First hollow stem update - March 31, 2025
As of March 31, all wheat varieties at the K-State South Central Experiment Field have reached first hollow stem. Producers in north central and northwest Kansas should monitor their dual-purpose wheat fields closely as they have likely not reached this stage of development yet.
Now is the time to check fields for wheat viruses
It's the time of year when wheat viruses are rearing their ugly heads in Kansas. Several wheat viruses are showing signs of activity this spring. Now is a good time to scout fields and note any yellowing. This article reviews some key facts about wheat viruses and sample submission guidelines for the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.
Brown wheat mite activity in western Kansas
Reports of brown wheat mite activity have come in from southwest and southcentral Kansas recently, and the climate outlook for the region is likely to favor continued issues with this pest. Learn how to scout for this pest and the best ways to control or suppress mite activity.
Soybean planting date and maturity group selection
Historically, there has been a trend of planting soybeans early, before corn in some cases. Soybeans can be planted over a wide range of dates with adequate soil moisture conditions, although germination and emergence could be reduced and/or delayed when the soil is less than 60 degrees F.
Soybean row spacing and seeding rates: What works best in Kansas?
Seed cost is a critical economic factor, and selecting the proper soybean seeding rate is a key management practice. This article reviews key factors in determining optimal soybean seeding rates for different yield environments and considerations for optimal row spacing.
Improve weed control by combining residual herbicides with varying water solubility
Applying multiple residual herbicides is a recommended practice, with combinations generally designed for effectiveness on the range of weed species in the field. One factor that may be overlooked when selecting herbicide combinations is the water solubility of the herbicides.
Using drones for early season field scouting
The advancement of precision agriculture technology, such as drones, can provide an efficient solution for early-season field scouting. In contrast to traditional scouting, drone scouting can be less time-consuming, have more thorough field coverage, and be less labor intensive.
Pre-season irrigation checklist: Maximize efficiency and minimize issues
Giving your irrigation system a thorough check-up and tune-up this spring can lead to more effective water application and fewer breakdowns or problems during the heart of the irrigation season. This article offers a checklist to perform to potentially save energy and cost this growing season.
How likely is a late spring freeze in Kansas?
What is the probability of a late freeze event in Kansas this spring? The article explores the chances of a freeze event after April for many locations across the nine climate divisions in Kansas. Currently, soil temperatures are running a little above normal, but colder weather is coming this weekend.