At this time of year, we are finally entering one of the most crucial points of the growing season: pollination. However, this is also the time of year where weather and pests start to become even more of an issue. Channel Technical Agronomist Lauren Botine said that the drought conditions in her area are really starting to raise some concerns.
Obviously, we could really do with some rain right now, but most of the rain we receive every year during the crop season comes in the form of severe weather. Some of those storms can do more harm than good, especially if they bring heavy winds. Botine said that these winds don?t just damage the plants directly- they can also blow the soil away and dislodge roots.
On top of the weather issues, many pests are coming out in full force right about now. Most of them are the usual suspects: corn rootworm, soybean cyst nematode, and others. Botine said the weather and pest issues combined can really put some stress on producers.
Some of these pests don?t stop at feeding on our crops- they?ll eat our trees and gardens too. One of the worst pests in this regard is the Japanese beetle. They reproduce in huge numbers, and they have a decently long lifespan for a bug as well. Botine said it?s probably not time to spray for them in your fields yet, but it?s important to keep an eye out for any damage.
For more information or to locate an area seedsman, visit channel.com.
