Extension publishes new Field Guide

   A new pocket-size guide that explains integrated pest management information is now available for corn and soybean growers, agronomists and crop scouts.

   The “Corn and Soybean Field Guide” was published by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in August 2023, and is an updated version of a similar guide published in 2016.

   The 236-page guide combines corn and soybean disease and pest information into easily understandable information, with more than 300 images and illustrations, to help with accurate identification and response decisions.

   “The guide has been reformatted and revised from the first edition to include new information that crop scouts can easily take into the field,” said Adam Sisson, industry extension specialist for the integrated pest management program at Iowa State.

   “A lot of different specialists contributed to this guide, with expertise in plant disease, insect pests, weed science and agronomy.”

   Sisson said the first step in integrated pest management is accurately identifying the pest or disease that is present. The guide’s photos and descriptive text all help with that effort, so that appropriate decisions and responses are made.

   Although the guide includes many of the same topics as in 2016, important updates include crop issues such as tar spot and soybean gall midge, as well as new images. The agronomic information has also been updated, with input by Mark Licht, extension cropping systems specialist.

   “A meaningful update was made to the corn yield potential as affected by seeding rate and date of planting,” said Licht. “And a similar chart was added showing soybean yield potential by planting date. These updates will make it easier to plan for replant decisions.”

   The guide measures just under 4 inches wide and 6 inches long, and is constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials to withstand regular use in the field. Hard copies are available from the Iowa State University Extension Store for $15, and pdf downloads are available for $5. The guide is also available in boxed quantities of 25, for $13 a copy.