Research Update (December 2, 2019)

Research Update (December 2, 2019)

Diligence Technologies Inc., West Tennessee

EVENTS FROM THE PAST MONTH:

2019 harvest season is finally complete.  If you believe the saying that in a good year you finish up by Halloween and in a tough year you hope to get done by Thanksgiving, then this must have been a “typical” year as we completed harvest right between the two.  The fast start to harvest season was slowed by frequent showers and a few mechanical difficulties, but it is now in the books and everyone should have reports in hand.  As always, we have a few winter trials to look after and maintenance to perform, but for the most part we are looking forward to the warmth and comfort of the greenhouse. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

When field work slows down, meeting season kicks off and this year appears to be no exception.  Look for us at the following meetings this winter:

NCWSS (Dec. 10-13, Columbus, OH)

NAICC (Jan. 22-25, San Antonio, TX)

SWSS (Jan. 27-29, Biloxi, MS)

Cotton & Rice Conference (Jan. 30-31, Memphis, TN)

Grain Conference (Feb. 6, Dyersburg, TN)

TN Ag Production Association (Feb. 12, Jackson, TN)

Cotton Focus (Feb. 13, Jackson, TN)

RTWG (Feb. 24-27, Orange Beach, AL)

Gin Show (Feb. 28-29, Memphis, TN)

WSSA (Mar. 2-5, Maui, HI)

GREENHOUSE ACTIVITIES:

The greenhouse season is “officially” underway with our first round of research trials now off and running.  At this point in the season, we still have plenty of time conduct your trials before spring and several of our newly renovated greenhouse benches open for your use.  Now is a great time let us know what projects you are considering, and we will put the plans in motion.

Weed control and crop phytotoxicity trials have been the first order of business this season.  This comes as no surprise as they tend to be a greenhouse staple.  However, we will likely be moving into some other areas (insects, turf, etc.) soon.  With the flexibility a greenhouse provides, we are constantly amazed variety of projects we seem to encounter each winter.  Feel free to add to the fun.

WEATHER INFO:

We have had a little of everything weather-wise lately (rain, cold, warm, sunny) which really means about “normal” I suppose.  A hot, dry September gave way to a cold, wet October and November leaving very little of the typical fall that we often enjoy.  There have been enough breaks in the rain to get some harvesting done and winter wheat planted, but it seems most of the work this fall has occurred in quick burst of activity.  Like I said, “normal”.  In any case we should have plenty of wheat for spring trials when you get your plans in order.

PEST INFO:

Things are relatively quiet right now when it comes to pests.  We should have plenty of winter weeds for winter and spring burndown trials.  Otherwise, most of the pests we are dealing with are the ones we “manufacture” in the greenhouse.

We at Diligence Technologies are blessed that you have chosen to work with us again this season.  Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to support the industry that provides the food and fiber we all need.  We wish you and your families the very best as we all take time this month to remember the birth of Jesus.

Proverbs 12:24

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