Small grains update
Dr. Jochum Wiersma, Extension small grains specialist
Annual summary and interpretation of the spring wheat and winter rye variety trial results with a focus on variety selection and disease management. In light of the problems encountered this past season, there will more time given to update and discuss the management of Fusarium head blight (FHB) and strategies to avoid pre-harvest sprouting (PHS).
What bugged you? Insect roundup of 2024
Dr. Ian MacRae, Extension entomologist
We will discuss regional insect populations, problems and potential new management tactics and technologies that influenced the 2024 cropping season. Topics will include insecticide performance, potential new products and discussion of the population dynamics of several insect pests. Local pattern of insecticide resistance will also be discussed.
Subsurface drainage system performance for sugarbeets, dry edible beans, and small grains
Dr. Lindsay Pease, Extension nutrient and water management specialist
The benefits of subsurface drainage systems are well-established for the two major grain crops produced in the Midwest: corn and soybeans. We have less information on the benefits for our region’s other high-value crops such as sugarbeets, dry edible beans, and small grains. It is critical for growers to understand how subsurface drainage will perform across their full rotations when deciding whether to install or modify a drainage system. This presentation will provide an overview of subsurface drainage performance across four years of research on rotations including these high-value crops from the University of Minnesota Northwest Research & Outreach Center.
Tar spot of corn: Spread, risks, and management
Dr. Dean Malvick, Extension plant pathologist
Corn tar spot was first discovered in the U.S.A. in 2015 and in SE Minnesota in 2019. At the end of 2024, this fungal disease had spread into 55 counties in Minnesota and multiple counties in North Dakota. In most areas of MN and ND, tar spot was at low levels that did not reduce corn yields. However, this year and in previous years there have been areas in SE MN where tar spot has caused significant loss of corn yield. This presentation will cover key aspects of the spread, biology, risks, and management of corn tar spot in Minnesota.
Common ragweed control in sugarbeet
Dr. Tom Peters, Extension sugarbeet agronomist, North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota Extension
Glyphosate resistant (GR) weeds dominate sugarbeet production in Minnesota and North Dakota. Sugarbeet growers attending the 2024 grower seminars categorized GR waterhemp as their most important weed control challenge on 61% of the sugarbeet acres in Minnesota and North Dakota. GR common ragweed was identified on 7% of sugarbeet acres, but was recognized as their most important weed control challenge on 29% of acres in Traill and Grand Forks counties in North Dakota and Polk, Norman, and Marshall Counties in Minnesota. In 2024, ragweed may have escaped Stinger HL application since below normal soil temperatures extended ragweed germination and emergence into June and early July. Two times Stinger HL application at 1.5-1.8 fl oz/A in combination with Roundup PowerMax3 on common ragweed less than 2-inch (2 lf sugarbeet) and 14 days later is the most frequent control program. Stinger HL must be applied before sugarbeet reach the 8 lf stage or approximately end of May in Minnesota and North Dakota. Common ragweed emerges in late April and May. Common ragweed must undergo a dormant period from late fall through winter before germinating the following year. Increasing soil temperatures promote germination, but temperatures above 85F will halt germination and send the seeds back to dormancy until repeating the cold requirement the following winter. There are other accounts for ragweed escapes including biotypes more Stinger HL tolerant.
