What is it? Fusarium Head Blight is a fungal disease that affects the head of small grain crops. Also referred to as Scab, it can affect wheat, barley, oats, rye, corn, and triticale. Wheat and barley are generally the most affected. It is mainly caused by the species Fusarium graminearum, and can cause loss of […]
Weed identification is halfway to control. Identifying your weeds and understanding the life cycle of weeds is an important step to a proper and sound weed management strategy for your farm. Each weed has a certain life cycle attached to it. It is important to know the life cycle of weeds to help you quickly […]
Weed-free period in corn In corn this period occurs from V1 to V6 (1 to 6 leaf collars). Some sources will mention that it even begins at the VE stage (emergence). During this time the corn crop needs to stay clean. Weeds will affect yield
With the cold winter that we have had, a slow start of insect development may occur. Many of the acres planted in Ontario have been planted with neonicotinoid insecticides. With the current debates over neonicotinoid insecticides, the best strategies to control pests is to start with a good knowledge of crop pests. By understanding early […]
Nitrogen management has always been a challenge in high nitrogen demand crops such as corn and winter wheat. The three pathways that can contribute to significant nitrogen loss are: Volatilization (loss of ammonia nitrogen to the atmosphere from the soil surface), Denitrification (which occurs when soils are saturated and in an anaerobic environment) and Leaching […]
Increased interest in micronutrients When it comes to applying micronutrients, understanding the different forms that they can come in is very important to know. There is an increased interest in micronutrients with today’s growers. Many growers and advisors realize that these can be a major limiting factor in crop growth. In order to increase yields, the […]
Phosphorus is a nutrient that is greatly needed for high yields in crop production. It stimulates root development, increases stalk and stem strength, improves flower formation and seed production, improves crop quality, and supports development throughout the entire life cycle of the plant. Phosphorous has also been receiving a lot of attention lately in the […]
A starter fertilizer application is key to achieving the highest yield possible. It promotes an increase in early season plant growth, increased nutrient availability, and earlier crop maturity. Applied nutrients are used more efficiently and provide a greater return on investment for your fertilizer dollars. Finally, starter fertilizers promote good environmental stewardship because
Nitrogen on winter wheat Cereals are very responsive to nitrogen. However, over-application of nitrogen or applying too early on a thick stand of wheat can cause lodging, resulting in reduced yield, quality, and harvestability. The optimum rate of nitrogen for a particular field will depend on the type of wheat grown, past applications of manure […]
Assessing winter survival in wheat Factors affecting winter survival in wheat The ability of winter wheat plants to survive winter often depends on each plant’s ability to tolerate low temperatures. Winter wheat plants go through a process called ‘cold acclimation’ in the fall during which each plant acquires the ability to withstand the cold temperatures […]
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