by Ken Ostlie

Problems with lodging in field corn have been reported across Minnesota.  Goose-necked or falling stalks from a variety of causes can complicate harvest and lengthen harvesting times.  With earlier rainy and snowy weather already delaying harvest, growers can ill afford the surprise of unexpected lodging in their fields.  Occasional damage from corn rootworms in triple-stack corn has also occurred. Now is the time to assess how well fields are standing, adjust harvesting priorities and investigate the causes behind unexpectedly lodged corn.

Registration

By David Nicolai, IAP Coordinator

Due to the late harvest the early discounted registration rate has been extended until November 27th for the Minnesota Crop Pest Managagement Short Course and Minnesota Crop Production Retailers Trade Show set for December 8th through the 10th, 2009 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  The 3-day program starts Tuesday, December 8th with the TSP recertification program and MCPR's plenary session and annual meeting.  On Wednesday, December 9th, the program will continue with pesticide applicator recertification for categories A (Core) and C (Field Crop Pest Management) and the Crop Pest Management Short Course.

You are invited to a conference at the University of Minnesota campus, Dec. 1-2:

Growing the Bioeconomy: Solutions for Sustainability
Dec. 1-2, University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center, St. Paul campus
Hosted by University of Minnesota Extension and the University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment. Cost is $50 per day, $85 for both days.
Program schedule and registration: http://www.extension.umn.edu/biorenewables/

Dean Malvick, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota

Recently there have been numerous reports of "moldy corn" across Minnesota. The late harvest, high moisture corn, and continuing wet conditions have contributed to this problem. At least two main questions should be considered. Are the problems at this point significant ear and kernel rots that are damaging the kernels, or is the problem primarily superficial growth of fungi on the grain surfaces? Both types of fungal growth on corn can cause greater problems with grain quality if the corn is not harvested and dried properly. The current problems with "moldy corn" are still not completely clear, but we can make some general comments on what we have seen and heard so far.