year and will seldom be a yield increase.

MORE INFORMATION

The weekly field scouting report is sponsored by University of Missouri Extension and Barton County Extension. For more information on this scouting report, or to learn how to receive it a week earlier by telephone, contact the MU Extension Center in Barton County, (417) 682-3579.
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