Research Update (March 2, 2020)

Research Update (March 2, 2020)

Diligence Technologies Inc., West Tennessee

Let’s call February the calm before the storm.  We had a little time to relax with the local folks at meetings not too far from away (Dyersburg Grain Conference, TN Ag Production Association, Cotton Focus, Gin Show).  This is one of our favorite stretches in meeting season where the fellowship is great and we can still sleep at home.

Our final big meeting on the calendar is the WSSA.  If you are at this one and we do not already have a meeting scheduled, let me know.  It would be a great time to make plans for the summer.

CROPPING SEASONS:

Field trial season is rapidly approaching and I expect to be spraying burndown trials before the end of the month.  We still have time and space for some additional burndown trials if you have some materials that you are looking to test.  In addition, we still have extra wheat in the field that can be used for postemergence herbicide and foliar fungicide trials.  If you are looking for wheat testing this spring, we need to be putting the finishing touches on those protocols.  Call me and we will make a plan.

GREENHOUSE ACTIVITIES:

We continue to initiate new greenhouse trials and put the finishing touches on some of the early ones.  Herbicide and insecticide trials have been the most common so far (which is not a big surprise as these are greenhouse standards).  It also appears that we will be doing more fertility work before the season is out.  Come by and check out our variety of crops and pests if you are in the neighborhood.  We might even give you a free tomato (one of the perks of working in a heated greenhouse all winter).

 

WEATHER INFO:

Temperatures have been relatively mild for February, but the rain has seemed constant.  We have had only a few glimpses of sunshine between wet and cloudy days.  Very little has been done in the field to this point, but you can count on that to change at the first sign of dryer weather.  Wheat needs to be sprayed and fertilized and burndown will pick up soon.  March is when the world of agriculture comes back to life in Tennessee.

PEST INFO:

There are a few aphids around and winter annual weeds continue to prosper.  Otherwise, most of the pests we encounter are those of our own making in the greenhouse.  Things will pick up as crops go in the ground in April so stay tuned.

As another season approaches, we hope you will again allow Diligence Technologies to be part of your research testing program.  We look forward to another busy year and look forward to seeing you around the farm this summer.

Proverbs 22:29

Seest thou a man diligent in his business?  He shall stand before kings…