LAMAR, Mo. — Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension, scouted fields along 126 highway, east of 43 highway for the July 7 crop scouting update.
Printed reports are sent out two weeks after the report to allow subscribers to phoned reports the full benefit of their subscriptions. Barton County MU Extension sponsors the field scouting report. For more information on the scouting report, or to learn how to receive the information earlier by telephone, contact the Barton County Extension Center at (417) 682-3579.
CORN REPORT
Corn was in the silking and completed pollination stages.
“Corn looked to have pollinated well, filling all kernels, except for the tips. Once silks turn brown, pollination is complete,” said Scheidt.
To check how well corn pollinated, carefully remove the husk without disturbing the silks. Turn the ear horizontal and shake it; silks that remain attached, have not pollinated and those that detach were connected to a pollinated kernel.
Scheidt observed a few Japanese beetles on the end rows. Threshold for Japanese beetle are 3 or more per ear, clipping green silks to less than one-half inch.
“If pollination is complete or beetles are not further than the edge, Japanese beetle will not cause enough damage to warrant an insecticide treatment,” said Scheidt.
SOYBEAN REPORT
Soybeans were in the 4th trifoliate to beginning bloom stages.
Scheidt observed Japanese beetle, green cloverworm and yellow striped armyworm feeding on foliage.
Threshold for any foliage-feeding insect in soybean is 30% defoliation before bloom and 20% defoliation during or after bloom. Yellow-striped armyworm are primarily foliage feeders and unlikely to cause damage to pods according to University of Florida Extension.
Scheidt observed bacterial blight on lower leaves; it did not appear to be spreading at this time. Bacterial blight occurs during long periods of cool, wet weather. Bacterial blight begins as small angular lesions with a yellow halo.
“Bacterial blight is common and usually doesn’t cause yield damage if most leaves are not affected,” said Scheidt.
— Jill Scheidt, University of Missouri Extension
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