What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope
What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope
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Wheat stem sawfly is a native insect that feeds on grasses in Colorado. The insect was first identified by entomologists in Colorado around the late 1800s and primarily fed on range grasses. However, wheat stem sawfly emerged as a Colorado wheat pest in 2010 and damage from this insect has been expanding and increasing since. Today, this pest is estimated to cause $30 million in damage, according to Brad Erker, Executive Director of the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation. Sawfly damage to wheat is now found as far south as I-70 and continues...
Recent rains have encouraged broadleaf weed growth in growing wheat fields. Kochia, for the most part, is the weed in question although other weeds may also be a factor interfering with this year’s harvest activities. Keep in mind that there are only a small number of pre-harvest aids for controlling weeds in wheat prior to harvest. Also, be aware of pre-harvest intervals before harvesting and feed and grazing intervals following wheat harvest. Pre-harvest interval is the time after a herbicide application is applied before wheat harvest can l...
Optimum soil temperatures for corn germination and plant progress begins at 50 degrees F. Soil temperatures lower than 50 F can cause corn seed to lay dormant, exposing the seed to disease and insect damage. When corn seed is planted into soils that are too cold to allow adequate germination a condition called imbibitional chilling can occur. Seed imbibition is a two step process; water is absorbed by the seed and the seed swells. When seed swelling occurs, imbibition begins which activates enzymatic processes in the seed, including increased...
Environmental conditions affect plant growth in many ways. Conditions that are too dry or too wet, too cold or too hot can all affect wheat production and survival. Determining whether wheat plants are alive in the spring due to adverse growing conditions should be done before spending production dollars on those acres later this spring. Visual inspection 1. Dig 10 wheat plants from the worst spots in the field, (hilltops, driest areas, etc.). 2. Cut plants diagonally and examine inside the root/shoot areas, especially inside the crown area....
Soil erosion from both wind and water can happen nearly anytime in Colorado. When soil leaves a field due to wind or water, the field’s productivity is reduced. Topsoil that leaves a field is the best soil and is high in organic matter. Low organic matter soils experience reduced crop yields. In addition, blowing soil can have consequences on the field the soil is blowing into not to mention a dust storm’s effect on the environment with reduced visibility. Water erosion simply carries top soil off your field and into someone elses or the topsoi...
