It has been an odd week. First, we lose Dicamba, then we get a 24c label for Liberty, the weather is funky, Mexico is phasing out Glyphosate, and hurricane season is underway with expected above-normal activity.
Cotton: Whiteflies have been spotted in cotton. They are not at threshold levels yet but we all know how fast they can populate so we need to keep a close watch on them. Lots of activity on herbicides this week. Check out my post about Dicamba and Liberty
Peanuts: This humid overcast weather is a perfect storm for diseases to start showing up. It getting time for some to start fungicide sprays. Remember the products you use affect the timing of the start date. Products that are applied in-furrow at-planting time can have an impact on risk to leaf spot diseases and can influence a grower’s decision on when to “best” begin a fungicide program. For example, if a grower uses Velum Total, Velum Prime, or Propulse in-furrow, then there is enough systemic activity in these products that the first leaf spot spray can be delayed until 40-45 days after planting. If Priaxor (6.0 fl oz/A) or Lucento (5.5 fl oz/A) leads a fungicide program, initiation can be delayed until 45 days after planting. Where Aproach Prima (6.7 fl oz/A) is the lead fungicide, initiation can be delayed until 40 days after planting.
Corn: Southern Rust has been identified in Decatur, Jeff Davis, and Bacon Counties. It’s all around us but we haven’t confirmed it in Tift County yet. Scouting is essential if you want to delay fungicide applications. It’s probably a matter of time before its everywhere. See images below
Pecans: I’ve been seeing a lot of die-back and scorch on young (2-4 yr old) trees. this is mainly from poor vigor or inadequate root systems. The fastest way to remedy the problem is to cut back some of the shoot growth and relieve some of the pressure on the root system. Make sure you maintain consistent soil moisture. Water regularly (every other day is best) with deep waterings. Long run times every other day are better than short-run times daily because you water deeper and allow the root system to develop deeper through the soil profile. In addition to providing soil moisture this also helps to keep the soil from getting too hot (soil temps >95 degrees inhibit root growth).
Melons: Cantaloupes have been being picked for the last few weeks but now the watermelons are starting to come out.