By Andi Anderson
Iowa crops continued to make strong progress between July 13 and July 21, despite experiencing hot and dry weather across much of the state. While rainfall remained limited in several areas, storms early this week provided some much-needed moisture. However, some locations also experienced strong winds and hail that caused localized crop damage.
Corn and soybean fields across Iowa are advancing through important reproductive growth stages. Most corn fields have reached stages ranging from pollination to grain development, while soybeans are generally progressing through flowering and early pod development. Favorable growing conditions earlier in the season have supported strong crop growth, although continued rainfall will be important for yield development in drier regions.
Disease pressure remains relatively low in both corn and soybeans throughout the state. However, southern rust has been confirmed in four Iowa counties. Reports indicate that disease levels remain very low, but growers are encouraged to continue scouting fields and evaluating fungicide application needs. Other corn diseases being monitored include gray leaf spot, bacterial leaf streak, northern corn leaf blight, tar spot, and Curvularia leaf spot.
Soybean diseases reported across various regions include bacterial pustule, Septoria brown spot, Phytophthora root and stem rot, and bacterial blight. Current disease levels remain low in most fields, but regular scouting is recommended to identify potential problems early.
Insect activity has begun to increase in some areas. Producers are monitoring soybean aphids, Japanese beetles, grasshoppers, western bean cutworm, corn rootworm beetles, and bean leaf beetles. While insect pressure remains generally low, localized populations have been reported, making field inspections important during this stage of crop development.
Moisture conditions vary considerably across Iowa. Some regions received less than half an inch of rainfall during the reporting period, while isolated areas received up to two inches. Several locations continue to experience moisture deficits from earlier in the growing season, increasing concern about crop stress if dry conditions persist.
Small grain and forage crops continue to perform well. Oat harvest has been active throughout the state, with many growers reporting average to above-average yields and good test weights. Alfalfa and hay harvest also progressed steadily, with many producers completing second-cutting operations and some dairy farms beginning third-cutting harvest.
Field agronomists report that many grower questions currently focus on fungicide application timing, disease identification, insect scouting, weed management, herbicide injury, and moisture concerns. Weed control remains generally effective in crop fields, although pasture weed pressure has increased in some regions.
Overall, Iowa crops remain in good condition and continue progressing toward maturity. Adequate rainfall during the coming weeks, combined with continued monitoring of diseases and insects, will be important for protecting yield potential and maintaining crop health through the remainder of the growing season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-studio2013
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn, Soybeans