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Home > Cropping Issues in NW Minnesota > Cropping Issues in Northwest Minnesota: 2007 > Cropping Issues in Northwest Minnesota: July 17, 2007

Cropping Issues in Northwest Minnesota: July 17, 2007

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Polk County Soybean Variety Plot Tours

       Wednesday July 25 - Fosston
       Thursday July 26 - Crookston
       Plot tours will begin at 9:30 am, each day

Watch for Variegated Cutworms in Sugar beets

Several weeks ago, alerts went out about watching for armyworm and variegated cutworms due to large numbers of moths captured in the region. We now have received reports of variegated cutworm in sugar beet. We've seen this before, back in August 2001, when both variegated and black cutworm were a late season (July/August) problem in beets.

Soybean Aphid Update

A few reports of increasing numbers, maybe even a few justifiable treatments in smaller fields where there is significant, wooded habitat nearby. It is time to begin scouting more earnestly as we approach the time when populations in normal years begin to increase.

Field Cages: How they may influence soybean aphid populations

Here is an excellent example of the importance of predation in delaying the development of soybean aphid populations.

Soybean Aphid Speed Scouting: An Overview

It has been several years now since this field scouting method for making soybean aphid treatment decisions was introduced. The procedure was called “Speed Scouting” by the researchers who developed it.

Use Caution When Harvesting and Feeding Ditch Hay

Harvesting ditch hay (grass and legumes growing alongside the roadways) is a common practice in Minnesota. However, there have been several cases of significant soybean injury as a result of manure applications from livestock fed ditch hay that was treated with picloram or clopyralid.

Poisonous Plants That May be of Concern in Ditch Hay

There have also been a number of livestock health issues correlating to poisonous or harmful plants that commonly grow in ditches that are harvested for hay.