Warmer temperatures have started bringing back some green, but some yellow with it. The corn that was purple last week has made a turn towards yellow. This is a continuing symptom of the saturated soils in Indiana recently.
There are some areas that have lost the potential for a 100% yield due to these soil conditions, and some where crops are still standing under water. Keep watch on plants that are not fully submerged, for they are likely to survive if drainage occurs in the near future.
Scout's Report 6/11: Indiana corn struggles with micronutrient uptake, rapid growth syndrome
Corn that was subject to rapid growth syndrome is still showing symptoms. The white leaves scattered throughout a field will cause no decrease in yield and should turn green with sunshine. Some hybrids are much more prone to the leaves rolling into themselves and leaving the white leaves behind.
The traps throughout north central Indiana have turned up fairly light insect counts so far. I have found seven black cutworm moths and 11 European corn borer moths. Again, the black cutworms are of no concern at this phase. The European corn borer moths are picking up flight. This should get farmers to start thinking of when these egg masses will appear in their fields.
The general rule is 200 heat units after the peak of moth flight, with corn at the V6 growth stage, is when the egg masses will show up on the underside of the corn leaves. Three days after masses are identified, they will hatch and begin eating and growing. Treatment should be administered 8-10 days after the egg masses are detected.
Scout's Report 6/10: Minimal insect pest activity in fields so far
Check Purdue University Entomology and Agronomy updates for more information, and look for my findings again next week!
Kettler writes from Atlanta, Ind. She is a summer intern with Beck’s Hybrids, working with Ben Grimme, Denny Cobb and Kris Johnson. Kettler is a junior at Purdue University. Thanks to Beck’s for making her reports available each week.