Crop Opportunities - Q&A

Welcome to an early harvest during a drought year in the Midwest! It has been a hot and dry road and the crops are doing as good as they can in these conditions as most have, or are rapidly reaching maturity. Many questions are being asked as we look at some strange happenings in our fields. This letter is an attempt to address many of these questions.

Q1: What is the black mold that is on my corn? Is it dangerous?
Answer: according to Alison Robertson, ISU, the black mold is saprophytic fungi – microorganisms that feed on dead plant material. They are not known to produce toxins, and the harvested grain should look relatively clean. Individuals with allergies or respiratory problems are encouraged to wear dust masks to reduce breathing in masses of spores. These saprophytic fungi are a big contributor to the mold portion of the pollen and mold counts. It is also important to keep combine engines and can filters clean.
See the full article here
and a previous artice here.

Q2: Are there any other dangerous molds or toxins that may be present?
Answer: Yes. Aflatoxin tops the list. The hot and dry conditions we experienced during pollination can lead to infection of an olive, green mold that is called Aspergillus Ear Rot. As the ear rot develops it can produce the toxin, Aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a known cancer causing agent. It is very important to identify the problem in the field, and if detected IMMEDIATELY contact your insurance agent while the grain is in the field. Once harvested they have no responsibility to assist. More info below:
Identification of ear molds: here
Sampling and analyzing feed info: here
Abnormal corn ear poster that is helpful to identify common ear problems: here

Q3: What are the fertilizer/nutrient implications for drought reduced corn yields?
Answer: Whether from a grain removal rate perspective, total crop removal, or what part a reduced yield situation plays into our fertilizer plans is a difficult question. It will vary by every situation I can imagine. A good quality soil sample is always a great place to start. The best I can offer is a set of links to various university recommendations and situations below:

Impact of the Drought on Next Year's Fertilizer Rates

http://ipm.missouri.edu/IPCM/2012/8/Impact-of-the-Drought-on-Next-Years-Fertilizer-Rates/

Soil Fertility Management Issues Following Drought-damaged Crops - Nitrogen

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2012/0812sawyermallarino.htm

Dry Soil Conditions & Liquid Manure Application

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2012/0815al-kaisi.htm

Phosphorus, Potassium and pH Management Issues Folling Drought-damaged Crops

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2012/0823mallarinosawyer.htm

Q4: What are some of the reasons I have/had yellow patches in my soybeans?
Answer: There are many possibilities from drought, disease, insect/mite and possibly nematodes. Every field and situation may be different. Possible causes are below:

Identifying the Cause of Yellow Patches in Soybeans

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2012/0828mueller.htm

Q5: Are there possibly increased risks of herbicide carryover due to drought conditions?
Answer: Yes, depending upon the herbicides used. Below is a link o an ISU update that does a great job of rating the relative risks involved in the different herbicide families and conditions:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2012/0807hartzlerowen.htm

Q6: What about the possibility of high nitrate levels in feeding drought damaged corn silage?
Answer: High levels of nitrogen in a corn plant that is unable to utilize it can be a feeding issue and tests should be run.

Take Precautions When Feeding Drought-Damaged Corn as Silage

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2012/0724ensleyhoyer.htm

Fact Sheet on Nitrate Toxicity

http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/information/IBC50.pdf

This is just a few of the many questions that are common in our offices, on the phone and especially the coffee spots. If you have any additional questions or concerns that we can address, please let us know and we will do our best!

For further information on these products and many others offered by Loveland Products, Inc, go to the Loveland Products website at: www.lovelandproducts.com.