by Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension
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In years past, we have had April temperatures that cause corn seedlings to start to grow and then temperatures plummet. When this happens, we often lose some plants within our corn stands. The wet cool weather has been a challenge but we should have plenty of moisture to take advantage of our fertilizer applications made to our forages. If we warm rapidly, we should obtain good yields of forage.
Growers should be scouting fields for alfalfa weevil. We are accumulating enough growing degree days for this pest to start feeding. Black cutworm traps are set out state wide watching for movement of this pest. Extension and 4-H Clubs have trapping locations in Andrew, Buchanan and Holt counties.
Winter wheat looks good with the snow and rains we have had over the winter. A few areas in fields have been lost to standing water. Also, winter heaving has caused loss of plants. Watch winter wheat fields for aphids and contact us if you have questions about recommendations. Often, aphid damage occurs in the fall and spreads viruses. If you are considering fungicide applications on winter wheat, the application timing that has the greatest impact on yield is around the time the flag leaf emerges.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.