July 2010 Archives

By Dean Malvick, Department of Plant Pathology, St. Paul.

This growing season has been favorable for development of sudden death syndrome (SDS) in Minnesota. This disease is developing earlier than normal in my research plots in Waseca, and I expect it to become obvious soon in many soybean fields. The earlier it develops the more potential it has to cause significant yield loss. SDS has been spreading and we are requesting help to determine where it occurs in Minnesota. SDS has been concentrated in south central Minnesota in past years, but it could occur almost anywhere in the state. 

Dean Malvick, Department of Plant Pathology, St. Paul

The soybean crop is growing well across most of Minnesota.  As of July 25, 80% of the state's ~7.4 million acres of soybeans was flowering and 25% was setting pods. Most of the soybean crop in Minnesota was rated in good (58%) or excellent (27%) condition.  With the frequent rains this season, however, disease problems are appearing in some fields and others may be brewing.  The leaf diseases downy mildew, bacterial blight, and Septoria brown spot are common now in Minnesota, but fortunately none of these diseases typically cause significant yield reductions.  Many areas in Minnesota have also had favorable conditions for development of Phytophthora root and stem rot, stem canker, white mold, and sudden death syndrome. 

You are invited to a field day located along highway 71 between Olivia and Blomkest on the southeast corner of the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and Kandyohi/Renville county line road. Discussions will focus on recent research on iron deficiency chlorosis and a tour of the research plot at this location. Registration for the event will begin at 9 am with speakers starting at 9:30.

By David Nicolai

The University of Minnesota 2010 Field School for Ag Professionals will be held next week, Tuesday July 20th and Wednesday July 21st at the University of Minnesota SouthWest Research and Outreach Center located near Lamberton, MN. The first day's program will consist of four core disciplines - weed science, soil science, entomology, and a crop growth staging session. The second day's program will consist of current research topics focused on high yield corn and soybean production and pest management. Registration is still available on-line at the Institute for Ag Professionals website until noon on July 19th or in-person at the event in Lamberton.

Authors: Dimitre Mollov and Jennifer Flynn

When crops or plants are not growing well and look diseased or less vigorous than healthy plants, an accurate diagnosis of the problem may be critical to reducing and managing it. The Plant Disease Clinic at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul is open year-round to diagnose crop and plant problems and to assist with other plant testing questions. The Plant Disease Clinic welcomes samples from anyone and offers a wide variety of diagnostic and testing services.

After the recent stretch of rainy weather we are currently in a period of excellent conditions for finalizing postemergence weed control in soybean.  As crop stages progress, postemergence soybean herbicide options decrease due to growth stage or days before harvest restrictions.