West central Michigan field crop regional report – June 4, 2015
Corn planting is finished and dry bean planting is in full swing.
Weather
Air temperatures were highly variable again this week with highs ranging from 58 degrees Fahrenheit May 31 to 83 F May 29 in Entrican, Michigan. Low temperatures ranged from 34.7 F June 2 to 56.6 F May 27. No significant frost injury was observed this week. Low soil temperatures range from the low 50s to low 60s.
Rainfall totals for the week ranged from 0.6 to over 1 inch. Rain showers during May 29-30 were generally steady and much of the rainfall was absorbed by soils readily. Soil conditions remain variable with some soils still too wet to work.
Crops
Corn planting is complete. Early planted corn is at V5 to V6, the majority is V3 to V4. Stands are very good and color is expected to improve with the consistently warmer weather that is expected.
Soybean planting is nearly complete. Most fields have emerged with many of the early fields having at least one trifoliate leaf.
Wheat is at Feekes 10 with a few fields in early flower. Leaf disease levels continue to be quite low so far this season, even those that have not yet received a fungicide application. Fungicide application for Fusarium head scab prevention will need to begin in some fields. Be sure to scout fields carefully to access heading and flowering before making the application as growth stages are variable.
Dry bean planting is fully underway. Soil temperatures are adequate though some soils remain wet. Rapid germination and emergence is important to avoid root rot infection. Michigan State University Extension recommends waiting until soil temperatures reach a consistent 60 F and over and moisture conditions are suitable before planting dry beans.
First cutting alfalfa harvest is underway. Most fields are in early bud stages. Low levels of alfalfa weevil are present. Scouting regrowth will be important this year for alfalfa weevil damage.
Insects
We will continue to monitor armyworm and black cutworm moth flight for a few more weeks. Larger crops are less vulnerable to significant black cutworm damage. Numbers have been quite low this season. Low catch numbers do not mean there is zero threat, however. Focus scouting efforts for black cutworms in corn and true armyworms in corn, wheat and other grasses – especially in higher risk fields. MSU Extension still recommends scouting for these pests as decisions on pesticide application should be based on scouting reports and observations of larvae activity.
Remember that proper pest identification is an important part of pest scouting.
