Monthly Archives: May 2010

From the FieldImbibitional Chilling Damage Affects Northeast Iowa

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In this week’s crop report Nick Benson, Latham’s regional sales manager in northeast Iowa, reported a 20-25% stand reduction in his area due to imbibitional chilling damage. The damage resulted in what he called some very confused seedlings that were either emerging incorrectly or not emerging at all. We wanted to provide a little bit more information on just what imbibitional chilling is and how it affects seedlings.

Imbibitional chilling damage is the chilling effect seeds may experience when they imbibe, or absorb, water when soil  temperatures are less than 55° F for an extended period of time. The seedlings may “corkscrew” or not emerge when exposed to these coil soil temperatures (see photo). This may happen also when there are rapid swings in air temperatures, of nearly 30° F.

Nick said he has seen results of imbibitional chilling in corn that had been planted April 28-30. Those growers who saw the 20-25% stand reduction decided not to replant simply due to the lateness of the season – another reminder that farmers are at the liberty of the elements.

If you have any questions about imbititional chilling damage, feel free to comment in the field below.

Food & FamilyMemorial Day Weekend Recipes

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This week, I wanted to share recipes that are quick and easy, leaving you more time to enjoy with family and friends this holiday weekend.

Saturday Lunch

First, in response to my request for recipes showcasing eggs beyond breakfast, I was sent the following recipe for Mexican Egg Salad Tacos. I haven’t yet taste-tested it, but I must say it intrigues me. It sounds quick and easy – perfect for a Saturday meal in between baseball and softball games. Pair it with fresh fruit and Mexican Fruit Dip, and you have a “fiesta al instante!”

Mexican Egg Salad Tacos

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 large hard-cooked eggs, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (2 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
  • 2 tablespoons salsa
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 taco shells
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Garnishes: shredded Cheddar cheese, avocado slices

Directions

  1. Combine first 3 ingredients in a bowl; set aside.
  2. Combine mayonnaise and next 4 ingredients; fold into egg mixture.
  3. Line taco shells with lettuce. Spoon egg salad evenly into taco shells.
  4. Garnish with salsa if desired.

Mexican Fruit Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (not fat free)
  • 1 T. vanilla instant pudding (dry)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla (Mexican or McCormick)
  • 1 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. half & half
  • 1/2 package toffee chips

Directions

  1. Mix and serve with fruit. It’s especially good with fresh strawberries, pineapple and bananas.

Sunday Dinner

I also wanted to share a recipe for Mock Prime Rib. This is one of my favorite fix it and forget it meals, giving you time to enjoy your holiday weekend!

Mock Prime Rib

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 lbs. rump roast
  • 1 (14 1/2 oz) can beef broth or Campbell’s Beef Consommé
  • 1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
  • 1 pkg. Schilling’s Au Jus mix (1 oz)

Directions

  1. Place roast in crock pot.
  2. Mix broth, Italian dressing mix and Au Jus mix.
  3. Pour over roast.
  4. Cook on low setting 8-10 hours.

To serve, remove roast and slice 1/2-inch thick. Serve broth as Au Jus.

Memorial Day Barbeque

May is also National Beef Month, and with Memorial Day the unofficial start to the summer grilling season, I wanted to share a favorite recipe of mine. This teriyaki marinade makes grilled steaks especially succulent. Add a couple of your family’s favorite side dishes and you have a Memorial Day barbeque!

Teriyaki Marinade

Ingredients

  • ½ tsp. garlic sauce
  • 1 T. brown sugar
  • ½ tsp. ginger
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 T. oil
  • 2 T. water
  • ¼ c. soy sauce
  • ½ tsp. Accent

Directions

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Pierce meat every inch or so with meat fork; place in covered container with marinade sauce. Turn occasionally.
  3. Soak overnight or for at least 12 hours.

If you have a chance to make any of the recipes please let us know how they worked out for you. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

From the FieldSoybean Seedling Diseases

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Preventing Soybean Seedling Diseases

The first form of prevention in soybean seedling diseases is to avoid using poor quality seed. Use only high quality seed that isn’t contaminated with fungal pathogens. This will help prevent low germination and increase seedling vigor.

Other factors that could lead to seedling diseases include: inadequate seedbed preparation, compaction, planting too deep, nematode infestations, and high rates of some herbicides.

Scouting, Identifying Seedling Diseases

If scouting reveals stand reduction, it’s important to determine if the cause was a fungal pathogen. Different pathogens are present under different field conditions. The following information can help distinguish which pathogen may be present in your field: general soil temperatures, general soil moisture (saturated, wet or dry), variety resistance or tolerance to Phytophthora, and plant growth stage.

There are three main categories of seedling diseases:

Seed rot occurs during the VO-VE growth stages and may be caused by three pathogens; Pythium, Phytophthora, and Phomopsis. Determining which pathogen caused the seed rot can be difficult. Typical symptoms are soft decay of seed, missing seedlings in the row or poor emergence.

Seedling Mortality (damping-off or seedling blight) occurs during the VE-V4 growth stages. Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia, can cause seedling mortality.

Root or lower stem decay may take place during the seedling stage or may not be apparent until later reproductive stages (VE-Rn). Pathogens that cause root stem decay during the seedling stage are the same as those that cause seedling mortality (above).

Finally, seedling disease symptoms may be confused with herbicide damage, effects of low pH, or other seedling disorders. To help ensure you have a seedling disease problem versus herbicide damage, consider the following: seedling diseases usually occur in irregular patterns that may correspond to changes in soil type. Herbicide damage typically follows a pattern related to the equipment and a group of adjacent plants will be affected.

Source: Monsanto Agronomic Spotlight, photos courtesy of Iowa State University Extension and University of Minnesota extension