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County Impact Statements - Prairie County
Feed Grains Viable Alternative For Cyst Control
Roughly, 150,000 acres of soybeans are produced in Prairie County each year.
2001 marked the return of an old nemesis- soybean cyst nematodes. Soybean cyst
nematode are tiny microscopic worms that feed on the root system. When
infestation thresholds are extremely high, as in 2001, plants are robbed of soil
moisture and nutrients. Yields can be reduced by as much as 10-30 bu/A in
affected areas of the field.
Resistance is used to combat cyst nematodes. Soybean cultivars grown in
Prairie County have resistance to race 3 and 14 or both; however, in 2001 there
was a race shift from 3 and 14 to 5 and 6. Currently, there are not any
varieties with resistance to these two races.
Feed grains in rotation can reduce cyst nematodes populations to a manageable
level. Research indicates that infestation levels can be lowered by 90% and
soybean yields improved 5-10 bushels per acre. Problem weed such as red rice can
be controlled with alternative chemistry in feed grain rotation.
The Prairie County Extension Service provides the latest research based
information to help feed grain producers with varietal selection, fertility,
insect, disease, and weed control problems. Field and office consultations are
also used to disseminate feed grains information.
Producers viewing Prairie county corn variety demonstration plot
during county field day.
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Impacts
- In FY 2001 there were five educational programs conducted for 102 feed
grain producers.
- In FY 2001 there was 5000 acres of corn and 25,000 acres of sorghum
planted.
- In FY 2001 the average corn yield was 155 bushels per acre and grain
sorghum yield was 100 bushels per acre.
- In FY 2001 established two corn variety demonstrations and four milo
variety demonstrations.
- In FY 2001 established a corn research verification field that avg. 208
bushels per acre and verified U of A recommendations.
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