Crop Condition Update and Spider Mite Update

August 13, 2021 Volume 8 Edition 2

Crop Update as of August 9, 2021

*Information and graphs obtained from August 9, 2021, USDA, NASS report

Across Iowa, topsoil levels remained similar to last week. Regionally, northwest and northcentral Iowa have the most severe drought rates. Between the two regions, topsoil levels averaged 23% very short, 59% short, 42% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture in the two regions averaged 33% very short, 46% short, 22% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Eleven percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage. Iowa’s corn condition remains steady, rating at 61% good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 84%, eight days ahead of normal. Soybean condition was rated 60% good to excellent, unchanged from last week.

Thunderstorms and scattered showers provided much-needed moisture. However, storms were not widespread and many areas are still in need of rain. Topsoil moisture supplies across Minnesota were rated 39% very short, 41% short, 19% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 38% very short, 44% short, 18% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Corn in the dough stage reached 44%, slightly behind last year. Corn condition remained at 36% good to excellent. Soybean setting pods reached 82% slightly behind last year but three days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybean condition remained unchanged at 34%.

*Information obtained from US Drought Monitor, data valid as of August 10, 2021, and map release August 12, 2021. The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions. Local conditions may vary.

Spider Mites Thriving in Dry Conditions

When experiencing a stretch of hot and dry weather, it’s likely a good idea to think about scouting for spider mites. Soybean damage from spider mites is usually first observed near field borders or grassy areas within fields. To check for spider mites, simply pull up some of the affected plants, shake them over a white piece of paper, and wait for about 30 seconds. If spider mites are present, you will see what looks like small grains of sand moving on the paper. These are the mites. Another sign mites are present is minute webbing on the underside of the discolored leaves.

If the weather remains hot and dry, spraying to control these spider mites is highly recommended. Though insecticides usually knock down the populations quickly, some insecticides allow for the mites to flare back up quickly, too. A miticide is specifically designed to control mites.

If you have questions about spider mites or other insects in your fields, contact your AFS agronomist to develop a plan that's right for you.

Agri-Mek SC by Syngenta has extended residual control and tank-mix convenience. Agri-Mek® SC miticide/insecticide offers exceptional mite and insect control on soybeans, nuts, fruit and vegetables. Agri-Mek SC protects yield by providing a reservoir of protection with its locally systemic active ingredient, abamectin.

Agri-Mek® SC is rainfast once dry, providing a 21 day residual control for difficult to manage pest such as the twospotted spider mite.

Give your AFS agronomist a call or use the AFS Grower Portal to see if Agri-Mek® SC is right for your operation.

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