Biotechnology genetically modifies seeds, necessary piece of current crop production in U.S. | Corn and Soybean Digest

Biotechnology is technology based on biology, agriculture, food science and medicine that genetically modifies the seed, and ultimately the plant. It’s become a necessary piece of agriculture, as farmers have to produce more crops with the same amount (or sometimes less) land and inputs. It’s also referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

May 22, 2012

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Planting, Herbicides and Farm Programs

Across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, nearly all the intended corn is planted, and over 90% of the soybeans were planted as of May 18. Most of the corn and many of the soybeans that are planted in this region have emerged, and stands look fairly good....More
May 18, 2012

Article

Postemergence Corn Herbicide Considerations

The eastern Corn Belt's early corn crop has started to – and so have the weeds. So now is the time for growers to consider postemergence herbicide applications, says Travis Legleiter, a Purdue Extension weed specialist. In the northern part of the Corn Belt, some of the crop is as far along as the V3, or third leaf, growth stage. Development is even further along in some fields in the southern part of the region. That means corn farmers need to prepare to apply the right postemergence herbicide at the right time, likely within the next few weeks....More
May 17, 2012

Article

7 Factors Affecting Herbicide Injury to Corn

During the past week, the number of observations and inquiries related to corn injury from herbicides increased, says University of Illinois Associate Professor of Weed Science Aaron Hager. Instances of corn injury appear to be fairly widespread across the state. Direct application of postemergence herbicides and persistence of herbicides applied last season appear to be responsible for much of the injury....More
May 14, 2012

Article

Monitor Weed Control with Aerial Imagery

It’s been another abnormal spring and many farmers have had to adjust some of their management practices. Specifically, the combination of the unusual weather and a need to get control of glyphosate-resistant weeds has increased the need to more closely scrutinize weed-management programs....More
May 14, 2012

Article

Tips for Nitrogen, Herbicide Application on Emerged Corn

The rapid pace of planting in late April followed by rain has resulted in many fields having emerged corn before pre-emergence herbicide and nitrogen applications have been completed. Of particular concern are no-till fields where planting was completed prior to killing emerged weeds....More
May 11, 2012

Article

Customize Postemergent Herbicide Applications

"In general, postemergent applications should be made before weeds get taller than 2-4 in., because that's when competition can begin to impact yields," says WinField Regional Agronomist Steve Barnhart. "Plus small weeds are a lot easier to control than larger ones." Because every field is different, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to turn to when it comes to planning postemergent herbicide applications....More
May 8, 2012

Article

Challenges in Genetically Engineered Crop Regulatory Process

A new innovation can completely reshape an industry – inspiring both optimism and debate. The development of genetically engineered (GE) crops in the 1980s ignited a buzz in the agricultural community with the potential for higher crop yields and better nutritional content, along with the reduction of herbicide and pesticide use. GE crops grew to play a significant role in the U.S., with more than 160 million acres of farmland used to produce GE crops in 2011. However, the development of new GE crops has recently slowed to a trickle due to litigation over field testing and deregulation. University of Minnesota researchers Esther McGinnis, Alan Smith and Mary Meyer set out to determine the cause of these litigation lulls responsible for slowing GE progress in the U.S....More
May 4, 2012

Article

Apply Postemergence Herbicide to Small Weeds in Corn

"The smaller the weed, the better," says University of Illinois Associate Professor of Weed Science Aaron Hager. Proper timing of the application of postemergence herbicides provides the corn crop with the best opportunity to express its full genetic yield potential. Allowing weeds to compete with the crop for too long reduces its seed yield. Yield losses can accumulate very rapidly, and the associated costs can far exceed the cost of an integrated weed management program that includes a properly timed application of a postemergence herbicide....More
May 2, 2012

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Corn and Soybean Digest

Syngenta Pipeline: New Technologies, Future Traits

From pest, disease and weed control to drought and heat tolerance, Syngenta is excited about their new and future product line up for corn and soybeans. David Morgan, region director with Syngenta, talks about what's new and what farmers can expect from Syngenta in the future....More
Apr. 19, 2012

Article

Options to Control Emerged Corn Before Replant

University of Illinois associate professor of weed science Aaron Hager says that the below-freezing temperatures last week damaged some emerged corn in some parts of Illinois. “While the damage appears not to be widespread, it is very likely that some growers will opt to replant damaged stands,” he says. Losses of the initial corn stand could range from complete to partial, so farmers may need to control existing corn plants before replanting....More