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Agent: 2008 Wheat Plot Tour, other tipsBy David G. Hallauer Meadowlark District Extension Agent, crops, soils, horticulture Knock on wood, but as of this writing (May 2) we have avoided last year's damaging spring freeze. With decent moisture and growing conditions, we'll get to look more at wheat varieties this year for what they can do--versus how they survived repeated freeze episodes. Check out the varieties included in this year's Meadowlark Extension District Wheat Variety Plot during this year's tour June 3. The plot is located at the northwest corner of 184th (Old Sale Barn Road) and the W Road intersection (one mile west of Sabetha). We'll start variety discussion at 9 a.m. Come a little early for refreshments and stay to hear about the 13 wheat varieties included in the variety plot--Jagalene, Jagger, Karl 92, Santa Fe, Tarkio, Overley, Smokey Hill, Hawken, Art, Post Rock, 2137, Wesley, and Fuller. We'll also discuss the wheat disease situation and fungicide applications to wheat. Dr. Stu Duncan, NE Area Extension crops and soils specialist will be on hand for our discussion. Plot cooperators are Doug Edelman, Sabetha Farmers Co-op Elevator, and the Meadowlark Extension District. Refreshments are sponsored by the Kansas Crop Improvement Association. Pick up a flyer and plot lineup at your District Extension Office or online at www.meadowlark.ksu.edu (Crops & Soils tab). If you have any questions, contact your District Office or e-mail dhallaue@ksu.edu. Bagworms A couple of callers this week have inquired about bagworms on their cedar trees. While their dull brown color is easily noticed against spring's bright green foliage, right now is not the best control window--unless of course you'd like to pick off the bags prior to egg hatch (generally mid to late June). Control via pesticide application is better achieved during the first couple of weeks of June (or later in cooler springs) as the eggs begin to hatch. Even then, we can expect hatching over a four to six week period. Go ahead and get prepared to implement control measures; just be sure you understand the appropriate timing of pesticide products. If bag removal is the preferred method of elimination, start picking. Browning evergreens Lots of folks are interested in poor looking evergreens this spring. There are numerous reasons why, but they'll generally be separated into environmental and disease categories. From an environmental standpoint, this year's winter--whether ice, wind, or some cold temperatures--did do some damage to more exposed species. Spruce species seem to have been hit hardest, but some pines have some tip damage as well. Disease isn't out of the question, either. We've seen remnants of natural needle drop, a little bit of needle blight, and another good number of pine wilt samples. Tip blight isn't showing up just yet, but I expect it will become noticeable in the near future. Without a lot of explanation of all of the above, I would encourage you to compare your symptoms against some of our publications to see what you have. If they don't match up as a disease, it's time to start looking for other causes. We can help with that if needed, as well. Good luck scouting. 5/19/08 Date: 5/15/08
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