MSU hosts soybean virtual field day
Print
EmailMichigan State University Extension and MSU AgBioResearch hosted a virtual soybean field day Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 8 to 10 a.m.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University Extension and MSU AgBioResearch hosted a virtual soybean field day Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 8 to 10 a.m.
MSU experts discussed a variety of topics relevant to the soybean industry, including disease and pest challenges, weed management, nutrient application and timing of planting.
“The virtual soybean field day is an excellent opportunity for producers and agronomists to learn more about current MSU research and management recommendations for soybeans,” said Michael Staton, MSU Extension soybean educator. “We want this to be an interactive experience in which participants can ask questions and speak directly with our experts.”
Each presentation lasted 10 to 15 minutes and was followed by a question-and-answer session. Participants received two pesticide recertification credits in the following categories: private core, commercial core and commercial 1A.
Presenters and topics included:
- Martin Chilvers, an associate professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences (PSM) and MSU Extension field crops pathologist, and graduate students Austin McCoy and Viviana Ortiz: The Chilvers lab conducts research to understand and improve management of diseases. This presentation provided an update on soybean disease management and current disease management trials.
- Chris DiFonzo, a professor in the MSU Department of Entomology and MSU Extension field crops entomologist: Growers often see insects feeding at the field edge in August. This presentation showed how insect defoliation should be measured in soybeans and discusses the rarity of levels high enough to spray in Michigan.
- Christy Sprague, a professor in PSM and MSU Extension weed specialist, and Justine Fisher, a graduate student: Herbicide-resistant horseweed (marestail) continues to be a major issue for Michigan soybean farmers. Learn about the latest research on integrated strategies to manage horseweed with cover crops, soybean row widths and herbicides.
- Maninder Singh, an assistant professor in PSM, and Tom Siler, a graduate research assistant: This session showed how various agronomic management decisions can be adjusted based on planting time in order to optimize soybean canopy development and maximize yield and profit.
- Kurt Steinke, an associate professor in PSM and MSU Extension soil fertility and nutrient management specialist, and Christian Terwillegar, a master’s student: Soybean producers continue to show interest in modifying nutrient applications to better capture and utilize nutrients for a potential yield response. However, questions continue to include what to do when soil test phosphorous and potassium are above critical levels and whether to utilize a starter fertilizer.
- Marisol Quintanilla, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Entomology, and Brian Levene, a research associate: This presentation covered various methods for managing soybean cyst nematodes such as testing, resistant varieties, cover crops, manure applications, trap crops and nematicides.
Visit the Virtual Field Days website to learn more about MSU’s other virtual field day events.
