Start Managing for Fusarium Head Blight Now Before You Plant the 2017/18 Winter Wheat Crop

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By Shawn P. Conley and Damon Smith

Most WI winter wheat growers dodged the Fusarium head blight (FHB or scab) bullet again in 2017; though many farmers especially those in SW WI became so disgusted with dockage and rejections in both 2014 and 2015 they still didn’t plant a single acre this year. Therefore as we prepare to put the 2018 wheat crop into the ground here are a few considerations for managing FHB before we drop a single seed.

1.      Crop rotation matters. Data from our long-term rotation studies indicate that wheat following soybean provides the greatest yields. The next best options are wheat following corn silage (6.5% less) then corn for grain (21% less). Wheat following alfalfa or another leguminous crop are also good options, though the N credits following alfalfa may best be served going to corn. Furthermore, background fungal pressure (residue on and in soil) from the FHB fungus will be greater following corn then soybean or another legume, however know that spores that infect your wheat crop can arrive from  outside the field. Please click to see more information on the Top 8 Recommendations for Winter Wheat Establishment in 2017.  
2.      Variety selection matters. Data from our 2015 and 2016, and 2017 WI Winter Wheat Performance Test shows variable yield and disease performance among the varieties listed. Select those varieties that have both good to excellent FHB (2015) and Stripe Rust (2016 & 2017) resistance and high yield. When evaluating disease resistance, low numbers for both incidence and severity can be helpful, but the major focus should be placed on  incidence (measure of the number of symptomatic plants in a stand).
3.      Application timing matters. One of the biggest challenges year in and year out is improper fungicide application timing. Our data suggests that on susceptible (Hopewell) or moderately susceptible varieties (Kaskaskia) equal efficacy of the fungicide Prosaro at a rate of 6.5 fl oz/acre can be achieved when applied between Feekes 10.5.1 (anthesis) and 5 days after anthesis. Given the variability of head emergence and anthesis across a landscape it may prove best to wait a few days until the whole field is flowering than to apply too soon.  If the extruded anthers have turned from yellow to white across the whole field then you are likely too late. Remember it roughly takes a wheat head 7 days to completely self-pollinate.
Fusarium head blight incidence ratings for four soft red winter wheat varieties treated with Prosaro SC fungicide at 6.5 fl oz/a at anthesis (Feekes 10.5.1), five days after anthesis, or not treated in Wisconsin in 2015.
Hopewell (Susceptible)
Kaskaskia (Moderately Susceptible)
Pro 200
(Moderately Resistant)
Sunburst (Moderately Resistant)
Prosaro SC @ 6.5 fl oz/a (Feekes 10.5.1)
9.5b
2b
0.5
4
Prosaro SC @ 6.5 fl oz/a (5 days after Feekes 10.5.1)
7.5b
5.25b
2.75
2.75
Non-treated control
31.25a
17.5a
3
1.5
Pr>F
0.01
0.01
ns
ns
LSD
6.44
6.44
ns
ns
4.      Choose the right fungicide class. Make sure you use the appropriate fungicide product and class to manage FHB. The label for products containing strobilurin active ingredients (FRAC group 11) ends prior to flowering. Late application can actually lead to increased mycotoxin levels. Triazole containing products (FRAC group 3) are recommended for FHB control. For a list of products and efficacy ratings, visit the Field Crops Fungicide Information Page. 
5.      Harvest timing and flash drying. The word on the street is that if FHB appears to be a problem in 2018 elevators will push growers to harvest early (18% moisture or higher) and subsequently dry grain to mitigate mycotoxin levels. While drying grain to 13% or less moisture is a good storage practice, know this process may kill the pathogen but any mycotoxin levels already in the grain will not dissipate. Vomitoxin is a very stable molecule and IS NOT degraded by heat, freezing, or drying.    

Rain Rain Go Away Do I Switch to Soybean From Zea May(s)

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As growers begin to contemplate switching intended corn acres to soybean, here is a quick checklist of points and questions to consider or reconsider before making that switch.

  • Do I have a residual corn herbicide down that is not labeled for soybean? If the answer to this question is yes, then Don’t Switch Crops. It doesn’t matter how much rain we have had. Plant back label restrictions must be followed.
  • What is my cost of production and weather outlook for finally getting this crop in the ground? Dr. Joe Lauer just posted his corn replanting and yield loss guide. Expected corn grain yield if planted in the next 8 days would range from ~70 to 85% of maximum yield. Soybean yield would roughly be 85 to 90% of maximum yield based on your maturity group and final planting date. Run your numbers, talk to your lender, and see what gives you the greatest ROI.
  • I already put out all my nitrogen (or for WI growers – I am following alfalfa). What potential impacts will that have on my soybean crop?
    • Dr. Emerson Nafziger did a great job shedding light on question #1 regarding N management… How Much Nitrogen is Gone? 
    • Knowing that most of the N will likely be available to the soybean crop, there is a risk of lush vegetative growth, possible lodging (harvest efficiencies) and higher risk for white mold. However soybean total dry matter and growth will be behind due to its late planting so this risk is lessened. I would most be concerned about white mold. Luckily, we have Dr. Damon Smith at UW Madison and he will keep us updated as to potential white mold risk this summer so stay tuned for possible next steps!
    • Soybean is very efficient at N uptake and partitioning so that N will likely still see its way to the elevator.
    • If you decide to plant soybeans into these high N fields, I would pull the inoculant from the seed treatment mix if this field has seen regular soybean cropping (2 years out of the last 5). Biological nitrogen fixation will be delayed due to free N availability and the soybean crop will rely on background soil rhizobia for subsequent infection. 
  • Will I be planting elite soybean genetics if I switch or will I be planting a dog? Even in late planted situations, we are still roughly at 90% maximum yield potential. Don’t ditch your elite corn genetics to plant junk beans. Please see our Wisconsin Soybean Performance Trials for more information on variety selection.
  • Lastly, how much of my 2017 crop is marketed and how flexible are my options. Even though plantings of both crops are delayed, if we continue to see poor corn crop ratings across the ‘I’- states and then see another million acres of corn go to soybeans, I  believe this will put significant pricing pressure on both crops.

Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board Announces Changes to the 2017 Free Nematode Testing Program

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Four out of every five animals on earth today is a nematode so it is not surprising that agricultural fields are home to many nematode species. Fortunately, most nematodes are beneficial to crop growth and soil health because their activities help decompose crop residues and cycle nitrogen and other nutrients. Pest nematodes do not threaten yield if their numbers remain low. The key to avoiding population explosions of nematode pests is to be proactive – know what the situation is and take appropriate measures when nematode numbers indicate a problem is brewing. 

The WSMB sponsors free nematode testing to help producers stay ahead of the most important nematode pest of soybean, the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Figure 1). Eggs of SCN persist in the soil between soybean crops so a sample can be submitted any time that is convenient. The soil test report indicates the number of eggs in the sample and is useful for selecting the right variety for the next soybean crop. Retests of fields planted with SCN-resistant varieties over multiple years shows how the nematode population is responding to variety resistance and provides an early warning should the nematode population adapt to host genetics.

In 2017, the WSMB is again offering the expanded nematode testing program to include other pest nematodes in addition to SCN. These nematodes are less damaging to soybean than SCN but can cause enough yield loss to warrant treatment. As is the case for SCN, there are no rescue treatments for nematodes so the primary purpose of this year’s soil test is to plan for next year’s crop. Soil samples collected in corn for nematode analysis have predictive value for explaining yield if they are collected before the corn V6 growth stage. Sampling early in the season will provide information about the risk potential for the current corn crop AND the next soybean crop.

The assays used to recover nematode pests other than SCN in soil require that the nematodes are alive. So, it is important to keep the samples moist and at least room temperature cool. Collecting a sample that includes multiple cores ensures that there will be plenty of root pieces to assay. It is not necessary to include live plants in the sample. The soil test report will indicate which pest nematodes are present and at what quantities and their damage potential to soybean and corn based on the numbers recovered.

In 2017 the WSMB will use PestPros Inc. as the diagnostic lab for nematode quantification. Please discard all old kits and order now ones at the email address below.  

Free soil sample test kits are available now and can be requested at (freescntest@mailplus.wisc.edu).
 

For more information on SCN testing and management practices to help reduce the losses from this pest, please contact: Shawn Conley: spconley@wisc.edu; 608-262-7975 or visit www.coolbean.info. 
Remember the first step in fixing a nematode problem is to know if you have one! The WSMB sponsored nematode testing program provides you that opportunity.

Winners of the 2016 WSA Soybean Yield Contest are Announced

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The 1st place winner in Division 4, RnK DeVoe Farms of Monroe, grew DuPont Pioneer P31T77R and harvested 98.34 bu/a.  In second place, Bahr Farms Inc. of Belmont grew Asgrow AG2535 and harvested 94.02 bu/a.  Also in Division 4, the Wisconsin Bean Team of UW Graduate students Adam Gaspar and Steve Vosberg grew DuPont Pioneer P28T33R and harvested 104.80 bu/a. The WI Bean Team is ineligible for official prizes as they are grad students of Dr. Conley; however, their efforts are still unofficially recognized.  In Division 3, David and Karen Wilkens of Random Lake won 1st place with NK S20-T6 Brand at 93.04 bu/a, and in 2nd place, Jim Salentine of Luxemburg harvested 83.76 bu/a with Steyer 1401L.  In Division 2, Thad Sparby Farms of Arkdale achieved 72.87 bu/a from FS HiSOY HS 19A50 for first place.  In 2nd place, Osterloh Farms of Arkdale harvested 68.87 bu/a from FS HiSOY HS 23L50 soybeans.  In Division 1 at 75.16 bu/a was David Lundgren from Amery who planted Croplan R2C1572.  2ndplace winner in Division 1 was Dawn Lundgren from Amery.  She harvested 68.40 bu/a from Croplan R2C1400. Thad Sparby Farms of Arkdale was also the winner of the Soybean Quality contest with 2,361 pounds of protein plus oil per acre.

The contest is sponsored by the WI Soybean Program and organized to encourage the development of new and innovative management practices and to show the importance of using sound cultural practices in WI soybean production.

For more information please contact Shawn Conley, WI State Soybean Specialist at 608-262-7975 or spconley@wisc.edu

Finalists for the 2016 WSA Soybean Yield Contest are Announced

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The Wisconsin 2016 growing season was one for the record books indeed! The National Agricultural Statistics Service projects the statewide average soybean yield in WI to be a record of 55 BPA. Similarly overall production is expected to be another record at 107 million bushels. The great yields also led to a great contest. Please join me in congratulating the below finalists.

The top two entries in each division (listed in no particular order) were:

Division 4: 

  • Rick DeVoe, Monroe (planted DuPont Pioneer P31T77R)
  • Kevin Bahr, Belmont (planted Asgrow AG2535)
  • *WI Bean Team (Adam Gaspar, Steve Vosberg), Madison (planted DuPont Pioneer P28T33R)
*The WI Bean Team is ineligible for official prizes as they are grad students of Dr. Conley; however, their efforts are still unofficially recognized.  
Division 3:
  • Jim Salentine, Luxemburg (planted Steyer 1401L)
  • David Wilkens, Random Lake (planted NK S20-T6 Brand)
Division 2:
  • Thad Sparby, Arkdale (planted FS HiSOY HS 19A50) 
  • Irvin Osterloh, Arkdale (planted FS HiSOY HS 23L50) 
Division 1: 
  • Dawn Lundgren, Amery (planted Croplan R2C1400) 
  • David Lundgren, Amery (planted Croplan R2C1572) 
New for 2016 was the Soybean Quality Contest.  It was optional for any Soybean Yield Contest entrants.  There are no geographical divisions for the Quality Contest.  One cash award will be presented statewide to the highest protein plus oil yield per acre (measured in lbs. per acre). 
The finalists for the Soybean Quality Contest are:
  • Dawn Lundgren, Amery (planted Croplan R2C1400) 
  • Thad Sparby, Arkdale (planted FS HiSOY HS 19A50) 
The final ranking and awards will be presented at the 2017 Corn Soy Expo to be held at the Kalahari Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells on Thursday February 2nd during the WSA/WSMB annual meeting.
The contest is sponsored by the WI Soybean Program and organized to encourage the development of new and innovative management practices and to show the importance of using sound cultural practices in WI soybean production. 
For more information please contact Shawn Conley, WI State Soybean Specialist at 608-262-7975 or spconley@wisc.edu

New Traits Don’t Automatically Translate to Highest Yield!

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Last weeks announcement by the EPA to register Dicamba formulations for use on Dicamba Tolerant Crops has the soybean world abuzz and for once that buzz isn’t about pollinators! Many of my weed scientist colleagues across the country will be discussing best management practices (BMP’s) for introducing this technology into our agricultural landscape and will put forward recommendations to prolong the shelf-life of this technology. Here is one such example from UNL entitled: Understanding the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend SoybeanWeed Management System. ***Side bar….I decided to highlight this article since UNL never has any highlights in WI and Purdue and IL are like playing the J.V. squad.***

In this brief article I would just like to highlight four points to consider when making soybean variety selection choices for 2017. 

  1. New doesn’t always mean it is automatically better. The WI Soybean program evaluated 200 RR2Y (Roundup Ready 2 YieldⓇ) and 47 RR2X (Roundup Ready 2 XtendⓇ) varieties in 2016. On average across all varieties and regions RR2Y out-yielded RR2X by a significant +1.8 BPA (Figure 1.)
  2. Remember every variety must stand on its own. Use independent trial data and pick varieties that not only perform well (we call them **starred varieties**) but also have the traits you are interested in (e.g. herbicide tolerance). Please see the 2016 Wisconsin Soybean Variety Performance Trials for individual variety performance as we have RR2X varieties starred in each region. 
  3. RR2X soybeans are a stack of herbicide traits and not yield traits (i.e… these traits protect yield, not enhance yield). Remember this point with all pest management traits!
  4. Hey Mr. Ivory Tower if I don’t use this technology my yield loss will be a lot more than 1.8 bu per acre. I am fully aware of the amaranthus spp. train wreck across much of the corn belt and mid-south. We are starting to see herbicide resistance move across Wisconsin as well. I just want to reiterate #2 above that every variety must stand on its own as well as remind growers to use multiple modes of action and consider incorporating other traits such as Liberty Link soybeans into your soybean weed management plans. All of the data and models I have seen suggest that the Dicamba tolerant crops shelf-life will be much shorter than the original RR if we don’t mange this technology correctly. 
    Figure 1. Pooled Herbicide Trait Performance Across WI

Start Managing for Fusarium Head Blight Now Before You Plant the 2016/17 Crop

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By Shawn P. Conley and Damon Smith

Most WI winter wheat growers dodged the Fusarium head blight (FHB or scab) bullet in 2016; though many farmers especially those in SW WI became so disgusted with dockage and rejections in both 2014 and 2015 they didn’t plant a single acre this year. Therefore as we prepare to put the 2017 wheat crop into the ground here are a few considerations for managing FHB before we drop a single seed.

1.      Crop rotation matters. Data from our long-term rotation studies indicate that wheat following soybean provides the greatest yields. The next best options are wheat following corn silage (6.5% less) then corn for grain (21% less). Wheat following alfalfa or another leguminous crop are also good options, though the N credits following alfalfa may best be served going to corn. Furthermore, background fungal pressure (residue on and in soil) from the FHB fungus will be greater following corn then soybean or another legume, however know that spores that infect your wheat crop can arrive from  outside the field. Please click to see more information on the Top 8 Recommendations for Winter Wheat Establishment in 2016.  
2.      Variety selection matters. Data from our 2015 and 2016 WI Winter Wheat Performance Test shows variable yield and disease performance among the varieties listed. Select those varieties that have both good to excellent FHB (2015) and Stripe Rust (2016) resistance and high yield. When evaluating disease resistance, low numbers for both incidence and severity can be helpful, but the major focus should be placed on  incidence (measure of the number of symptomatic plants in a stand).
3.      Application timing matters. One of the biggest challenges year in and year out is improper fungicide application timing. Our data suggests that on susceptible (Hopewell) or moderately susceptible varieties (Kaskaskia) equal efficacy of the fungicide Prosaro at a rate of 6.5 fl oz/acre can be achieved when applied between Feekes 10.5.1 (anthesis) and 5 days after anthesis. Given the variability of head emergence and anthesis across a landscape it may prove best to wait a few days until the whole field is flowering than to apply too soon.  If the extruded anthers have turned from yellow to white across the whole field then you are likely too late. Remember it roughly takes a wheat head 7 days to completely self-pollinate.
Fusarium head blight incidence ratings for four soft red winter wheat varieties treated with Prosaro SC fungicide at 6.5 fl oz/a at anthesis (Feekes 10.5.1), five days after anthesis, or not treated in Wisconsin in 2015.
Hopewell (Susceptible)
Kaskaskia (Moderately Susceptible)
Pro 200
(Moderately Resistant)
Sunburst (Moderately Resistant)
Prosaro SC @ 6.5 fl oz/a (Feekes 10.5.1)
9.5b
2b
0.5
4
Prosaro SC @ 6.5 fl oz/a (5 days after Feekes 10.5.1)
7.5b
5.25b
2.75
2.75
Non-treated control
31.25a
17.5a
3
1.5
Pr>F
0.01
0.01
ns
ns
LSD
6.44
6.44
ns
ns
4.      Choose the right fungicide class. Make sure you use the appropriate fungicide product and class to manage FHB. The label for products containing strobilurin active ingredients (FRAC group 11) ends prior to flowering. Late application can actually lead to increased mycotoxin levels. Triazole containing products (FRAC group 3) are recommended for FHB control. For a list of products and efficacy ratings, visit the Field Crops Fungicide Information Page. 
5.      Harvest timing and flash drying. The word on the street is that if FHB appears to be a problem in 2017 elevators will push growers to harvest early (18% moisture or higher) and subsequently dry grain to mitigate mycotoxin levels. While drying grain to 13% or less moisture is a good storage practice, know this process may kill the pathogen but any mycotoxin levels already in the grain will not dissipate. Vomitoxin is a very stable molecule and IS NOT degraded by heat, freezing, or drying.    

Small Grains Harvest and Combine Fires

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From John Shutske:Professor & Extension Specialist; Biological Systems Engineering
It looks like wheat harvest is rolling in parts of the state.   I saw a post from a friend in New Glarus saying they’d started late yesterday. Just a quick reminder on combine fire prevention and protection —  “Protection,” because SOME machines will burn regardless of how hard you work at it.  So you need to know what to do to minimize the damage.  Over the years I (or my former students) have done a bunch of investigative work on about 12,000 fires (combines, tractors and other specialty harvesters).  We’ve learned a lot….
See:
Here are some specific reminders:

  1.  Keep the engine compartment as clean and clear of debris as possible.  Caked/oily residue means there’s a leak someplace.  Fix it. 
  2. Listen closely for unusual noises and pay attention to warning lights and sensors that could indicate bearing/belt/and other drive component issues.  Fix them. 
  3. Many combine fires are ignited by the electrical system – blown fuses, flickering lighting, etc. are all signs that you might have damage.  
  4. The ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher is probably still the most cost-effective and overall effective type of extinguisher.  The bigger the better (at least 10 pounds).  Mount extinguishers (recommend at least two ten-pounders) where they can be grabbed quickly in the cab AND/OR from the ground.  
  5. If a combine does catch fire, pull it away from any standing crop quickly.  Shut off the engine.  The longer the fire burns, the more difficult it will be to put it out.  If the engine is left running, it will be almost impossible to extinguish (even if the fire department shows up)! 
  6. Grab your extinguisher if time allows and get out.  Call for help.  It is not always possible to put out a vehicle fire with a handheld extinguisher.  A second one is often needed, even on a smaller fire. 
  7. Always consider PERSONAL safety.  A combine fire that gets into a fuel, oil, or other flammable liquid system will burn hot.  Even more so if a tire is involved.   A machine can be replaced.  A life cannot. 
  8. If you’ve used an extinguisher (even for a short burst), it MUST be recharged.  If you’re not sure where to recharge and re-tag your extinguisher, call your fire department.

 

Small Grains Harvest and Combine Fires

/0 Comments/in /by
From John Shutske:Professor & Extension Specialist; Biological Systems Engineering
It looks like wheat harvest is rolling in parts of the state.   I saw a post from a friend in New Glarus saying they’d started late yesterday. Just a quick reminder on combine fire prevention and protection —  “Protection,” because SOME machines will burn regardless of how hard you work at it.  So you need to know what to do to minimize the damage.  Over the years I (or my former students) have done a bunch of investigative work on about 12,000 fires (combines, tractors and other specialty harvesters).  We’ve learned a lot….
See:
Here are some specific reminders:

  1.  Keep the engine compartment as clean and clear of debris as possible.  Caked/oily residue means there’s a leak someplace.  Fix it. 
  2. Listen closely for unusual noises and pay attention to warning lights and sensors that could indicate bearing/belt/and other drive component issues.  Fix them. 
  3. Many combine fires are ignited by the electrical system – blown fuses, flickering lighting, etc. are all signs that you might have damage.  
  4. The ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher is probably still the most cost-effective and overall effective type of extinguisher.  The bigger the better (at least 10 pounds).  Mount extinguishers (recommend at least two ten-pounders) where they can be grabbed quickly in the cab AND/OR from the ground.  
  5. If a combine does catch fire, pull it away from any standing crop quickly.  Shut off the engine.  The longer the fire burns, the more difficult it will be to put it out.  If the engine is left running, it will be almost impossible to extinguish (even if the fire department shows up)! 
  6. Grab your extinguisher if time allows and get out.  Call for help.  It is not always possible to put out a vehicle fire with a handheld extinguisher.  A second one is often needed, even on a smaller fire. 
  7. Always consider PERSONAL safety.  A combine fire that gets into a fuel, oil, or other flammable liquid system will burn hot.  Even more so if a tire is involved.   A machine can be replaced.  A life cannot. 
  8. If you’ve used an extinguisher (even for a short burst), it MUST be recharged.  If you’re not sure where to recharge and re-tag your extinguisher, call your fire department.

 

Some Risk for Wheat Crop Injury From Saturday’s Cold Temps

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Saturday mornings cold temperature may lead to crop injury in low lying areas across Southern WI. Based on the development in our wheat plots the highest risk for yield loss would likely come in the southern tier of WI counties. The wheat at our southern locations are either at the Feekes 8 (flag leaf visible) or 9 (flag leaf ligule and collar visible) crop growth stage dependent upon variety. 
 

Image 1. Feekes 9 crop growth stage at Arlington WI on 5/16/16.

Crop injury at these growth stages would occur in the 24 to 28 (duration of up to two hours) degree F temperature range. We did not see this temperature extreme at our Arlington location (Image 2; low temp of 30.5) however I have heard reports of extended cold temperatures in the sub 28 degree F range.   
Image 2. Arlington WI weather data for the last week.

The two types of crop injury I would be concerned about include stem damage and spikelet (head) injury. In Image 3 below you can see the brown discoloration and water soaking to wheat stems caused by freeze injury. This  injury eventually lead to severe lodging among select varieties (Image 4). If you see this type of injury it would be best to take this field as a forage crop ASAP. 

Image 3. Freeze damage to wheat stem.
Image 4. Subtle difference is crop growth stage led to severe lodging due to freeze injury.
The other type of injury would be direct damage to the wheat head. Peel back the boot and expose the wheat head. If healthy individual florets on the spikelet will appear pale green (Image 5). If they begin to appear water-soaked or off colored (brown) then crop injury occurred).  
Image 5. Healthy spikelet and florets.
For more detailed information I have attached a link to a publication entitled Spring Freeze Injury to Kansas Wheat.  For ease I have also removed a table from that publication to stress the importance of growth stage on damage potential  (Table 1).
Table 1.  Wheat Resistance to Freeze Injury (From: Spring Freeze Injury to Kansas Wheat)