October 2, 2007 |
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 a mind-set that wheat ground should be worked early and allowed to settle for several weeks before planting.
Producers need to pay close attention to weed problems. With favorable growing conditions, a high population of weeds could develop rapidly and the larger the weeds the more expensive they are to control. Producers will need to be reminded not to use 2-4,D until tillering is complete. They might consider using products like Ally or Amber that are reasonably priced and give favorable broadleaf weed control for several months.
The August rains prompted the emergence of volunteer wheat which can serve as a host to several problems. The wheat curl mite is associated with the distribution of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. The wheat curl mites find the early emerging wheat a good home and then move to the planted wheat as it emerges. Hessian fly will have an 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.
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.
The biggest decision for producers is whether to defoliate. The leaf grade discounts are high enough that most producers are concerned. In most cases they can not afford to kill the leaves and have them remain on the plant. For defoliation, some producers are applying a light rate of desiccant while others are applying defoliants. After the leaves have fallen off the plant, then a desiccant is applied at a high rate.
The ginning dates for District 6 and 7 will be November 27 & 28, 2007. A total of 30 cotton samples have been called in so far. I think there is close to 400 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. If you need a copy of the ginning sheet [Click Here].
On October 8 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 6, a five hour CEU course will be held at Eldorado.
December 13, a five hour CEU course will be held at Abilene.
On the first Monday in December the Old Timers and Friends of Extension luncheon will be held in San Angelo. I have attended this meeting every year for the last 18 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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