Thursday, March 19, 2015

Research Update (March 19, 2015)


Diligence Technologies, Inc., West Tennessee

Greenhouse

While we have had more than enough cold weather outside, it is always warm and sunny in the greenhouse.  We continue to run various row crop, vegetable, and turf projects.  The greenhouse has turned out to be everyone's favorite place to "hide" this winter as we wait for spring.

We still have room if anyone has some late-winter trials that they are looking to get in before field season.

Cropping Information

Wheat progress has been slow until the past week.  With the arrival of some warmer temperatures and a little sunshine, wheat is finally showing signs of life.  It also gave us the chance to spread some spring nitrogen and do some overdue maintenance sprays.  Wheat is just greening up now, so let us know if you have any remaining wheat work for the spring.

We still have several areas that should be good for burndown trials.  If you have not sent those protocols already, I would do so pretty soon. I anticipate that weed growth in these burndown areas will be pretty rapid from this point on. 

One good note for those running behind finishing up burndown protocols is that horseweed is a bit behind where we have seen it in some previous years.  It appears that most of our horseweed germination is occurring in the spring, so it did not get the early start it has in years with heavy fall germination.

Corn is mostly in the "planning" phase right now.  While we can plant in west Tennessee in late May if the weather permits, it tends to be at risk from a late freeze.  We generally try to target April as our main time for corn planting (particularly for any trial that is going to yield).

Corn protocols, as well as cotton, soybean, and wheat protocols, continue to arrive (and we are thankful for them).  We still have space available and several eager young folks looking for something to work on this summer.

As always, we consider ourselves very blessed that you allow us to be part of your research program.  Please let us know if we can be of service.

Proverbs 27:23-24
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds; for riches are not forever.