The pace of corn planting in Indiana is accelerating, but in the northeast part of the state earlier this week the predominate work being done in fields was tillage and spraying. Not a lot of fields have been planted in that area yet but soil temperatures are now conducive for good germination. However, in the brand new HAT video with Seed Consultants on a Wells County farm, Matt Hutcheson, product manager, says cooler, wet weather will present problems.
“The important thing for germination is to have the seed in the ground 24-48 hours before a severe event that could cause stress,” he explained. “That first 24-48 hours is when both corn and soybean seed is sensitive to cold stress, but once you get beyond that it’s much less likely to affect the seed. So when you think about planting this time of the year, if you see in the forecast a cold weather event, make sure you’re planting well enough ahead of that to get your seed off to a good start and get it germinated before that potential stress may arrive.”
Along with the change in weather conditions seedling blights and disease like Pythium could cause issues that lead to reduced stands. With an alert last week from Purdue, Hutcheson is already talking about the need for scouting fields for pests.
“One possible issue is a higher incidence of army worm moths and army worms occurring this spring and also potential black cutworm issues. It’s always important for growers to scout fields and be aware of thresholds, and be prepared to make rescue treatments if necessary.”
Learn more in the first HAT video from a Seed Consultants field, this one just south of Ft. Wayne and Bluffton, Indiana. The reports are viewable on the Hoosier Ag Today YouTube channel.