Fungicide use on hybrid corn continues to be of interest to many farmers in Iowa. The number of fungicides registered for use on corn continues to increase, especially with the introduction of various generic products. Fungicide use has been promoted at various timings including multiple application timings.

The best probability of achieving an economic response to a foliar fungicide application in alfalfa production is to first crop. Other than that, we need to be more selective of our opportunities for an economic return based on scouting, yield potential, environmental conditions and alfalfa forage value. To apply fungicides to alfalfa without consideration for yield potential of individual cuttings or environments favorable to disease development would not follow proper stewardship of pesticide use nor result in maximizing

We need to select our opportunities based on scouting, yield potential, environmental conditions and alfalfa forage value as to where the probability of an economic return to a foliar fungicide application is likely. To apply fungicides to alfalfa without consideration for yield potential of individual cuttingsor environments favorable to disease developmentwouldnot follow proper stewardship of pesticide use nor result inmaximizing profits.

Materials and Methods The research site was a Tripoli silty clay loam, 3.5% organic matter. Individual plot size was 5x40 ft in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The eight production input treatments were: 1) 100% of ISU recommended P and K fertilizer rate (100%)+0.3 oz/acre MustangMax insecticide (Ins) 2) 100%+Ins+foliar fertilizer of 1.5 qt/acre Nachures (Ffert) 3) 125% of P and K fertilizer rate (125%)+Ins 4) 125%+Ins+Ffert 5) 125%+Ffert 6) 125%+Ins+Ffert+8 oz/acre Bioforge (B) 7) 125%+Ins+Ffert+Foliar fungicide (Ffung) 8) 125%+Ins+Ffert+B+Ffung

Oats are a major spring-sown, small grain crop in Iowa. It can be used for grain and straw production, as a companion crop to establish hay and pastures, or for early-season forage as hay or haylage. Because oats mature in late July to early August, it allows for cropping options for the remainder of the season including establishment of a perennial forage or cover crop, and timely window for a mid-season animal manure application.

Introduction Soil pH is one of the most important soil characteristics of crop production. The pH is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion activity of a soil. For each unit increase in pH, there is a 10 times change in acidity. A pH of 5 is 10 times more acid than a pH of 6, and 100 times more acid than a pH of 7. A soil pH greater than 7 is called alkaline or basic. A soil pH less than 7 is called acidic.

Seven treatments applied to alfalfa were compared to evaluate their effect on profitable alfalfa production. Other than meeting the lime requirement based on ISU soil test recommendations, no other treatment added profitability. Research is still limited on defining soil test and plant analysis levels to provide a reasonable probability of an economic return to Boron fertilization of alfalfa.

The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), native to China, has become the most economically damaging insect in soybeans in northeast Iowa. Soybean aphid may have up to 18 generations per year, beginning with overwintering eggs on the alternate host buckthorn. In spring, winged aphids migrate from buckthorn to nearby emerged soybeans. Generations advance in these fields, and then another winged migration occurs in summer spreading from these fields to others. A third migration occurs in fall with aphids moving back to buckthorn. Depending on the season, soybean proximity to buckthorn, and soybean aphid migration patterns, populations of aphids tend to peak in soybeans anywhere from late July to early September. With higher aphid populations, the production of honeydew (the excrement of the aphid) and the resulting black fungus that grows on it (sooty mold) may become apparent. Aphid feeding may cause stunted plants, reduced pods and seeds, and may also transmit viruses that could cause mottling and distortion of leaves, reduced seed set, and discolored seeds.

Oat is the major spring-sown, small grain crop in Iowa. Spring-sown small grains can be used for grain and straw production, as a companion crop to establish hay and pastures, or as a source of early-season forage as hay or haylage. Because small grains generally mature before the end of July, a forage legume, cover crop, or green manure crop can follow oats, or animal manure can be spread on the field in which oats were grown.

Sulfur (S) is often classified as a “secondary” essential element, mainly due to a smaller plant requirement but also because it is less frequently applied as a fertilizer compared to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). This has certainly been the case in Iowa where research had not documented S deficiency or fertilization need for optimal crop production. However, if deficient, S can have a dramatic effect on plant growth and crop productivity – more than the “secondary” classification would imply.