Nematodes are frequently discussed in soybeans with the soybean cyst nematode. However, nematodes pose an equally damaging threat of yield loss to corn fields as well.
Of the more than 50 species of nematodes that feed on corn in the U.S., there are several that can bring about significant and costly damage to crops. While nematodes are a greater risk to areas with sandy soil, such as Kansas, Nebraska and the coastal plains of North and South Carolina, no field is exempt from potential nematode damage. This is because some species of nematodes can exist within a range of soil conditions.
Research indicates that nematode pressure is more prevalent than many think; it can be found in most Midwestern soil types. Lighter, well-drained soils, with 70% sand or greater are at most risk. However, nematodes rarely infect an entire field, which is why it’s important to consider treating prescriptively to avoid yield loss. Nematodes rarely affect an entire field and tend to stay in the same areas year over year.
Take an acre-by-acre approach at the sub-field level
Nate Eitzmann, agronomist with Asmus Farm Supply, has been involved with the SIMPAS® application system since its inception and believes the system allows farmers to work at the sub-field level.
“SIMPAS will help farmers be efficient in targeting specific crop needs,” Eitzmann said. “Farmers can take an acre-by-acre approach to get the highest return.”
“As more products become available for prescription application, we all benefit. Crop production margins are thin,” he said. This helps the cost risk to go down and the profit potential to rise.”
Hit nematodes where they live with COUNTER® 20G SmartCartridge® containers
COUNTER® 20G SmartCartridge® nematicide controls nematodes to improve yield results. With its proven, systemic control of nematodes and rootworms, COUNTER reaches well beyond seed treatments to stop nematodes before they attack roots and cut yields.
Available in SmartCartridge containers for the SIMPAS application system, COUNTER 20G provides the convenience of a reliable granular formulation in a variable rate, prescriptive application. Plus, the SIMPAS system is the only application system that is able to prescriptively apply up to three products in-furrow in one pass.
To learn more, visit www.SIMPAS.com.
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