Researchers at the University of Maryland are inviting growers across the state to participate in their University of Maryland – Testing Ag Performance Solutions (UMD-TAPS) program this year. The program is supported by the Maryland Soybean Board and will run throughout the summer.
Piloted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the TAPS program provides farmers with a zero-risk opportunity to advance their agricultural management skills and knowledge. It serves as a growing season contest and research framework, designed to uncover how producers’ management decisions drive crop yields, farm profitability, and input-use efficiency.
Growers must make decisions about variety selection, fertility, pest management, and irrigation and their management decisions will be executed in small plots at the Wye Research and Education Center. Decisions made by all participants will be executed in one field, in a true head-to-head competition. The goal is to identify which suite of management decisions will become the most profitable, efficient, and highest yielding.
Researchers at the Maryland Agricultural Experimentation Station (MAES) WYE Research and Education Center will lead the program and gather data on each plot to share with farmers.
When the season ends, growers will participate in an awards dinner where they will gain access to valuable data sets to help them enhance their agricultural operations.
The irrigated corn competition is limited to 20 teams and the irrigated soybean competition is limited to 15 teams. Due to limited availability, researchers urge teams to sign up as soon as possible.
Interested applicants can sign up by following this link: bit.ly/UMDTAPS25. For any questions, please reach out to Dr. Nicole Fiorellino at nfiorell@umd.edu.
Farmers and crop consultants are encouraged to complete this survey
This survey is intended to estimate the impact of pests on soybeans and currently used management strategies. Your perspective is valuable in making these estimates as accurate as possible. Your responses will be kept confidential and only aggregated responses for the state will be published. You can find last year’s estimates at https://midsouthentomologist.org.msstate.edu/Volume17/Vol-17-1_TOC.html.
Andrew Kness, Senior Agriculture Agent | akness@umd.edu and Nicole Fiorellino, Assistant Professor & Extension Agronomist University of Maryland
Figure 1. Aerial photo of soybean maturity groups 1.5-3.0 showing different rates of senescence on September 4, 2024. Photo: A. Kness.
In recent years, many growers have expressed interest in and experimented with early maturing soybean maturity groups. The concept is appealing to some growers because it allows for an early harvest and earlier establishment of cover crops and/or small grains. However, there are a lot of questions related to how these early maturity groups can perform in our climate at our latitude and little data exists from our region to reference. With funding from the Maryland Soybean Board, we evaluated the agronomic characteristics of early maturity soybeans grown in a Maryland climate for their potential integration into Maryland grain rotations.
Soybean varieties ranging from maturity group (MG) 1.5-3.0 from two seed suppliers (Hubner and Pioneer) were planted on May 30, 2024 at the Wye Research and Education Center. All MG 1.5 and MG 2.0 Hubner brand plots were harvested on September 24 with remaining plots harvested on October 7th. Wheat was planted in the plots harvested at the first timing on October 10th and planted in the second harvest timing plots on October 23rd.
Mixed model analysis of variance was used to analyze the yield data, including brand (Hubner or Pioneer), maturity group, and interaction of the two. Significant effect of maturity group only (P=0.0008) with means separation by Tukey’s HSD (Figure 2).
Yields for all MGs were very strong; ranging from 55 bu/ac to nearly 70 bu/ac. Maturity group 3.0 yielded significantly more than MG 2 and 1.5 and similar to MG 2.5. Maturity groups 1.5 and 2.0 yielded similarly to each other.
Figure 2. Average soybean yield by maturity group from 2024 trials.
This is only the first year of this study and we will conduct this research again in 2025. These preliminary data shows encouraging results and potential for early MG soybeans, which could offer some added benefits to establishing an early cover crop or a timelier planting of a subsequent wheat crop. Earlier cover crop establishment would have an environmental benefit in that more nutrients could be captured and saved for the next crop. Earlier establishment of wheat or other small grains, would also allow for more fall tiller development, which have the potential to contribute to more yield in the spring. We will see how the planting dates affect wheat yield in these plots next summer.
We would like to thank the Maryland Soybean Board for sponsoring this research, Hubner Seed for donating seed, and the farm crew at Wye Research and Education Center for supporting this project.
Kurt Vollmer, Extension Weed Management Specialist | kvollmer@umd.edu University of Maryland Extension
Research was conducted at the Wye Research and Education Center to evaluate herbicide tank mixes for postemergence weed control in herbicide-tolerant soybean. As herbicide-resistant weeds continue to drive weed management decisions, options are needed to not only provide effective weed control, but also preserve the value of available herbicides.
Figure 1. Example probabilities of developing resistance when using Herbicide A, Herbicide B, and Herbicides A and B. Using two different herbicide groups decreases the probability that a weed will become resistant to both herbicide groups.
Tank mixing multiple, effective herbicide groups is one tactic that can be used to impede herbicide resistance. By including multiple, effective herbicide groups when making an application, there is a lower probability that a weed species will develop resistance to all herbicides used (Fig. 1). Furthermore, tank-mixing different herbicide groups can have a synergistic effect, where the combined effect of two or more groups is greater than the effects of each herbicide alone. For example, previous research has shown Enlist One + Liberty to be more effective in controlling as common ragweed and Palmer amaranth, compared to each individual herbicide.
Furthermore, including a residual herbicide in the tank when making a postemergence application may be necessary for full-season control of certain weeds, such as Palmer amaranth. Including herbicides with both foliar and residual activity, such as fomesafen (Reflex), in tank with other effective herbicides can help to preserve the utility of these herbicides.
This research examined the effectiveness of tank mixing of herbicides with foliar (2,4-D, fomesafen) and residual (fomesafen, S-metolachlor) for early and late postemergence weed control in soybean. Plots (10 ft. x 25 ft.) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Herbicide treatments consisted of applying Reflex (fomesafen), Reflex + Dual Magnum (S-metolachlor), Reflex + Enlist One (2,4-D) or a three way mix of Reflex + Dual + Enlist One (Table 1). The entire study area received 1 pt/A Dual Magnum within 24 hours of soybean planting Enlist E3 soybeans on June 4, 2024. Early postemergence (EPOST) applications were made 2 weeks after planting and late postemergence (LPOST) applications 4 weeks after planting.
Table 1. Postemergence herbicide treatments for resistant weed mitigation and control in soybean.
Herbicide(s)
Rate
Timinga
Reflex
1.5 pt
EPOST or LPOST
Reflex + Dual
1.5 pt + 1.5 pt
EPOST or LPOST
Reflex + Enlist
1.5 pt + 2 pt
EPOST or LPOST
Reflex + Enlist + Dual
1.5 pt + 2 pt + 1.5 pt
EPOST or LPOST
a Herbicide treatments were applied early postemergence (EPOST) 2 weeks after planting or late postemergence (LPOST) 4 weeks after planting soybeans on June 4, 2024.
Broadleaf Weed Control
Application timing did not affect common lambsquarters or morningglory control. Reflex + Enlist or Reflex + Enlist + Dual controlled common lambsquarters better compared to Reflex alone, and morningglory species better than Reflex or Reflex + Dual (Fig. 2).
Figure 2. Control of common lambsquarters and morningglory species 7 weeks after soybean planting. Bars of the same color with the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey’s HSD (α = 0.05).
Giant Foxtail Control
Applications made EPOST provided better control compared to applications made LPOST (Fig. 2), but giant foxtail control varied from 38% to 78%, with no significant differences among herbicide treatments (Fig. 3). It should be noted that Enlist One does not control grasses. Both Dual Magnum and Reflex can provide some grass activity, but only if applied PRE. Better foxtail control with EPOST treatments could be attributed to overlapping residual control with these treatments. Overlapping herbicides is a tactic that involves sequential applications of herbicides with soil-residual activity to lengthen herbicidal activity before the first herbicide dissipates. As Dual Magnum was included in both PRE and POST applications, the EPOST applications likely provided better overlapping residual control due a shorter application window between the PRE and POST applications (2 weeks for EPOST and 4 weeks for LPOST).
Figure 3. Giant foxtail control following early and late postemergence applications 7 weeks after soybean planting. Bars of the same color with the same letter are not significantly different according to Tukey’s HSD (α = 0.05).
This research highlights the value of adding multiple herbicide groups to the tank at the time of POST applications (Fig. 4). While additional work is needed to confirm the results of this study, the following factors should be considered when deciding which herbicides to include in the tank:
The types of weeds are prevalent in the field. Should the spray program focus primarily on broadleaf weeds, grasses, or both?
The emergence period for the weeds being controlled. Will a single POST application negate the need for additional treatment, or should an herbicide with residual activity be included?
Each herbicide must be effective alone on the target weed. Including multiple herbicides will not be as effective if a weed already has significant resistance to one of the herbicides in the mix.
Figure 4. Weed control with early postemergence applications of a) Reflex + Dual and b) Reflex + Enlist + Dual 7 weeks after planting. Photo credit: Logan Bledsoe.
Acknowledgements
Support for this project was made possible by funding from the Maryland Soybean Board as well as technical support from Jadon Cook, Logan Bledsoe, Sam Denherder, and the University of Maryland Wye Research and Education Center.
Commercial products are mentioned in this article solely for the purpose of providing specific information. Mention of a product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of products. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by University of Maryland Extension is implied.
Reports are for crop conditions up to September 5, 2024.
Western Maryland
August brought us more rain than June and July combined. The hay and pasture fields responded, and there is hope for continued grazing and another cutting. The soybeans are probably the greatest beneficiary of the moisture. They are looking great as their pods fill. Modern varieties are a wonder to behold. Corn silage harvest began earlier this year thanks to the heat and drought. Many folks are glad they planted a little extra corn, primarily due to the need for forage and the low grain price forecast. Running it through livestock will add value. Triticale and oats are going in the ground for both fall and spring forage. Cool mornings and mild days have raised our countenance here in Western Maryland.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.
Central Maryland
August has finally brought some much needed rain; although amounts have been scattered throughout the region. A storm last week caused crop damage in some areas of the region. While it won’t be a year for record-breaking yields, most of the corn and soybeans are looking fairly good. The majority of corn is in the dent stage and is starting to dry down. Silage chopping has begun. Full season soybeans are in the beginning seed stage (R5).—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.
Northern Maryland
About 6” of rain fell in August, which really woke up soybeans, especially later planted beans and double crops. Unfortunately, the rains have ceased, with the last measurable rainfall coming over two weeks ago. Rain is predicted for this weekend, so fingers crossed for good rainfall to finish out what could be a strong late season bean crop. Corn is rapidly drying down and a few acres have been harvested but the majority of corn is still 25% moisture or better. We are about another 10-14 days before the combines are rolling hard. Tar spot was also confirmed in the region at the end of August, consistent with the two years prior. A lot of good dry hay was put up over the last two weeks.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.
Upper and Mid Shore
July’s much-needed rains tapered off, leaving August with sporadic showers that varied significantly depending on your neck of the woods. This inconsistency has led to some challenging conditions for crops. Signs of water stress have become apparent; soybean leaves are cupping and corn leaves are curling from lack of moisture. In response, center pivots on irrigated fields have been fired up again, helping to maximize yield potential after a brief respite in July. Corn is drying down, with some early-planted fields already harvested. Soybeans are also moving along, with early maturing varieties starting to turn and double crop beans filling out their pods. The dry conditions earlier in the season provided the perfect environment for Palmer amaranth to thrive and compete with the crops. They can clearly be seen towering over the soybean and even corn in both conventional and organic fields. The region has also noticed more spotted lanternfly activity as these pests hit their final growth stage and take to the air. While they’re mostly just a nuisance in agronomic crops, controlling them can really help out your local fruit and vegetable grower, who would surely appreciate the effort.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.
Lower Shore
Corn is drying down, but harvest has not yet begun. Due to low grain prices, farmers are inclined to let corn completely dry in the field, rather than take a moisture price hit at the mills. Drought stress during vegetative and early reproductive phases hurt corn. Yield is anticipated to be poor, and ears look small. Soybean is looking better than corn, especially double-crop soybean planted after wheat. There have not been reports of serious pest or weed damage. Cover crops are being flown into some corn fields via airplane.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.
Southern Maryland
Conditions remain very dry across the majority of Southern Maryland. Corn harvest is in full swing with reports of average to well below average yields. Yields vary greatly within and between fields depending on soil type and where isolated showers happened to fall. Grain quality is a major concern this year. Growers are encouraged to get corn off as early as possible. Beans continue to put up the good fight. Many full season beans are yellowing and drying down. Double crop beans will need some more help to fill out pods. Farmers have been scouting for pod worms and stink bugs. Thankfully, only a few fields have reached threshold and required a treatment so far. Weeds continue to require attention as fields have taken longer to canopy if at all, allowing greater opportunity for weeds to gain their share of the limelight. We continue to see ragweed, pigweeds of all types, and morning glory present. Deer damage is readily apparent in later planted beans that are failing to re-grow or canopy following deer feeding. Forages have struggled this summer with many fields of cool season grasses requiring replanting this fall or next spring.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.
Reports are for crop conditions up to August 1, 2024.
Western Maryland
Welcome rains have sporadically arrived in Washington County. This has been the story for much of the summer. It depends on your location and how much rain you receive, out of which storms. Earlier in the spring, the southern part of the county was blessed more than the part that hugs the Mason-Dixon Line. July has seen that trend nearly turned on its head. Wheat is off, and test weights and yields were good. Many acres of optimistic double-crop beans were planted again. Moisture has dictated the success of those plantings. It is too soon to make any predictions on corn yields, but in many places, plants are shorter, but the ears might fill just fine. So we wait. In two weeks, choppers will start running, and corn silage will be our first indicator of yields. Peach harvest started a little early, and they are smaller, and yields are lower, but they are sweet.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.
Central Maryland
Corn and soybeans are well into reproductive stages and further along than previous years. Most of the region has experienced drought conditions throughout the growing season. Some growers have begun chopping early corn silage given how far hot dry weather has pushed the crop. Very limited disease pressure throughout the region. Recent rains have been welcomed, where received. Most precipitation events have been sporadically distributed to say the least.—Mark Townsend, Frederick Co.
Northern Maryland
We ended July with around 3” of rain here at the Harford County Extension office. Rains were more periodic in July; however, that is not the case for the entire region—rains continue to be scarce the further west into Baltimore and Carroll County you go and the rain that has fallen across our region has been very scattered and localized. You can find corn that looks very good and you can find corn that looks very poor all in the same county. I do believe that most places are “holding on” in terms of yield—I think we will fare OK and we may have avoided a complete disaster but corn yields will certainly be off of our norm. Soybeans are flowering and look good; if they can fill all the pods they’re initiating then soybean yields should be strong; the next few weeks will make or break them.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.
Upper and Mid Shore
The first couple of weeks in July brought us more of the high temperatures we’ve been experiencing, but unlike June, we were finally blessed with some much-needed rain across the region. While some areas received more rain than others, it was all welcome. The timing couldn’t have been better, as most of the corn was entering the reproductive stages right at the start of the month. Due to this, late-planted corn is likely to yield better than the earlier-planted corn. Both full-season soybeans and corn are now in their reproductive stages. Most of the corn has finished pollination and is moving into kernel development. On the small grains front, yields were either on par with or lower than last year, with not many reports of fields outdoing last year’s yields. The recent rains have also triggered a flush of weeds. If you look out over the soybean canopy, you’ll see those notorious pigweeds, common lambsquarters, morningglories, and annual grasses making an appearance, especially in the lesser-managed fields.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent
Lower Shore
We have had periodic rains the last few weeks and much of the drought damaged corn is greening up. Farmers are optimistic that the corn will pull through and have average yields. The later planted corn the better, in terms of less drought damage. Most corn is now in reproductive stages. Some corn is being aerially sprayed with fungicides. Milo is heading out. Soybean also faced drought damage, but is looking good with the recent rains. Double crop beans are starting to take off with growth. Substantial weed or pest pressure has not been reported..—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.
Southern Maryland
The region is finally getting some relief from the hot dry conditions we have experienced since June. Rain showers have been scattered, so some areas are better off than others. Unfortunately, some of the rains have come a bit late for corn which was past pollination. For the conditions this year, the crop overall looks much better than should be expected. Soybeans follow much of the same story. Many full season beans could never get off the ground with a lack of moisture and constant deer predation. These plants are now trying to canopy and flower but are way behind schedule for this time of year. Weeds, especially annual grasses, marestail, Palmer amaranth and common ragweed have taken advantage of the extra sunlight and lack of canopy closure to germinate. Many fields are speckled with these weeds coming in later in the season. Double crops beans struggled to germinate in the dry conditions or were planted late. They have made good strides in the last couple of weeks. Vegetable crops are coming off now with a consolidated harvest season due to the hot temperatures as of late squeezing the harvest window.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.
Emily Zobel, Senior Agriculture Agent Associate | ezobel@umd.edu University of Maryland Extension, Dorchester County
The second generation of corn earworms/podworms/headworms (Helicoverpa zea Boddie, Figure 1) will soon emerge from corn fields and other crops. On soybeans, the podworms may feed on foliage, flowers, and fruit. Female moths will lay eggs over the entire plant, but caterpillars prefer to feed on tender vegetative terminals and/or flower clusters. Fields in bloom to pod-set stage with an open canopy and stressed soybeans during this second-generation flight typically reach the highest populations and are at the most risk. Due to our early summer weather this year, more fields might be at risk compared to last year. Podworm populations can be spotty, so one field may have high podworm populations while the field next to it may have low podworm populations. The only way to know what is happening in a particular field is to sample it. You can sample pod worms using either a sweep net or drop cloth.
Figure 1. Corn earworm/soybean podworm moths are robust, light brownish-tan with a 1” to 1 1/2” wingspan. They have a prominent dark spot on each forewing. They tend to be active during the evening and dark hours but can be commonly seen in fields during the day. Photo by Ronald Smith, Auburn University, Bugwood.org.
Thresholds are generally around 2-3 worms per 15 sweeps. NC State University (NCSU) has a nice podworm threshold calculator that helps you customize your threshold based on treatment cost, row width, and price of the bean into consideration: https://bit.ly/NCSUwormthershold. Davis Owen, Delaware Extension Entomologist, recommended applying Besiege or Elevest at their low rates last year to control soybean podworms. Pyrethroids are not guaranteed to provide good efficacy.
Even though fields in the bloom stage are at risk for high populations of podworms, it is generally recommended not to spray during this stage and instead wait for the end of flowering or early pod set to treat. Soybean plants produce more flowers than they can convert into pods. A study conducted by NCSU has found that soybean plants can compensate for this loss of flowers due to caterpillar feeding damage. No yield losses were recorded even with caterpillar levels three times higher than the economic threshold for podding-stage soybeans. Also, young caterpillars tend to have a high mortality rate. They are often difficult to reach with chemical controls while feeding within flower clusters.
Continue to scout during pod growth and fill, as serious yield loss can occur when large caterpillars coincide with soybean seeds that have achieved almost full size.
NEW DATE: August 20, 2024 | 9-1 pm | Wye Research and Education Center
Join UMD researchers for a soybean field day highlighting current soybean research. Topics include:
A New Kind of Farmer Participatory Research – UMD TAPS
Crop and Soil Impacts of Basalt Application
Earlier Planting Date and Decreased Population of Full Season Early Maturity Soybeans
Evaluation of Early Maturity Soybeans for Maryland Production
Improving Herbicide Resistant Weed Management
Optimizing Precision Irrigation Management for Soybean Production in Maryland
This free event at the Wye Research and Education Center is sponsored and hosted by the Maryland Soybean Board and the University of Maryland. Lunch will be provided so please register: soyfieldday24.eventbrite.com
Reports are for crop conditions up to July 5, 2024.
Western Maryland
Dry, dry, dry. The pleasant spring has turned into a dry summer so far. Even when the heat isn’t oppressive, the sun is bright, and the wind blows all wonderful conditions for drying out things. Corn and full-season bean planting is a memory. Wheat harvest is in full swing, and yields and test weights are good. Two cuttings of alfalfa are off, and we are hoping for enough moisture to make a third cutting. Double-crop beans are going in the ground, further proving that farmers are the most optimistic people on the planet. Until next month, keep looking up. One day, those clouds will have rain in them, and we will need it.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.
Central Maryland
The wet spring resulted in lots of slugs and replanted soybeans. However, in the last few weeks, the rain has disappeared here in Montgomery County. Temperatures have soared into the upper 90s, resulting in some very dry topsoil, subsoil which is quickly losing moisture, and drought-stressed crops. Some corn fields are starting to tassel, and soybeans are beginning to flower.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.
Northern Maryland
June was unusually dry and we are in a drought situation. Wheat and barley harvest and straw baling was a breeze to the dry weather, and harvest came about 1-2 weeks earlier than normal due to the dry, windy June. Yields were not near the record-setting numbers we’ve seen the past two years but they were still respectable. Having small grains off early will greatly benefit double-crop soybeans, assuming there’s enough moisture in the ground to germinate them. Earliest planted corn is in tassel by July 4 and we thankfully got a couple of decent storms just as tassels were pushing through and alleviated drought scenarios in many fields; that rain likely saved several bushels. Full season soybeans are also starting to come along nicely now after a slow start that some moisture is back in the soil.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.
Upper and Mid Shore
Center pivots have been working double time, keeping corn and soybean fields in the region irrigated amid the ongoing dry spell. Significant rain events are a distant memory, and the summer solstice has brought record heat, contributing to visible water stress symptoms on non-irrigated fields. All corn acres are planted, and early-planted corn is currently tasseling. Small grain harvest is progressing well, aided by the dry weather, which has extended the harvest window. As the small grain harvest wraps up, double-crop beans will soon be planted. Meanwhile, sprayers are busy applying post-emergence herbicides to fields to manage pre-emergence weed escapes, most likely due to the absence of an activating rain. Hopefully we get some rainfall soon.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.
Lower Shore
We had a very dry couple of weeks. Crops were showing signs of drought stress with stunting and leaf burning in some fields. This was followed by a 2-4” rain event across much of the Lower Shore. Corn is approaching late vegetative stages, but not yet tasseling. Wheat has been harvested and double crop soybean planted.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.
Reports are for crop conditions up to June 6, 2024.
Western Maryland
I have a good friend who says, “I don’t have forty years of experience farming; I have one year’s experience forty times.” This spring has been just like that. We have had more moisture than last year, but then came the hot days, cool weather, and more moisture. Corn is planted, and the first cutting of hay is in the barn. Soybean planting is winding down, and grain harvest will be here before you know it, starting with barley. With the moisture we will see how much disease took its toll. Fungicide applications weren’t always as timely as we would hope because of the frequent showers. Until next month when harvest is underway it is then the story will be told.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.
Central Maryland
Planting is almost complete. Slugs have been an issue; some soybean fields will need replanting. It was getting a bit dry, which did provide a good hay-making window. However, a thunderstorm is rolling in as I write this, giving us some needed moisture. Small grains are looking good. Summer annual weeds like pigweed, crabgrass, and foxtail are starting to take off with this warmer weather.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.
Northern Maryland
Spring has been a little challenging in our area. A dry spell in mid-late April made herbicide efficacy less than ideal, followed by several weeks of a lot of rain, which activated herbicides but prevented the timely termination of other cover crops. Early planted corn and beans are up and out of the ground, with earliest planted corn around V6 and getting it’s second shot of nitrogen. Rainy weather in late April early May delayed planting the remainder of the crop by about two weeks. These later planted fields are much further behind than usual but are looking good. There has been some slug damage present, it gets worse the further west you go in the region. Barley nearing harvest and wheat is starting to turn. There are symptoms of head scab but it remains to be seen how severe DON levels are in the grain. The wet weather has made it very difficult to make timely dry hay.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.
Upper and Mid Shore
Corn acreage is looking good, with a nice color and uniform growth. Depending on when it was planted, corn is in the V2 to V5 stages right now. Most of our full-season soybeans are already in the ground. As usual, rain across the region has been hit or miss, with some areas getting a lot more than others. These downpours might not be ideal, but they’re certainly better than no rain at all. Barley harvest is just around the corner. Summer annual weeds are popping up and are ready to impact yield potential. If your residual herbicide program hasn’t kept them in check, now’s the time for a POST application. And remember, using multiple modes of action in your tank-mix slows down the evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.
Lower Shore
has been planted and currently in emergence stage to around V4 stage. Corn is looking good, and being sprayed to combat early season weeds. Soybean planting is currently underway. In a few instances, early planted soybean (early April) had to be replanted due to slug damage. Wheat is looking good and drying down. Farmers are gearing up to cut wheat, which is earlier than anticipated.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.
Southern Maryland
As I write this, a very welcome rain is falling outside my window. As we move into the hotter days of June, the old adage that we are only a week away from a drought at any time is holding true. Two weeks ago it was too wet to get into fields and this week we have corn fields starting to show curling leaves and drought stress. In general corn is off to a good start with most sidedress N applications completed. There have been a lot of catch up full season beans planted in the last 2 weeks. Slug feeding has been minimal this year. Barley is drying down with harvest expected any day. Wheat will not be far behind. Ryegrass continues to be a challenge for producers in both burndown situations in corn and beans, as well as small grains. Many fields may need a harvest aid to kill the ryegrass and allow for timely harvest of wheat. Given the wet conditions following flowering, we are encouraging producers to get the wheat crop off as quick as possible to maintain grain quality.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.
