Don't Overlook This Early Pest

Photo from extension.entm.purdue.edu 

I realize that right now the number one thing on our minds is getting the crop planted, but it won’t be long until we need to start scouting for pest in those newly planted fields.  Black cutworms come early and love newly emerged corn plants.  They also can drastically reduce your corn populations if they go unnoticed for very long.

Because black cutworm moths are attracted to green vegetation for egg laying, infestations of larvae usually appear first in weedy areas of fields. Newly hatched larvae feed on weeds and young corn plants if present, leaving small irregular holes in the leaves. Such early feeding is of little significance to plants. However, larger larvae may notch the stems of seedlings immediately below the soil surface, which can cause plants to wilt and die. They may completely cut through stalks, which can result in severe stand reductions.

According to UK Extension Entomology Dr. Ric Bessin, the black cutworm is most serious in weedy, late-planted fields with poor drainage, especially during cool, wet springs. Eggs are laid singly or a few together on leaves or stems of weeds, crop residues, or bordering fields before the corn is planted. The young larvae feed on these plants until corn seedlings emerge. Small larvae feed at the surface and may chew on the edges of leaves, while older larvae feed entirely underground and tunnel into the plant. This cutworm tends to carry cut-off plant parts into its burrow which is likely to be in moist, firm soil. Burrows are three to four inches long.

Although three to four generations occur each year, it is the first one attacking seedling corn that is the most serious.

Larvae vary from dark greasy-gray to black. They have a lighter stripe down the middle of the back and a brown head capsule. The skin, roughened with blunt-convex granules, has a generally greasy appearance. Fully grown larvae reach 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 inches.

The adult black cutworm moth is reddish-brown with a front wing that is brown to black in the center two-thirds and clay-colored to the tip. There is a distinct black, “dagger-like” dash near the front margin of the front wing.

Early detection of economic infestations means that an insecticide can be applied before serious damage occurs. Careful scouting of corn fields is the most effective means of detecting economic infestations of cutworms. Scouting for cutworms should begin as soon as the corn emerges and continue twice weekly until the plants reach 18 inches high.

When scouting for economic infestations of cutworms, check in at least five areas of the field, examining 20 consecutive plants. Record the number of plants that are cut, wilted, or showing signs of leaf feeding. While walking through the field, observe the evenness of cutworm infestations. Look for live cutworms around freshly damaged plants. First, check under clods around the base of plants. Then, dig up an area three inches in radius and three inches deep around the plant. Record the number and average length of the live cutworms.  Treat when 3% of the stand is cut or 2 or more larvae are found per 100 plants.

Insecticides applied at planting time solely for cutworm control are not recommended. Any insecticide applied at planting may not provide acceptable control of heavy cutworm infestations, and a rescue treatment may be necessary anyway. In addition, preventive measures may not pay because damaging numbers of cutworms do not occur every year.

If cutworm rescue treatments are needed, insecticides such as Lorsban, Mustang Max and Warrior are labeled for such.  Be sure to read and follow the label of all pesticides carefully.

For more information on black cutworms and other insect management recommendations, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Fertilizing Your Home Lawn

Photo from lawnandbugs.com

All of the rain this spring has slowed down our planting progress drastically.  However, one thing that is has not put a halt to, is our grass growing.  With the beginning of mowing season here many of us want to create beautiful, lush lawns that are more appealing than our neighbors.  But before you go out and throw the nitrogen to it, be sure you understand what nutrients your home lawn needs by soil sampling and know when is the best time to fertilize.

Soil sampling is easily accomplished with some very simple tools.  All that is required to take a soil sample is a clean bucket and either a soil probe, a shovel, or a trowel.  We have soil probes available for use at the Extension Office. Take soil from 10 to 15 random spots throughout the lawn. The goal in collecting soil is to get a comprehensive sample, which represents the entire lawn. Be sure to test flower beds or areas of known soil variations separately as to not skew the test results. Take samples to a depth of 2 to 3 inches (4-6 inches on newly tilled soils) and remove the plant material. Break the samples up in the bucket and thoroughly mix the soil together.  You can then bring your samples to the extension office (we will supply you with bags free of charge in which to place the soil) and the results will be returned to you within a few weeks.

Once you know what nutrients your lawn needs, how do you know which fertilizer to buy?  The analysis on the fertilizer bag tells you the percent nitrogen (N), phosphate (P205) and potash (K20) in the fertilizer, in that order.  For example, a fertilizer with a 32-0-4 analysis contains 32 percent N, 0 percent available P2O5, and 4 percent soluble K2O.  Slow release nitrogen sources will only release a small amount of fertilizer at a time. The benefits of slow release fertilizers include less nitrogen losses from leaching and volatilization, reduced burn potential on the turf, and ewer applications required to maintain soil fertility. However, the amount of the slow-release nitrogen is usually a quarter to half of the total amount of nitrogen in the bag. So although slow-release nitrogen makes applications safer, such a small amount would not provide noticeable availability of nitrogen over the long term.

Most specialty fertilizers can be applied and measured exactly the same as you would a farm fertilizer. The same is true with specialty organic fertilizers, with the exception that they would need to be applied earlier in the fall as warm conditions are required for release of these materials. Most of these fertilizers have a low percentage of nitrogen or are fortified with urea, a quick-release source of nitrogen. Fertilizers with greater than 50 percent WIN (water insoluble nitrogen) can be considered true slow release sources. These sources can be applied at slightly higher rates than soluble fertilizers. There will not be a rapid greening of the lawn with these products as is common with quick release fertilizers. Cost will be 3 to 5 times higher per pound of nutrients for slow release fertilizers.

Late spring into summer is the best time to fertilize warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, since they perform best during hot summer months.  However, the best time to fertilize cool-season lawns (Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue) in Kentucky is during the autumn. These grasses all grow optimally during cooler weather and can best utilize nutrients at this time of year. The turf develops a better root system, becomes very dense, and has much better late fall and early spring color if nitrogen is applied in the fall. If the window to apply nitrogen in the fall is missed, an application during the following spring will improve greenup. Even if some fall nitrogen was applied, applying a half rate of nitrogen in late May or early June in years with heavy spring rainfall may help improve or maintain color.

For more information about soil sampling and fertilizing your home lawn, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.



Upcoming Ag Events
April 30th CPH Sale
May 9th Plant Swap & Sale, 8am-1pm Myer Creek Park
May 12th Wheat Field Day, Princeton Research Station
June 2nd Opening Day of Farmers’ Market

Poultry Meeting, April 29th

Please contact the office at (270)273-3690 by April 24th if you plan to attend so that we can plan accordingly for lunch.

Fighting Grass Tetany with High-Mag Mineral Supplement

One of my favorite things about spring is being able to look out my back windows at the house and watch our cattle graze on green grass as opposed to seeing them eat hay in a bare lot.  As pretty as that sight may be, one thought that does haunt me in the spring is the fear of grass tetany.

Livestock may experience this forage-related problem known as grass tetany, grass staggers, lactation tetany, or hypomagnesemia typically in the spring; however it can occur in the fall as well.  Grass tetany is a metabolic disorder caused by reduced magnesium (Mg) levels in the animal’s blood. In cattle, it generally affects older, lactating cows but can also be seen in dry cows, young cows, and in rare cases, growing calves. Symptoms often observed include nervousness, lack of coordination, muscular spasms, staggering, convulsions, coma, milk yield decrease, and death. If you suspect cattle are stricken with grass tetany, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately as early treatment can save animals.

Young cool-season grasses and small grains are commonly associated with this disorder. Farmers should refrain from placing cattle in a field that has been recently fertilized or has resulted in the disease before. Pastures where a significant amount of manure has been applied often have excessive potassium fertility increasing the risk to grass tetany. A farmer can also increase the legume content in his/her pastures with clover or alfalfa since they have higher magnesium levels to compensate for the lack of it in the new lush grass.

Feeding high magnesium or high “mag” mineral supplements is the preferred method to reduce the occurrence of grass tetany. High “mag” mineral mixes are available at most feed stores and contain higher inclusions of magnesium oxide than other complete mineral mixes. Cattle should begin consuming this high “mag” mineral during the late winter months and into early spring when new plant growth is starting. In late spring once temperatures are consistently above 60ºF, a producer can quit feeding the high “mag” mixtures. High mag mineral does not need to be fed year round, but is not problematic if it is. Free-choice high mag mineral should contain 12 to 15% magnesium from magnesium oxide. Cattle need to consume four ounces of the mineral supplement daily. Magnesium oxide is unpalatable, which can result in low mineral intake. Co-product feedstuffs such as dried distillers grains, molasses or a flavoring agent is added to the mineral mix to increase palatability.

If free-choice mineral is not a viable option, producers can also mix their own supplement by adding the appropriate amount of magnesium oxide to another palatable feedstuff, i.e. feeding in or with 1 to 2 lbs. of corn or other by-product that provides 20-25 grams of magnesium. For dairy cows, magnesium oxide can be added to the grain mix to provide an intake of 20 g of magnesium per cow per day. Magnesium oxide may be routinely used as a buffer in these grain mixes for dairy cows, so producers should check with their nutritionist to make sure adequate amounts and proper sources are being used to prevent grass tetany.

Besides magnesium oxide, another source of Mg is magnesium sulfate, which is more palatable than magnesium oxide. The downside to feeding magnesium sulfate is it can be an issue where cattle are consuming high sulfate water or other feedstuffs high in sulfur. Producers that are feeding corn co-products (distiller’s grains or corn gluten feed), adding additional sulfur to the diet in the form of magnesium sulfate, or have high sulfur water could create a sulfur toxicity.

The season for grass tetany is upon us so to reduce health problems and livestock death to this disorder, it is important to provide a quality high “mag” mineral or supplement containing Magnesium oxide.  For more information about grass tetany, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Upcoming Events
April 16th Farmers’ Market Meeting, 3pm Ag Office at Extension Office (use side door)
April 21st Plant Swap & Sale Committee Meeting, 3pm
April 21st Ag Festival Committee Meeting, 5pm
April 29th Poultry Producers Meeting, 9:30am Myer Creek Park
April 30th CPH Sale
May 9th Plant Swap & Sale, 8am-1pm Myer Creek Park
May 12th Wheat Field Day, Princeton Research Station
June 2nd Opening Day of Farmers’ Market

McLean Co. Farmers' Market Meeting

There will be Farmers' Market meeting this coming Thursday, April 16th at 3pm at the McLean County Extension Office.  Sharon Spencer from the KDA will be here to speak.  Anyone interested in being a part of the market is more than welcome to join us.  This year's fee to join is $25.  Opening Day will be Tuesday, June 2nd in Livermore.  For more information, please contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office at (270)273-3690.

Scout Fields Routinely for Alfalfa Weevils

Photo from KY IPM website

While driving through the county to check out flood damage recently, I happen to come across some beautiful fields of alfalfa.  I anticipate these fields will make for some happy livestock later.  And in order to make sure that alfalfa is available to make for happy livestock, we need to be on the lookout for alfalfa weevils.  These little guys have a voracious appetite and can destroy an alfalfa field.

Alfalfa weevil larvae are the most important pest of the first cutting. They feed at the tip of the stem leaving many small rounded holes. Eventually, all of the leaves at the top of the plant may be destroyed. Heavily infested fields take on a bleached out appearance. In addition to reducing yield and quality of the first cutting, the second cutting may be stunted. Larval and adult feeding on the regrowth may set back recovery and development after the first harvest.

Adult alfalfa weevils are 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, grayish brown to black beetles with a broad dark stripe down the center of the back. The front of the head extends downward in a distinct snout. Groups of eggs are laid in live and dead alfalfa stems during the fall and spring. The newly-hatched legless, grub-like larvae are pale yellow. They soon become green with a white stripe down the middle of the back. After feeding for about 4 weeks, the full grown larvae spin a net-like spherical cocoon near the top of the plant and pupate. The adults emerge within 10 days. After a short feeding period, they leave the field and spend the hot summer months hidden and inactive. The adults fly back to alfalfa in the fall and remain there over the winter.

The best alfalfa weevil management decisions are based on stem sampling.  If this information is not available then control is recommended when 25% to 50% of the tips are being fed upon and 2 or more larvae can be found per stem.  Symptoms include small holes in the leaves and growing tips of alfalfa plants.  From a distance, damaged plants look as though they have had frost injury.

Insecticides that can be used for alfalfa weevil control include: Lorsban 4E, Chlorpyrifos 4E, Lannate SP, Baythroid XL, Bolton, Declare, Proaxis 0.5EC, Warrior II, Mustang MAX, Pounce 25WP and/or Ambush.  Also, Aza-Direct and PyGanic are approved for organic production.  Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions when using any of these insecticides.   Harvest interval days vary for each of these.

Make sure that you scouting your fields routinely and be on alert for alfalfa weevils and other pest.  For more information on alfalfa weevil control, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.


Upcoming Events
April 16th Farmers’ Market Meeting, 3pm Ag Office at Extension Office
April 21st Plant Swap & Sale Committee Meeting, 3pm
April 21st Ag Festival Committee Meeting, 5pm
April 29th Poultry Producers Meeting, 10am Myer Creek Park
April 30th CPH Sale
May 9th Plant Swap & Sale, 8am-1pm Myer Creek Park
May 12th Wheat Field Day, Princeton Research Station
June 2nd Opening Day of Farmers’ Market

New Opportunity for Home-Based Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Starting May 1st, the McLean County Cooperative Extension is beginning a new program that could open a door for home-based, ag-related businesses and entrepreneurs.

The McLean County Farm Market Days will run June 5th through October 30th in the upstairs portion of the Chamber Office in Calhoun.  Farm Market Day will be every other Friday from 2pm until 6pm.

Farm Market Days are designed to provide consumers with local, farm fresh, KY Proud products sold by the producer and made just for you here in McLean County.  Products that can be sold at Farm Market Days include fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, fresh eggs, fresh cut flowers, greenhouse plants, herbs and spices, honey, meats, sauces, jams, jellies, snacks, soaps, ag related crafts and more.

There will be no charge to set-up at Farm Market Days.  For those that are interested in selling canned fruits, vegetable, jams, jellies and baked goods, there will be a Homebased Microprocessor workshop at the Extension Office on April 9th.  The workshop will be from 9:30am-3:30pm and cost is $50.  Anyone that wished to sell these types of products must have this certification.  Please contact the Extension Office if you would like to sign-up for this workshop.

This will not be the same as the Farmers’ Market.  Our Farmers’ Market will run four days a week this year and if you are interested in participating, there will be a meeting on Thursday, April 16th at 3pm.

If you are interested in learning more about the Farm Market Days there will be an informational meeting on Thursday, April 9th at 3:30pm.  For more information or for a complete list of what items can be sold at Farm Market Days, please contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.


Upcoming Ag Events
April 9th         Homebased Microprocessing Workshop, 9:30am
April 9th         Farm Market Days Informational Meeting, 3:30pm
April 16th Farmers’ Market Meeting, 3pm
April 21st Plant Swap & Sale Committee Meeting, 3pm
April 21st Ag Festival Committee Meeting, 5pm
April 29th Poultry Producers Meeting