March 27, 2007
CORN
2006 Duplin County Contest Winners
2006 Duplin County Corn Contest winners were recognized at the January 29 Duplin County Agribusiness Council Annual Membership Meeting. Duplin County Extension, Murphy-Brown, and Nash Johnson & Sons sponsor the annual contest.
The third place winner was Vic Swinson of Beautancus with a yield of 138.92 bushels/acre. Vic's winning entry was irrigated and strip-till. He planted DeKalb C69-70 at a final plant population of 23,000 plants/acre in 38 inch rows. Vic received a plaque and a $50 check.
The second place winner was Greg Bradshaw of Faison with a yield of 202.76 bushels/acre. Greg’s winning entry was non-irrigated and no-till. He planted DeKalb C63-81 at a final plant population of 30,000 plants/acre in 38 inch rows. Greg received a plaque and a $100 check.
The first place winner was Dail Brothers of Kenansville with a yield of 209.99 bushels/acre. Henry and Edward's winning entry was non-irrigated and conventional till. They planted Pioneer 31N28 at a final plant population of 31,500 plants/acre in 30 inch rows. Dail
Brothers received a plaque and a $200
check.
Duplin County Center
P.O. Box 949
Kenansville, NC 28349
(910) 296-2143
Congratulations to our winners!
Keys To Profit
At the January 25 Grain Production Meeting, Dr. Ron Heiniger, NCSU Extension Corn Specialist, highlighted keys to profit for corn. While the corn planters are already rolling, a review is appropriate.
Key 1 is proper hybrid selection. Standability, stress tolerance, and yield are key for a high yielding NC corn variety.
Key 2 is strong plant population. Higher plant populations promote high yield without the risk of crop failure in dry weather. Do not exceed 34,000 seeds per acre.
Key 3 is proper root development. Is your soil pH at the proper level? Is your soil potash level adequate? Are you using a 2X2 placement 1:1:0 starter fertilizer?
Key 4 is proper plant-to-plant spacing. Is your planter properly maintained and adjusted? Is your planter operated at the proper speed based on the terrain and the manufacturer's recommendation?
HERBICIDE RESISTANCE
In 2006, palmer amaranth (a pigweed species) resistant to glyphosate was confirmed in Duplin County. Glyphosate products include Roundup, etc. Several Duplin County soybean growers experienced palmer amaranth control difficulties in 2006.
Dr. Alan York, NCSU Extension Weed Specialist, has emphasized herbicide resistance management during presentations the last 2 winters. An April 27, 2006 newsletter discussed the topic as well.
This newsletter includes Managing Herbicide Resistance In Cotton Cropping Systems. This Cotton Incorporated publication was written and reviewed by internationally recognized pest resistance management experts. Please note herbicide programs are included for corn, soybeans, and cotton.
SOYBEANS
Rust Update
In 2006, soybean rust was found in 15 states (274 counties). States were Alabama (26), Arkansas (28), Florida (24), Georgia (17), Illinois (8), Indiana (6), Kentucky (18), Louisiana (26), Mississippi (9), Missouri (5), North Carolina (42), South Carolina (21), Tennessee (19), Texas (7), and Virginia (18).
In 2007, soybean rust has been found on kudzu in 8 Florida counties, 5 Alabama counties, and 5 Georgia counties. Rust has been found in 1 Texas soybean field. This field was destroyed approximately March 1 and replanted to corn.
What does this mean for 2007 North Carolina soybean production? 2006 soybean rust findings do not translate to an expected soybean rust epidemic in 2007. A sentinel plot system, including 35 states and 5 Canadian provinces, will be in place for early soybean rust detection. North Carolina is a part of this system.
Official Variety Tests
This newsletter includes selected tables from the 2006 NCSU Soybean Measured Crop Performance bulletin. Copies are available free of charge at local soybean supply dealers and the Duplin County Extension Center.
COTTON BOLL WEEVIL FEE
The 2007 NC boll weevil assessment fee will be $2.50 per acre. The fee supports NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division's intensive trapping and monitoring program to detect any re-introductions of the boll weevil. A total of 61,985 traps were placed and maintained on 35,360 cotton fields in 60 counties last year.
Disclaimer: The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.
Curtis D. Fountain
Extension Agent
Agriculture - Field Crops