By Liz Stahl and Jeff Coulter

Growers are finding high populations of volunteer corn in their fields this spring.  Factors likely contributing to this include lodging in many fields last fall due to poor stalk quality and drought conditions, and higher harvest losses due to low grain moisture at harvest.  Other factors that can lead to high populations of volunteer corn the following year include storm damage and ear droppage.  The question arises:  When are populations of volunteer corn high enough to warrant control?  

Daniel Kaiser
Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

Dry fall and early spring soils have led to questions about starter fertilizer application this spring.  While that planting with starter in a dry seedbed can significantly increase the risks, the overall effect will not be known until after planting.  Assessing the situation after emergence will be the best way to determine if damage has occurred due to "pop-up" fertilizer application.  With some corn already planted and fertilizer decisions made there are a few key points to remember when dealing with starter fertilizers.

Daniel Kaiser and John Lamb

Soil Fertility Extension Specialists

The snow is gone and summer is here? The change in weather this spring has allowed for earlier field work to begin. Questions that come to mind include what kind of tillage should I do and do these condition affect me nitrogen management program for corn.

Learn how conservation tillage can save soil, time, fuel -- and money.

University of Minnesota Extension will host the seventh annual Conservation Tillage Conference and tradeshow Feb. 7 and 8, at the International Event Center in Rochester, MN.

The day-and-a-half-long conference will provide practical, how-to information on nearly every aspect of conservation tillage. Learn how conservation tillage can save soil, time, fuel -- and money. Besides saving valuable soil resources, conservation tillage has been proven to save $25-45/ac in tillage costs. And that's not including your time.

The day-and-a-half-long conference will provide practical, how-to information on nearly every aspect of conservation tillage.

"Whether you are an experienced steward looking to fine-tune what you are doing, a crop consultant who helps growers, or a novice looking to get your feet wet, you should put this conference on your calendar now," says Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Minnesota Extension tillage specialist and conference coordinator.

Experts from the University of Minnesota, neighboring states will present the results of extensive research comparing tillage systems, including strip tillage. In addition, experienced conservation tillage farmers will answer questions and provide management tips.

Conference topics include:

• Precision Ag solutions


• Weed species shift and control


• Nutrient management in high residue systems


• Strip intercropping management


• Soil health with reduced till systems


• Vendor Sessions: Learn about new equipment, cover crops and technology

The popular "Farmer Panel" will be back again, offering practical insights and management tips from experienced northern strip tillers and ridge tillers.

Also back is "Beer & Bull," your chance to pick the brains of other farmers, consultants and researchers in a relaxed, informal setting.

The conference will open with a provocative keynote speech from Robert Recker: "Yield, Profitability, and Sustainability: Where to go from here?" Bob is the owner of Cedar Valley Innovation and a retired John Deere engineer, researching strip intercropping. He studies corn growth on a row by row basis trying to unlock the secrets of using technology and the sun to farm smarter.

The Conservation Tillage Conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 7th, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 8th. The tradeshow will be open both days.

The registration fee is $150 per person, which includes nine continuing education units (CEUs). An early bird fee of $120 per person is offered for those registering by Jan. 25, 2012.

More information, including schedules, maps, contacts and exhibitor registration is available at www.TillageConference.com. Or contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes at 320-815-4112 or dejon003@umn.edu.

By Jennifer Obst, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, 612-625-4741

A comprehensive comparison of most crop varieties grown in Minnesota is now available in print and electronic forms. Minnesota Varietal Trials 2012, published by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, provides the results of the 2011 University of Minnesota evaluation of more than 1000 individual entries of plant varieties.

Now is the time to develop a plan and take control of herbicide-resistant weeds before they take control of you. Due to the long-term exposure to glyphosate in the corn and soybean cropping system, we are now in a situation where the probability of finding a glyphosate-resistant giant or common ragweed or waterhemp is high.

 

By Daniel Kaiser
Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

U of M Nutrient Management Website

A new nutrient management website has been launched that houses most of the current fertilizer suggestions and data from the University of Minnesota. This website was made possible by funding from the Minnesota Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council and was put together through a joint effort for several researchers from the University of Minnesota who's research focuses on nutrient management issues for several crops growth throughout the state of Minnesota.  We would like to thank the AFREC program because without them this effort would not have been possible

Northern Minnesota Soybean Growers (and our neighbors in the Dakotas) have the opportunity to attend a wide range of Variety and Research Plot tours the first week of September. The attached flyer lists ALL the upcoming plot tours for summer-fall. Next up, are the . . .

written by Dr. Jeff Stachler, Weed Scientist, UMN and NDSU

Scouting fields for weeds throughout the growing season is extremely important to maintaining herbicide effectiveness and planning for future weed control decisions. Scout fields now and at harvest to determine the effectiveness of this season's weed control practices. If weeds are present now, determine why they are present. If weeds are present due to herbicide resistance, then weed control and cropping practices must be different next season and beyond.

What does soil quality mean? Why is it so important? How do we measure it and how can we impact soil quality with our management practices? Hear experts from the University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, and the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service address these questions and more at the "Soil Quality Workshop". This program will be held at two locations: Monday, September 12 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, and Tuesday, September 13 at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca. Each workshop will start with check-in at 8:00, with the program running from 8:30 to 4:30. This program is sponsored by U of MN Extension, The Ohio State University, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.

By Dean Malvick

Goss's leaf blight and wilt of corn is a damaging disease that is new to Minnesota and has caused problems in fields over the past two years.  The weather conditions this summer may favor development of this disease again.  It was reported from two fields in southern MN in the past week, and it may be starting to develop in many fields.  This is a disease to watch for across Minnesota. If you see infected plants, please send infected leaf samples for a new research study as described below.

By Lizabeth Stahl

Hear the latest University of Minnesota research and information on strip tillage and see strip-tillage equipment in action through field demonstrations at the 2011 "Minnesota Strip Till Expo" on Friday, August 5th, at the College and University Center in Owatonna. This event will run, rain or shine, from 9:00 to 3:30, with registration and Exhibits starting at 8:30. Admission to the Expo is free and food will be available for purchase on-site. This program is brought to you by U of MN Extension and Riverland Community College.

By Daniel Kaiser
Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

As the growing season moves forward more questions have occurred about what products to use in side-dress situations. While nitrogen is on the minds of many, sulfur deficiencies are starting to be seen in fields as well. Applying the right product in the right situation at the correct time can be crucial in order to maintain yields and minimize damage to growing plants.

By: Daniel Kaiser and Jeffrey Coulter
University of Minnesota Extension Specialists

With all of the flooded soils and wet fields there likely are questions on denitrification and whether side-dress nitrogen (N) should be applied. The fact is that it can be difficult to predict the amount of N lost. However, two things should be considered when dealing with denitrification:

By Jeff Stachler, Jeff Gunsolus and Rich Zollinger

Waterhemp is an annual weed species in the pigweed family that is capable of producing greater than 1 million seeds per plant and due to a limited number of effective herbicides, especially in sugarbeet and soybean, is difficult to control compared to most weed species.  In addition to the production of large quantities of seeds, continual germination throughout the growing season and an increased frequency of herbicide-resistant biotypes adds to the degree of difficulty in keeping this weed species under control.  The good news is that the longevity of waterhemp seeds in the seedbank is relatively short compared to most species (1 to 12% survival after 4 years), meaning complete control (zero seed production) of all plants over a three to four year time period should significantly reduce the waterhemp seed bank densities, allowing the farmer to take control of this difficult weed problem.

U of M Conservation Tillage Conference in Fergus Falls, Feb. 9-10
By Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Extension Educator, Crops

Learn how conservation tillage can save soil, time, fuel -- and money.

University of Minnesota Extension will host the seventh annual Conservation Tillage Conference and tradeshow Feb. 9 and 10, at Bigwood Event Center, 921 Western Avenue, Fergus Falls, Minn., just off U.S. Interstate 94.

The day-and-a-half-long conference will provide practical, how-to information on nearly every aspect of conservation tillage.

"Whether you are an experienced steward looking to fine-tune what you are doing, a crop consultant who helps growers, or a novice looking to get your feet wet, you should put this conference on your calendar now," says Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Minnesota Extension tillage specialist and conference coordinator.

Experts from the University of Minnesota, neighboring states and Canada will present the results of extensive research comparing tillage systems, including strip tillage. In addition, experienced conservation tillage farmers will answer questions and provide management tips.

Conference topics include:
•Matching tillage systems with soil types
•Weed species shift and control
•Nutrient management in high residue systems
•Residue breakdown strategies
•Tractor efficiency and traction
•Introduction to vertical tillage.

New at this year's conference:
•Stump the Tillage Specialists: Question tillage experts from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin;
•Vendor Sessions: Learn about new equipment and technology.

The popular "Farmer Panel" will be back again, offering practical insights and management tips from experienced northern strip tillers and ridge tillers.

Also back is "Beer & Bull," your chance to pick the brains of other farmers, consultants and researchers in a relaxed, informal setting.

The conference will open with a provocative keynote speech from Bruce Vincent: "With vision, there is hope." Vincent is a third generation logger from Libby, Montana. "During the past 20 years, he has given motivational speeches throughout the U.S. and the world on how to educate consumers about agriculture in a truthful and balanced way," DeJong-Hughes says.

The Conservation Tillage Conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 9th, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 10th. The tradeshow will be open on Feb. 9 only.

The registration fee is $140 per person, which includes nine continuing education units (CEUs). An early bird fee of $115 per person is offered for those registering by Jan. 31, 2011.

More information, including schedules, maps, contacts and exhibitor registration is available at www.TillageConference.com. Or contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes at 507-337-2800 or dejon003@umn.edu.

U of M Conservation Tillage Conference in Fergus Falls, Feb. 9-10

Learn how conservation tillage can save soil, time, fuel -- and money.

University of Minnesota Extension will host the seventh annual Conservation Tillage Conference and tradeshow Feb. 9 and 10, at Bigwood Event Center, 921 Western Avenue, Fergus Falls, Minn., just off U.S. Interstate 94.

The day-and-a-half-long conference will provide practical, how-to information on nearly every aspect of conservation tillage.

"Whether you are an experienced steward looking to fine-tune what you are doing, a crop consultant who helps growers, or a novice looking to get your feet wet, you should put this conference on your calendar now," says Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Minnesota Extension tillage specialist and conference coordinator.

Experts from the University of Minnesota, neighboring states and Canada will present the results of extensive research comparing tillage systems, including strip tillage. In addition, experienced conservation tillage farmers will answer questions and provide management tips.

Conference topics include:
•Matching tillage systems with soil types
•Weed species shift and control
•Nutrient management in high residue systems
•Residue breakdown strategies
•Tractor efficiency and traction
•Introduction to vertical tillage.

New at this year's conference:
•Stump the Tillage Specialists: Question tillage experts from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin;
•Vendor Sessions: Learn about new equipment and technology.

The popular "Farmer Panel" will be back again, offering practical insights and management tips from experienced northern strip tillers and ridge tillers.

Also back is "Beer & Bull," your chance to pick the brains of other farmers, consultants and researchers in a relaxed, informal setting.

The conference will open with a provocative keynote speech from Bruce Vincent: "With vision, there is hope." Vincent is a third generation logger from Libby, Montana. "During the past 20 years, he has given motivational speeches throughout the U.S. and the world on how to educate consumers about agriculture in a truthful and balanced way," DeJong-Hughes says.

The Conservation Tillage Conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 9th, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 10th. The tradeshow will be open on Feb. 9 only.

The registration fee is $140 per person, which includes nine continuing education units (CEUs). An early bird fee of $115 per person is offered for those registering by Jan. 31, 2011.

More information, including schedules, maps, contacts and exhibitor registration is available at www.TillageConference.com. Or contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes at 507-337-2800 or dejon003@umn.edu.

University of Minnesota Extension Announces
Southern Minnesota Corn College, December 17th, 2010 at South Central College in North Mankato

Plan to attend the Corn College December 17th at South Central College in North Mankato. This program, sponsored by University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and South Central College, will run from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and consists of a series of in-depth and hands-on concurrent sessions.

Each attendee can customize their program by selecting the sessions that best meet their needs. For a complete list of sessions and to register by mail, please see the brochure at: http://z.umn.edu/corncollege. Online registration is available at: http://www.regonline.com/CornCollege.
Cost to attend the program is $40 if preregistered and $50 at the door. Preregistration is recommended as class and lab space is limited.

Individual sessions will address a wide array of topics in pest management, crops and soils, grain storage and economics, and nutrient management.

Jeff Gunsolus, U of MN Weed Scientist, will cover picking the right herbicide for the right weed at the right time. Dean Malvick, U of MN Plant Pathologist, will host a lab on corn diseases and their management. Ken Ostlie, U of MN Entomologist, will address performance, options, and choices to consider when selecting transgenic insect traits.

Jeff Coulter, U of MN Corn Agronomist, will lead a lab on corn staging, stand establishment, and the impact of stress on crop yield. John Lamb, U of MN Soil Scientist, will run a hands-on computer lab exercise using the NRCS web soil survey.

Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension Engineer, will lead a lecture on key features to consider when selecting a grain drying and management system. In addition, he will provide recommended storage management strategies to maintain grain quality during short and long-term storage. Dave Bau, U of MN Ag Business Management Educator, will demonstrate using a spreadsheet to calculate your personalized 2011 corn break-even price.

Dan Kaiser, U of MN Soil Fertility Specialist, will conduct a hands-on lab demonstration on corn nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. Jeff Vetsch, U of MN Southern Research and Outreach Center Soil Scientist, will demonstrate different planter attachments and fertilizer delivery system options to improve corn yields.

Sessions are FIRST COME FIRST SERVED, so REGISTER NOW!

Details
Location: South Central College in North Mankato
Date and Time: Registration 8:00 - 8:30, program from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM December 17th, 2010
Cost: $40 if Pre-registered by 12/10/10 via mail or 12/14/10 via online, or $50 at the door

A link to the brochure: http://z.umn.edu/corncollege

A link to Registration: http://www.regonline.com/CornCollege

In case of inclement weather, please contact the Farm Information Line at 1-800-232-9077.

For more information via the phone, contact the Worthington Regional Extension Office at 1-888-241-4635

By Jeffrey L. Gunsolus, Extension Agronomist-Weed Science

An early corn and soybean harvest and good weather conditions are keeping the window of opportunity open for fall dandelion control this year.  Fall is an excellent time to target several herbaceous perennials including: alfalfa, Canada thistle and dandelion.  A fall application is more effective than a spring application because systemic herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, Express, Basis and Synchrony tend to accumulate in greater amounts in a perennial plant's roots or rhizomes after a fall application.  Movement to the below ground roots and rhizome buds increases herbicide effectiveness and possibly decreases winter hardiness of the plant. 

By David MacDonald

Different plant stresses above and beyond those of soil fertility, moisture holding capacity, and drainage that are usually emphasized at harvest can also restrict the productivity of crops. One of those stresses that has the potential to be present in every farm field is created by the feeding and other activities of plant nematodes. Autumn is the preferred time to collect soil samples for plant nematode analysis. Justification for the previous statement and additional information about plant nematodes are provided in the following paragraphs.

By Daniel Kaiser
Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

With the recent flooding or late season hail there may be questions on whether a credit can be taken from soybeans not harvested for the next year's crop. Soybeans are a high protein crop which means they can contain a large amount of nitrogen. Average vaules of nitrogen removed in soybean grain are reported at around 3.8 lbs of N per bushel (Source IPNI) for a total of 190 lbs of N in a 50 bu/ac soybean crop. In comparison corn grain would remove about 0.90 lbs of N per bushel and a total of 180 lbs of N in a 200 bu/ac crop.  Can all of this nitrogen be counted on if the soybeans cannot be harvested and are plowed under if they cannot be harvested?  

By Gyles Randall
Southern Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota

Nitrogen management practices for corn have become a popular discussion topic lately among growers, dealers, and crop advisors. Record June-July rainfall (16.25" at Waseca) placed intense pressure on N availability for corn, resulting in considerable acreage of lighter green to yellowish green corn in southern Minnesota. This appearance indicates a shortage of N; likely due to denitrification losses of N from the saturated soils during June and July. Scenarios where N losses and N-deficient corn were most apparent include: 1) corn following corn, 2) fall-applied N, and 3) poorly to very poorly drained soils. Based on previous research, applying an additional 50 to 60 lb N/A, especially in the fall, under these "high N loss" conditions would not have been sufficient to meet the N demand of this year's corn.

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.

By Jeff Gunsolus

This week I have received several inquires about the presence and potential impact of volunteer soybean in corn and cost-effective control procedures.  The scenario of volunteer soybean in corn is a fairly recent phenomenon due to the wide-spread use of the glyphosate-resistant technology in corn and soybean.  As a result, to my knowledge, data on corn yield loss potential as a function of volunteer soybean density is not available.  However, I do know of one NDSU study conducted by Dr. Richard Zollinger that does evaluate several herbicide options to control volunteer soybean in corn. You can find a general summary titled Control of Volunteer Roundup Ready Crops at:

http://z.umn.edu/ndweedguide and click on Weed Control Ratings.

By Dean Malvick,  Department of Plant Pathology

 

Early planting and warm weather in April, followed by an extended period of cool, wet weather and frost in May has created stress for corn seedlings throughout much of Minnesota.  As of May 9, 94% of the corn in Minnesota was planted and 32% had emerged (compared to the 5 year averages of 64% planted and 9% emerged).   While the stress of the cool conditions and frost may only set back the corn slightly, it could also set up a situation for seedling disease in some areas.  Keep in mind that many factors other than disease result in poor stands, reduced growth, and low vigor.  In most years and in most fields, seedling diseases are a minor problem, but this year they may be more common than usual.  

By: Daniel Kaiser
University of Minnesota Soil Fertility Extension Specialist

With spring almost upon us there have been questions regarding sulfur application for corn for the upcoming year.  Our current Minnesota recommendations focus on sulfur application to sandy soils that are low in organic matter.  This is mainly due to the fact that sulfate-sulfur is mobile and may leach out of the soil, and that the organic matter is a large storehouse of sulfur and through mineralization this sulfur can become available for uptake in plants.  In the past sulfur was added through atmospheric deposition, applied (but not accounted for) with other nutrients in some commercial fertilizer sources, and in animal manures.  Over time most of these indirect additions have lessened and it is reasonable to assume that there may be deficiencies showing up more prevalent today then in the past.  However, a large research focus has been placed on determining how widespread this problem is and if only certain soils or regions in the area are impacted by potential sulfur deficiencies.  While much of our research is ongoing we have tried to identify key areas to look for in the upcoming cropping year.    

U of M hosts Conservation Tillage Conference in Morton

University of Minnesota Extension will host the sixth annual Conservation Tillage Conference and tradeshow Jan. 27th and 28th, 2010, at Jackpot Junction, 39375 County Hwy. 24, Morton.

Conserve soil, time and fuel with conservation tillage. This conference will send you home with hands-on, how-to information in nearly every aspect of conservation tillage. Whether you are an experienced steward looking to fine-tune what you are doing, a crop consultant who helps growers, or a novice looking to get his feet wet, put this conference on your calendar now.

This year includes several of the leading industry and University researchers in the Northern Corn Belt. This 2-day conference and tradeshow will offer a full range of topics including:
¨ Weed species shift and control
¨ Crop production in no-till
¨ Soil physical characteristics and nutrient availability
¨ Government policy concerning reduced tillage
¨ Benefits and challenges of reduced tillage
¨ Corn nematode management
¨ Seed treatments and fungicide

The University of Minnesota and neighboring states have conducted extensive research comparing tillage systems, including strip tillage. In addition to the research-based presentations, a panel of experienced conservation tillage farmers will provide management tips and answer questions.

The program is packed with valuable information you won't want to miss. So make this year's Conservation Tillage Conference a must-attend session. The conference runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 27, and from 8 a.m. to 12:15 Jan. 28.

The registration fee is $125 per person, which includes continuing education units (CEUs). An early bird fee of $100 per person is offered for those paying by Jan 8, 2010.

More information, including schedules, maps, contacts and exhibitor registration is available at www.tillageconference.com.

Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Extension crops educator
phone: (507) 337-2816
email: dejon003@umn.edu

Ryan Miller, Extension crops educator
phone: (507) 529-2759
email: mill0869@umn.edu

 

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.

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.

By Ken Ostlie and Bruce Potter

Reports of spider mite infestations continue from both soybean and corn, particularly from areas with prolonged drought.  Even if you've received rain recently, check for mite activity along field edges to determine if you've got a building problem.  You may need to factor spider mites into a soybean aphid spray decision.

The article is available on the web at: http://swroc.cfans.umn.edu/SWMNPEST/09publications/spidermite.pdf.

Well so much for the relatively arthropod pest- free growing season.

 

 

In 2008 University of Minnesota Extension launched an on farm research project evaluating continuous corn production under a series of different tillage systems on six farms across Minnesota. For the sake of brevity this article will only address one site in Southeastern Minnesota that is located near Faribault.

The tillage systems studied include a conventional moldboard plow system, a chisel plow system representing a traditional conservation tillage, and strip till as a higher residue conservation tillage system.

Glyphosate-resistant biotypes of giant and common ragweed and common waterhemp have been confirmed in Minnesota and are listed on the International Survey of Resistant Weeds web site at: http://www.weedscience.org/in.asp Both species appear to be resistant to approximately four-times the labeled use rate of glyphosate (4X).

In the short time frame presented to us during the growing season, separating glyphosate nonperformance due to resistant weed biotypes from other factors is an inexact and qualitative process but a quick response could help reduce the spread of glyphosate resistant weeds and set-up long-term management plans.

Large populations of volunteer corn are being reported in some fields in Minnesota this year. What impact the volunteer corn will have on this year’s crop yield and the viable management options available will depend upon in which crop the volunteer corn is present. Making the assumptions that the majority of the volunteer corn present is glyphosate resistant and that glyphosate resistant crops were planted in the field this year, your only management option in corn at this time is cultivation. In soybean you have the herbicide options of the ACCase inhibiting herbicides such as: Select Max (clethodim), Fusilade DX (fluazifop-P), Fusion (fluazifop-P & fenoxaprop) and Assure II (quizalofop); note Poast Plus (sethoxydim) is not as active as the other herbicides on volunteer corn. The ACCase inhibiting herbicides are generally targeted on 12- to 24-inch tall volunteer corn. The ALS herbicide, Raptor can also effectively control smaller (2 to 8 inch) volunteer corn.

Jeff Coulter, Extension Corn Agronomist

As of May 10, approximately 81% of Minnesota's corn had been planted and 11% had emerged. However, corn planting in many parts of the Red River Valley has been limited due to wet soil conditions, leading to questions about agronomic decisions for late-planted corn that are addressed below.

Jeff Coulter, Extension Corn Agronomist

In the past few years, the use of foliar fungicide on corn has gained considerable attention. In 2008, with generous support from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and BASF, research was conducted in southern Minnesota at Lamberton and Waseca to determine how planting date impacted corn response to foliar fungicide. In these trials, corn followed soybean at 32,400 plants per acre, and the hybrid was DKC52-59. At both locations, there was little to no foliar disease at the time of fungicide application. The same was true at the early dent stage, regardless of whether fungicide was used. Nonetheless, yield was generally 3 to 4% (5 to 6 bushels per acre) higher when fungicide was applied, regardless of planting date or location (Figures 1 and 2). The exception was the early planting date at Waseca, where foliar fungicide resulted in a 6% yield increase (Figure 1). However, these numerical yield increases were not statistically significant, even at the 10% probability level. In other words, additional replication is needed in order to ensure that these differences are actually due to the treatments imposed, rather than random variability in soil productivity from one plot to the next.

Jeff Coulter, Extension Corn Agronomist

Field work just around the corner, and now is the time to re-evaluate agronomic decisions related to corn planting. With support from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and others, we have been able to conduct a number of trials to determine how corn yield responds to plant population for various situations in Minnesota.

Jeff Coulter, Extension Corn Agronomist

With narrow profit margins, it is critical for dairy producers to re-evaluate agronomic practices such as planting date, plant population, and row width for corn silage production. From 1997 to 2002, corn silage planting date trials were conducted by the University of Wisconsin near Lancaster, WI, which is at similar latitude as Rochester, MN. Averaged across years, silage quality (milk per ton) was within 1% of the maximum with planting dates between April 15 and May 17. Milk per acre, however, which is a function of both milk per ton and silage dry matter yield, was within 1% of the maximum in these trials with planting dates between April 21 and May 6.