Soybean Update
Most normal soybeans have been planted and have good stands. {click here for details on late and Ultra Late planting} Now, we must look for pests that could reduce yields.
Yesterday, I found one that usually we don’t see until later in the year – the Three Cornered Alfalfa Hopper. These can really hurt yields because the plant will break off just above ground level. The Three Cornered Alfalfa Hopper will girdle the stem on both soybeans and peanuts causing the stem to break off or not produce the maximum yield. Growers may want to put the insecticide of their choice out when they spray their Liberty or RoundUp.
If you can find Liberty, the AGS 5911 LL is still a good choice for planting now and Ultra Late. Last year in Brooks County AGS5911 LL was planted on July 15, 2011 and did 47 bu/acre and AGS Woodruff did 53.
Watch for more updates to come. John Woodruff will be helping develop a plan for 100 bu/acre soybeans. It appears if you have a good stand keep the plant healthy and growing through the V stages, and yield enhancement will start around R-1. The advice is not to make the plant grow too fast during V growth (do not add fertilizer until R stages) because it will be weak stemed (too long nodes) and may lodge.
Good Growing!
blake@mixonseed.com
229-254-0115