Harvest time: Two steps forward, one step backward

Warm temperatures in July accelerated corn and soybean growth, but last week’s cool weather caused a setback.

Typically, our highs this time of year are around 82 degrees, but from August 4 to 10, temperatures were eight to 17 degrees below that mark.

The cool weather slowed the development of both corn and soybean plants.

Soybeans, in particular, do not fare well when night temperatures drop to the lower 50s, as low temperatures inhibit the movement of starch from soybean leaves to seeds.

Forecast models predict that 80-day corn planted on May 15 should reach maturity in mid- to late September, before our average freeze date of October 8.

Warm, dry weather will be needed well beyond that date to reduce grain moisture content and help farmers avoid drying costs.

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Spring wheat is coloring, and harvest will begin soon.

This year’s crop looks good, but it’s still uncertain how much Fusarium head blight (scab) will affect yield and quality.

NDSU Extension plant pathologist Andrew Friskop expects the incidence of scab across the state to be higher this year compared to recent years due to weather conditions.

Factors such as planting date, genetic resistance and fungicide use also influence the severity of this disease.

Farmers are encouraged to scout their fields for scab and develop a harvest plan which limits the co-mingling of diseased grain with high-quality grain.

Combine settings should also be adjusted to separate shriveled, chalky-white tombstone kernels, keeping them out of the grain tank on the combine.

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NDSU Extension and the North Dakota Soybean Council are once again offering producers a free

opportunity to test their fields for soybean cyst nematode.

This microscopic roundworm penetrates soybean roots, altering the metabolism of root cells and causing physiological damage.

Severely infected plants become stunted, their development is impaired, and their leaves may turn yellow.

To determine the presence of soybean cyst nematode, soil samples need to be sent to a laboratory.

These samples can be collected anytime from now through harvest.

I have pre-labeled bags available for this program and can assist with soil sample collection.

If you’re interested in testing your fields, please contact me at the Extension office (652-2581, jeff.gale@ndsu.edu).

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I hope to see you at NDSU Extension’s annual row crop tour. The event will be held Thursday, Aug. 29 at the Carrington REC.

This year’s program will focus primarily on the management of weeds and diseases in soybeans and dry beans.

I’m looking forward to learning more about the weed seed crusher that researchers have been testing at the REC.

Attached to the back of a combine, the weed seed crusher effectively pulverizes seeds collected by the combine, preventing their germination.

Registration begins at 4 p.m. and the tour begins promptly at 4:30. Supper will be provided at the conclusion of the tour.