A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA Website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
OMAFRA FIELD CROP REPORT – JUNE 21
Corn: Greg Stewart – Warm temperatures continue to push crop development. The majority of the crop is in very good condition. The exceptions would be some of the earliest corn that is less uniform due to cold temperature stresses and some of the later planted corn that went 3 weeks without a rain after planting and has uneven emergence or soil compaction issues. Rapid growth symptom (pale leaves emerging from the whorl) has virtually disappeared. Some sulphur deficiency in corn and seed corn has been confirmed on sandy soils and eroded knolls. Potash deficiency on lower testing soils is also showing up. Western Bean Cutworm (WBC) traps have identified a few WBC moths in the south western part of the province. Stay up to date with WBC issues and trapping results at www.cornpest.ca.
Soybeans: Horst Bohner – Fields are now at the third trifoliate, with early stands beginning to flower (R1 stage). Thin plant stands continue to be an issue. Soil moisture is adequate for nodulation and N fixation to begin in most fields. In very dry areas N fixation is slow, resulting in a pale looking crop. If beans show yellowing between the leaf veins, but the veins remain dark green they are suffering from Manganese (Mn) deficiency. Ontario research has shown that for fields with a history of Mn deficiency, a foliar application of Mn can provide an additional 4 bu/ac. Yield increases are only evident if a true Mn deficiency is present. Applying Mn to either conventional or glyphosate tolerant varieties that show no symptoms will not provide any yield benefit. Ideally, Mn should not be mixed with glyphosate because it reduces the effectiveness of the glyphosate and reduces the efficacy of the Mn. At least 10 days should separate the application of Mn and glyphosate.
DON’T TOUCH WILD PARSNIP
Wild parsnip occurs throughout Ontario in abandoned yards, waste places, meadows, old fields, roadsides and railway embankments. It is a member of the carrot family and is very similar to the cultivated parsnip. It is also related to giant hogweed and has similar effects. Wild parsnip is distinguished from other members of the carrot family by its compound leaves with broad, sometimes coarsely-lobed leaflets, yellow flowers and distinctive odour. In its first year, wild parsnip grows in the form of rosettes. These grow close to the ground with leaves averaging six inches long. When wild parsnip matures, its flower stalks grow to about 4 feet high and have umbrella like clusters of yellow flowers that form large flat seeds. Leaves are compound and have 5-15 oval leaflets with variable toothed edges and deep lobes. Wild parsnip rosettes are among the first plants to become green in spring, and its flowers turn a prominent yellow in midsummer. After flowering and going to seed, plants die and turn brown in fall, but first year rosettes remain green until frost.
Harmful Effects – After handling the fruit, flowers or leaves of wild parsnip, humans can develop dermatitis. Aided by sunlight, chemicals in the plant cause inflammation of the skin. Mild cases cause burning sensations and reddening of the skin. Severe cases can lead to blistering and extreme burning sensations. Wild parsnip reactions often appear as long spots or streaks on the skin and are commonly confused with the effects of poison-ivy. Unlike poison ivy, you don’t need to be sensitized by a prior exposure. Wild parsnip causes a non-allergic photo-dermatitis that can occur in anyone with the right combination of plant juice and sunlight.
Precautions – Outdoor workers should become familiar with the wild parsnip plant and know it by sight. Being able to readily identify wild parsnip and early detection of infested areas will minimize inadvertent exposure to this plant and the painful results that follow. A useful web-site for weed identification is www.ontarioweeds.com/.
• Never touch or brush up against the plant with bare skin.
• If you must work near the plant, cover all body parts using impermeable coveralls and boots, rubber gloves, and a face shield to protect the eyes and face.
• Thoroughly wash boots and gloves with soap, water and a scrub brush before taking off your protective clothing.
• Avoid using power tools near the plant because breaking or crushing the stem or leaves can release the toxic sap.
• Avoid burning poison sumac where possible. If burning must take place, avoid the smoke and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• The only person that should cut or attempt to control wild parsnip is someone who knows – the hazards, what controls will prevent contact and how to prevent further spread of the plant.
What to Do if Exposed…
• Wash the affected area immediately with soap and water.
• Stay out of sunlight and cover up exposed areas.
• Get medical attention immediately.
This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your physician or a local public health unit.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN – John C. Benham
Once the Fourth Edition workbook is available (planned for late 2012) farm businesses will be expected to update their EFP over time, to remain eligible for cost share. A deemed appropriate Action Plan from the EFP Third Edition will satisfy eligibility requirements for any new environmental programs delivered through OSCIA for a period of five years from the date it was peer reviewed by the local OSCIA Program Committee. If the five years has expired by the time the Fourth Edition is introduced, an updated EFP (i.e. the Fourth Edition) will be required. If substantial changes have taken place on the farm during the same time period (e.g. change in primary commodity) a new EFP maybe required.
COMING EVENTS:
July 12 – FarmSmart Expo, University of Guelph, Elora Research Station, Elora. For details: http://www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart/.
July 13 – FarmSmart Expo Youth Day at Elora Research Station at 8:45am. Check the website: www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart/.
