Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension
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The heat stress has impacted soybean yields even with rains that have occurred. Fields are showing some pods being dropped in response to heat.
Soybean aphid development has slowed with the heat along with other pests. Aphids have dropped below economic thresholds in most areas and we need to continue to monitor fields. If temperatures cool, then aphids could increase.
Other insect pests of soybean have declined. Bean leaf beetle numbers seem low and stink bug injury continues to be below threshold.
One insect pest we need to watch for is spider mites. This insect has been increasing in numbers so continue to scout fields. Hopefully, soybeans will finish their seed fill before problems occur.
The white flies we are finding in soybeans are sweet potato white fly. The high numbers have growers concerned if this is an insect pest that can hurt their crop. This insect is harmless compared to other species of white fly.
Wind damage to corn will slow harvest this fall. Some of the worst injury has corn stalks laying flat. Much of the corn has the root system pulled up and plants leaning. Also, lower stalks are bent lying over. Green-snapped corn will immediately dry and die with broken stalks. Most fields are leaning and are not broken below the ear. However, I am sure there some exceptions.
Replanted corn has been impacted from the heat and dry conditions.
Yields will be impacted. Early planted corn looks good but the yellow areas on side slopes of fields are from nitrogen deficiency and these areas will have yield reductions.
Potato leaf hopper continues to stunt alfalfa. Growers have commented on how well controlling this pest has help alfalfa grow for the next cutting.
Lots of CRP hay has been baled this summer. If you feed this hay, be careful not to introduce weeds into your pastures and lots. Some weeds introduced become difficult to eradicate.
Corn grain stored in grain bins should be checked. There is a lot of insect activity in stored grain especially corn. If you have an infestation, you may want to get it moved.
Now is the time to prepare for fall seeding of alfalfa. A good time to seed is the first two weeks of September. There will be a lot of re-seeding from stand losses from the spring freeze.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary, at 660-446-3724.