Information is the Key

Folks, this information is the key for this time of the year and I wanted to share it with you.

"Widely Variable"

That's the best way I know to describe the 2009 corn crop. We have corn in the pollination stages and we have corn that was just planted recently. I guess the best thing to hope for is that the crop is diverse enough to hit good growing conditions somewhere along the way. Management will be critical to maximize yield potential for this crop.

Mid Season N Applications

Mid season N application is a great way to enhance yield potential of our corn crop. At tassel, corn has used 50percent of the total N. That means there is still a chance to influence yield at this time. Irrigated corn that has 200+ bushel yield potential will need a total of 240 units of N. Generally we try to get 200 units out by "sidedress" time and then add another 40 units at tassel. Keep in mind that some of the preplant N was lost. Many growers accounted for that by increasing their sidedress N amounts. The best sources for mid season N are urea or a combination of urea and ammonium sulfate. DO NOT USE Agrotain at this time. It may cause significant leaf burn. Irrigate or "rain in" the nitrogen application.

Fungicide Application

Most companies agree that the timing for the best yield gain on fungicides is at tassel. If it weren't for the threat of Southern Rust, I would agree. Southern Rust generally comes in a little later. It is generally after the length of time we can protect our corn with a tassel fungicide application. My preferred timing is purple or brown silk. This gives us more protection longer into the season and should prevent us from having the "respray" for Southern Rust protection.

Irrigation

Water, water, water. From tassel to soft dough, the corn crop is using .35 inches of water per day! That is over 2 inches a week. In this case, pivots will generally run continuously and furrow irrigations need to be more frequent. Don't rely on a 1/2 inch rain to make it thru the week, KEEP ON IRRIGATING.

Non Bt corn Insecticide Application

In the cotton region, only 50percent of our corn can be Bt corn. That leaves the other 50percent susceptible to injury from the European and Southwestern corn borers. SWB is particularly devastating contributing to stalk lodging and reduction in grain yield. We can combat these insects with a properly timed application of Intrepid. Intrepid works well due to the fact that is has 14 to 21 day residual activity on the plant.

The timing of the application should be determined based on moth trap counts in your area. As these trap counts spike up, make the application. This will allow the Intrepid to be on the plant as the larvae hatch and move across the plant surface prior to boring into the plant.

VT3Pro in 2010

VT3Pro is a new trait introduction that offers 2 modes of action control against corn borers. This is a true breakthrough in crop protection technology. It also has excellent protection against corn earworm and fall armyworm. Protection against corn earworm can improve overall ear quality, grain quality and reduce the chance of aflatoxin. The best news is that the EPA will allow the refuge to change from 50 percent to 20 percent!

Pending final approvals, this technology will be available in 2010.

Always follow grain marketing and IRM requirements and pesticide label directions. B.t. traited products may not be registered in all states. Check with your seed representative for registration status in your area. Acceleron™, Acceleron and Design™, Genuity™, Genuity and Design™, Genuity Icons, Processor Preferred and Design®, Roundup®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design™, VT Triple PRO™, YieldGard®, YieldGard VT and Design®, YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2®, and YieldGard VT Triple® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Respect the Refuge and Corn Design® is a registered trademark of National Corn Growers Association. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2009 Monsanto Company. Belle™ and Southern to the Cob™ is a trademark of Cullum Seeds, LLC.