Populations of the white sugarcane aphid are expanding and increasing across the state. We have confirmed the presence of white sugarcane aphid in grain sorghum in 7 counties in Mississippi (Fig 1) and there are likely more. The counties where white sugarcane aphids have been found include Bolivar, Washington, Humphreys, Quitman, Panola, Tunica and Oktibbeha.
This past week we encountered the following situation. A Grower irrigated a silt loam field utilizing a surge valve. When he checked his moisture probes neither the 6” nor the 12” Watermark™ sensor had moved. What’s going on? After careful
In 2013 a new aphid pest called the White Sugarcane Aphid, Melanaphis sacchari, was detected in grain sorghum in 38 counties in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and one county in Mississippi. This species has apparently been around for years but the hosts switch to grain sorghum appears to be new. This pest can be devastating to grain sorghum if populations reach high densities. In fact, some fields have seen 100% yield loss. Another major factor is this aphid is difficult to control with currently labeled products.
The importance of soil moisture sensors is becoming more evident as we continue forward this growing season. Today (Monday, June 16th), we received a call regarding sensor readings that were assessed early this morning. The following are the data discussed in this scenario.
Every year at some point during the season we seem to hit a rainy spell where it seems to rain at some point every day and we have showers widely scattered across the state. It started raining last Wednesday and we have had some rain everyday since then and it is currently raining in Stoneville right now (Monday morning). With that, the questions start about how long you need to spray before a rain to get acceptable control.
The dates for the 2014 Scout Schools have now been set. We will be providing detailed information on identification, biology, thresholds, and management of the major insect and disease pest of Mississippi row crops. These trainings can also be used to renew your insect and disease consultants license and CEU’s for Certified Crop Advisors will be provided at each. The meetings will also serve as In-Service training opportunities for MSU-ES agents as well. These trainings are great for the experienced and the inexperienced.
We have had several calls in recent days as news gets out about the EPA’s recent label changes for neonicotinoid insecticides. The intent is to offer greater protection for pollinators in and around crops where this class of insecticides may be applied. Basically, the new language forbids the use of these products while bees are foraging and until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off the plants. There are a few exceptions if certain criteria are met.
Mississippi growers will likely plant far more acres to grain sorghum than previous years. This article outlines suggested seeding rates and other key planting tips for successful sorghum production.
Recently several groups in Mississippi came together and developed then adopted a set of Cooperative Standards for row crop farmers and beekeepers in an effort to increase awareness of pollinator’s and create an environment where each could coexist while minimizing any
With the cold, wet weather, many burndown herbicide applications were delayed. This has led to a multitude of questions on plantback restrictions for 2,4-D and dicamba prior to planting corn and soybeans.
I have gotten numerous question about calibration of in-furrow rigs this year, so I am republishing an article I put up in the past that breaks calibrating pesticides down to a very easy understandable level. Proper calibration can mean the difference in control or failure of a product against the targeted pests and potentially thousands of dollars of savings to the grower.
Included are Mississippi State’s suggested grain sorghum hybrids for planting during the 2014 season. These hybrid recommendations are intended for dryland production.
The 62nd annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will be held February 28 – March 1, 2014 at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, TN. More than 400 exhibitors from more than 40 states will be on-hand showcasing the latest
Control of glyphosate-resistant Italian ryegrass was reduced with glyphosate plus Select Max at reduced rates when combined with 2,4-D Ester and/or Clarity.
Over the last several years there has been a media blitz surrounding the decline in honey bee populations around the globe. It seems like the science changes daily as to cause of the problem. Most believe it is a complex
Attached please find the agenda for the Delta Ag Expo in Cleveland, MS. Make careful note that the dates of the meeting have changed from previous years due to a minor scheduling conflict with the Bolivar County Exposition Center.
The 3rd annual joint MEA/MAPPAN/MWSS annual meeting will be held next week at the Bost Extension Building in Starkville, MS next week. The dates of the meeting are Monday and Tuesday October 21-22. We have a very informative and exciting
Mississippi traditionally does not plant a lot of grain sorghum compared to some states but the acres we plant (42K according to USDA, 2013) have to be scouted and managed for insect pest at least weekly. Grain sorghum in Mississippi can have significant insect issues in some years, especially on late plantings.
With all of the rainfall that we have had around most of the state, there have been a lot of questions about the impact on seed treatments. In general, most of the seed treatments that are being used in all crops are water soluble. Typical levels of rainfall should not have a negative impact on the efficacy of seed treatments, but excessive rainfall may.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Mississippi, there were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, May 19, 2013. Favorable conditions allowed for more field work to be completed. Operators were able to plant more corn, soybeans, and cotton. Soil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 1 percent short, 52 percent adequate, and 46 percent surplus.
Persistent rainfall has periodically saturated corn fields for several weeks this spring, prompting questions regarding potential nitrogen fertilizer loss. This article gives guidelines for estimating potential N loss.
Historically, we have chased the planter with the sprayer to apply residual herbicides. This presents several potential problems…
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Mississippi, there were 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, April 14, 2013. Dry conditions during the first half of the week allowed for some fieldwork to be done. Wet conditions in the last half of the week slowed or stopped all fieldwork. Soil moisture was rated 40 percent adequate, and 60 percent surplus.
USDA released their annual Prospective Plantings report and quarterly Grain Stocks reports today (Mar 28). The acreage report was largely in-line with pre-report expectations, but the stocks report had quite a shock for corn supplies and a slight surprise for
The 2013 Mid-South Farm and Gin Show will be held on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Show hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 1 and 9:00 a.m. to
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