South Carolina Crops

6/24 Corn and Soybean Update

Surviving on tenths of rain is all we are doing right now across SC and the SE USA. High pressure in the North continues to drive moisture to the Gulf and away from the SE at a very water critical time for corn especially. Where irrigation is available, growers need to continue to run pivots as they can to try and meet the water use demand of the crop, which at tassel, is the greatest. There is a chart in the corn production guide that displays corn water use as we progress through the season on Page 26.

Early planted soybeans are beginning to flower, similarly to corn, if irrigation is available, this is the most water sensitive growth stage.

Since last week, I have looked at some irrigated corn and found grey leaf spot and J. Croft has found some common rust. Again, if you are finding disease in irrigated corn and need any help confirming ID to ensure that the fungicide selected has good to excellent control, do not hesitate to contact your local agronomy agent.