South-Central ND

 

During July 3-9, 2 to 2.5 inches of rain was received at Carrington, Dazey, McLeod, Streeter, and Wishek, while other areas received at least an inch as recorded at NDAWN sites. Estimated daily crop water use on July 9 in south-central ND: corn (May 15 emergence) = 0.08-0.26 inches; wheat (May 15 emergence) = 0.09-0.29 inches; soybean (May 29 emergence) = 0.06-0.21 inches; and sunflower (June 5 emergence) = 0.08-0.25 inches. The small grain crop condition generally is poor south of Highway 200, especially westward from Highway 281. Cool-season crops generally are in good condition north of Highway 200. Across the region, recent rains have improved the condition and outlook for corn, soybean, dry bean, and sunflower.

 

Herbicide application continues in soybean, dry bean and sunflower. In southern counties, winter cereal and barley harvest will start soon. Haying is in progress, including small grain fields and CRP in drought-stricken counties. Forage and livestock water supplies are being tested for nitrate levels in drought-stricken counties. Growers should continue monitoring for grasshoppers. In the drought areas, hoppers will likely move into the green, late-planted crops.

 

Sheridan, Wells, Eddy, and Foster county wheat nearing the heading stage should be closely monitored for leaf disease including leaf rust. Foliar fungicide application for scab and leaf disease should be considered if adequate yield potential exists. According to the NDSU small grain disease forecasting model, during June 26 to July 8 for flowering wheat at Carrington, conditions favorable for tan spot infection were present 7 of 13 days and favorable conditions for leaf rust occurred 4 of 13 days. Disease forecasting models including Fusarium head blight can be viewed at the following website: http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/cropdisease/cropdisease.htm

 

Greg Endres

Area Extension Specialist/Cropping Systems

NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center

Gregory.Endres@ndsu.nodak.edu