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Winter Wheat Disease Update: Leaf Diseases and FHB on the Increase
Winter wheat fields scouted last week show an increase in fungal leaf diseases and bacterial leaf streak. Among the fungal diseases, the most common leaf diseases are tan spot, Stagonospora leaf blotch, and stripe rust. The risk for Fusarium head blight has also started to increase in a number of areas in the state.
Buying or Selling Oats for a Cover Crop? Be Sure to Follow the Rules
As a challenging 2019 row crop planting season wraps up in South Dakota, many producers are looking to plant cover crops on unplanted acres. One popular cool-season grass cover crop is oats. Most oats in South Dakota are grown as certified varieties, and it is important to be aware of the legal ramifications behind purchasing oat seed for use as a cover crop.
Planting Considerations for a Late Spring
Farm fields in some areas are unusually wet this year with many low areas under water. These conditions will make planting a challenge for farmers this year.
Bacterial Leaf Blight Developing in Winter Wheat
Recent winter wheat scouting found bacterial leaf blight developing in some fields. Bacterial leaf blight is caused by the bacteria, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. The disease develops under frequent rains between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
2017-2018 Multi-State Organic Oat Variety Trial Results
The tight production margins currently present in agriculture have increased interest in growing organic oats.
South Dakota Land Use Trends (2012-2017)
Significant education efforts for natural resource conservation have occurred in South Dakota during the last five years. Many stakeholder groups have brought awareness for soil health and water quality to the forefront.
Spring Wheat 2019: A Repeat of Last Year?
The spring of 2019 has been cold and wet in many areas of South Dakota, similar to the spring of 2018. In 2018, despite the challenging weather, spring wheat acres were up 8% from 2017. However, planted acres in 2019 may be reduced as the extended weather forecast shows unfavorable planting conditions extending well into May.
Late Plant Crop Insurance Dates
Crop insurance late plant dates are fast approaching for planting small grains in South Dakota. Late plant dates for corn, soybean, and sunflower are nearing as well. Producers will want to work with their crop insurance agent to explore planting options and reporting of prevent plant areas.
Instinct HL and Nitrogen Management Effect on Winter Wheat Yield
Nitrogen (N) additives to control N losses through volatilization, denitrification, and leaching are widely used in the Midwest. Slowing the conversion of nitrogen fertilizers to nitrate may lessen leaching and denitrification losses if precipitation or soil becomes saturated.
Monitor Alfalfa for Cutworm Activity
During the spring, there are a lot of insects to scout for in alfalfa. One pest group that should be focused on right now are cutworms. There are a couple of cutworm species that are active earlier in the season than others.