Newsletter

This is the Last Issue of Weekly Crop Update for the 2001 Season.

I hope that the information that you received this season has been helpful and relevant. This newsletter would not be possible if we did not have the dedication of many people who put the information together for the newsletter each week.

As editor, I would like to express my sincere thanks to those individuals that contribute.

Please do not hesitate to express your comments and suggestions for improvements for Weekly Crop Update to any member of Delaware Cooperative Extension.

Best Wishes for a safe and prosperous harvest season. I look forward to interacting with many of you during the winter meetings.

Regards,

Tracy Wootten

Vegetables

Vegetable Diseases - - Bob Mulrooney, Extension Plant Pathologist; bobmul@udel.edu

Lima Beans.

Downy mildew continues to be found, but not at last years’ level. Keep scouting late maturing fields. Fungicide applications appear to be working, hopefully because fields were sprayed preventatively and it’s been a little drier.

If you find downy mildew we are still interested in determining the race of the fungus present. Please take samples to the county Extension offices. Wrap the infected pods in paper towels and place in paper bags and refrigerate until transported. Label the bags with the location and variety grown.

Phytophthora capsici was identified last week in a field of Cypress. This was originally identified as downy mildew. It can be easy to confuse the two diseases so be sure you have downy before applying a fungicide. For crop rotation and planning purposes also it will be important to know what is present to avoid planting a susceptible crop such as pickles, peppers, or watermelons.

Anthracnose is also present in many fields at the present time. Infected leaves have small (up to 1/2 inch), irregular dark, rusty brown spots. Rotations of two years or more will aid control.

Snapbeans.

Rust is present in some late fields. Scout regularly and spray with Nova or Bravo (chlorothalonil) when the disease first appears.

Nematodes in Veggies.

Fall is the best time to soil sample for nematode pests such as root knot, lesion, and other plant parasitic nematodes. After fall harvest, but before any fall tillage is done take soil cores six inches deep between plants in the row. Samples should be taken in the root zone of the old crop. Twenty cores/ sample should be taken from random spots in the field and placed in a plastic bucket gently mixed, and a pint of soil submitted for analysis. Nematode test bags and instructions are available for purchase from the county Extension offices. Samples cost $10.00. Fall sampling for root knot nematodes is strongly recommended for fields that will be planted in cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupes, lima beans or other high value vegetables where root knot could reduce production.

Fall Sanitation.

In vegetable production, it is not a good idea to leave old crop residue in the field any longer than necessary. If the crop is allowed to survive after harvest, fungi that cause diseases continue to increase on the surviving plants. This allows higher numbers of the fungus to potentially survive until next season. Sanitation (plowing or disking the old crop) will help prevent pathogen carry-over.

REMINDER for Pesticide Storage

Always keep pesticides locked in a secure storage facility. You are encouraged to keep a complete inventory of materials on hand for verification of material use. At this time, it is important to keep all hazardous materials out of the hands of those who would use these chemicals against us.

Nutrient Management Certification Class Schedule

2001-2002

The University of Delaware will be offering the following Nutrient Management certification sessions. The following is a brief summarization of your certification needs:

· Sessions must be taken in order. For example, you must attend Session I before attending Session II.

· Poultry growers that do not apply manure will need to attend Session I and Session II: Poultry.

· Livestock producers that apply nutrients to crops will need to attend Session I, Session II: Other Animal, and Session III: Private Nutrient Handler

· Grain or Vegetable producers that apply nutrients to crops will need to attend Session I, Session II: Non-Livestock, and Session III: Private Nutrient Handler

All certifications must be completed by January 1, 2004. Once you begin the certification process the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission asks that you finish your certification within a year. There is an estimated 5,000 people in the state of Delaware that need to be certified. Please sign up early to get the session you would like to attend because the session size is limited. We will be adding more sessions as these fill. Session dates may be cancelled if a minimum of 20 people are not signed up. To sign up for sessions, please contact your local county extension office. In New Castle, you may contact Cindy Timko at (302)831-2667. In Kent, you may contact Elizabeth Paterson, Cheryl Rocha or Carol McClister at (302)730-4000 and in Sussex you may contact Jeanie Johnson at (302)856-2585 ext. 305. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at (302) 856-2585 ext. 305.

Session I: General

New Castle County

November 1, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. New Castle County Extension Office Newark, DE

December 4, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

January 15, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

February 26, 2002 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. New Castle County Extension Office Newark, DE

Kent County

October 10, 2001 6 p.m –9 p.m. Kent County Cooperative Extension Office Dover, DE

November 20, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Smyrna/Clayton

November 21, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Hartly

December 10, 2001 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Kent County Cooperative Extension Office Dover, DE

Sussex County

October 16, 2001 9 a.m.–12 noon Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

October 17, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

November 6, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Gumboro Fire Hall

November 14, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Ellendale Fire Hall

November 27, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

January 24, 2002 9a.m. – 12 p.m. Greenwood VFW

January 29, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

February 12, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Ellendale Fire Hall

March 7, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

March 19, 2002 9a.m. – 12 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

April 2, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

Session II: Poultry

Kent County

October 15, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

Sussex County

October 16, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

October 17, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 noon Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

October 18, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

November 7, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 noon Gumboro Fire Hall

November 15, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 noon Ellendale Fire Hall

December 19, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

January 23, 2002 1p.m. – 4 p.m. Greenwood VFW

January 29, 2002 9a.m. – 12 noon Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

January 30, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

February 6, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

February 13, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Ellendale Fire Hall

March 5, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

March 13, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Gumboro Fire Hall

March 19, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

April 2, 2002 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

Session II: Other Animal

New Castle County

December 6, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

December 11, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

January 16, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

February 27, 2002 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. New Castle County Extension Office Newark, DE

Kent County

November 20, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 noon Smyrna

December 10, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

February 19, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

February 20, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

March 27, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

Sussex County

December 5, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 noon Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

January 22, 2002 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Greenwood VFW

February 7, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

February 14, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Ellendale Fire Hall

April 3, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

Session II: Non-Livestock

New Castle County

December 6, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

December 11, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

December 18, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

January 16, 2002 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

February 27, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. New Castle County Extension Office Newark, DE

Kent County

November 19, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 noon Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

December 12, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 noon Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

February 19, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

February 20, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

March 27, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

Sussex County

November 14, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 noon Ellendale Fire Hall

December 5, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

December 19, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

January 22, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Greenwood VFW

January 31, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

February 5, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

February 14, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Ellendale Fire Hall

March 6, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

March 12, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Gumboro Fire Hall

March 20, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 noon Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

April 3, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

Session III: Private Nutrient Handler

New Castle County

December 13, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

December 18, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

January 17, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Blackbird Community Center

February 28, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. New Castle County Extension Office Newark, DE

Kent County

November 19, 2001 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

December 12, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

February 21, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

February 21, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

March 28, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

March 28, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Kent County Extension Office Dover, DE

Sussex County

November 6, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Gumboro Fire Hall

November 15, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Ellendale Fire Hall

November 27, 2001 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

December 20, 2001 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

January 23, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Greenwood VFW

January 31, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

February 7, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

February 12, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ellendale Fire Hall

March 6, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

March 12, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Gumboro Fire Hall

March 21, 2002 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

April 4, 2002 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Research and Education Center Georgetown Rt. 9

This schedule as well as other Delaware nutrient management information can be found at the following website:

http://www.rec.udel.edu/nutrient/index.html

Field Crops

Field Crop Diseases - - Bob Mulrooney, Extension Plant Pathologist; bobmul@udel.edu

Small Grains.

Be sure that you plant wheat varieties with high levels of disease resistance. Seed should be treated to protect them from loose smut and common bunt. Varieties that are susceptible to powdery mildew should be treated with Baytan or other seed treatment that will protect them from early infection.

Soybeans.

Do not ignore soybean cyst nematode. It is still present and in spite of the wet season and good growth of soybeans this season, SCN can be present in high numbers as well. The wet season has helped plants compensate for nematode damage, which lulls growers into thinking that everything is fine because they see no severe stunting. During wet seasons SCN numbers can increase dramatically on susceptible varieties. Some late season troubleshooting samples have shown that SCN was responsible for poor growth (short plants) in some fields. Soil sampling after harvest before any fall tillage is recommended for fields to be planted next season to soybeans following this year’s crop. Soil sample bags are available from the county Extension offices for $10/ sample bag.

Grain Marketing Highlights - Carl German, Extension Crops Marketing Specialist; clgerman@udel.edu

Commodity Prices Respond to Harvest Pressure
The primary factor impacting U.S. corn and soybean prices right now is the rapid pace of harvest progress, which is imposing pressure on harvest prices. U.S. farmers are expected to harvest large, not quite record, corn and soybean crops at 9.238 and 2.834 billion bushels respectively. Reports are coming in from Midwest farmers that are indicative of very good to excellent yields and harvest progress being made that is likely ahead of normal progress for this time of year.

The likely impact of the early and rapid harvest pressure on corn and soybean prices is lower from current levels, 10 to 20 cents per bushel for December corn and 15 to 40 cents per bushel for soybeans. Therefore, it may prove to be good business to wait for the harvest pressure to work through before taking any speculative positions in the market.

Marketing Strategy
Farmers with on farm storage are going to need to consider placing unpriced grain at harvest under the loan. Those without on farm storage are likely to take the cash sale, the deficiency payment, and then consider either placing the money on an interest bearing account or maintaining staying power in the market with the purchase of call options. In the event the call option strategy looks probable, it then becomes imperative to pay attention to commodity price level (now indicated to be moving lower), the premium cost of the option, the impact on the net cash price received, and the strike price of the option.

With this being the last issue of Weekly Crop Update for this season, grain marketer's are invited to continue receiving 'Grain Marketing Highlights' via the Internet Grain Marketing Discussion Group. In order to participate in the Grain Marketing Discussion Group, send a message to < majordomo@udel.edu > with the only message in the text that reads subscribe grn-mktdg@udel.edu

Observations Made During Corn Yield Checks – Derby Walker, Agricultural Agent, derby@udel.edu

Currently, 19 corn yield checks for the National Corn Growers have been completed. The following are commonalities for high yielding corn fields:

1. Good drainage and timely irrigations.

Too much water hurt corn yields, especially irrigated fields. What are high yields? Irrigated – 220 to 240 bu/A, dry land 180 to 200 dry bushels of corn/A.

2. Uniform plant stand (plants evenly spaced and all emerged at the same time).

Late emerged plants had small ears, if they had any ears.

3. The early-planted corn had the highest yields. Yields have decreased with the later plantings.

4. Timely harvest with properly set machines.

As the moisture dropped below 20%, field losses increased. Field losses more then doubled by waiting. Some growers drive too fast or have incorrectly set their machines leaving grain in the field. In several fields, there would have been harvest problems because of stalk and root rots. The combination of a good harvest season and timely harvest has prevented field losses. Growers should harvest fields infected with stalk and/or root rots first. Early harvest prevents high field losses. It is easy to check for stalk and root rots. Grab the lower stalk, if it collapses it has stalk rot (100 plants to determine %). Pull the stalk; if plants easily come out with a little root ball, you have a root rot. Under wet and windy conditions, this corn will fall over. Harvest it before it does.

5. Nitrogen rates –

200 bushels of irrigated corn can be grown with 200 pounds of nitrogen when nitrogen is put on in a timely fashion. To get higher then 200 dry bushels, more nitrogen is needed. However more nitrogen cannot over come plant stand, irrigation or drainage problems. On dry land, it is rainfall that determines yield, not nitrogen rates.

6. Variety performance should be taken into consideration when making plant population decisions.

Some varieties have more disease problems when they are crowded together.

7. Match the variety to the soil borne disease problems in the field.

This may mean selecting a variety with less yield potential, but it may out yield higher yielding varieties because it can handle “your disease issues”.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

HAY AND PASTURE WORKSHOP

Basic Considerations For Establishing and Maintaining a Grass Hay Field or Pasture

Date: Saturday, September 29, 2001

Rain Date: Saturday, October 6, 2001

Call (302) 831-8860 between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. on September 29 for a recorded message if weather is inclement. If necessary to move meeting to October 6 date and weather is again

inclement, we will meet at 910 South Chapel Street, across from the old Caldor Store in the Pencader Plaza Shopping Center for a classroom session. Call as above for a recorded message.

Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon

Location: University of Delaware Farm, Rt. 896, Newark, DE.

Registration: Phone (302) 831-2506 by Wednesday, September 26, if you plan to attend. This will help us plan for handouts, etc.

Directions: From 896 (S. College Ave.), enter UD Farm from north entrance to Townsend Hall (at traffic light closest to bridge over railroad and directly across from Chrysler Parts Depot). Make an immediate left at first “STOP” sign. Road curves to the right as it passes Girl Scout Headquarters (on the left) and then passes several farm buildings. Continue straight on gravel road approximately 500 yds. Hay and pasture demonstration plots will be on your right (inside wire fence).

Purpose: If you are managing an existing grass hay field or pasture, or are considering establishment or renovation and need help with the basics, or just need a refresher, this workshop is for you!

Topics: In-field identification and characteristics of various grass species; comparative advantages/disadvantages; and effects of planting methods, timing (spring vs. fall), and seeding rate.

There will also be a brief update on the Delaware Nutrient Management Program and how it affects you.

Please share this information with your interested friends.

This meeting is free and everyone interested in attending is welcome. For more information, or for special consideration in accessing this meeting, please contact the Extension Office at 831-COOP (2667).

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Carl P. Davis

Extension Agent, Agriculture

Delmarva Disabilities Awareness Conference

“Providing Tomorrow’s Resources Today”

Date: October 18, 2001

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Richard A. Henson Center, U.M.E.S., Princess Anne, Maryland

Registration Fee: $10.00 – Students and Senior Citizens: $8.00 (lunch is included in the fee)

To Register and More Information: Sally Van Schaik at 1-877-204-3276

Session Topics will Include:

Accessibility

Substance Abuse/Mental Health

Employability

Legislation/ADA

Ticket to Work/Benefits Counseling

Assistive Technology

Secondary Injury Prevention

Recreation

Delmarva Agribility Project

A resource directory will be given to each person attending.

Pesticide Container Recycling

Date: October 18, 2001

Location: Sussex Conservation District Maintenance Yard

Shortly Road, Georgetown

Time: Collections from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Free of Charge!

All containers must be properly rinsed.

More Information: Call DDA at 302-739-4811 or

1-800-282-8685.

Next Quarterly Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing

Date: December 17-18, 2001

Location: Kent County Extension Office Pardee Center

The first day is training—8:30 am-4:30 pm. Training continues the morning of the second day, 8:30 am – noon. Be sure to bring red workbook. The exam starts at 1:00 pm the second day (Dec. 18.) The exam is closed book. Be sure to bring your calculator for the calibration questions.

12th ANNUAL PESTICIDE CONFERENCE

http://www.udel.edu/pesticide/Cal.htm#annual conf
Pesticides and the Public: How Applicators Can Respond To Public Concern With Pesticide Use.

Date: Thursday, January 17, 2002
Location: Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Avenue, Rt. 8, Dover DE

This year's conference will be held in conjunction with the Delaware Horticulture Industry Expo. Topics will be "IPM in Schools," "What Lessons Have We Learned From Star Link Corn?" and "Risk Communication." Afternoon break-out sessions will present new information in Agriculture, Turf & Ornamental, and Structural Pest Control. Recertification credits will be awarded in all applicator categories.

Weather Summary

Week of September 21 to September 26, 2001

Rainfall:

0.34 inches: September 21

0.40 inches: September 24

0.18 inches: September 25

Readings taken for the previous 24 hours at 8 a.m.

Air Temperature:

Highs Ranged from 84°F on September 23 to 65°F on September 26.

Lows Ranged from 66°F on September 24 to 43°F on September 26.

Soil Temperature:

72°F average for the week.

(Soil temperature taken at a 2 inch depth, under sod)

Web Address for the U of D Research & Education Center:

http://www.rec.udel.edu

Compiled and Edited By:

Tracy Wootten

Extension Associate - Vegetable Crops

Cooperative Extension Education in Agriculture and Home Economics, University of Delaware, Delaware State University and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating, John C. Nye, Dean and Director. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, disability, age or national origin.