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Seed production on pace with tech boost

As corn has been picked out of the fields, the seed for next year is getting packed up. Despite drought, production hasn’t been an issue in central Iowa, leading to no concerns about supply next spring.

“We’ve had some fairly timely rains that has helped,” said Jake Pantry, field production lead at the Bayer Corn Production Facility in Grinnell, Iowa. “We aren’t seeing any concerns on yield. (At the start of October) we still have a third of the crop to bring in the door, but there are no concerns about drought impacting things.”

With the yields expected to come in, it should be a typical year for the facility, receiving nearly 140 trucks per day and producing nearly 2 million seed bags annually, 70% of which are for the DEKALB brand.

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Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Neoseiulus californicus)

Video: Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Neoseiulus californicus)

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus is an effective natural enemy of various species of spider mites, including the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). As a key player in biological pest control, this predator helps growers protect their crops sustainably.

How does Neoseiulus californicus work?

•Specializes in targeting the larval and nymphal stages of spider mites.

•Also consumes spider mite eggs, ensuring population control.

•Detects prey through webbing and leaf damage rather than sight.

•Feeds by sucking out the contents of its prey.

Why use Neoseiulus californicus for spider mite control?

•Highly adaptable to different environments, including warm and dry conditions.

•Works as both a preventive and curative solution for spider mite infestations.

•Complements other predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, for integrated pest management (IPM).

•A natural, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.