Be Ready for the Insects
With summer quickly approaching and the sun finally making an appearance, it’s time for farmers to take into consideration how they are going to keep their crops safe from insects. As you are preparing for the summer months remember these key objectives when protecting your crops.
Know the Insects
By far the biggest threat to corn in the area (aside from all of the rain) is the corn rootworm. These pests feed on corn silks and lay their eggs at the base of the corn stock. This usually takes place in August and September. The eggs then grow over the winter, and then the newly hatched larvae feed on the roots of the corn the following year.
On the other hand, soybeans have multiple primary insects that can feed off of the crop. Soybean aphids, bean leaf beetles, Japanese beetles and spider mites are the most common insects that give farmers trouble. Due to the extensive amounts of rain, the chance for soybean aphids is greater. However with the below freezing temperatures from this past winter, there is also a chance that many of the eggs may not have survived. Japanese beetles have similar characteristics with the ability to prosper after mild winters and high moisture springs. Spider mites, in contrast, prosper in droughts. This is one most farmers aren’t going to have to worry about this spring. Bean leaf beetles also prosper in warm falls and mild springs. If taken care of early, these pests can be controlled with a seed treatment.
Don’t Give Them a Home!
One of the easiest ways for farmers to prevent the infestation of pests is to use the crop rotation method. For example, the corn rootworm can only prosper by consuming corn silks. Therefore, if the field is rotated, the eggs laid in the soil of a former corn field will not have corn silks to feed on. Farmers don’t have to worry about the next crop they plant in that field either because they cannot survive on small grain or soybean plants.
Another way to avoid the loss of crops due to insects is the use of insecticides. The use of these pesticides allows farmers to poison the targeted insect(s) without affecting the crop. After extended use of the same kind of insecticides on fields, these pests could become immune to the chemical formula. At that point, the farmers need to change which formula they are using in order to continue growing their crops without the threat of insects.
Application
The most efficient way to apply these chemicals to fields is through the use of a sprayer. There are a few different types of sprayers such as the John Deere R4038 Sprayer. This sprayer is self-propelled and makes it easy for farmers to cover lots of ground efficiently. Another option is the John Deere 2510H sprayer which is hooked to the back of a tractor and propelled that way.
You can find these products along with any of your other John Deere needs at your local Koenig Equipment location. Don’t let the insects get in the way of your yields this season. Come in today and talk with one of our dedicated team members and find out which sprayer works best for you!