West central Michigan field crop regional report – June 16, 2016
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EmailMuch needed rain fell over a large portion of the region this week. More moisture will be needed soon.
Weather
Soil moisture had been depleting in actively growing crops over the past several weeks. The rain showers that occurred between the nights of Wednesday, June 15, and Thursday, June 16, helped to alleviate the immediate moisture needs, particularly on sandy soils.
Air temperatures in Entrican, Michigan, ranged from the mid-60s to mid-80s for highs this week. Low temperatures ranged from the mid-40s to low 60s.
Crops
Wheat is predominantly in early milk stages. Moisture stress has been becoming quite apparent in many fields on well-drained soils. The rain showers over the past 36 hours have brought temporary relief of this deficit but more rain or irrigation will be needed to meet the full potential of this crop. Stripe rust continues to be a concern, especially in untreated fields of susceptible and even moderately susceptible varieties. Cereal leaf beetle is present in many fields, some of which are nearing threshold.
Corn is variable in development from V1 to V6. Sidedress nitrogen applications are underway.
Most of the soybean crop has emerged or is emerging with the recent rain showers. Most early planted fields have two to three trifoliate expanded.
Dry bean planting continues. Soil conditions had been getting dry for planting.
Alfalfa harvest of first cutting is nearly complete. Alfalfa weevil is still present. Scout regrowth after taking first cutting for additional feeding.
Insects
Continue scouting sensitive crops for black cutworm damage and true armyworm damage for the next week. Damage should be apparent if there is a significant population.
Potato leafhopper adults have arrived in Central Michigan. Numbers are low at this time.
Cereal leaf beetle populations are getting quite high in a number of spring and winter wheat fields. This pest should also be scouted for in oats as well.
