It has been a really hot and dry week. Temperatures into the 90’s and no rain in a couple of weeks. Wheat and oat harvest has occurred and some planting has proceeded this week. Irrigation is running in many fields to keep some moisture and manage soil temperatures. Much of the field corn in the county is tasseling and silking, or nearing that stage. Some vegetable harvest has been underway with snap beans, squash, cabbage, zuchinni, and sweet corn.
As Memorial Day approaches, let us honor and remember the service men and women who have given their lives in serving, protecting, and defending the United States of America.
Row Crop Update
Corn – NO Southern Corn Rust has been confirmed in Georgia as of this post. As far as insects, growers can be scouting for stink bugs; and corn earworm moths are active. We will keep you updated if there is any report of Southern Corn Rust.
Peanuts – Hot and dry conditions are favorable for white mold to occur now, especially in fields with short rotation. Some wise words from Dr. Bob Kemerait: “Beginning a white mold program early this year, even if only mixing tebuconazole with chlorothalonil on the first spray, may be a good decision.” Also, these conditions are favorable for crown rot in peanuts, although there is nothing that we can do once the furrow is closed. Hopefully, that will not be as much of an issue this season, but I have seen some this week. Thrips pressure has been high in peanut fields, and some fields have been treated.
Cotton – Thrips pressure has also been high in cotton fields, and many fields have been treated. For the most part, I have seen good cotton stands in earlier planted cotton and irrigated cotton. We will know more about cotton planted this week under hot and dry conditions; praying for rain to come soon and help out.
Soybeans – Here is a brief disease update from Dr. Bob Kemerait: From our soybean rust sentinel plots (kudzu in these reports), we found soybean rust for the first time in 2021 in Brooks, Turner, and Dooly Counties. This is, I believe, the beginning of a “jail break”. Soybean growers should be aware that when their beans begin blooming there may be an advantage to use of a fungicide.
As always, if we can help you at Worth County Extension, please let us know.