jesse.grogan's blog

Poncho® / VOTiVO® is a new seed treatment with an increased rate of Poncho® systemic insecticide  and VOTiVO®, a new biological seed treatment that protects corn roots from plant pathogenic nematodes. Poncho® / VOTiVO® at the 500 mg/seed rate is showing a benefit of 6 bushels per acre  over Poncho® 250 mg/seed rate with several years of cooperative testing.

Disease lesion mimic is a physiological plant disorder or stress phenotype caused by mutant genes in hybrid genetic backgrounds. Hybrids across the industry are affected but not specific brands. Mutant gene expression is triggered by bright sunlight and high temperatures especially when plants are in saturated soil conditions up to tassel stage. Corn followed corn rotations are affected more than corn following soybeans. Leaf spotting or longitudinal striping symptoms look like disease development. It is called an abiotic stress disorder by university plant diagnostic labs.

INDIANA: Regions east of I69 were planted late and suffered most loss. Yields in tight clay soils were in the 120-150 B/A range. Fields south and east of I70 in the lighter soils were below 100 bushels per acre. Areas west of SR13 and north of I70 are in the 170-200+ B/A range. Yields in river valleys to the south are in 160-200+ B/A. Yield averages tend to be 20 bushels lower compared to last year. Those with deeper silty clay loam soils with adequate drainage endured stressful conditions better. About 40% corn acres were planted in late May to early June that produced the best crop.

Questions are coming up again this year about corn ear rots. Drought and heat stress in combination with hail and insect injury has raised the specter of Aspergillus mold growth and the possiblilty of aflatoxin production. Also late planting in many areas has corn finishing or maturing late in the year during cool and wet conditions that are conducive to other ear rots like Giberella. The attached technical bulletin #142 'Ear Rots of Corn' is an aid for identifying major ear rots and information about potential mycotoxin development. 

Corn and soybean growth accelerated through the month of June and early July. Crops look better than expected and good yields are possible in many fields. Recently, high winds knocked corn down in northwest Indiana on July 11. But most of it stood back up in a few days. However, a week of soaring temperatures and high humidity with little rain is getting our attention now. Will corn make it through the critical pollination stages? Corn is well adapted to heat and can grow at temperatures in the 90’s. But available soil moisture is critical.

Wet fields, rain, wind and hail is the scenario this spring in Indiana and Kentucky. The rivers and streams are full to over flowing and water in the river bottoms is at the highest level since the 1930’s. All this makes it difficult to farm and tests one’s mettle. A dry field anywhere gets attention, if it’s large or just a piece. Many are farming around ponds and extremely wet places in fields just to get a crop in.

Good news for the end of harvest season is that LG Seeds has performance. Top end yield performance was awesome from several hybrids. LG2555VT3, LG2620VT3 and LG2641VT3 had yields in the 260-280 bushels per acre range in strip plots. Whole fields were in the 240-260 bushels per acre range. LG2620VT3 was 11-12 bushels per acre than competitors in hundreds of side by side comparisons. Yields were also remarkable in lower yield environments.

This year’s harvest is basically finished including some essential tillage and residue management options. What a difference a year can make! A relatively dry and hot summer compared to a cool and wet last year. LG Seeds products show outstanding performance with superior yield and solid agronomics in both years and then exceed expectations over competitors this year. Our proprietary genetics are proven and can make a positive impact on profitability for more dollars per acre on your farm. LG2620VT3 leads the way with complete performance in scores of fields.

Hybrid products for LG Seeds are performing above expectations this year. Many of our hybrids respond well in heat and late season stress. Our genetics are superior and markedly different from major competitors such as Pioneer Hi-Bred and DEKALB. Kernels are deep with a small cob on notable LG Seeds products such as LG2549, LG2555, LG2620, LG2641 and LG2642. Plant health is above average in these hybrids for an active and longer grain filling period for deep kernels to top yield potential.