Black Cutworm and Common Armyworm Moths Still Low but Increasing
Both Common Armyworm (CAW) and Black Cutworm (BCW) are still low compared to most years. I sure do not mind. There was an uptick in a couple locations this week so we will start to monitor degree-days (base 50°F) moving forward. WNY Crop Management Assn. staff are also seeing an increase in moth catches in traps from Warsaw up to Ransomville. It takes roughly 300 degree-days for BCW larvae to be big enough to cut corn plants (4th instar). We haven’t been gaining many DD’s recently. Look forward to warmer temperatures next week!
Wheat Beginning Flag Leaf Emergence
Much of the wheat that I looked at this week had the flag leaf peeking out (Feekes 8). This means that herbicides such as Harmony Extra should not be applied anymore. I know that some nitrogen (second shot) and fungicides were still being applied. I am still seeing some powdery mildew on the lower leaves as the cooler wet weather are perfect conditions for growth. Many have already sprayed for it. With some heat coming, it will not be long until Feekes 9 which is when the flag leaf is completely emerged and the leaf collar is visible. I am still not seeing any cereal leaf beetles out and about yet. Still too early for armyworms to be visible.
Height Indicators for Alfalfa and Grass NDF
In general we say 100% grass stands should be cut when nearby alfalfa is 14 inches tall to achieve the desired 50% NDF.- Begin cutting 50/50 mixed alfalfa and grass stands when nearby alfalfa is 22 inches tall for the desired 44% NDF.
- Begin cutting 100% alfalfa stands when alfalfa is 28 inches tall for desired 40% NDF.
As of today May 13, 2021 alfalfa heights varied between 16-19 inches across locations. The weather predictions are calling for increased temperatures with a little less than normal precipitation which will hopefully assist with your dynamic harvest schedule and field work. It is important that you get first cutting in a timely manner for quality purposes, so please communicate in advance with your team on how you are going to prep fields, plant and successfully harvest 1st cutting. Next report will be May 20, 2021.
