Nematodes are common pests in many soybean fields in the state.  Sometimes called the “hidden enemy”, root-knot, soybean cyst, and reniform nematodes can be costly if they are ignored.  Because they are not visible, damage caused by nematodes  is often overlooked.  Nematode are microscopic root-parasites, and the symptoms they cause, including plant stunting, yellowing of […]

Several soilborne soybean diseases occur in Arkansas that may look somewhat similar upon casual observation.  It is important, however, to accurately distinguish which is which because yield loss potential, as well as disease management and prevention may be radically different.  The following is a comparison of symptoms associated with southern soybean stem canker (SC), sudden […]

Each year, numerous soybean varieties are commercially available to growers in Arkansas. However, only a limited number of soybean varieties have been tested in Arkansas at April plantings. Yield performance in early (April) plantings varies according to location, adaptability to soils, relative maturity, lodging, shattering potential, disease and nematode resistance, as well as herbicide and […]

Fusarium Wilt of Cotton. Fusarium wilt (FW) is more visible this summer than it has been for several years in Arkansas cotton fields.   FW is a disease of the vascular system caused by a soilborne fungal pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum) that survives for long periods (several years) in cotton fields.   This disease may be responsible for […]

Bacterial blight, a disease that has not been of economic significance in Arkansas for years, has been detected in numerous cotton fields in northeastern Arkansas, as well as in some fields in the southeastern part of the state and some areas of Mississippi over the last two weeks.  The disease has been confirmed in Desha […]

Fusarium Wilt of Cotton. Fusarium wilt (FW) is more visible this summer than it has been for several years in Arkansas cotton fields.   FW is a disease of the vascular system caused by a soilborne fungal pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum) that survives for long periods (several years) in cotton fields.   This disease may be responsible for […]

In a recent podcast, produced by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Extension Nematologist Terry Kirkpatrick discusses soybean susceptibility to root-knot nematodes. To view the podcast, follow the link below: Soybean Susceptibility to Root-Knot Nematode Podcast

Although cotton producers thought that we would have until 2014 to come to grips with life without Temik, the March 18th announcement by Bayer CropScience to decommission production of methyl isocyanate (MIC) will force us to develop alternative strategies for insect and nematode management. So, what do we do. The following are some thoughts and suggestions […]