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Delayed corn planting, problems with dandelionsBy David G. Hallauer Meadowlark District Extension Agent, crops, soils, horticulture Kansas Any time weather delays corn planting much after the first couple of weeks of April, we tend to at least allow thoughts in the back of our minds about how much yield we've lost by being kept out of the field. How much yield loss is there? According to some summarizations of information by three KSU scientists, the answer really isn't much, at least not until we get another month down the road. For starters, the recommended planting dates for corn in northeast Kansas extend until May 5 to 10. In other words, we won't likely see yield loss from planting even that late. With a stretch of good weather, we could get a good share of our corn acres planted in a fairly short time frame. Mid-May is the time frame where we might begin to worry. Get in to early June, and you're looking at anywhere from a 10 to 50 percent yield reduction. Let's hope we don't get that late. If we do get in to late May/early June, a different hybrid might be a consideration. If we get to that point, we'll cross that bridge at that time. And if you fear you're behind? Consider these two statistics: 1) in northeast Kansas, dryland and irrigated corn planted in late May tended to have lower yields. However, many years with earlier planting dates had yields that were just as low. And 2) corn planting was 50 percent complete in early May last year and produced respectable yields. Dandelion Last week henbit, this week--dandelion. Another common spring time weed of concern is the dandelion. And like henbit, it is best controlled in the fall (control efforts late in the growing season when the plant is putting a focus on storing winter food in large tap roots can be highly successful--much more than in spring). But if you missed a fall application for control, a short window IS available this spring for your weed control efforts. Work from Purdue indicates that spring applications, during or right after the first flush of flowers can be successful. Waiting too long will result in a waste of time and herbicide as you simply burn off top growth, leaving the plant-producing tap root in place. Be VERY careful with spring applications from an offsite damage perspective as well. Spring plant growth is tender and vulnerable to damage. Combine that with warmer temperatures and higher wind speeds and any offsite movement of a chemical, even through vapor movement, can be particularly damaging. Be very careful when using herbicide applications in the spring, particularly near redbud trees, grapes, and tomatoes. Spot treatments are often better than blanket applications. If a herbicide is used, combination products that contain 2,4- D; MCPP; and dicamba are recommended. Example trade names include Trimec, Weed Out, Weed-B-Gon, and Weed Free Zone. 4/28/08 Date: 4/24/08
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