By Scout Nelson
Nebraska growers are dealing with late-season crop challenges as extended wet weather continues to affect corn and soybean fields across the state. Nebraska Extension experts recently discussed disease concerns, harvest decisions, and crop quality issues on the CropWatch Podcast.
The episode featured Tamra Jackson-Ziems, a Nebraska Extension plant pathologist, and Kyle Broderick, coordinator of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic. They reviewed problems such as premature plant death, corn stalk and ear rots, sprouting kernels, and soybean diseases.
According to the specialists, prolonged moisture has created favorable conditions for disease development. Corn growers are seeing stalk deterioration and ear rot, while soybean producers are reporting pod and stem blight, anthracnose, and blackened plants that may reduce yields and crop quality.
The experts encouraged producers to scout fields regularly and evaluate crop conditions before harvest. Checking stalk strength, ear quality, and plant health can help determine harvest priorities, and in some cases soybean fields may need to be harvested before corn.
Another issue discussed was kernels sprouting inside corn husks due to excessive moisture. This condition can lower grain quality and market value, making early identification important for harvest management decisions.
The podcast also highlighted respiratory risks from heavy harvest dust and urged growers to take appropriate precautions during field operations. Producers were encouraged to submit unusual crop symptoms to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic for diagnosis and management recommendations.
Looking ahead, the specialists recommended disease-tolerant hybrids and varieties, effective fungicide programs, and disease forecasting tools to help reduce future losses. These strategies can improve crop health and strengthen disease management efforts in coming seasons.
The CropWatch Podcast continues to provide Nebraska producers with research-based information on crop production and disease management. Through guidance from Nebraska Extension and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, growers can make informed decisions to protect crop quality and improve harvest outcomes.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans