Monday, April 2, 2018

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.