Volume
2 Issue
9
July 19, 2005
Cover Crops for Prevented Planting
The wet spring left many farmers with unplanted acres that
will require a cover crop this fall. Not only are cover
crops a requirement for government programs, but they also
provide soil erosion control. As the fields dry, now is a
great time to resolve those drainage issues that kept
those fields wet (be sure to contact the NRCS office
first) and to consider your cover crop options.
Bacterial Stripe of Wheat is Causing
Widespread Concern
Bacterial stripe, also termed black chaff, is a disease
that can be found on wheat throughout the Red River Valley
this year. The disease (caused by Xanthomonas
campestris pv. translucens), appears to be
universally more severe in fields of Granite hard red
spring wheat. The disease can cause significant yield
losses if it becomes severe early enough.
Check Soybean Fields for Soybean Cyst
Nematodes
In a field heavily infested with the soybean cyst nematode
(SCN), the nematode can cause more than 30 percent yield
loss; even 100 percent in some sandy soils with dry
weather conditions. Fortunately, SCN has not become widely
established in the region, currently being limited to
fields in Traverse, Grant, Stevens and counties southward
in Minnesota; Richland County, North Dakota; and Roberts
County, South Dakota. Because of the close establishment
in neighboring counties, growers and ag industry reps
should become aware of symptoms, check roots, and maintain
their vigilance.
Hessian Fly Reported in Red River
Valley
Reports of Hessian Fly in wheat have been received
from several locations in the RRV. Puparia
were found in the fungicide
trial plots in Crookston last week. Hessian fly is an
introduced pest of small grains in the U.S. and is usually
not a problem in Minnesota.
White Mold Disease Scouting
White mold is the most serious yield limiting disease
of edible beans under wet growing conditions. Recent
weather conditions have been very conducive to white mold
disease development. Scout your fields!
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