By Blake Jackson
Attendees of the University of Missouri Crop and Pest Management Field Day on July 10 in Columbia are encouraged to bring crop samples for early-season disease diagnosis.
Peng Tian, director of the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic, will be available to accept and evaluate samples. “This is a great opportunity for corn, soybean and wheat growers to receive free diagnostic testing for plant health issues resulting from insect, pathogens, weeds, environmental stress or other damage,” said Tian. “Proper diagnosis leads to proper treatment.”
Participants can also bring digital images of affected plants. Tian advises that each sample be represented with 4-6 clear, well-focused photos. “The more pictures you provide, the better,” Tian says. Tian recommends capturing all parts of the plant and taking shots from multiple angles and distances.
Tian emphasized the importance of early detection for common issues such as crown and root rot in soybeans, along with foliar diseases in corn and soybeans.
The MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic, located on the university campus, accepts a wide range of plant samples from home gardens, lawns, trees, and houseplants, as well as from commercial agricultural and horticultural operations. Diagnoses come with research-based treatment recommendations in a written report.
During the field day, MU Extension experts and researchers will also present on various crop management topics at the Bradford Research Farm, located 8 miles east of Columbia at 4968 Rangeline Road. Registration opens at 8 a.m.
Certified Crop Advisers attending the event can earn continuing education units.
For details or to register, contact Heather Bowden at nicholshn@missouri.edu or call 573-882-4303.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-awakr10
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn, Soybeans