By David Peterson

Pioneer Hi-Bred agronomist

For decades, on-farm comparisons have helped growers measure performance and plan for the next year's crop needs. Yield data from one side by side or plot is important, but a decision should not be made from this alone. An on-farm hybrid or variety test plot provides valuable information about how products perform at that location during that growing season only. Comparisons of hybrids or varieties should include at least 10 different locations in order to make a prediction about how that product may perform in the future. It is very important to look at yield data over a two- or three-year period, if possible, and plant a package of hybrids or varieties that fit your individual farming operation. Consult with your Pioneer sales professional for yield results in your area.

How can stalk rot in corn be controlled? Although no one control measure will eliminate stalk rot problems, the following recommendations should be considered and adopted according to the grain needs and management system used by the grain producer.

--Select well-adapted hybrids with good standability and resistance to leaf blight disease.

--Control insects, both rootworm and stalk borer.

--Follow fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests, and maintain proper nitrogen-to-potassium balance.

--Use plant populations no higher than recommended by the seed supplier for the hybrid.

--Rotate crops. Corn following soybeans often has less stalk rot and higher yield than continuous corn.

--Harvest early to avoid lodging and lost ears in the field.

--Use a tillage system that chops corn residues and covers them with soil when possible. Incorporating residues into the soil hastens their decay, and disease organisms die. Reduced tillage systems used in combination with crop rotation can reduce stalk rot by providing adequate moisture throughout the growing season.

Sorghum standability. Sorghum lodging is a continual threat to any producer under dryland conditions. When stressed during grain-fill, sorghum will mobilize crown and root starch reserves in order to meet increasing seed development needs. When this happens the roots and stalks are weakened, predisposing them to lodging. Immature sorghum that has leaves frosted off also will mobilize root and crown starch reserves in a similar manner. Compounding this are two main pathogens (fungi) that can invade stressed plants and weaken stalks. These fungal stalk rots which cause sorghum standability problems are charcoal stalk rot and Fusarium stalk rot.

Human safety is the "No. 1 priority" while harvesting! A few simple guidelines can help eliminate potential accidents that occur during harvest.

--Stop the combine before making any adjustments or when removing piles of corn stalks from the header.

--Keep bearings and chains well lubricated, keep belts tight, replace worn belts and chains, and keep all belt and chain guards in place.

--Recognize when you are tired. Take time to relax for a short period of time before continuing a difficult job.

--Mechanically lock and block the corn head before getting underneath it.

--Carry fire extinguishers in mechanical equipment.

--Watch for bystanders.

Editor's note: Crop Talk is brought to you by agronomists serving your community to keep you informed about current growing conditions and important management issues. David Peterson, Ransom Canyon, Texas, is an agronomist with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.