If you follow the chart there are some inexpensive alternatives that provide ideal management of Powdery Mildew. The key differences seem to be in the control of rust. Older triazoles in general seem to do very good on the PM while lacking in the rust area. The strobularins and newer triazoles seem to be reliable for rust management.
Del Voight
Senior Extension Agent – Penn State Extension
Manure is a fertilizer and even application is essential to ensuring even crop emergence and even mineralization as the season progresses. A typical manure analysis varies greatly however it is not uncommon to have P and K values in that are quite high range so if you soil test into the heavy strips as illustrated an inaccurate test and management inputs could be severely off. Here is a video illustrating how dramatic the manure application can be in one case study.
ARDrone Manure video
Del Voight- Penn State Extension
Currently there are some fields that are entering GS 6 in wheat today in fact it is possible we had some wheat going into this phase prior to freeze out in December. You will note some key principles in identifying the stages. If you feel the stem at the base and slide your finger up the stem you will note a joint that is enlarged this is the first inter node. Once this is formed the GS stage 6 is formed. There are some key things to be looking for at this stage. The low hanging fruit is controlling weeds. For most products you have until GS 7 to make this application. Not sure what weeds you have in the field? I find the Early Spring weeds of No till the best reference for this time of year. Here is a copy. Early Spring Weeds of No Till If the wheat is this far along one might be considering additional nitrogen for it is at this stage that peak uptake of N occurs during this GS 6 and GS9 stage(source AG DWEEB)
Also inspect plants for powdery mildew
as this field condition might lead to further infection and a fungicide may be warranted at this stage PARTICULARLY on varieties that are not tolerant of the disease. If you decide to apply a fungicide utilize the included reference to determine the most economical product and ensure it has activity on both Septoria and Powdery Mildew. Dry weather can halt powdery mildew growth and typically wet weather brings on the Septoria disease so consider the forecast as well. The addition of Palisade EC (it does have a WARNING label so protect your eyes and wear proper safety equipment) a recent growth regulator might be beneficial as well to prevent excessive growth and the ideal timing for this application once in GS 6 is in play. Here is the label discussion on timing. Single application: Apply Palisade EC from Feekes growth stage 4 (pseudostem erection) through Feekes growth stage 7 (node formation). Apply before Feekes 8 (when the last leaf is visible). Split application: Make the first application at Feekes 4-5 and a second application at Feekes 7. Apply no more than 14.4 fl oz/A total. Split application in barley: Make the fi rst application at Feekes 4-6 and a second application at Feekes 7-8. Use the higher rate when 1) varieties are prone to lodging, or 2) the crop is intensively managed.
So there is alot to consider once the plant enters this growth period. We have numerous references to assist in any of these decisions in the Agronomy Guide.
Here is a picture of the developing head of wheat indicating GS6. This is critical stage and an assessment of the recent freezing temperatures will require an inspection of this head to ensure it has not been affected by low temperatures.
Finally, Wisconsin Extension has this handy guide similar to our Penn State Guide but in color and includes a little timing detail for key pests.
Introduction:
Winter’s Impact on Pests- Del Voight Senior Extension Educator- Penn State Extension
We have had above normal temperatures this season and our heat unit records reflect that information. In fact in just looking at recent notes it appears for some crops like alfalfa we are almost 2 weeks ahead of the normal. The above graph is some data I collect comparing 2014 a cooler season vs 2017. As the crop develops this should allow us to harvest earlier this season. Typically alfalfa is taken at about 700 heat units and we currently have about 278 heat units (MArch 23 2017) in 2014 this same time we had only 98 heat units on the same day. Weevils will begin to feed at about 250 heat units base 48 we have about 137 as of today so they likely will emerge early as well to begin feeding so scouting will need to be on the planned actions earlier than normal. I have been recieving calls about how this winter will affect pests. Many pests are impacted by winter’s climate conditions. For the most part, fungus spores are highly resistant to winter conditions but are sensitive to tillage much more than certain weeds and insects. A large amount of insect mortality occurs in winter. Insects perish due to cold temperatures and natural diseases that attack them while they are in the resting stage. Grubs for example, over winter as larvae and many are killed by a pathogen that infects their outer skin, which desiccates the body. Some insects which normally over winter in surface residue (leaves, corn stalks, etc.) and soil many times don’t locate themselves deep enough to survive winter and normally will be killed
by cold temperatures. This winter, being mild (?) to date, may cause an increase in the amount of insects that over winter and may bring increased insect pressure next season. On the other hand if the mild weather forced some insects to start growth and the weather turns sharply cold many insects will perish. A lot depends on the temperatures in February, the particular insect, and if snowfall occurs. Snow insulates the soil and will lessen the mortality of insects. For example, Flea Beetle populations will be elevated when February temperatures are mild.
Insect hatches usually occur when the host (preferred food of the insect) is present. If the host is not present in enough quantity to support the insects when they hatch then the insect will die. This is why crop rotation is critical because by rotating the crop (corn, soybean) the insect life cycle is broken and the insect population plummets. For example, the most effective root worm (severe insect pest in corn) control in corn is to rotate to soybeans to break the life cycle. Another example is the recommendation to wait 12 days after killing a field infested with
chickweed or any other spring weed to allow the insects time to die before planting corn to avoid damage to the corn stand. Once the food source is eliminated the cutworms die.
Many species of insects like root worms, and grubs lay eggs in late summer. Last summer the drought certainly impacted the moisture in the soil where the eggs were deposited and may have caused a condition where the eggs desiccated (dried out) and populations could be lower. At this point, it is difficult to tell whether insects are going to be a problem in the summer of 2000 due to the mild winter (so far). One can bet that certain fields will be infested with insects for other reason besides weather such as rotation and tillage system impacts. Entomologists are expecting large populations of brown marmorated stink bugs and soybean aphids. It is wise to begin planning now to manage these pests. Seed treatments in combination with post emergence applications of pyrethroids may prove useful in manageing these pests next season.
The major impact on weeds from winter weather conditions is the competitiveness of winter annuals on perennial crops such as alfalfa and winter annual crops such as winter wheat. This fall was mild and chickweed and henbit populations thrived with ample moisture and cool temperatures. If the winter remains mild wheat and alfalfa fields may need to be sprayed sooner than normal. Wheat growers should be assessing stands before tillering (February) to determine whether a treatment is needed to ensure weeds will not prevent tillering space. In addition, alfalfa fields should be assessed in early March to determine a need for treatment. By understanding the behavior and requirements of pests more effective pest management programs may be developed to lesson our reliance on pesticides and ensure adequate control of pests. One source to keep up with the progression is the PAPIPE website. http://pa-pipe.zedxinc.com/map/ . This site is extremely useful in keeping a track on heat and impact on pest activity within your area. The Extension office has fact sheets detailing pests. If you have an unknown insect, disease or weed or just want more information about a pest please visit or call me at the Lebanon Extension Office.
Del V0ight – Penn State Extension
Prior to this snow I was asked to field diagnose an issue in Atlantic Barley. Symptoms were visual and I collected specimens for analysis. A pattern did not present itself and it was not confined to an area. After collecting samples I took them to SEAREC for analysis. Suspected BYDV and have sent tissue to the disease lab to confirm. Low pH could also be at play so I will collect 2 inch samples and use a Cornell pH kit to rule that out.
pH in top 2 inch is fine
Del Voight – Penn State Extension
Folks
I misplaced my I.D had to find out that to order RFID tags. If you lose yours here is some useful info.
Del Voight
Here is the write up for the current working being explored for the DC Soybeans trials.
DC Soybean after wheat
Here is the link if you are interested in participating int he national wheat contest.
National Wheat Contest