Industry Insider
Corn gene provides resistance to multiple diseases
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a specific gene in corn that appears to be associated with resistance to three important plant leaf diseases.
In a paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, NC State plant pathologists and crop scientists pinpoint the gene — glutathione S-transferase — that seems to confer resistance to Southern leaf blight, gray leaf spot and Northern leaf blight, a trio of diseases that cripple corn plants worldwide.
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New spreadsheet helps farmers make wise decisions
It’s decision-making time again for farmers, and the recent wet weather only complicates these issues. Should I delay planting corn? If I do, how will that decision affect the yield later? Should I consider switching from corn to soybeans?
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Drought-tolerant hybrids advance
Drought stress is the primary challenge to high corn yields in North America and most other corn-producing regions of the world. Because drought tolerance in corn hybrids is a complex trait, a multidimensional research strategy is needed to ensure continual improvement.
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The benefit of shorter alfalfa rotations
Producers of alfalfa may be asking whether it’s time to rotate their alfalfa production to another crop. The value of each crop produced should be considered before the decision is made for the 2011 crop, suggests Phil Kaatz, Michigan State University extension forage educator.
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New tool to calculate hay prices
With the large increase in corn prices lately, some hay producers are asking what minimum hay price they need to match varying corn prices. This Excel spreadsheet from the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Profitability will help answer this question.
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Don’t forget to manage micronutrients
Because of higher yields, higher commodity prices and higher costs of crop inputs, growers are reviewing all potential barriers to crop growth and production, including micronutrient deficiencies. Check out this edition of Pioneer Hi-Bred’s Crop Insights that discusses general micronutrient requirements, deficiency symptoms, soil and plant sampling and fertilization practices.
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Will corn following corn face issues this year?
The 2010 season was a disappointing one for corn growers in many parts of Illinois, says University of Illinois Extension agronomist Emerson Nafziger. With a statewide average yield of only 157 bushels per acre, just 4.2 bushels higher than the U.S. average, and the third-worst yield in the past decade, many Illinois producers are hoping for a more bountiful 2011.
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Should you try twin-row corn?
Twin-row corn has gained interest as a way to potentially increase yields without some of the difficulties and costs of switching to narrow rows. For this reason, Pioneer Hi-Bred conducted extensive on-farm research in 2010 comparing yield in twin and 30-inch rows.
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Maximize corn and water investments
While irrigation has significantly enhanced corn production, concern is increasing regarding declining water resources and the future sustainability of many irrigated corn acres in the U.S. For this reason, improving management practices under declining water supplies is critical.
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New lessons to protect corn from fungal infection
Smut fungi are agents of disease responsible for significant crop losses worldwide. Principal Investigator, Thomas Smith and Research Associate Member, Dilip Shah at The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center collaborated on a project to develop a variety of corn that is highly resistant to corn smut caused by the fungus, Ustilago maydis.
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Study to determine best management strategy for burcucumber in corn
Burcucumber can be one of the most difficult weeds to manage in corn. It can emerge well into the growing season and its vines can spread up to 25 feet and twine around corn plants.
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- Study suggests dairy herd water quality linked to milk production
- Wis. lawmakers question challenges to large wells
- Traders evening up positions ahead of the weekend Friday
- Bio-Vet and Keller break ground on new facility
- Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
- White House urges Senate to cut crop insurance in farm bill
- Class III futures close out quietly last week
- 4 rules for growing a business or industry
- Drop in U.S. underground water levels has accelerated
- Ongoing wave of Calif. metal theft prompts further legislation
