Agent Orange in Vietnam

My friend Dr. Ken Olsen has released his study of Agent Orange Residues in Vietnam.  This is a followup to his studies of tunnels in Vietnam.  Agent Orange is made up of 2-4D and 2-4-5T.  Neither chemical is persistent in the environment, but the mixture sprayed in Vietnam did not have toxic dioxin removed.  He has found that the dioxin is still persisting in the environment and in places around some of the airports, the dioxin is still found in very high levels.  I wrote a term paper on Agent Orange for my Weeds Class at U of I, so I am very familiar with the issue. 

Using Dicamba this Growing Season

Last year we gained more experience than we wanted to have on evaluating dicamba damage in soybeans that were not traited for dicamba.  While I do not think that the new label requirements adequately address the volatilization issue, I think they will halp to deal with some of the issues people had with their dicamba applications. 

Dr. Aaron Hagar issued a new bulletin today on dicamba use that is worth a read, especially if yo uare using dicamba. 

Safe time to Spray Dicamba

After a number of inspections of dicamba affected fields, I can offer no good insights as to how to spray dicamba safely.  Prairie Farmer recently published and article on How to Hit Dicamba's Narrow Application Window.  Volitilization and re-volitilizatoin seem to be factors in many of the cases we have looked at.  Temperature inversions must be to blame.  It is easy enough to cover wind speed and buffers, but how do you avoid inversions that are not readily apparent at application time.  The Pocket Spray Smart App may be helpful according to the article above.  The app attempts to predict inversion conditions 72 hours out.  The label for new dicamba formulations are only approved for only one more year, so if you think we need this tool in the weed control box, we need to do a lot better next year.

Dicamba Research Issues Starting to Surface

After many weeks in the denial and back steppping mode by the manufacturers of the new formulations of dicamba, we seem to be getting some information that perhaps Monsanto, BASF and DuPont need to take another look at what they did wrong.  First it looks like they hid behind the veil of corporate secrecy to get their label approvals. It also looks like there was little field testing of the products.  It looked good on paper so lets run with it.  Check out the RPM Soils Facebook Page for links with all the details.  We have been posting there.

Dicamba Damage Heats Up

Dicamba damage is the buzz in agriculture right now.  New formulations were haled as the answer to drift issues with dicamba.  Industry officials are blaming everything except that dicamba is a bad idea.  Prairie Farmer has published a Monsanto Response that seems to be weak in some ways.  Drift is only one problem.  The field below had damage across the whole field.  That is likely caused by inversion.  We have heard that even a heavy dew on recently sprayed fields can cause a problem.

Some commercial applicators have quit using dicamba because of the issues.  If you continue to use it, be sure to follow label and understand that conditions can change quickly.  You may start a field on label and finish off label.  Dicamba residues in the tank have been blamed in some cases.  I am not sure how often that happens.  This article on what is happening in Illinois seems to cover many of the issues very well.  Monsanto claims that used as directed there should be no problems.  I am not sure I would use it at all.

Cupping indicates dicamba damage. 

Flag Your Field

I have been seeing flags in fields.  If you Google "Flag Your Technology" you will see articles on placing flags in your fields to mark the technology your are using.  The idea is to prevent accidental applications that might damage your crops.  No-till Farmer has the biggest listing I could find.

Sprayers

This my last feature on the John Deere tour.  The sprayer below has a 120 foot span.  It is equipped with nozzle bodies like the one below.  The body supports 5 different nozzle types.  The can be changed by switch from the cab.  I saw this demonstrated at Saale Farm and Grain Plot tour.  On a long boom, this must be a huge time saving.  With all the nozzle variation needed for various crop protectant formulations, this is an important feature.  I am not sure how much automatic shutoff control there is on the sprayers I saw.  John Deere was touting their Exact Apply system which controls each nozzle individually.  I have no idea if they are the only ones with this setup.  

120 foot sprayer

Multi Tip Nozzle Body 

Are you using the Right Sprayer Nozzles?

You have probably already used your sprayer this spring, but did you check your nozzles before yo started?  Are you using the correct nozzle for your material.  Nozzle are not expensive, so replace them as needed.  No-Till Farmer posted this article on picking the right sprayer nozzles.

Pesticides in Food

I don't worry about pesticides in food.  To me, contaminants like E. Coli area much bigger worry, but one that can be overcome with good sanitation and cooking.  It turns out, that my confidence is well founded.  Prairie Farmer says that a recent pesticide report is good news for consumers.  Ckick on the link to learn more. 

Weed Control Time

I am surprised when I work in fields where no soil applied residual herbicide  has been used.  Whether you are following up with a post application or trying to kill weeds for the first time this season, now is the time to keep track of what needs sprayed and when.  I know you may want to try to kill everything at once, but that idea may not be appropriate.  Keep in mind that the best time to kill the weeds is when they are 4 inches tall or less.

Can You Save Money on Crop Protection Products?

Much like yesterday's soil fertility question, the answer is maybe.  The first thing to look at is disease resistance.  If you seed is already bought, and it should be, in order to take advantage of discounts, you may past that.  Even if you have seed, know what you have.  For example, is your corn resistant to gray leaf spot?  You can avoid fungicide applications if you panted resistant hybrids. 

Crop rotations are another way to reduce the need for crop protection products.  On average, corn soybean rotations yield better than continuous corn.  Getting a third crop into the rotation is even better.  Especially avoid planting the same crop as last year in fields where you had a lot of insect or disease pressure last year. An example would be to avoid soybeans where you had SDS last year. 


Scouting and integrated pest management will assure that you only use crop protection products when needed.  If you don't have time to scout yourself, a scouting service can be a bargain.

Treated soybean seed pays for itself and then some most of the time.  You could cut it out thinking you used to grow soybeans without treatment, but be sure and think it through.  

I can't finish this entry without saying that cutting rates is not the answer.  The efficacy of many crop protectants depends on applying them at the recommended rate.  If you are going to cheat on the rate, it might be better to just not use the product at all.

With weed resistance and increasing weed pressures, you need to think your program through before cutting back on weed control.  If you start with a soil applied residual herbicide, you may want to scout to see if you can avoid additional applications of post planting products.  

Help for Honey Bees

One of the topics at our CCA convention in December was honey bees.  We hear a lot about neonicotinoids as a cause of honey bee decline, but that is only a piece of the puzzle.  Prairie Farmer released an article today about a USDA program to help farmers promote a healthful Honey Bee population.  Bees are a very necessary part of agricultural production.  Check with your local NRCS office to see if you can help protect honey bees. 

Filter Strips Reduce Atrazine and Metolachlor Pollution

With glyphosate resistance, the need to go back to residual herbicides has become apparent.  The downside of residuals, is that they can get into our surface water.  A recent study in Canada confirms that filter strips reduce Atrazine and Metolachlor pollution.  We thought we knew this, but it is always good to have affirmation.  As we return to residual herbicides, let's not neglect the filter strips.   In addition to the water quality benefit, filter strip are also good for wildlife.      

Thinking Spring?

In 2012 we were two months from serious field work at this time.  We never know when that window will open so now is the time to think about getting ready for spring.  One of the first tools you will likely use is a sprayer.  No matter what kind  of sprayer you have, one of the  most important parts is one of the least expensive.  Know what nozzles you need for the material you are spraying.  Keep drift in mind when making your choice.  Check and replace nozzles frequently.  Cleaning them out with a paper clip is a thing of the past.  Nozzle manufacturers provide a lot of information about their product.  Take advantage of that fact.  July 2013 Prairie Farmer offers additional advice. 

Map adopts emergency measures to control Helicoverpa

By Eduardo Paim:  

 

Due to the severe damage caused to crops by the caterpillar Helicoverpa armigera , the Minister of Agriculture , Livestock and Supply , Antonio Andrade , signed text that establishes guidelines for the integrated management for the control of pests . Ordinance No. 1109 , linked to the 8133 decree was published on Thursday , ( 7:11 ) , in the Official Gazette

As of now , the states that have officially declared a state of emergency in relation to plant caterpillar Helicoverpa have a plan prepared by the suppression Organ State or District Agriculture Defense state . The plan should be based on the concepts and practices of Integrated Pest Management , developed by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation ( Embrapa ) with the participation of representatives from academia , government and manufacturing .

In the opinion of researchers from Embrapa , the growth of Helicoverpa is due to inadequate farming practices , which must follow certain guidelines as fallowing the adoption of shelter areas , destruction of crop residues combined with the controlled use of chemicals , including other practices .

The text signed by Antonio Andrade authorize , on an emergency and temporary import of pesticide products that have the ingredient active substance emamectin benzoate . Properties that use the substance will be accompanied by supervision . " The plan , in addition to establishing the guidelines of a suppression program , authorizing the import of benzoate to be used as an adjuvant in a program of Integrated Management of Prague which aims to control it ." Explained the director of the Department of Plant Pathology , Cósam Coutinho .

History

On 28 October this year , the President of the Republic , Dilma Rousseff signed Decree 8.133 , which authorizes the Minister of Agriculture to establish the control actions needed to face agricultural diseases or pests , when officially declared state of emergency sanitary or phytosanitary , which includes the temporary importation of pesticides not allowed , provided it meets certain technical criteria , including the proven efficiency and not being involved in risks to the environment and public health .

On the last day November 4 , west of Bahia was officially declared a state of emergency in relation to plant pest Helicoverpa armigera . With the announcement , the state government can now define the area of action and adopt management measures through suppression plan

Invasive Honeysuckle

The beautiful fall photo below shows green honesuckle still growing along the edge of the timber.  Honeysuckle is usually the last plant to drop leaves in the winter.  It is an invasive species and spread by birds.  Since almost everything else is dead and the honeysuckle is still alive, now is a good time to treat it with glyphosate.  It will die slowly, but the treatment is effective.  You will likely need to treat for a number of years because there is a lot of seed out there.  This Ohio State University Bulletin offers good guidance.  As with all herbicide use, please read and follow label directions. 

Original Roundup Ready Soybean Patent is Expiring

One of the points of discussion at the field day I went to in West Alton last week was the expiration on the original roundup ready trait patent. The patent is due to expire for the 2015 crop year.  What that means is that farmers will be able to save seed from soybeans that have only the original roundup ready trait.  farmers will also need to make sure that the variety they want to save is not also patented. Why is this important?  Shortly after harvest you will be at least  thinking about next year's seed.  The seed you plant in 2014 could be held for planting if it meets all the other caveats.  The other major consideration is that the seed is to be for personal use only. Buying from neighbors or selling to neighbors will also be prohibited.   The Monsanto website contains all the information you need to consider.  Be sure to read the whole article. 

Killing Weeds

I am not sure what he is using, but my client is having good luck killing some fairly large weeds.  It is easy for the professor or crop consultant to tell you to spray when the weeds are 2 inches tall, but this year's wet weather made it difficult to spray in a timely manner.

Water Hemp

Cocklebur

Marestail

Till? Don't Till?

Corn planting is off to a very late start because of wetness.  How wet is it?  I heard State Climatologist Jim Angel say that we had the 4th wettest April on record.  He said that we had more rain than April, May, June, and July combined last year. 

What problems will this cause?  One of the obvious ones is weeds.  The winter annuals are playing out and the summer annuals are starting to grow.  Some fields are tilled and ready to plant.  A few fields are planted but getting weedy.  The question becomes, "What should we do about the weeds?"  Should you re-till those stale seedbeds?  If you don't have resistant weeds, I would spray and plant.  The firm seedbed should be ideal for excellent seed placement and keeping your planter going about 1.5 inches deep might keep out of some potential wetness.

Another consideration in deciding whether or not to till is your conservation plan.  Extra tillage has the potential to increase your soil loss beyond a tolerable level.  

You will also need to control those weeds in the emerged fields.  Remember that early control is a key to killing the tough weeds such as Palmer amaranth and giant ragweed. As discussed last year, cultivation could help control resistant weeds.  It will also aerate some of the saturated and sealed over soils, but wait till it is dry enough to go.

Aaron Hagar put out a good Bulletin on weed control recently.   

Managing rootworm resistance

Maybe this is not the most timely blog I have ever written but I read this article on managing for rootworm resistance today.  It is probably too late to consider the first two BMP's this year.  I suspect everyone has their seed and knows what they intend to plant.   To summarize their advice:

1. Rotate to soybeans
2. Use traits other than the  Cry3Bb1
3. Use insecticide

This is assuming you are already using refuges in some way. 

One thing that comes to my mind when I read this kind of stuff is that the cornbelt needs some other highly productive crop to mix in with the corn and soybeans to break the disease and insect problems we have.  The genetics especially in corn is amazing, but mixing in addition species would be useful.  We have heard about such crops as canola and edible beans, but there is really nothing with the income potential of corn and soybeans on our highly productive soils in the Midwest.