Monday, June 4, 2018

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…