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AgAlerts 2003 From Griggs County
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Issue # 11, September 8, 2003
White grubs are the larval stage of the May or June beetle. White grubs cause damage to turf by feeding on the roots. Life Cycle: The winter is passed in the soil both as adults and as larvae of several distinct sizes. In the spring the adults become active, flying about during the night, and feeding on the foliage of trees. The peachy-white eggs are laid in the soil, preferably in grassylands or patches of grassy weeds in cultivated fields. The eggs hatch in 2 or 3 weeks and the grubs feed on the roots and underground parts of plants until early fall. They are about 1/2 inch long. It requires from 1 to 4 years for grubs to complete their larval stage. Three years is by far the most common time necessary for larval development.
(Click on picture to enlarge)
The Carrington R/E Center will be holding a field day on Friday, September 12, 2003 on the research results concerning using Fly Ash for feedlot surfaces and composting feedlot residues. The morning program will concentrate on fly ash research and demonstration of incorporating it into a feedyard. The afternoon will concentrate on composting and making high quality compost. There will also demonstrate composting equipment. The morning program will begin at 9:30 am and continue until noon. The afternoon session will start at 1:30 pm and continue until 2:30 pm.
Drought conditions has caused some concern
with possible high nitrate levels in certain forages. The majority of
nitrate poisoning cases in North Dakota occur with drought-stressed oats, corn,
and barley. However, there are other forages such as sorghum, sorghum-sudan
crosses and pearl millet that can contain high nitrate levels. Several
environmental conditions, such as soil moisture, fertility and soil type can
influence the levels of nitrate. The highest accumulation of nitrate is in
the plant parts that are closest to the ground. Research from Oklahoma has
shown that the lower 6 inches of the stem in pearl millet contains three times
more nitrate than the top part of the plant. While difficult to do with
drought-stressed forages, raising the cutter bar above 6 inches can reduce
nitrate content of forages. Plant maturity will also affect nitrate
levels. Mature plants tend to have less nitrate problems than younger
plants.
If you are concerned about possible nitrate problems, have
the forage tested. The results of the test will determine how you should
feed this forage. Before you put cattle out to graze suspected forages,
have them tested. For more information on nitrate poisoning, consult NDSU
Extension Bulletin, V-839,
Nitrate Poisoning of Livestock.
The sounds of crickets are all around us now that fall is approaching. As a result, these insects are places to overwinter such as your home. The key to controlling crickets is to stop them from outside of your home or buildings. First, check the foundation for any cracks or openings that would allow entry. Caulk all windows or cracks. A boundary spray around the foundation of your home will greatly reduce the number of crickets getting into the home. Use either Diazinon or Tempo at the recommended labeled rate. The active ingredient in Tempo is also available in Bayer Lawn and Garden Multi-Insect Killer. Apply to the foundation and especially window wells. Repeat every 10-14 days until the first killing frost.
Please Contact Our Office For Additional Information
E-mail: john.swenson@ndsu.edu
Go to the 2003 AgAlert Index Page