Weather: Be careful what you wish for
By
John Grimes-
It is fairly obvious that most farmers and gardeners have grown frustrated with our weather pattern over the past six weeks or so. This area has received an excessive amount of rain since the first of May and hasn’t shown much signs of letting up. I have heard many folks say that they wished it would quit raining. You have heard the phrase “Be careful what you ask for.”
I think this phrase definitely applies here. I don’t think we should ask it to quit raining but rather to ask Mother Nature to slow down with the frequency and amount of rain. A little moderation wouldn’t hurt, would it?
Head scab hits Ohio wheat
A survey of wheat fields across the state shows that the incidence of head scab ranges from about 4 to 60 percent, meaning that between 4 and 60 heads out of every 100 heads have some scab. Head scab is a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum or Gibberella zeae (two names for the same fungus). Scab develops best when wet, humid weather occurs when the wheat is flowering. We have had quite a bit of those conditions this year. The disease causes shriveled and lightweight kernels, reducing grain yield and test weight. In addition, the fungus also produces a toxin called vomitoxin that is harmful to humans and livestock. So, the effects of scab can be devastating, lower yields, lower test weights, and toxin contamination = price discounts or complete grain rejection at elevators.
At this stage, nothing can be done to control scab, but several approaches can be used to minimize losses. Here are a few DOs and DON’Ts:
DON’Ts
Do not make a decision before you know how much scab is out there. Incidence is a very good measure of disease, but when using incidence one needs to be careful not to overestimate or underestimate how serious the problem really is. A wheat head has on average 15 spikelets. If you look at 10 heads and 3 out of the 10 heads have a single spikelet diseased, then the incidence is 30 percent. If in another field, 3 out of the 10 heads have 5 spikelets diseased, the incidence is still 30 percent. Now if you consider that each spikelet will give you 3 kernels, each set of 10 heads will give you 450 kernels (10x15x3). In the first case, 9 (3 heads each with 1 scabby spikelet x 3 kernels/spikelet) of the 450 kernels will be scabby. In the second case, 45 (3 heads x 5 scabby spikelets x 3 kernels per spikelet) of the 450 kernels will be scabby (10 percent of the kernels). The second field with 10 percent of the kernels scabby will likely have more vomitoxin than the first field with 2 percent scabby kernels, even though the incidence is 30 percent in both fields.
Do not make a decision based on how the field looks from a distance. Scabby heads contrast nicely with green leaves, making the field look more scabby than it really is. In addition, we have quite a bit of glume blotch (another disease of the head) this year, and you will not be able to tell the difference between glume blotch and scab from a distance. Not because you know for a fact that your neighbor has scab should you assume that you have it too. Your variety may be more resistant to scab or even if the varieties are the same, you and your neighbor’s fields may have flowered at different times.
Do not wait until it is too late to scout fields; fields are turning. Scabby heads and maturing heads both take on a straw color. So if you wait until next week you may think all the heads are scabby or all are healthy because they all look bleached and straw colored.
Do not feed grain from fields with scab to livestock before getting it tested for vomitoxin. Animals, particularly swine, may have serious health problems if fed grain with high levels of vomitoxin.
Do not use straw from fields with scab for hay without getting it tested for vomitoxin. Yes, straw from fields with high levels of scab also becomes contaminated with vomitoxin and may cause the same problems caused by feeding scabby grain.
Do not handle scabby grains without gloves and masks.
DOs
Do turn up the air on the combine to blow out scabby kernels. These kernels are lighter than wholesome kernels.
Do get grain tested for vomitoxin before feeding.
Do plow under scabby wheat stubble, if you choose to abandon wheat fields with high levels of scab to plant soybean. Scabby wheat on the soil surface means more spores available to infect corn and cause Gibberella ear rot. Yes, the same fungus causes both diseases. Remember last year? Let’s break this cycle.
Do read the next C.O.R.N newsletter for more on head scab and vomitoxin.
Source: Dr. Pierce Paul, OSU Extension Plant Pathologist.
Fire extinguishers for
the farm, shop, and home
There is a tool found on many farms that no one wants to use, is often neglected or forgotten, but can make the difference between a small incident and a disaster. The fire extinguisher is a tool that gets little attention until an emergency occurs.
Often times when a fire emergency occurs, the extinguisher is of no use because it cannot be found or does not work. Consider the following points when deciding if the farm is ready for a fire:
Is a fire extinguisher available, accessible and the right type? Usually an ABC fire extinguisher is the best choice, but they do not work well against flammable metal or grease fires. There are specialized extinguishers available for areas where those risks exist.
Has the extinguisher been maintained? An extinguisher should be checked monthly, just to make sure it is still where it is supposed to be. Examine the pressure gauge to determine if the extinguisher has enough pressure to discharge the extinguishing agent. Many extinguisher manufacturers recommend that the extinguisher be inverted briefly during each monthly inspection to keep the dry chemical powder from clumping. Most dry chemical extinguishers should be emptied and pressure tested every 12 years.
Is everyone trained in how to use a fire extinguisher? Does everyone who might need to fight a fire know how to decide when a fire is too big to fight with an extinguisher? Do they know to keep their back to an exit or how long a fire extinguisher lasts? Many fire departments offer fire extinguisher training to the public. Check with the local fire department for training options.
Fire extinguishers are, in many ways, no different than everyday tools. They must be available, maintained and in competent hands to work the way they are designed. Fire extinguishers are unique – they are the one tool no one wants use, but, when needed, they become the most valuable tool around.
Source: Tim Butcher, OSHA Program Coordinator.
John Grimes is the Ohio State University Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Highland County.[[In-content Ad]]
I think this phrase definitely applies here. I don’t think we should ask it to quit raining but rather to ask Mother Nature to slow down with the frequency and amount of rain. A little moderation wouldn’t hurt, would it?
Head scab hits Ohio wheat
A survey of wheat fields across the state shows that the incidence of head scab ranges from about 4 to 60 percent, meaning that between 4 and 60 heads out of every 100 heads have some scab. Head scab is a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum or Gibberella zeae (two names for the same fungus). Scab develops best when wet, humid weather occurs when the wheat is flowering. We have had quite a bit of those conditions this year. The disease causes shriveled and lightweight kernels, reducing grain yield and test weight. In addition, the fungus also produces a toxin called vomitoxin that is harmful to humans and livestock. So, the effects of scab can be devastating, lower yields, lower test weights, and toxin contamination = price discounts or complete grain rejection at elevators.
At this stage, nothing can be done to control scab, but several approaches can be used to minimize losses. Here are a few DOs and DON’Ts:
DON’Ts
Do not make a decision before you know how much scab is out there. Incidence is a very good measure of disease, but when using incidence one needs to be careful not to overestimate or underestimate how serious the problem really is. A wheat head has on average 15 spikelets. If you look at 10 heads and 3 out of the 10 heads have a single spikelet diseased, then the incidence is 30 percent. If in another field, 3 out of the 10 heads have 5 spikelets diseased, the incidence is still 30 percent. Now if you consider that each spikelet will give you 3 kernels, each set of 10 heads will give you 450 kernels (10x15x3). In the first case, 9 (3 heads each with 1 scabby spikelet x 3 kernels/spikelet) of the 450 kernels will be scabby. In the second case, 45 (3 heads x 5 scabby spikelets x 3 kernels per spikelet) of the 450 kernels will be scabby (10 percent of the kernels). The second field with 10 percent of the kernels scabby will likely have more vomitoxin than the first field with 2 percent scabby kernels, even though the incidence is 30 percent in both fields.
Do not make a decision based on how the field looks from a distance. Scabby heads contrast nicely with green leaves, making the field look more scabby than it really is. In addition, we have quite a bit of glume blotch (another disease of the head) this year, and you will not be able to tell the difference between glume blotch and scab from a distance. Not because you know for a fact that your neighbor has scab should you assume that you have it too. Your variety may be more resistant to scab or even if the varieties are the same, you and your neighbor’s fields may have flowered at different times.
Do not wait until it is too late to scout fields; fields are turning. Scabby heads and maturing heads both take on a straw color. So if you wait until next week you may think all the heads are scabby or all are healthy because they all look bleached and straw colored.
Do not feed grain from fields with scab to livestock before getting it tested for vomitoxin. Animals, particularly swine, may have serious health problems if fed grain with high levels of vomitoxin.
Do not use straw from fields with scab for hay without getting it tested for vomitoxin. Yes, straw from fields with high levels of scab also becomes contaminated with vomitoxin and may cause the same problems caused by feeding scabby grain.
Do not handle scabby grains without gloves and masks.
DOs
Do turn up the air on the combine to blow out scabby kernels. These kernels are lighter than wholesome kernels.
Do get grain tested for vomitoxin before feeding.
Do plow under scabby wheat stubble, if you choose to abandon wheat fields with high levels of scab to plant soybean. Scabby wheat on the soil surface means more spores available to infect corn and cause Gibberella ear rot. Yes, the same fungus causes both diseases. Remember last year? Let’s break this cycle.
Do read the next C.O.R.N newsletter for more on head scab and vomitoxin.
Source: Dr. Pierce Paul, OSU Extension Plant Pathologist.
Fire extinguishers for
the farm, shop, and home
There is a tool found on many farms that no one wants to use, is often neglected or forgotten, but can make the difference between a small incident and a disaster. The fire extinguisher is a tool that gets little attention until an emergency occurs.
Often times when a fire emergency occurs, the extinguisher is of no use because it cannot be found or does not work. Consider the following points when deciding if the farm is ready for a fire:
Is a fire extinguisher available, accessible and the right type? Usually an ABC fire extinguisher is the best choice, but they do not work well against flammable metal or grease fires. There are specialized extinguishers available for areas where those risks exist.
Has the extinguisher been maintained? An extinguisher should be checked monthly, just to make sure it is still where it is supposed to be. Examine the pressure gauge to determine if the extinguisher has enough pressure to discharge the extinguishing agent. Many extinguisher manufacturers recommend that the extinguisher be inverted briefly during each monthly inspection to keep the dry chemical powder from clumping. Most dry chemical extinguishers should be emptied and pressure tested every 12 years.
Is everyone trained in how to use a fire extinguisher? Does everyone who might need to fight a fire know how to decide when a fire is too big to fight with an extinguisher? Do they know to keep their back to an exit or how long a fire extinguisher lasts? Many fire departments offer fire extinguisher training to the public. Check with the local fire department for training options.
Fire extinguishers are, in many ways, no different than everyday tools. They must be available, maintained and in competent hands to work the way they are designed. Fire extinguishers are unique – they are the one tool no one wants use, but, when needed, they become the most valuable tool around.
Source: Tim Butcher, OSHA Program Coordinator.
John Grimes is the Ohio State University Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Highland County.[[In-content Ad]]