Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist
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The results from the Graves-Chapple Farm demonstrate the value of a non-host crop to reduce soybean cyst nematode pest levels. This local demonstration has been running since 2004. Results from the demonstration indicate that high cyst numbers are significantly reduced over time when cropped with continuous corn.
The demonstration uses permanently marked areas to sample and track nematode changes. Each year, crops are planted across these points so the influence of cropping on soybean cyst levels can be measured.
The impact of non-host crops was greatest in areas that had the highest cyst numbers. Plots lower levels of cysts decreased slowly compared to high numbers. All plots continue to have some level of cyst nematode and we hope we can continue to track changes.
Growers using crop rotations to reduce cyst numbers should also consider the impact winter annuals have on cyst numbers. Research from Indiana indicates that henbit is a strong host of cyst nematode whereas field pennycress is a moderate host. This also was important to our results at the Graves-Chapple Farm. We use atrazine at the maximum labeled rate as a tank-mix partner for our weed control in the continuous corn. This reduces henbit and field pennycress to very low levels. Our demonstration was kept clean of winter annuals which also contributed to reducing cyst levels.
For those fields with high numbers of soybean cyst nematode, growers should consider both the impact of non-host crops and influence of weeds on cyst numbers. Also, increase in demand from corn may also help growers consider where they may want to plant corn use this as an opportunity to reduce this pest.
For more information contact Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.
The annual Missouri Corn Growers Association and the Missouri Soybean Association will jointly hold a special informative meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 27 with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and program starting at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Ramada Inn in St. Joseph, and all soybean and corn growers are invited to attend.
The meeting will start with Tom Brown, Chief of State for Congressmen Graves, providing local growers an update of what is happening in Washington and implications for local growers.
Next, the Food and Ag Policy Institute (FAPRI) of the University of Missouri will provide an update on the Farm Bill. There are a lot of questions regarding new program and Brent Carpenter, research analyst, will provide the latest information on policy and its impact for growers.
Gary Clark, Missouri Corn Growers, will provide an update on the corn association and followed by Dr. Pat Guinan, Associate Professor Climatology, will address the weather outlook for the Midwest 2009 growing season. He will discuss what the weather models are showing for the US growing season and analysis of what we can look forward to.
Fertilizer inputs costs have risen and Mark Nordwald, Cargill, will discuss what is happening in the world market and its impact on local fertilizer supplies, demand and costs.
The afternoon will start with a grain marketing outlook from Rob Nordmeyer, Cargill. The grain price volatility and impact of the world financial situation on grain will be discussed.
The session will end with JP Dunn, Missouri Soybean Association, providing an update to growers regarding the association. The meeting will conclude by 2:30 p.m.
For more information, contact your association grower’s district representatives: BJ Bailey at 660-446-2913 or Sam Creed at 660-686-2294 with Corn Growers Association or Steve Alexander at 660-778-3834 with the Missouri Soybean Association.