West central Michigan field crop regional report – June 9, 2016
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EmailSoils are becoming dry in central Michigan as scattered showers yield only small amounts of rain this week.
Weather
Air temperatures in Entrican, Michigan, ranged from the upper 50s to upper 70s for highs this week. Low temperatures ranged from the low 40s to low 50s. Soil temperature minimums are holding in the low to mid-60s in Entrican, Michigan, this week on bare soil. Well-drained soils where high water-use crops are growing, such as wheat, and alfalfa are getting quite dry.
Crops
Much of the wheat crop is in its late flowering stages and planned fungicide applications are mostly complete. Stripe rust still should be monitored, particularly in susceptible and moderately susceptible varieties. Cereal leaf beetle is present in many fields. There have been no reports of true armyworm outbreaks; trap catches were low, but crop scouts should remain vigilant.
Corn planting is finished. Early planted fields are at V3 to V5.
Soybean planting is virtually complete. Several fields have emerged. Very early fields have second trifoliate expanded. Like corn, there are a number of fields that were planted in less than desirable soil conditions and have stand issues. These issues are primarily attributed to poor soil conditions limiting emergence. There are a few fields I visited this week with minor stand loss due to white grubs and other soil insects, and even one field where a portion of the stand loss was due to slug feeding and injury.
Dry beans planting is underway. Soil conditions are overall very good for planting and this should help avoid the widespread root rot issues seen the past couple of years, as rapid emergence and early growth is key.
Alfalfa harvest of first cutting continues. Alfalfa weevil feeding is continuing to be a concern in many fields. It will be important for growers and crop scouts to monitor regrowth after taking first cutting for additional feeding.
Insects
Michigan State University Extension advises to continue scouting sensitive crops this week for black cutworm damage and true armyworm damage for the next couple of weeks. Even though flight has been low in west and central Michigan, it may be possible to find isolated locations with a few larvae.
