(Photo by Jeff Jacques)(Photo by Jeff Jacques)
Sarnia

Wet Weather Crop Problems Include Weeds And Disease

Our recent stretch of wet weather could mean lots of problems for area crops.

Jeff Jacques of Parrish and Heimbecker says soybeans will likely see nodulation delays and shallow root systems.

He says those root systems could spell more trouble if we get a hot and dry July and August this year.

Corn grower problems would include the loss of nitrogen applied to those fields.

Jacques says because much of that nitrogen is in water soluble form, a lot of it is going to wash down into the soil lower than the roots can reach it.

Wheat growers are being told to expect diseases like Fusarium, Powdery Mildew and Septoria.

Even with fungicide applied, Jacques sees a big potential for fusarium grade discounts in wheat this year.

However, he suggests the fungicide should still mean a boost in yield of about 10 bushels an acre.

And despite all the problems the wet weather is going to create for growers, Jacques does have a positive comment.

He says the same weather conditions that promote fungal pathogens that attack the crops also promote pathogens that infect and control insect pests.

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Jacques says delayed nodulation in soybeans is just one of the problems facing growers of that crop.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JACQUES-Wet-1.mp3"][/audio]

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He says it will likely be another week before those fields dry up enough for farmers to get those herbicides on their beans.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JACCQUES-Wet-2.mp3"][/audio]

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Jeff Jacques of Parrish and Heimbecker says corn growers face problems because much of the nitrogen they've put on their fields is water soluble.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JACQUES-Wet-3.mp3"][/audio]

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He argues that doesn't mean applying fungicides on those crops was a waste, suggesting that application will be good for another 10 bushels an acre in final yield.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JACQUES-Wet-4.mp3"][/audio]

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