Phyllis Bongard, Educational content development and communications specialist
The drought is affecting not only crop conditions but the potential for disease development. Drs. Seth Naeve, Extension soybean agronomist, and Dean Malvick, Extension plant pathologist, addressed how soybeans are faring in the state and disease concerns during the July 19 Field Notes session. They were joined by moderator Liz Stahl, Extension crops educator, for the wide-ranging discussion.
Soybean update Naeve travelled around Minnesota these past two weeks assessing the soybean crop. Despite the drought, soybeans are looking reasonably good. However, we are living “paycheck to paycheck” in terms of soil moisture and need timely rain for the crop to develop and yield.
After an early, dry spring in southern Minnesota, excessive rain at planting was followed by an early shut down of rain. These conditions have resulted in a perfect storm of challenges. The primary challenge is the continued drought and the plant stress it causes. Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC), which affects a large portion of our acreage, is another major challenge.
Source: umn.edu
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Soybeans