This information was summarized from a June 24 teleconference with ISU extension field specialists in crops. We also receive comments from independent crop consultants located throughout the state. Cultivation and postemergence herbicide application progressed.
Most stands look good, except for some fields with seedling disease problems.
First generation European corn borer larvae were reported in most areas of the state. Tom Smidt, Smidt Crop Management in Greene, reports finding first instar larvae in larger corn and up to 20 percent of the scouted plants were infested. High mortality of the larvae in pulled whorls was observed. Common waterhemp, smartweed, and giant ragweed are getting too large to effectively control with herbicides in some fields. First-cut hay harvest is almost complete, except for some counties in the central, south central, and northeast areas.