Erick Larson

Nitrogen timing is important for corn grown in the south. The closer we match fertilizer incorporation with corn use, the more efficiency we can normally achieve. These graphs illustrate corn N needs relative to different fertilizer sources and application timing. 🌽#mscorn

Staging corn becomes more difficult as vegetative growth progresses. Lower leaves die or get stripped off, but still must be accounted for. You can identify leaves knowing each younger leaf is longer and alternates alignment. This V8 corn is nearly 40-inches tall. 🌽#mscorn

Even with the March freeze, we are well above normal for DD50’s in NELA. Had the freeze not hit, and had last week not been cloudy, we would certainly have the most accumulated DD50’s since March 1 per this graph. 1258 as of yesterday, DK 6606 is tasseling.

Will using a harvest aid help get wheat out earlier? By the time kernels mature and turn brown, wheat is naturally senescing. So using a herbicide will not likely expedite harvest. However, premature desiccation will rob yield and test weight by arresting kernel fill. 🌾

Cover crops naturally interfere with crops like corn by reducing stands, stunting growth and creating variability. The best way to limit pitfalls is to terminate cover prior to planting. This improves seedbed culture by enhancing soil temp and stabilizing moisture. 🌽#mscorn

@KevinZylstra @MississippiCorn @MSUExtService The cover crop in this field was selectively planted between the rows, leaving a clean strip for the planter. This should help with seeding issues.

@MStateCorn @MississippiCorn @MSUExtService Looks like hairpinning.

Dry weather creates risks with nitrogen that we are not used to. A dry spell following fertilization increases volatility loss of urea sources. Thus, these key methods are important. ✅ Inject liquid-UAN in the soil ✅ Treat with a urease inhibitor ✅ Topdress prior to rain

Mississippi Crops Feeling the Pressure 🌽☀️ Weeks without meaningful rainfall are starting to show up in the field Get the full breakdown from Mississippi Corn Promotion Board: 🔗 mscorn.org #MCPB #MSCorn #MSAg #CornGrowers #CropUpdate

Jake Mangum saw a young fan wearing his jersey and made sure the ball got to her... That reaction 🥹 💛 ⬇️

Growth staging #corn is key for timing herbicides, fertilizer and other practices. Stages are based on fully emerged leaves with a collar visible. Measuring the free-standing height can help confirm stage as well, especially on a freeze-damaged crop. 🌽#mscorn #MSUext #mscrops

These silver or scalded areas on leaves were caused by temps in the 40’s early last week, coupled with bright sunshine. Leafs aligned horizontally and exposed to the sun are most sensitive to this sunscald. This shouldn’t affect growth or yield potential. 🌽#mscorn #MSUext

Wheat OVT evaluations began today. I’m early, based on calendar date, but behind based on phenology. Some great separation between varieties at Raymond, MS this afternoon #wheat #mscrops

One of the worst leaf rust years I can recall #mscrops #wheat

Be aware that Leaf rust can be rapidly developing on wheat grown in the Delta. It is flourishing in susceptible wheat varieties. 🌾#mscrops #MSUext #wheat #disease #planthealth

Mississippi Corn Update from Dr. Erick Larson 🌽 ✅ 80–90% of that crop is already planted ✅ Conditions have been excellent for planting ❄️ Freeze Setbacks ⚠️ Don’t Get Ahead of the Crop #MCPB #MSCorn #Plant2026 #CornGrowers #MSAgCropUpdate

Leaf rust picking up in the MSU wheat OVT in Stoneville, MS #mscrops

Additional stripe rust observed in the Stoneville, MS wheat OVT this morning. It appears 2026 has been conducive environmentally for wheat rusts to develop with active leaf and stripe rust present in MS #mscrops @MSUExtService

🎥We are discovering key reasons why corn responds better to cover crops terminated prior to spring planting. MSU Agronomy graduate student Caleb Bridges shares more about his Master’s research sponsored by the Mississippi Corn Promotion Board. #mscrops