Controlling weeds after wheat harvest
The 2024 wheat harvest is well underway, so it is time to think about weed control in wheat stubble. Delaying control can result in lost soil moisture that could be used for crop production and weed seed production, which will cause difficulties in the future. There are two priorities: controlling already emerged weeds and preventing later flushes.
Late-season herbicide applications in corn
Some questions have recently come in regarding herbicide options for corn in later vegetative stages. While early-season weed control is critical to protecting yield potential, in some situations, late-season weed control may be needed to protect yield, prevent harvest difficulties, and reduce additions to the weed seed bank.
Plant analysis for testing nutrient levels in corn
Plant analysis is an excellent in-season "quality control" tool. It can be especially valuable for managing secondary and micronutrients for which high-quality, reliable soil tests are not available and for providing insight into how efficiently the crop is using applied nutrients. Consider adding this agronomic practice to your toolbox.
Wheat harvest: Identifying disease problems and setting harvest priorities
As the wheat harvest in Kansas is in full swing, it's crucial to remember the diseases that can impact grain quality or seed viability. Most disease management decisions have been made by now, but it's not too late to implement strategies to mitigate losses on heavily infected fields.
Update - Tar Spot is now active in four counties in northeast Kansas
Tar spot has been confirmed in several fields spread across four counties in the northeast corner of Kansas. Producers in or near this region need to intensify scouting efforts. Recent rainfall has likely helped promote disease development. Fungicide applications are most effective when done at the proper time and before disease pressure is high.
Fungicide considerations for corn diseases in 2024
We are entering the time window in Kansas when corn producers should be scouting fields and assessing the need for a foliar fungicide application. Several fields in eastern Kansas are approaching the V14-VT (tassel) development stage. This article has information on four different fungal diseases of corn.
World of Weeds - Tumblegrass
This World of Weeds article is focused on tumblegrass. Tumblegrass is a native perennial grass that can become problematic in no-till fields. Don't confuse tumblegrass with tumble windmillgrass highlighted in a previous World of Weeds article. Tumblegrass is found throughout Kansas and control options are limited.
2024 Kansas Corn Yield Contest: Early registration deadline is June 30
Registration is now open for the Kansas and National Corn Yield Contest. Celebrating a remarkable milestone, Kansas Corn joins the National Corn Growers Association in announcing the launch of the 60th annual National Corn Yield Contest. The Kansas Corn Yield Contest partners with the national contest to recognize and award Kansas growers.
Save the date - Sorghum Connection: Maximizing Sorghum Yield
Save the dates for a new series of sorghum programs titled "Sorghum Connection," consisting of field schools and winter meetings across Kansas. Sorghum connection is a collaborative effort between the K-State Department of Plant Pathology, K-State Research and Extension, and the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission. Learn more in this article!