Figure 1. Corn scouting calendar, shows insects and pests that could be causing symptoms in the field. Individual descriptions of insects and pests, scouting and management strategies can be found in Chapter 15, Insects and pests of field crops.[BR1] Figure 1. Corn Scouting Calendar (Insect and pest calendar with links to various pests in pest section […]
Magnesium Magnesium is plentiful in most Ontario soils, but deficiencies can occur on acidic, sandy soils. The symptoms appear first as yellow striping of the lower leaves (Figure 1). As the deficiency worsens, the upper leaves may become striped while the lower leaves turn reddish-purple. Dolomitic lime is an excellent source of magnesium where limestone […]
Finding and Fixing Soil Compaction When it comes to spring seeding, there can be challenges on the weather and soil conditions fronts. Areas in Ontario that often struggle with planting conditions had crops planted under good soil conditions and in record time this spring, while other areas, even some with lighter soils, experienced delays due […]
This article was written by Jonathan Sawicki, a summer research assistant with OMAFA assisting with corn research and extension projects during the summers of 2023 and 2024. Jonathan is now an M.Sc. candidate in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph. This article discusses the challenges Ontario agriculture faced in 2024 due […]
Potassium (K) There are two distinct approaches to managing potassium (K); one is referred to as the “Sufficiency Approach” and the other is the “Build (or Target) and Maintain Approach”. OMAFA K guidelines for corn as outlined in this section adhere to the Sufficiency Approach, for a more detailed explanation of the two approaches and […]
Phosphorous (P) There are two distinct approaches to managing phosphorous (P); one is referred to as the “Sufficiency Approach” and the other is the “Build (or Target) and Maintain Approach”. OMAFA P guidelines for corn as outlined in this section adhere to the Sufficiency Approach. For a more detailed explanation of the two approaches and […]
Lack of rains and hot temperatures have two spotted spider mites (TSSM) exploding in some fields. Scouting soybeans and dry beans frequently for TSSM this time of year is important, as infestations tend to be noticed too late from the road when management was required much earlier. Mite infestations typically start on the fields edge, […]
Nitrogen (N) Corn responds well to nitrogen, so adequate availability of nitrogen is critical to profitable corn production. Excess nitrogen adds unnecessary expenses and increases the risk of nitrate movement to ground water, poorer quality of surface water and production of greenhouse gases through nitrous oxide emissions. Insufficient nitrogen leads to nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogen deficiency […]
There is no simple formula to aid in replant decisions, so each case must be dealt with individually. When contemplating a replant decision, consider the following: The plant population in a reduced stand can be estimated by counting the number of plants in a length of row that is equal to 1/1000 of an acre, […]
The vegetative and reproductive growth stages in corn are described in Table 1. Vegetative growth stages in corn and Table 2. Reproductive growth stages in corn. CHU-M1 Season-Ending Dates – The end of the growing season is defined as the first occurrence of a killing frost (-2°C), or the date when the daily average temperature has historically […]
Seeding Date The best yields in Ontario are usually obtained from corn planted in late April and the first half of May, as the crop is able to use the full growing season. Early planting also results in earlier maturity in the fall, reducing the risk of damage from an early fall frost or adverse […]
Optimizing Winter Wheat Quality at Harvest Fusarium Head Blight Management With frequent rain events in some areas as winter wheat matures, managing fusarium head blight (FHB) fungus is crucial to prevent yield loss, reduce mycotoxin contamination, and maximize grain quality. Identification FHB symptoms are noticeable soon after flowering. Diseased spikelets (glumes and florets) appear to […]
Heat Unit Zone (CHU-M1) Switch Date >3,200+ May 30–early June 2800–3,200 May 20–25 < 2,800 May 15–20 Source: Adapted from R. Iragavarapu. Basing Hybrid Maturity on Long-Term Data. Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd. Maturity Ratings Corn development is driven primarily by temperature, especially during the planting-to-silking period. Unlike soybeans, day length has little effect on the rate […]
To successfully produce corn in Ontario, it is important to consider factors such as soil texture and crop rotation. Factors that will influence tillage options include risk of erosion, availability of equipment and labour and impact on soil health. Soils in Ontario are usually saturated in early spring, and quick dry-down is necessary to ensure […]