By Nicolle Ritchie and Angie Gradiz
Weather
The past week was mostly warm and dry, with some showers over the weekend. High heat and humidity early this week were a big contrast to the fall-like weather from the previous week. Thunderstorms today (Sept. 3) leading into showers tomorrow are expected to bring about a third of an inch of precipitation. The weekend is forecast to be dry and warm, with the next rainfall expected early next week.
Crops and pests
Full season soybeans are finishing R5 (seed fill) and entering R6 (full seed). Several fields have started to senesce. Once one pod on the stem reaches its mature color, the soybean is at R7. Continue to watch out for red crown rot, which is a potential disease not yet confirmed in Michigan. Symptoms look similar to sudden death syndrome and brown stem rot. If you suspect red crown rot, submit a sample to the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostics Lab. The Michigan Soybean Committee and the United Soybean Board will cover the diagnostic fees. You can also request a soybean sampling kit.
st corn fields have entered R5 (dent), and some are at R6 (black layer). At R5, the milk line is visible. This is a change in color in the middle of the kernel that shows where solid starch accumulation (darker color) has occurred, starting from the outer edge and moving inward. At this point in the season, scout for ear molds and stalk rots, which can affect harvestability and seed quality. Seed corn harvest began this past week.
Potato harvest is picking up and will begin in earnest in a couple weeks. Many fields have already been terminated to prepare for harvest, and the rest will follow within a week or so. There have not been any further late blight detections since early August when it was found in St. Joseph County. Potato field after desiccation. Photo by Nicolle Ritchie, MSU Extension.
Source : msu.edu