At this time of year, weedy corn fields attract armyworm moths for egg-laying. You can check for armyworm by examining your fields during the evening, just before sunset when the caterpillars are moving up the stalk or out of the whorl of the corn plant to feed. The threshold for treatment is 5 to 6 armyworm larvae per square foot. For Armyworn control, see Table 7-19 on page 112 of the Field Crop Recommendations Publication 296. Check in advance with your supply dealer for product availability.
Soybeans range from the first trifoliate to early flower.
The light green color observed in most soybean fields is mainly caused by saturated soils, which limits nitrogen fixation, and by cool night-time temperatures. Warmer temperatures, sunny days and a few days without rain will bring the crop around. Early signs of fusarium have been spotted in some spring wheat fields. Growers should scout their fields to look for fusarium infection, which will appear as partially bleached heads, often with a pinkish mold at the base of the infected kernels. If fusarium is present, plan to adjust the combine to blow out the lighter kernals which are usually infected with fusarium.