October 2, 2006 |
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The September rains prompted the emergence of volunteer wheat which can serve as a host to several problems. One of these problems is the wheat curl mite that is associated with the distribution of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. The wheat curl mite finds the early emerging wheat a good home and then moves to the planted wheat as it emerges. Another related problem is the Hessian fly when allowed the opportunity of getting started early, which will allow multiple generations to develop and this can be a big problem. Also, the volunteer wheat can serve as a host to leaf rust that can become a serious problem if the wet cycle continues this fall.
The combination of rain and warm soil temperatures has resulted in a lot of weeds emerging. An application of a herbicide will be needed earlier than usual. Of the broadleaf weed herbicides available, 2,4-D will not be a product of choice in early established wheat due to its impact on tiller development.
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 preparing the seedbed early and allowing it to settle for several weeks before planting.
Wild oat and Ryegrass Control tests will be established in wheat this year. If you know of other tests that should be established let me know.
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.
All of the harvest aid tests established this year have alerted producers to the fact that the cotton with regrowth is a challenge and we will have to modify the ground rig nozzle configuration. The nozzle over the top of the row can be a flat fan nozzle of your choice. Drop nozzles used in the furrows directed toward the middle to lower portion of the cotton plant will be needed. The nozzle of choice will be the one that gets the best coverage of the harvest aid applied. Pressure for application may be 50 to 80 p.s.i. to get the needed coverage. Off target drift will be a concern! For desiccation/abscission of juvenile growth, producers will need to select Ginstar, Aim, Blizzard, ET or Resource. If adequate time exists for the juvenile leaves to mature before applying a harvest aid then paraquat can be used to desiccated the leaves.
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.
The ginning dates for District 6 and 7 have not been set. A total of 10 cotton samples is all that was called in. I think there are close to 200 samples to be ginned, but I need the counties to call and confirm their numbers. Don't forget, when your preparing the samples for ginning, the best weight size has been approximately 600 grams.
Linked is the answers to questions 41 to 68 in your cotton handbook.
Linked to "Virtual Tour" is a report on the performance of Ignite 280 in controlling morningglory. In the report, pictures are linked to each of the plots.
On October 13, 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.
If you have training or a CEU course during the next two months, please let me know so I can share that information with other agents and producers. Thanks.
October 2, District Office, Office Conference
October 3, Tom Green County, Harvest Aid Plot Establishment
October 10, Nolan County, Crops Tour
October 12, Nolan County, IPM Steering Committee Meeting
October 17, Lampasas County, Soil and Soil Fertility Meeting
October 18, Comanche County, Rejuvenating Improved Pasture
October 19, Fisher County, Ag Day
October 20, Tom Green County, Professional Ag Workers Meeting
November 6, District 7 Office, Office Conference
November 10, District 7 Office, Teleconference
November 14-18, Annapolis, Maryland, National Epsilon Sigma Phi Meeting
On the first Monday in December the Old Time Friends of Extension luncheon is held in San Angelo. I have attended this meeting every year for the last 17 years. It has been worth my time and effort to attend. If you want more information give me a call.
Sincerely,
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