Ed Phillips 1, Managing Editor

May 6, 2014

2 Min Read

Mississippi farmers have returned to their fields in force this week with a nice string of rainless warm days. Early-planted fields have begun to emerge and farmers are working to catch up in unplanted fields.

In their latest crop situation report, Mississippi State University Extension specialists and researchers discuss questions from farmers and things they should be preparing for in their fields.

 

Is it too late to plant rice?

Recent research data says the optimal time to plant Clearfield and conventional rice varieties in Mississippi is between March 20 and April 30 without reducing yield potential. So, is it now too late? The data indicates that rice planted two weeks past April will have a yield loss of less than 5 percent. MSU’s Bobby Golden, Jason Bond, Jeff Gore and Tom Allen give more details in Rice Planting Date — Are We Too Late?

 

Apply a wheat foliar fungicide?

Automatic foliar fungicide applications are being suggested for Mississippi wheat fields. Tom Allen gives information on key characteristics to consider and gives his recommendation in Should You Make a Wheat Foliar Fungicide Application?

 

EPA’s label changes for neonicotinoids

EPA’s recent label changes basically forbids the use of neonicotinoid insecticides while bees are foraging and until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off the plants. There are, however, a few exceptions. MSU’s Angus Catchot, Jeff Gore and Don Cook discuss them in New Neonicotinoid Pollinator Protection Labels.

 

Tips for planting grain sorghum

Mississippi farmers are expected to increase their acreage of grain sorghum this year. MSU’s Erick Larson provides some key tips for planting to get your sorghum crop up and on its way to a successful crop in Seeding Rates and other Grain Sorghum Planting Tips.

 

Plant bug management in cotton

The tarnished plant bug is the most yield-limiting and expensive-to-manage insect in Mississippi Delta cotton. Having a plan now can save money. MSU’s Jeff Gore, Angus Catchot and Don Cook write that promoting earliness is the most important thing to aid tarnished plant bug management later in the year. They have recommendations for early season management in Start Planning Plant Bug Management Now.

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About the Author(s)

Ed Phillips 1

Managing Editor, Delta Farm Press

Ed Phillips, managing editor of Delta Farm Press, is a native Mississippian and had daily/weekly newspaper and magazine experience before joining Farm Press in 1977. He has served in various editorial management positions for the company's farm, equipment, and professional turf management publications.

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