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Some early planted crops vulnerable to attack

There are concerns about corn and soybeans planted in mid-April that sat in the ground for as long as three weeks.

BASF technical services rep Mark Storr tells Brownfield farmers in several states began planting around Easter but were stopped by cold and wet conditions.

“When seeds lay in the soils that are cold, there’s no development and that’s why those seeds are at risk. The longer they lay out there, the more likely they are to be attacked by some type of soil organism.”

He says that can lead to disease pressure and Storr encourages growers to assess stands.

“Sometimes it’s a tossup whether or not you should tear it up and replant if you’ve got somewhat of a marginal stand. We know soybeans are very adaptable and have the ability to flex populations and fill in for some of their neighbors that have been lost.”

He suggests that is not the case with corn and says crop protection products can help lessen the effects of environmental stresses.