October 3, 2005 |
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The lack of rain in September delayed the establishment of small grains. It did give producers time to get the seedbed prepared. The hot temperatures in September allowed for a quick desiccation of weeds which often serve as a host to insects and diseases. The wheat curl mite is associated with the distribution of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. The wheat curl mites find the volunteer wheat and grasses a good home and then move to the planted wheat as it emerges.
In the Southern Rolling Plains, mid-October until mid-November is the ideal planting time for wheat intended for grain production. With excellent soil moisture and warm soil temperatures, the plants should germinate uniformly if they are planted at the correct depth in a firm seedbed. Most of the bearded varieties need to be planted from 1.25 to 1.75 inches deep. Beardless varieties can tolerate being planted deeper, however, anything over 2.5 inches is too deep. Trying to plant wheat at a uniform depth is very difficult in freshly worked soil. Producers need to develop the practice of developing the seedbed early and allowing it to settle for several weeks before planting.
Attached is a result demonstration report form for the wheat variety tests that you plan to plant this fall. WordPerfect Format or Rich Text Format.
One big harvest aid decision for producers is whether to defoliate. The leaf grade discounts are high enough that most producers are concerned. In most cases they can't afford to kill the leaves and have them remain on the plant. For defoliation, there are several good defoliants to choose from. Some producers are applying a light rate of desiccant and then after a majority of the leaves have fallen off applied a high rate of desiccant to prepare the crop for harvest.
Attached is a result demonstration report form for the wheat variety tests that you plan to plant this fall. WordPerfect Format or Rich Text Format.
Fisher, Jones, Nolan, Runnels, and Tom Green Counties indicated that they had cotton samples that will need to be ginned at Lubbock in November. A total of 330 cotton samples have been called in so far. If your county is not listed I still need your best guess to determine the number of days we will need the gin. The ginning dates for Districts 6 and 7 will be in late-November. Don't forget, when your preparing the samples for ginning, the best weight size has been approximately 600 grams. If you need a copy of the ginning sheet [Click Here].
Harvest aid demonstrations were established in Tom Green, Runnels, Howard, and Jones Counties for county crop tours. The final report for Tom Green County, Runnels County, Howard County, Nolan County and Jones County are linked. The treatment names that are underlined in the table are linked to a picture of that treatment. I want to thank all the Extension Agents that assisted in the plot designs and establishment, their names are listed on the reports. Enjoy the virtual tour! The information obtained from these plots were useful in discussing harvest aid selection for boll opening, defoliation, and/or desiccation.
On October 10 there will be a training conducted at Abilene for producers needing to obtain a Private Applicators license. For more details and to register for the meeting, call Gary Bomar at (325) 672-6048.
November 30, a seven hour CEU course will be held at Eldorado.
December 8, a five hour CEU course will be held at Brady.
December 14, a five hour CEU course will be held at Abilene.
October 3, District Office, Office Conference
October 4, Howard County, Crops Tour
October 5, Jones County, Establish Harvest Aid Test
October 6, Fisher County, Crops Tour
October 11, McCulloch County, Soil and Soil Fertility Meeting
October 19, Jones County, Crops Tour
October 21, Tom Green County, Professional Ag Workers
October 25, McCulloch County, Plant Growth and Development Meeting
November 7, District Office, Office Conference
November 8-13, Colorado Springs, Colorado, National ESP Meeting
November 15-17, Potter County, T.W.I.G. Meeting
November 18, Tom Green County, Professional Ag Workers
November 24-29, Brazos County, 790 Project Group Meeting
November 30, Schleicher County, CEU Course
| Sincerely,
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