Insect control key to successful double-crop soybean management

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Insect control will play a major role in the management of double-crop soybeans after wheat harvest is completed, said an Oklahoma State University Extension expert.  Experienced farmers know soybeans planted after wheat are vulnerable to several insect pests, but most especially defoliating caterpillars and grasshoppers. Three caterpillar defoliators commonly occur in soybeans.  “It’s important to correctly identify the type of caterpillars infesting the crop and estimate defoliation levels before…

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K-State researchers report shattercane resistance in grain sorghum

Studies show as much as five-fold resistant shattercane in northwest Kansas fields HAYS, Kan. – Kansas State University researchers are reporting that shattercane, a grass weed found in grain sorghum fields, is showing resistance to herbicides. Vipan Kumar, a weed scientist at the K-State Agricultural Research Center in Hays, said the findings are particularly important as producers decide on whether to plant three new grain sorghum hybrids this summer. “Three new herbicide-tolerant sorghum (varieties) –…

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OSU scientists make wheat gene discovery

By Alisa Boswell-Gore  STILLWATER, Okla. – A gene discovery in a wheat variety developed at Oklahoma State University could mean larger yields for Oklahoma wheat producers, researchers said.  After more than a decade of research, Liuling Yan, the Dillon and Lois Hodges professor of wheat molecular genetics and breeding in OSU’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, has discovered and cloned the TaOGT1 gene in the popular Billings wheat variety.  The full study on this topic is available…

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Pasture (Frothy) Bloat; Beware when grazing legumes!

Stephen Boyles, OSU Extension Beef Specialist Bloat has been described in agricultural writings since A.D. 60. Names for bloat have changed over the years: hoove, hoven, tympany, and blown have appeared in English journals of the 18th and 19th centuries. Bloat occurs when rumen gas production exceeds the rate of gas elimination. The gas accumulates and causes distention of the rumen (left side of cattle). If the situation continues, the inflated rumen interferes…

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Producers save money, boost yields with OSU soil testing

By Gail Ellis   STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University is a national leader in soil, water and forage testing. The commercial laboratory processes more than 60,000 samples a year and is accessible to the public through OSU Extension.  From cattle ranchers to urban gardeners, the state testing facility helps producers save money, increase yields and protect the environment. In Tulsa County, the OSU Extension office is a seasonal hot spot for vegetable growers and lawn care specialists seeking nutrient analysis of…

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Study: Land values, irrigation needs increase when ethanol plant opens

Irrigation needs within a 30 mile radius often increase when an ethanol plant opens, a study from Kansas State University shows. (File photo) K-State agricultural economists take a look at 15 years of data MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University agricultural economists have found that the growth of ethanol plants in the state over the past 20 years has had an impact on irrigation and land values. Gabe Sampson, an agricultural economist with…

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K-State’s Lollato gives update on Kansas wheat condition

K-State's Lollato gives update on Kansas wheat condition K-State Research and Extension wheat specialist Romulo Lollato talks about the condition of the 2021 Kansas wheat crop. Lollato says that spring moisture has made the prospects of a good wheat crop very promising, in part due to approximately 4-6 inches of precipitation received across Kansas since March 12. "From now until heading is when the crop needs the largest amount of water," said Lollato…

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Oklahoma wheat crop looks good, but growers need to remain vigilant

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – The cool, wet weather of recent weeks has been favorable for the Oklahoma wheat crop, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently rated as being 62% in good to excellent condition.  “In spite of extremely cold weather that hit Oklahoma in February, we didn’t see much of an impact except for those areas that didn’t have much snow cover to insulate and protect the crop,” said Amanda…

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Study: Seed protein does not reflect key amino acid levels in soybeans released over the last four decades

Note: A Kansas State University study examined the composition of thirteen soybean genotypes released between 1980 and 2014, focusing on the levels of eighteen amino acids relative to protein and yield. They found that seed protein levels do not provide a complete characterization of relevant changes for critical seed amino acids, and that additional external nitrogen does not result in an improved amino acid composition. MANHATTAN, Kan. – From edamame to cooking oil…

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Study: White-tailed deer favor crops high in crude protein

White-tailed deer prefer plants high in crude protein and digestibility, according to a recent study. Outdoor enthusiasts get new clues on designing successful food plots MANHATTAN, Kan. – A study of plants preferred by white-tailed deer is providing important information to outdoor enthusiasts who design food plots to encourage hunting or viewing opportunities. Charlie Lee, who recently retired as the wildlife specialist for K-State Research and Extension, said the study from Mississippi State University indicates…

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