Research Update (December 3, 2018)

Research Update (December 3, 2018)

 Diligence Technologies Inc., West Tennessee

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Meeting season is officially underway as we head to Milwaukee for the NCWSS meeting with many more meetings to come in early 2019.  Let us know where you plan to be and we will make it a point catch up.

North Central Weed Science Society, DEC 3-6, Milwaukee, WI

NAICC, JAN 16-19, Savannah, GA

Cotton & Rice Conference, JAN 30-FEB 1, Baton Rouge, LA

Southern Weed Science Society, FEB 3-6, Oklahoma City, OK

Tennessee Ag Production Association, FEB 20, Jackson, TN

Mid-South Farm & Gin Show, MAR 1-2, Memphis, TN

CROPPING SEASONS:
The 2018 harvest started off in good shape with most plots coming out of the field a little bit earlier than normal aided by the warm summer that accelerated crop maturity.  However, things came to halt as frequent October and November showers made it difficult to get equipment into the fields.  Corn harvest was not impacted and we were very fortunate to finish cotton harvest just prior to the rains starting.  Like many of the growers in the area, we were not able to finish off soybeans prior to the wet weather and harvest of the remaining soybean plots was delayed by several weeks.  We did finally get a small harvest window just prior to Thanksgiving that allowed us to finish off harvest for this season.

Winter wheat has also suffered from frequent showers that made wheat planting difficult.  We did manage to get our wheat planted, but wet ground and cold temperatures have resulted in a crop off to slow start.

GREENHOUSE ACTIVITIES:
 
As temperatures drop, the heated greenhouse becomes an evermore appealing option.  Annual start-up maintenance is complete and we currently have ample space to add your greenhouse projects.  Let us know how we can help you continue to generate the data you need through the winter months.
 

WEATHER INFO:

Cold and wet has been the story for most of November making it difficult to do much of anything in the field.  We have managed to harvest our last soybean trials, plant wheat, and spray fall burndown trials but none of it has been particularly easy as we struggled to find locations dry enough for most any field activity.  We are very thankful that we have been able to keep our fall projects moving under difficult conditions.

 

PEST INFO: 

It seems that we see a lot of same weeds germinating each fall, but the species that dominates the landscape varies with the weather.  Last fall, henbit was everywhere.  While we still have henbit this season, we are seeing a lot more cutleaf eveningprimrose and pennycress than normal.  If you happen to be targeting either of these species this winter or next spring, we have you covered.

THANKS:

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to those who helped make 2018 such a successful year at Diligence Technologies.  We are grateful for the customers and friends (those are mostly the same people by the way) that trusted us with their research needs.  We hope that you and your families have a blessed Christmas season.
 

Proverbs 10:4

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

 

 

Research Update (November 5, 2018)

Research Update (November 5, 2018)

 

Diligence Technologies Inc., West Tennessee

EVENTS FROM THE PAST MONTH:

Most of the annual meeting season is still in front of us, but we did enjoy visiting with friends at the Small Plot Equipment Field Day on October 25 at the Agricenter.  If you have missed it in the past, make sure to put it on your calendar for next year.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Be sure to look us up at the winter meetings.  Over the next few months we plan to attend:

North Central Weed Science Society, DEC 3-6, Milwaukee, WI
Cotton & Rice Conference, JAN 10-12, Memphis, TN
NAICC, JAN 16-19, Savannah, GA
Southern Weed Science Society, FEB 3-6, Oklahoma City, OK

We will be adding several more local and regional meetings to the list as winter gets closer.

CROPPING SEASONS:

We are making pretty good progress on finishing off trials from the summer.  While we did have some rainy periods that slowed harvest, we have managed to finish off all the corn and cotton trials.  We are making slow but sure progress on the soybean trials as weather permits.

Wheat planting is underway and we still have a bit of a window for planting if you need to slide in a trial this season.  As always, we will be planting some extra wheat for those trials you have not thought of yet.

We are also in the process of establishing a few winter weed control trials.  November is an excellent time to start this type of trial if you have the need.


GREENHOUSE ACTIVITIES:

We spent a few of our rainy days this fall doing a bit of cleaning and getting ready for greenhouse trials.  We are now up and running, so take advantage of our heated greenhouse space for your winter projects.


WEATHER INFO:
 
Harvest season has been a bit of a "start and stop" process with more rain than we usually see in October.  Temperatures remained warm well into October and then dropped suddenly.  We saw about a 20 degree drop in temperature from one day to next and summer was gone.  No gradual decline or "up and down" variations that we often get in the fall.  A few more dry days and we should be able to finish off the 2018 harvest.

PEST INFO:
 
Winter weeds (henbit, pennycress, chickweed, etc.) seem to be off to a good start this fall.  This should make for some good fall and spring burndown trials if you are looking for a spot.  Otherwise, pest issues seem to be pretty minor as we head into winter.

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.

Research Update (June 4, 2018)

Research Update (June 4, 2018)

Diligence Technologies Inc., West Tennessee

EVENTS FROM THE PAST MONTH:

Rain has been the main topic of discussion over the past month.  Frequent rains have delayed field work for long stretches and interrupted many otherwise productive days.  We will be in a scramble to catch up when we get a little break in the weather.


UPCOMING EVENTS:

The University of Tennessee weed tour will be held in Jackson on June 20.  Dr. Larry Steckle always does a excellent job, so we look forward to seeing you there.


CROPPING SEASONS:

Between rain showers, we have had just enough time to get our yielded trials (corn, cotton, and soybeans) in the ground (including a few re-plants).  Corn disease trials were planted intentionally late to enhance disease pressure and are still young at this point.  Soybean disease trial should be planted this week.  However, we are way behind on everything else.  Much of our weed control and insecticide work is just getting started.


WEATHER INFO:

Did I mention that it has been wet?  Additionally, summer seemed to start a little early this year with above normal temperatures in May.  We apparently decided to skip spring this year and go straight from winter to summer.  Nothing more fun than a spray suit when it is hot and humid.


PEST INFO:

The positive side of the May rains is that the preemergence applications we have made so far have generally had good rain for activation.  However, the pre's are running out and it is difficult to make timely follow-up applications on the escapes.

The most common weed control issue this spring has been yellow nutsedge.  When the rain comes down nutsedge comes up and it has made an appearance in a big way this spring.  We are currently fighting it in every crop we grow (with various success rates).


As always, we look forward to seeing you around the farm this summer.  Let us know if anything comes up that we can help with.


Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business?  He shall stand before kings…

Research Update (May 7, 2018)

Research Update (May 7, 2018)

 
Diligence Technologies Inc., West Tennessee
 
The 2018 season is off to a good start with corn and cotton going into the ground.  As usual, we are moving a little slower than we would like as we get things done between rain showers.  However, I will only complain so much as it still easier to work with too much rain than too little. 

CROPPING SEASONS:

Our early yielded corn trials are in off to a good start.  We generally wait a bit later to plant corn disease trials as this tends to enhance the disease pressure.  Several corn weed control trials are underway with more to come depending on the protocol.

Cotton planting has just started with more trials to come.  Most of the cotton work is still in front of us at this point.

Winter wheat continues to progress and mature.  I would anticipate wheat harvest to begin about mid-June at this point.

GREENHOUSE ACTIVITIES:

Another winter of greenhouse testing is in the books as we turn our attention to entirely to field trials.  Many thanks to those that sent us greenhouse trials over the past winter.  It is nice to have something productive to do in the cold months.

WEATHER INFO:
 
April weather has been "typical".  Of course in April, typical means a little bit of everything.  We have had several nice, warm days that make you want to be outside mixed in with the cold, wet days where we just stare out the window.  Field work has been slowed by the occasional spring shower, and it seems like there have only been a few days each week suitable for field work.  Nothing really unusual for April.
 

PEST INFO:
 
I have noticed that aphid populations this spring have been a little heavier in our wheat aphid trials than in some previous years.  Do not have a good explanation, but we will take it.


We look forward to seeing you around the farm this spring as we get another year underway.  Please let us know if you have additional projects to work on.  We are always glad to help.
 

Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness.

 

Research Update (April 2, 2018)

Research Update (April 2, 2018)

Diligence Technologies Inc., West Tennessee

 
March was a month of transition as we began to spend more time out in the fields and preparing for the upcoming season.  It can also be one of our most difficult times in terms of dealing with the weather and this past month was no exception.  However, the gloomy days do provide some time to line out the paperwork for another season (or at least get started).  Planning for the upcoming research season is in full force and we look forward to including your trials.  Please let us know what we can do for you.
 
 
EVENTS FROM THE PAST MONTH:

Meeting season for the winter ended with the Southeastern Branch ESA meeting in Orlando in early March.  While it was nice to enjoy the warm weather in Orlando, it is something of a relief to get off the road and concentrate upcoming year.

CROPPING SEASONS:

Wheat was our big focus for March.  The wheat crop seems to have tolerated the winter well and is beginning to show real signs of growth fueled by the occasional warm periods we have experienced.  Maintenance applications have been made where needed and spring fertilizer has been applied.  Lots of wheat data (tiller counts, aphid counts, NDVI measurements, etc.) was taken and alleys mowed as we got going in the field once again.
 
The time for wheat fungicide applications will be here soon.  As usual, we have planted some extra wheat that can be used for testing foliar fungicides or fertility products.  Let us know if you have a need for any wheat trials this spring.

 
We can also have some spots remaining for late burndown trials, so contact us if you have the need.
 
April marks the "real" beginning of the spring season with corn planting.  Weather permitting, we usually begin planting corn around the second week of April and try to have all our yielded trials planted by the end of month.  We have several trials scheduled to start soon, but we still have some corn ground available if you need it.  Just let us know.
 
  GREENHOUSE ACTIVITIES:

Greenhouse activities are beginning to slow down as we attempt to wrap up our remaining trials over the coming month.  Many thanks to all of those that kept us busy over the winter.  It is nice to have something useful to do when it is cold outside.

 
WEATHER INFO:

The temperature has been highly variable (nothing new for March in Tennessee) and the ground has been soggy.  The frequent rains have made field work and site preparation difficult.  On the brighter side, we should be going into the season with excellent soil moisture and I will make the bold prediction that we will wish for some of that moisture come July and August.

 

PEST INFO:

Our normal assortment of winter annuals are present in the field which is great for burndown trials and something to get cleaned up everywhere else.

Wheat aphids were generally light last fall and the trend stayed pretty much the same through mid-March.  However, we began to notice increased wheat aphid numbers as we entered the last half of March which may mean better counts in the aphid trials (and a few additional sprays on all the other wheat).

As we enter a new cropping season, we hope you will allow us the opportunity of work with you on trial needs for this year.  Please contact us if we can be of service.

Proverbs 12:27

… the substance of the diligent man is precious.

 

 

 

 

Research Update (March 2, 2018)

 

Research Update (March 2, 2018)

 
Diligence Technologies Inc., West Tennessee

Diligence Technologies now has an eye in the sky.  Beginning this season, drone photos of your trails can be arranged using our new DJI Mavic Pro.  Let us give you a demonstration next time you are in the neighborhood.
 

EVENTS FROM THE PAST MONTH:

Meeting season is quickly drawing to a close.  The past month included the Tennessee Ag Production Association, Cotton Focus (both in Jackson) and the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show (Memphis).

This meeting season comes to a close with the Southeastern Branch ESA meeting in Orlando (March 4-7).

We are once again thankful for the time spent renewing friendships and beginning plans for the coming year. 

CROPPING SEASONS:

March is the month we begin to come out of hibernation.  Wheat becomes a big focus as we do spring maintenance and lay out trials involving spring applications (fungicides, fertility, etc.).  As usual, we have planted extra wheat that can be used for spring testing, so let us know if need a spot.

March is also the time we begin spraying burndown trials.  We have a variety of sites of choose from, so we can likely find one that will meet your needs.


GREENHOUSE ACTIVITIES:

The greenhouse is a busy place right now.  Many of the early trials have not quite finished and the later trials are just getting started.  We have around two months left before we plan to close down for the season, so let us know if you have any relatively short trials that you would like to squeeze in before we shut it down.  We will do our best to get them done.

WEATHER INFO:
 
Wet is about the only way to describe west Tennessee weather for the past few weeks.  The temperatures have moderated significantly since the long cold period we encountered in December and January, but rain showers have been constant since mid-February.  Any day without rain recently has been considered a welcome break.  Field activities will begin in earnest for the season as soon as things dry out a bit.

PEST INFO: 
Not much has changed on the pest front in the past month.  Winter annuals still dominate the fields so we should be ready for burndown trials.  Otherwise, we are all just getting ready for spring and another interesting year.

We look forward to working with you again this season, so just contact us and let us know what you need.

 

Proverbs 12:24

The hand of the diligent shall bear rule, but the slothful shall be put to forced labor.

Research Update (February 5, 2018)

Research Update (February 5, 2018)

 Diligence Technologies Inc., West Tennessee

EVENTS FROM THE PAST MONTH:

We have been keeping the roads hot over the last month.  We have been from San Antonio (Beltwide Cotton Conf.) to Memphis (Cotton & Rice Conf.) to Tucson (NAICC) to Atlanta (SWSS) to Dyersburg (Grain Conf.).  While the travel is not always fun, it is always enjoyable to see old friends and start planning for a new season.


UPCOMING EVENTS:

The winter meeting season continues into February and March:
 
Tennessee Ag Production Assoc. (FEB 7, Jackson)
Cotton Focus (FEB 8, Jackson)
Gin Show (MAR 2-3, Memphis)
Southeastern Branch ESA (MAR 4-7, Orlando)
 
Let us know where you plan to be.

 

CROPPING SEASONS:

The winter wheat crop remains in good shape in spite of the cold weather we experienced in late December and early January.  We have observed a little burn on the leaf tips and some slight yellowing.  However, we have not seen anything to this point that would be expected to do much long-term damage to the crop.

We still have extra wheat available if you are looking to do some postemergence wheat testing in the spring.  Give us a call and we'll start making plans.

As we begin to thaw out in February, it is also time to start thinking about burndown trials.  We should have plenty of horseweed, henbit, poa, chickweed and other common burndown weeds to choose from.

  

GREENHOUSE ACTIVITIES:

Greenhouse work is in full swing.  If you stop by you may get to see a variety of crops including corn, soybean, cotton, wheat, sunflower, strawberry, and citrus.  We also have a pretty nice collection of weeds if you need to work on your weed ID skills.

One of the great things about doing greenhouse research is the variety projects you encounter.  In addition to the traditional herbicide and insecticide screens, we are involved in seed germination evaluations, fertility trials, and maybe even a few too exotic to discuss.  Keep them coming.  It makes things interesting.

If you are considering any greenhouse projects for this winter, please let us know as soon as possible.  We still may be able to get you some greenhouse data this winter, but the window is beginning to narrow as we move closer to spring.

WEATHER INFO:

Last year, we pretty much skipped winter.  Not so this year.  The winter of 2017-18 has seen some of the longest continuous cold periods that I can recall in quite some time.  As noted above, it is doubtful that wheat has suffered much real damage at this point.  The real danger to wheat occurs after the wheat begins actively growing again in the spring.

One thing you can be sure of is that the colder winter will fuel the debate about the correlation between winter temperatures and insect populations the following year.  There are strong advocates for both arguments as it relates to whether winters in west Tennessee are ever really severe enough to substantially impact insect numbers.  I will leave that one to our more knowledgeable entomologist friends.
 

 

PEST INFO:

Winter annual weeds continue to thrive and we should be in good shape for burndown season.  Just let us know what you are looking for and we will save you a spot.

 

Proverbs 10:4

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.