Which Insect Pests and Diseases Cause the Most Damage to Soybean Stems in Illinois?
Researchers collected over 200 diseased stems from 59 counties in Illinois between 2022 and 2023 to address gaps in understanding soybean stem pests and diseases. Based on this data, Dr. Nick Seiter highlights the significance of dectes stem borer in no-till fields in south-central Illinois, while Dr. Jason Bond discusses prevalent diseases such as fusarium, stem-canker, and charcoal rot across various counties, offering management strategies to combat these issues.
Soil Saturation Sorrow
Southern Illinois has experienced significant rainfall recently. How does this excess moisture affect the soil? Kelly Robertson from Precision Crop Services LLC and IL Soy Envoy provides some observations.
Seven Recipients of Good Idea Mini-Grants to Implement Edge-of-Field Practices on Midwest Farms and Share Their Stories
Seven teams of farmers and farm advisors have received funding from Good Idea Mini-Grants. Each team was granted up to $8,000 to implement edge-of-field practices aimed at reducing soil erosion and nutrient runoff from farm fields into local waterways.
“Way Too Early” Soybean Yield Predictions
In the latest podcast episode, the Soy Envoys share challenges posed by highly variable crop conditions, including yellowing in fields, persistent waterhemp problems, and root development issues. They also share their "way too early" soybean yield predictions and offer a detailed crop report from their region.
Soybean Phytophthora Stem and Root Rot Resistance Genes Have Become Less Effective
Managing soybean Phytophthora stem and root rot starts with variety resistance. A recent study led by Michigan State University determined that previously relied upon resistance genes are failing and there is a need for soybean breeders to incorporate new sources of resistance.
Rain Makes Grain??
Overall, crop conditions are highly variable across Illinois, with progress and challenges differing by field and location. Some areas are done planting while others are delayed by rainfall and storms. This episode discusses concerns such as hail damage, flash floods, sandblasting, nitrogen deficiency, strong emergence of weeds, and more.
How Widespread is Group 15 Herbicide Resistance in Illinois Waterhemp Populations?
Illinois soybean farmers face a major challenge as waterhemp weeds have developed resistance to multiple herbicides, including Group 15 herbicides confirmed in 2019. A project funded by the Illinois Soybean Association and led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign aims to evaluate the prevalence of this resistance and provide farmers with management recommendations.
Wet Conditions Delay Planting as Other Regions Race to the Finish
In the latest ILSoyAdvisor podcast, Abigail Peterson, CCA, and Stephanie Porter, CCA, from Illinois Soybean Association discuss the current planting and crop conditions in Illinois. They cover mid-May to June soybean planting recommendations and address the latest issues with weeds, cover crop termination, and pests.
Patience & Planning: Key Preparations for Getting Back to Field Work
With some areas still grappling with rain delays, saturated soils, and a lack of planting progress, IL Soy Envoy Kelly Robertson shares a few thoughts on the tough situation many farmers are facing and offers some advice that might help while they wait to get back into the fields.
Farmers Share Real-Life Experiences of Using Edge-of-Field Conservation Practices
This June, producers can get their questions answered about installing edge-of-field conservation practices by connecting with experienced farmers at a west-central Illinois panel discussion hosted by Illinois Extension.
and then