Spider Mites

The corn crop in the Panhandle and Eastern Wyoming is progressing well and strong yields are likely in many areas. The last month has been a bit more dry and warm which has caused spider mite colonies to really come on. In many cases over the last couple of weeks they have extended themselves above the ear leaf. Some of the corn out there is starting to dent but we need some strong weeks ahead for the crop to finish itself off. Here at Panhandle Coop we have seen pockets of mites really infect a crop to the point the yield will be affected negatively. Take the time to have your agronomist take a look at the crop in the field and make sure this type of damage does not reduce your yield come harvest time. Under pivot irrigation, spider mites will be contained to a point. The issue of having a pivot that has drop nozzles does not work as well to keep the colonies at bay due to the water spraying lower on the crop. Something to keep in mind.