Fielder's Choice Direct

Purple Corn Seedlings

Pat McCord — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:33:00 +0000

Corn plants with purple leaves can often appear in the early growth stages. Phosphorus (P) deficiency in the soil can be a cause for purple corn; however, genetic and environmental factors are more common causes. The effect on yield potential is determined more by the causes of the purpling, not the purpling itself. For more insights – view AgSpotlight – Purple Corn Seedlings

Yellow Corn Seedlings

Pat McCord — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:29:11 +0000

Corn seedlings can have a yellow appearance, especially with cool conditions. Understanding how the corn plant develops can help identify what is likely occurring, what conditions or symptoms for which to scout, and potential management options. For additional insights, view AgSpotlight – Yellow Corn Seedlings

Seedling Diseases in Corn

Pat McCord — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:13:39 +0000

Cool soil conditions (<50 to 55 degrees F) can delay germination and emergence, as well as predispose corn seedlings to disease infection. Seedlings become more susceptible to infection the longer a seed sits in the ground and the more stress germinating corn endures. It is important to scout seedling diseases so that if stands are weak, replanting can occur as soon as feasible. For more details, view AgAlert – Seedling Diseases in Corn

Corn Planting Date – Iowa

Pat McCord — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:28:28 +0000

Rain throughout much of Iowa prevented considerable planting progress during the week ending May 6th. However, most crop reporting districts are at or near the 5-year average as of the week ending May 6th. Shown in the AG SPOTLIGHT are planting progress charts for 2012, 2011 and the 5-year average by crop reporting district. Planting results are the best when local conditions are favorable for germination and early growth. For details, view AgSpotlight – Corn Planting Date – Iowa

Early-Season Bean Leaf Beetle in Soybeans

Pat McCord — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:59:17 +0000

Soybean bean leaf beetles (BLB) may be a threat to soybeans due to the potential for large, overwintered adult populations favored by the mild winter conditions. Early planted fields are at risk from BLB. For management options, view AgAlert – Early Season Bean Leaf Beetle in Soybeans

Average Corn Planting Date by State

Pat McCord — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:17:44 +0000

Rain throughout much of the Midwest prevented considerable planting progress during the week of May 6th. However, most states were ahead of the 5-year average as of the week ending May 6th. Shown in the AG SPOTLIGHT are planting progress charts for 2012, 2011 and the 5-year average by state. Planting results are the best when local conditions are favorable for germination and early growth. For details, view

Average Soybean Planting Date by State

Pat McCord — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:11:13 +0000

Rain and cooler temperatures throughout much of the Midwest prevented considerable soybean planting progress during the week ending May 6th. However, most states were similar to or ahead of the 5-year average as of the week ending May 6th. Shown in the AG SPOTLIGHT are planting progress charts for 2012, 2011 and the 5-year average by state. Planting results are the best when local conditions are favorable for germination and early growth. For details by state, view AgSpotlight – Average Soybean Planting Date by State

Corn Management in Flooded Fields

Pat McCord — Mon, 07 May 2012 07:13:44 +0000

Recent heavy rains have caused flooding in corn fields, which could negatively affect yield potential and cause other problems. Plant survival, potential nitrogen loss and soil crusting should be considered when deciding what management actions to take. For specific recommendations,view AgAlert – Corn Mgt in Flooded Fields

Corn Leafing Out Prior to Emergence Due to Chilling Injury

Pat McCord — Wed, 02 May 2012 05:59:39 +0000

Several factors can work together to result in corn leafing out prior to emergence. Other terms for leafing out include: unfurling, corkscrew, or twisted mesocotyl. Understanding what the most likely cause was, can potentially help in future situations. For more information, view AgSpotlight – Corn Leafing Out Prior to Emergence Due to Chilling Injury

Wireworm in Corn

Pat McCord — Wed, 02 May 2012 05:54:48 +0000

Wireworm larvae attack corn seed and seedlings, below the soil surface, during the early stages of corn growth. By the time wireworm damage is apparent, the economic loss has already occurred. Therefore, rescue treatments are not available for wireworm control. To help determine if wireworms are present in a field, bait sampling traps can be put in fields prior to planting. Insecticide treatments, applied at planting or as seed treatment, are the best option for protection against wireworm in corn. For more details, view AgAlert – Wireworm in Corn