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An introduction to soil acidity and liming for farmers and gardeners to increase crop income and improve lawn and garden performance. Topics covered include soil pH, soil testing, liming standards and application and incorporation of lime into soil.
This publication explains genetic engineering and its use in food, agriculture, and the environment. It answers key questions about genetic engineering, including its definition, applications, safety, ethical issues, and related regulations. The publication also discusses potential risks and concludes with resources for more information.
This manual, updated every year, covers pesticide use and safety information, chemical application equipment, fertilizer use, insect control, chemical weed control, plant growth regulators, animal damage control and disease control.
Many farmers and home gardeners have reported damage to vegetable and flower crops after applying horse or livestock manure, compost, hay, or grass clippings to the soil. The symptoms reported include poor seed germination; death of young plants; twisted, cupped, and elongated leaves; misshapen fruit; and reduced yields. These symptoms can be caused by other factors, including diseases, insects, and herbicide drift. Another possibility for the source of these crop injuries should also be considered: the presence of certain herbicides in the manure, compost, hay, or grass clippings applied to the soil.
This factsheet offers information on the identification and management of various flatworms that may be found in North Carolina.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect bean and pea production.
This factsheet offers information on damping off in flower and vegetable seedlings, a result of fungi present in the growing medium.
This publication is designed to help you identify common weeds found in southeastern North Carolina pastures, hayfields, and sprayfields. It presents descriptions and pictures of some of the most common weeds, and it provides references for other weeds that are not in this publication. Weeds are categorized here as broadleaf, grass, or other, and as warm season or cool season. This publication does not recommend specific chemical control methods because differences in situations, rapidly changing labels, and new products make generalized recommendations impractical.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide covers key management practices for organic corn production: hybrid selection, planting date, crop rotation, soil fertility and plant reproduction, and propagation.
This factsheet for farmers describes ways to control the harmful effects of excess nutrients while maintaining healthy, productive farm crops. Steps covered include testing your soil and following the soil testing recommendations, setting realistic yield goals, choosing the most suitable nitrogen sources, applying nitrogen correctly, using manure as a nutrient source, controlling erosion, managing water flow and fencing animals away from water flow.
This publication, chapter 1 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, describes the soybean plant and its various growth stages.
This factsheet for farmers describes concepts, terminology, and guidelines concerning soil sampling. Proper testing allows farmers to apply the correct amount of lime and fertilizer to fields.
This guide presents basic facts about seeds, including how they develop, how to store and germinate seeds successfully and the factors that influence seed quality. It also summarizes the North Carolina laws that affect seed collecting and distribution.
Black shank is an economically important disease of tobacco that threatens production in North Carolina. This factsheet provides information about the causal organism (Phytophthora nicotianae) and its management.
This publication provides an introduction to AI-enabled robotic weeders, their benefits to society, and how this technology can be used in North Carolina's agriculture sector.
This publication covers chemical weed control and weed response to a variety of crops.
This guide for growers, updated annually, provides information on production and pest management practices applicable to growing flue-cured tobacco in North Carolina.
This publication covers insect control in a variety of crops, as well as household pests.
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is an important pathogen that causes disease in numerous crops, especially tomatoes and peppers. Resistance-breaking variants of TSWV were discovered in NC on tomato varieties with the Sw-5 resistance gene during the summer of 2022. Given that host resistance is currently the most effective management strategy of TSWV, these strains pose a great threat to tomato production in the coming years. This article will focus on TSWV identification and management strategies for tomatoes and peppers.
This factsheet covers the signs, symptoms, and control of early leaf spot in peanuts in North Carolina.
This guide for growers, updated annually, provides information on production and pest management practices applicable to growing peanuts in North Carolina.
This publication discusses production of winter annual cover crops, their benefits and management. Research has shown several important benefits of planting winter annual cover crops, chief among them erosion control, addition of nitrogen (N) to the soil for use by a subsequent crop, removal of nitrogen from the soil to prevent nutrient loading, buildup of soil organic matter and buildup of residue that acts as a mulch for water conservation or retention.
This publication offers fertilizer suggestions for a variety of crops, including field, pasture and hay crops, tree fruit, small fruit, ornamental plants and vegetable crops.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide covers key management practices for organic wheat and small grain production: crop rotation, tillage, variety selection, planting date, seeding rates and drill operation, soil fertility, and harvest.
This publication, chapter 2 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, discusses the soybean market in the United States and managing price risk for North Carolina soybean farmers.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect sweetpotatoes.
This publication provides information to growers about soybean production in North Carolina. It discusses economic trends and forecasts, cultural practices, variety selection, planting decisions, nutrient management, diseases and pests, and other production practices.
This publication provides an overview of the Present-Use Value (PUV) property tax program in North Carolina, with an emphasis on disposition and transfer situations that may imperil continued enrollment.
This factsheet explains the three factors of proper swine manure management: the nutrient content of the manure, the percentages of those nutrients that are available to the plant and the nutrient requirements of the plant.
2024 Cotton Information is meant to help growers plan for the coming year and make management decisions based on the unique opportunities and challenges the year might bring.
This publication defines and discusses the factors that affect forage quality and the prediction indices that can be used to assign a science-based measure of quality to evaluate forages.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide covers key management practices for organic sweet potato tobacco production.
This publication is designed to help landowners learn whether their property might be a candidate for a solar lease and what to expect when a solar developer performs due diligence. It also provides a description of legal issues that may arise, such as unclear ownership, zoning restrictions, and other encumbrances such as liens, easements, and existing leases.
This publication covers the basics of leasing land for farming operations, from both a landowner and tenant perspective.
This publication discusses how to use controlled drainage as way to to reduce nutrient losses from agricultural land to surface waters and groundwater. It includes information on controlled drainage systems, structure location and management, and water quality and crop yield benefits.
This publication discusses the environmental benefits of planting miscanthus — a tall, perennial grass — on lands that otherwise have poor results with traditional row crops.
Brown marmorated stink bug description, life history, damage, and control.
This factsheet describes bacterial blight of cotton, including identification and disease management.
Soybean cyst nematode limits yields in every major soybean production region worldwide. This disease note describes SCN in North Carolina and its management.
This publication covers disease control in a variety of crops.
This publication discusses symptoms and signs of black rot disease of Brassicas. The publication includes disease management practices for both conventional and organic growers.
Common and southern corn rusts may affect corn in North Carolina. Management for each is specific to the rust, and proper identification is necessary to determine the appropriate tools to use.
This publication includes a key to identifying insects that can affect vegetable production. Asparagus, beans and peas, carrots, crucifers, cucurbits, eggplant, lettuce, okra, onions, peppers, potatoes, sweet corn, sweetpotatoes, and tomatoes are covered specifically.
Fine-ground basalt rock has recently become available as a soil amendment in North Carolina. This publication discusses the agricultural application of fine-ground basalt rock, the results of an incubation study to determine its lime equivalence, and its effects on soil nutrients and fertility.
This factsheet discusses the identification and management of root knot nematode of sweetpotato.
Corn ear rot is a disease of corn caused by various types of fungi, including Fusarium spp. , Aspergillus spp. Penicillium spp., and Stenocarpella maydis (Diplodia Ear Rot). Ear rot diseases in corn are characterized by the molding and decay of corn ears. Environmental conditions, the susceptibility of the variety to disease, and previous disease populations in the field contribute to the emergence of corn ear rot and the severity of corn yield loss.
This publication is an overview of forage species and their use in livestock production systems in North Carolina.
This factsheet shares the symptoms and control of Granville Wilt, a devastating disease of tobacco in North Carolina.
Nematodes are an economically important pest for flue-cured tobacco production. Root knot nematode is particularly damaging due to the wide host range and number of species of root knot nematode found in North Carolina.
This article highlights the difference in grain and fiber hemp seed size and the importance of calculating seed rates.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of the herbicide, glyphosate.
Many organic vegetable farmers are interested in producing sweet corn. Organic sweet corn can be grown in North Carolina and throughout the Southeast, but special considerations for variety selection, insect and disease control, economics, and markets must be made for it to be a profitable crop.
This publication presents basic information on factors (veil, water and plant relationships) to be considered in developing an effective irrigation schedule.
This factsheet describes the nutrient composition of poultry manure and land application techniques based on matching the nutritional requirements of the crop with the nutrients available in manure. This publication also includes a worksheet to determine the nutrient needs of your crop.
This publication provides at-a-glance information for growing tobacco in greenhouses, including sanitation practices, source water analysis, fertilizer management, disease control, and insect control.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide discusses cultural, mechanical and chemical tactics used for weed control in organic farming.
This publication explains plant growth regulators for a variety of crops.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide covers key management practices for organic flue-cured tobacco production.
This publication provides information about unmanned aerial vehicles and what to consider when choosing a drone for precision agriculture applications. Topics include restrictions, definitions, needs assessment, equipment options, and information processing.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide covers key management practices for organic soybean production: variety selection, planting times, plant population, and crop rotation.
This factsheet explains how to use dairy manure as a fertilizer source. Included are descriptions of nutrient content, application rates and application methods to ensure optimum benefit from the manure. A worksheet is provided for calculating application rates.
This publication, chapter 11 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, presents some facts and figures about soybeans and their production.
This publication discusses how excess zinc and copper from animal manure can lead to soil toxicity and harm crops in North Carolina. It covers where zinc and copper come from, potential harmful effects, and ways to prevent toxicity. Management strategies include soil testing, accurate manure application, record-keeping, and adjusting animal feed. Mitigation methods like soil turnover and pH modification are also discussed.
This publication, chapter 12 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, discusses defoliation practices in cotton production.
Variable growing environments for wheat can lead to challenges from one season to another. Adaptive management is a system of adjusting management practices based on weather fluctuations. This publication provides information on how environmental extremes influence wheat growth and how to implement adaptive management practices for optimal wheat yield.
This publication provides information about steps and procedures for growing cotton for alternative purposes. It includes details on regulatory compliance, seed sourcing, and harvesting and ginning.
Seedling diseases are a major disease concern for North Carolina cotton production. Numerous fungi are capable of causing seedling disease, and potential damages are heavily influenced by environmental conditions.
This publication, chapter 7 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, addresses weed management in soybean production.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide covers key management practices for organic peanut production.
Cotton root-knot nematodes are capable of causing significant losses to cotton production. In addition to direct damage, root-knot nematodes allow for secondary pathogens to impact yields. This publication describes root-knot nematodes and their management in cotton.
This corn disease information note offers information on the symptoms and management of gray leaf spot in corn production in North Carolina.
Proper application of pesticides and fertilizers is possible only with a sprayer or spreader that is accurately calibrated. When equipment is not correctly calibrated, it is easy to apply too much or too little of a chemical, which may result in the lack of pest control, damage to turf, wasted money, and/or contaminated environment. This publication explains how to calibrate boom sprayers and granular spreaders used on turfgrass.
Target spot is a potentially devastating leaf spot disease in tobacco in North Carolina. This factsheet summarizes the signs and symptoms and offers treatment plans.
Brown spot is a disease of increasing importance in flue cured tobacco production.This disease is most severe on mature or otherwise injured tobacco.
This publication offers information on water quality challenges in irrigation water.
This chapter from the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide discusses the organic standards for soil management.
This publication provides information you will need for measuring soil water: types of soil-water measuring devices, how to select the right measuring device and how to prepare and install these devices.
This publication, chapter 5 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, discusses soybean planting decisions, including planting dates, depth, and seeding equipment calibration.
Frogeye leaf spot disease on flue-cured tobacco is caused by the fungal pathogen, Cercospora nicotianae. This disease has historically been an issue for ripe tobacco, but has become more common over the last couple of years. The disease is found most commonly on lower, more mature leaves of the plant, but can also affect green tissues. Infections are not often severe enough to impact yield, but, under conducive environmental conditions, can cause severe damage to leaves.
Areolate mildew, originating in Alabama in 1890, and target spot, first described in Mississippi in 1959, have both become increasingly prevalent across the southeastern United States over the past three decades.
Participation in conservation practices and restrictions comes in various forms, from revocable-at-will, revocable with penalty, and irrevocable agreements concerning use of land in farming and forestry. Different agreements come with different obligations, and different pathways to termination and modification, when allowed. This fact sheet explores the spectrum of conservation agreements (generally modifiable) to conservation easements (generally revocable). The information herein is the product of the author's research of relevant statutes and regulations, as well as professional experience with such conservation instruments and programs. Note: citations are referenced in numerical superscript and correspond to citations in the endnotes section.
This publication offers an overview of the cultivation, harvest, and marketing opportunities of sweet sorghum in North Carolina and the Southeast.
Phosphorus (P) is the second most important nutrient in crop production but is often found in relatively low amounts in native soils. Decades of fertilizer application have led to P enrichment of most North Carolina agricultural soils. Excess soil P that leaves agricultural fields via runoff and drainage can cause algal blooms in water resources that lead to impaired drinking water quality and can limit recreational activities. Maintaining adequate soil P levels for crop growth can reduce P runoff, save money, and protect the environment
This publication provides updated recommendations for phosphorus fertilizer application in corn, soybean, and small grains crops. It includes background and historical information about phosphorus critical levels, phosphorus rate recommendations, phosphorus accumulation in soils, and changes in recommendations.
This factsheet describes and provides management recommendations for the Southern root-knot nematode,Meloidogyne incognita, a widespread pest of corn in North Carolina.
The center pivot and linear-move type irrigation systems are usually the most practical system for irrigating large, rectangular or regular shaped fields. Selection and management considerations for center pivot and linear-move type systems are discussed in this article.
This publication discusses appropriate fertilizer application for forages in North Carolina.
This factsheet explains how proper land application of municipal biosolids can protect public health and maintain or improve environmental quality and it encourages the beneficial use of wastes.
Forages can be conserved in the form of hay, baleage, and silage. It is important to keep in mind that, at best, conserved forages can rarely match the nutritive value of fresh forage. Some losses of highly digestible nutrients start immediately after cutting and are unavoidable. The goal in forage conservation is to focus on minimizing losses.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide covers obtaining organic certification for growers and processors who sell organic products.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide defines the key components of organic production systems: crop sequence, crop management, soil management, and pest management.
This publication summarizes the findings of a three-year study that analyzed the effects of fungicides, bio controls, and Bt hybrids on reducing mycotoxins in corn. It reviews effectiveness, application rate, and yield for each control option.
This publication, chapter 6 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, covers fertilization and nutrient management in soybean production.
This publication discusses weeds common to watermelon and how to control them. Weed management strategies include mechanical control, cultural control, and herbicide recommendations for grasses and broadleaf weeds such as Palmer amaranth and sedge weed species.
Lesion nematodes are plant-parasitic roundworms that may cause damage in corn. This factsheet covers their signs and symptoms as well as management of the disease.
This publication, chapter 1 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, describes the current US tobacco market.
Root knot nematodes can cause significant damages to soybean fields in North Carolina. This factsheet describes the different species of root knot nematodes and their management in soybean production.
This publication provides information and guidance on using computer code to access the National Agricultural Statistics Service's survey data to view data from multiple years, crops, and other categories.
This publication provides an overview of the differences in forage quality by reviewing a summary of forage hay samples submitted to the N.C. State Fair Forage Contest over a 20 year period. It also discusses tools for ranking the quality of forages.
The self-propelled gun type traveler system is usually the most practical system for irrigating irregular shaped fields. Selection and management considerations for self-propelled gun type systems are discussed in this article.
This publication, chapter 9 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, covers common insects and their control in soybean production.
This publication provides background information and references for the Water Needs Assessment Tool spreadsheet and its data inputs. It also discusses the methods used to generate output from the model and provides examples.
Precision agriculture (PA), often referred to as "smart farming" or "precision farming," represents a transformative paradigm shift in the field of horticultural sciences, particularly when applied to vegetable cultivation. The fundamentals of PA involve site-specific management of inputs such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Nowadays, PA leverages advances in remote sensing, robotics, and data science to optimize crop production, enhance both yield and resource efficiency, and minimize environmental impacts. This article introduces PA technologies and recent advances, along with the potential benefits they bring to vegetable production. It also provides considerations for growers interested in adopting PA technologies in their operations.
Soil samples that determine lime and fertilizer needs of crops routinely come from the top 4 to 8 inches of soil. However, deep soil samples will be needed for the Phosphorus Loss Assessment Tool (PLAT), and this publication describes how to take these 28- to 32-inch deep samples.
This publication discusses water capacity, soil's effect on water availability, and proper soil management to maximize water availability. Soil texture and structure, soil density, soil crusting, tillage and controlled traffic are covered.
This soybean disease factsheet describes southern stem canker, a disease of soybeans in North Carolina.
This publication, chapter 10 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, covers weed management practices for cotton production.
This brochure goes over calibration guidelines for backpack or knapsack sprayers.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a photosystem II (PS II) inhibitor herbicide injury.
This publication discusses the basic concepts of stockpiling as a forage management practice, including the purpose of stockpiling, which grasses can be stockpiled, nutritive valued of stockpiled tall fescue, and fertilization management.
Cercospora blight is a common foliar disease of soybeans in North Carolina. Early symptoms may mimic several other common soybean problems, and accurate diagnosis is important for selecting management practices.
Part of the Guide to Mycotoxins Commonly Found in Animal Feeds, this factsheet provides information about occurrence, regulation, and toxicosis for zearalenone.
This publication discusses several causes of soil compaction and provides mitigation recommendations.
This publication explains how you can make the most efficient use of water and energy by applying the right amount of water to cropland at the right time.
This publication, chapter 3 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, describes stand establishment and variety selection and characteristics for peanut production.
This publication, chapter 7 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, provides information about fertilization for cotton crops.
This factsheet offers information on the signs, disease cycle, and management of soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV), an occasional foliar problem in soybean in North Carolina.
As a newly legal crop, little information exists about optimum nutrient levels in hemp. This publication provides additional information on hemp leaf tissue nutrient ranges from a survey conducted between 2017 and 2020.
This publication discusses recent research that clarifies the relationship between CBD and THC produced in floral hemp. This information can help producers adhere to USDA compliance thresholds.
This publication provides information about the practice and benefits of frost-seeding clovers into established tall fescue pastures and presents the results of research conducted in the North Carolina piedmont.
With growing demand for sesame and production limitations in traditional sesame-producing states, there is a need to explore new areas suitable for producing sesame in the United States. This publication discusses research findings that demonstrate the feasibility of sesame production in North Carolina. Topics include yield results related to row spacing, variety, and nitrogen rates.
Adequate sulfur is necessary for crops, but there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation for application in North Carolina. Best management practices take sulfur removal and incidental sulfur inputs for the entire crop rotation, soil type and profile depth layers and soil and plant analysis results.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide offers information on marketing organic grains.
This publication, chapter 6 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, provides details on how to use integrated methods to manage major peanut diseases.
Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is one of the most prevalent and destructive viral pathogens of soybean worldwide. This soybean disease factsheet discusses the range, symptoms, disease cycle, and management of the virus in soybean production in North Carolina.
Growing Chardonnay grapes, the number one vinifera variety grown in North Carolina, can be a profitable venture in certain areas of the state.The profitability analysis in this chapter, based on 2005 costs, shows that it will take an estimated $12,876 per acre to bring a vineyard up to full production in the fourth year.The vineyard would begin to yield $1,097 per acre in the eighth year, and the producer may be able to break even by the eighth year.
Grapes grown in North Carolina are sometimes exposed to unfavorable climatic conditions and biological pests that can reduce crops and injure or kill grapevines. Climatic threats include low winter temperatures, late spring frosts, excessive summer heat, and unpredictable precipitation. Biological pests include fungal pathogens and insects that attack the foliage and fruit of vines, as well as birds, deer, and other wildlife that consume fruit and shoots.Vineyard site selection greatly affects both the frequency and severity of these problems and is one of the most important factors affecting profitability in viticulture.
This publication has been prepared to acquaint growers, packers, and shippers with the most current information and recommendations for proper postharvest handling of sweetpotatoes.
This factsheet offers information on the signs, symptoms, and control of cylindrocladium black rot in peanut production.
This publication, chapter 14 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, provides information on sprayer calibration for applying chemicals in cotton production.
This publication, chapter 13 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, covers the role of conservation tillage as it relates to cotton production.
This factsheet discusses pythium root and crown rot in industrial hemp production.
Soybean seedling disease is caused by several different pathogens. While cultural management is the same across seedling diseases, chemical management may differ depending on prevalent pathogen and environmental conditions.
This factsheet discusses the biology, damage, and management of the cannabis aphid in industrial hemp in North Carolina.
This soybean disease factsheet covers anthracnose, a fungal disease affecting maturing soybean stems and pods in North Carolina.
Part of the Guide to Mycotoxins Commonly Found in Animal Feeds, this factsheet provides information about occurrence, regulation, and toxicosis for aflatoxin.
This factsheet describes how to process mature sweet sorghum into ethanol and how this process could be implemented on a farm or private residence in the southeastern United States.
Nitrogen fertilizer products are being developed and marketed as having the potential to increase yields and nutrient use efficiency, and decrease volatilization (gas). How do these products actually perform on different soils and row crops, under various climatic conditions? This publication summarizes findings from recent studies that investigated alternative nitrogen fertilizer products for row crops in four North Carolina regions.
This publication covers information on hydraulic ram pumps and offers guidelines on installation and purchasing a system.
Boron (B) is an essential element that frequently exhibits deficiency symptoms if it is in limited supply. Growers often apply additional B to avoid deficiencies, but if too much B is applied, there is the risk of B toxicity symptoms developing. Boron toxicities initially appear on the lower, older leaves. Early symptoms of boron toxicity will appear as wrinkling of the lower leaves and interveinal chlorosis along the leaf margin. The wrinkling is most likely caused by the lack of cell expansion when toxic levels of B are present. This wrinkling will develop across the leaf’s surface resulting in leaf deformation. Over time the interveinal chlorosis will move inward and develop over most of the leaf. Cells will rapidly die when excess B is supplied, resulting in necrotic spotting. With advanced symptomology, chlorosis and necrosis will progress up the plant to other leaves.
This publication, chapter 11 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, describe harvesting, drying, and storing soybeans.
Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) first appeared in Arkansas in 1971 and has since spread to almost every soybean producing state. SDS rarely affects plants in North Carolina, but losses are seen when infections are concurrent with soybean cyst nematode infections or cool, wet environmental conditions. This factsheet describes SDS and its management in North Carolina.
This publication provides guidance to Extension agents on how to design and conduct trials and demonstrations on alternative products for plant and soil health and pest and disease control purposes. It provides standardized experimental design criteria and best practices for planning and executing trials for these products.
This publication provides nitrogen and potassium fertilizer recommendations for optimum floral hemp yield and cannabidiol production while also understanding how nutrient rates affect THC production.
This publication summarizes research conducted in North Carolina that evaluated sorghum's potential as a bioenergy feedstock when planted on land that receives large quantities of animal waste effluent.
This publication explains the load-area method, one of the two methods in which semi-solid animal waste applicators can be calibrated. Proper calibration is required by law.
This publication, chapter 8 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, discusses the planting and harvesting methods of peanuts.
This publication provides information on the impacts wind-driven events have on the soil fertility. Salt water from storm surges, ocean spray, and tidal surges may increase sodium levels in coastal soils, which can be toxic to plants.
This publication discusses how to find information about frost and freeze probability data in North Carolina and how to use these resources to make planting and harvesting decisions.
Frogeye leaf spot (FLS) of soybean is a common foliar disease in North Carolina with losses reported annually. This soybean diseases factsheet offers information on the signs, symptoms, and management of FLS.
This publication discusses the results of field trials conducted in 2020 and 2021 to understand how CBD and THC accumulate throughout floral development. It includes recommendations for appropriate sampling and harvest timing for floral hemp farmers in North Carolina.
Ethanol is an alternative fuel source that can be produced domestically from renewable materials. Learn about the different mixtures of ethanol available and how their use can affect vehicles, gas mileage, and fuel costs. This publication answers basic consumer questions about ethanol, its production, and its relationship to the U.S. corn crop, food prices, and sustainable energy.
This chapter discusses the principles of grapevine dormant pruning, reviews reasons for vine training, and describes systems appropriate for use in North Carolina. Profitable grape production requires that grapevines be managed so that a large area of healthy leaves is exposed to sunlight. Such vines are likely to produce large crops of high-quality fruit each year. Grapevines must be trained and pruned annually to achieve this goal. The training system chosen generally dictates how the vines are pruned. Thus, pruning practices and training systems are discussed together in this chapter.
Tobacco that is deficient in magnesium (Mg) will initially develop symptoms on the lower or older foliage. These symptoms occur as an interveinal chlorosis that begins on the leaf margin, typically toward the leaf tip. Mg is mobile within plant tissues and will readily translocated from older leaves to the young developing tissues during limited Mg conditions.
This publication contains step-by-step guidelines for field calibration of center pivot and linear move irrigation systems. Proper calibration is required by law.
This publication, chapter 9 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, covers disease management practices for cotton production.
This publication, chapter 6 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, discusses the role of seed quality in making planting decisions for cotton production.
Although uncommonly observed in North Carolina, soybean rust can be a yield limiting disease for soybeans. Proper identification is important to developing a management strategy.
This factsheet offers information on target spot in soybean production in North Carolina.
Effective frost protection methods exist, however, each year, a portion of the state's fruit and vegetable crop is lost to low-temperature damage. This leaflet explains the principles of frosts and freezes and provides information on protection methods.
This publication explains how to plan and maintain subirrigation systems by providing information on types of water supplies and pumps and water quality.
Phosphorus (P) deficiency in tobacco begins as a noticeable stunting when compared to a plant with a sufficient supply of P. Additionally, a P deficient tobacco plant may develop a darker green coloration of the upper foliage. Lower leaves will become chlorotic with a mottling of olive green leaf spots. The initial symptoms appearing on the lower foliage may be attributed to the fact that P is mobile within plant tissues and is translocated from these older leaves to the young developing tissues under periods of low P.
This publication helps farmers decide whether to reduce fertilization rates in order to achieve maximum profits due to increases in nitrogen fertilizer prices.
This publication, chapter 4 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, discusses effective weed management in peanut production.
This publication, chapter 8 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, covers disease management in tobacco production.
This publication, chapter 3 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, covers management practices for cotton production considering short-season timeliness.
This soybean insect factsheet discusses the biology, identification, and control of armyworms in soybeans in North Carolina.
This publication discusses the use of cereal rye as a cover crop in soybeans in cotton to determine the effects on weed suppression and soil moisture retention in relation to yields.
Vineyard establishment involves careful planning, thorough site preparation, vineyard design, planting, and trellis construction. Unlike dormant pruning or other annual activities, designing and establishing a vineyard must be done correctly the first time. In addition, the process must be tailored to the particular site and the grower’s intentions. This chapter discusses the basic steps in establishing a vineyard and offers suggestions for practical methods and materials.There are many alternatives. Although this chapter may be used as the sole source of information for vineyard establishment, it is advisable to obtain and compare information from additional sources before beginning. References provided here include more detailed information on particular aspects of vineyard establishment, such as trellis construction. It is also helpful to visit existing vineyards to examine their design, compare trellising materials, and discuss plant and row spacing.
Manganese (Mn) deficiency begins as an interveinal chlorosis on the upper leaves. As the symptoms progress, the interveinal chlorosis takes on a white netting type appearance. With advanced symptoms, small white spots develop and over time the spots enlarge into larger white spots.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and control of the soybean aphid, a pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
This publication explains the weight-area method, one of the two methods in which solid or semi-solid applicators can be calibrated. Proper calibration is required by law.
This publication discusses tillage treatments for large-seeded crops like corn and soybeans in the Piedmont region and recommends minimizing tillage based on research at the Upper Piedmont Research Station.
This publication, chapter 3 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, discusses tobacco varieties and variety testing.
This publication, chapter 8 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, discusses considerations for using growth regulators in cotton production.
This publication discusses the trends identified by research on the impacts of foliar fungicides and fertilizers on soybean yields in various environments across North Carolina.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and control of the kudzu bug, a pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of magnesium deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of copper deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
An illustration of the tobacco plant, part of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook.
This factsheet shares some statistics about the H-2A visa program in North Carolina.
This publication discusses elevated nitrate levels in drought-stressed corn silage, which can result in harm to humans and livestock.
This online publication describes how cover crops affect the soil, how to establish cover crops, and how to manage their residue. It includes a review of the winter and summer cover crops recommended for North Carolina. The authors also discuss the economics of planting cover crops and some concerns to consider when planting cover crops.
Zinc (Zn) deficiency has not been reported under field conditions. Most of the time, the soil will have enough micros to supplement any gaps in the chosen fertilizer plan. To present a more robust set of data, we induced zinc deficiency under controlled greenhouse studies for accurate diagnosis if the problem should arise. In NC State University trials, ornamental tobacco developed a silver cast to the leaves as the initial symptom of zinc deficiency.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of cellulose-inhibiting herbicide injuries.
This publication discusses irrigation decisions that affect water and energy efficiencies.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of an ALS inhibitor herbicide injury.
This publication, chapter 5 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, offers information of managing nutrients in tobacco production.
This publication, chapter 4 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, discusses tobacco management practices that improve stands and promote uniform growth.
Due to the limited availability of methyl bromide, tobacco growers need other methods to sanitize float trays prior to reseeding every year. This factsheet offers information on using steam as an alternative.
This publication discusses trends identified in how nonfoliar yield enhancement products affected soybean yield over the past five years across 15 locations in North Carolina.
Tobacco ringspot virus is a disease of soybean in North Carolina. This factsheet offers information on the disease's symptoms and management.
This publication, chapter 7 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, discusses plant-parasitic nematodes in peanuts.
This publication describes differences between cold injury and boron deficiency in tobacco seedlings grown in float greenhouses and provides management tips.
New and current grape growers will find practical information on site appraisal, establishment, and operation of commercial winegrape vineyards in the North Carolina Winegrape Grower’s Guide. This publication focuses on production of vinifera and hybrid wine grapes.
Potassium (K) is one of the three core macronutrients, and consequently, deficiency symptoms manifest relatively quickly in tobacco. Potassium is a mobile element, which means it will translocate from mature tissues to the younger tissues where it is needed. This movement of K from older to younger foliage is what causes deficiency symptoms to develop first on the lower foliage.
This publication contains step-by-step guidelines for field calibration of stationary sprinkler irrigation systems. Proper calibration is required by law.
This publication provides guidelines and recommendations for proper irrigation scheduling of wastewater.
As a part of the humid Southeast, North Carolina’s climate, topography, soils, cropping systems, and water sources require special consideration when considering and implementing a subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system. This publication is not a step-by-step design manual, but it will help you in the design process of an SDI system appropriate to North Carolina.
Table of contents for the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide.
This publication discusses the causes of poor irrigation system performance. Some of these causes can be identified and corrected by the irrigator. Others require specialized evaluation equipment, and the corrections should therefore be performed by specially trained technicians.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor herbicide injury.
Grazing management can have profound impact on how forage mixtures develop and persists over time. It is the art and science of grazing management that determines whether a potentially good forage, or mixture of forages, will actually be a good one. Department of Crop Science Forage and Grassland Program www.forages.ncsu.edu
This factsheet covers how to calculate soybean losses and how to check operational guidelines to ensure a greater yield.
This publication, chapter 3 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, discusses crop rotation and cover crops in soybean production.
This publication, chapter 4 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, discusses how to choose a variety of soybean to plant.
This publication discusses flying unmanned aerial vehicles (drones, model aircraft) for commercial purposes. You'll learn about the requirements becoming a commercial UAV pilot and how to obtain a remote pilot certificate.
This publication, part of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, lists North Carolina extension personnel that work in tobacco production.
This publication, chapter 5 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, provides information about selecting cotton varieties.
This publication, chapter 2 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, covers information about the cotton plant, including development, fruiting, and blooming.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) update, we highlight the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feed stock, high protein meal, and rocket jet fuel. It is similar in management to Canola given both Canola and Carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops.
This publication, chapter 12 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, describes integrated pest management and pesticide stewardship in peanut production.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of the soybean stem borer.
This soybean disease factsheet covers aerial web blight, a generally minor disease of soybean in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of sulfur deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
Part of the Guide to Mycotoxins Commonly Found in Animal Feeds, this factsheet provides information about occurrence, regulation, and toxicosis for trichothecenes.
Common smut is a disease that occurs on an annual basis on North Carolina corn. With drought conditions on the rise, the incidence of common smut is likely to be observed.
This publication summarizes the results of multiple North Carolina field trials that evaluated agronomic management and alternatives that extend the switchgrass feedstock supply beyond traditional harvest times.
Calcium (Ca) is essential for proper plant development and leaf expansion. A calcium deficiency will first manifest in the youngest foliage because Ca is an immobile element within the plant. As calcium deficiency progresses, the developmental damages will also advance. The integral role of Ca in leaf development makes its early diagnosis vital to tobacco production.
This publication contains step-by-step guidelines for field calibration of hard hose and cable tow irrigation systems. Proper calibration is required by law.
This publication contains step-by-step guidelines for determining irrigated acreage for hard hose traveler irrigation systems are presented. Proper calibration helps protect the environment and is required by law.
This publication provides a step-by-step description of how to use the gravimetric method to calibrate soil-water measuring equipment.
This publication, chapter 11 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, offers information on peanut growth and development, including grading.
This publication discusses how the Nitrogen Loss Estimation Worksheet Tool can be used to account for agricultural nitrogen levels as an alternative to water quality monitoring.
This publication, chapter 4 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, covers factors to consider when planting cotton.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide offers information on organic market outlooks and budgets.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and control of stink bugs in soybeans in North Carolina.
Fertilizer burn can occur to the soybean seed from an in-furrow application and to the foliage from a foliar application. An in-furrow application can cause salt injury or ammonium toxicity to the soybean seed. Fertilizer is somewhat rarely applied to soybeans over-the-crop, however if it is done fertilizer burn can occur depending on source and concentration. This factsheet discusses the symptoms and management of fertilizer burn.
This soybean diseases factsheet discusses sting nematodes, a minor pest of soybean in North Carolina.
This factsheet summarizes the symptoms and management of stubby root nematodes in soybean in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of nitrogen deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of the sting nematode Belonolaimus longicaudatus, an ectoparasitic nematode that affects corn production in North Carolina
This guide summarizes marketing options for grain and soybean growers and explains how to use basis, the difference between cash and futures prices, to evaluate marketing options.
Grapevines require 16 essential nutrients for normal growth and development (Table 9.1). Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are obtained as the roots take in water and as the leaves absorb gases. The remaining nutrients are obtained primarily from the soil. Macronutrients are those used in relatively large quantities by vines; natural macronutrients are often supplemented with applied fertilizers.The micronutrients, although no less essential, are needed in very small quantities. When one or more of these elements is deficient, vines may exhibit foliar deficiency symptoms, reduced growth or crop yield, and greater susceptiblity to winter injury or death. The availability of essential nutrients is therefore critical for optimum vine performance and profitable grape production.
New and existing professionals working in the realm of climate education, research, and outreach need to be clear in their terminology and usage. This glossary compiles the most commonly used terms and definitions for academics, researchers, and educators to communicate effectively in this emerging arena. To enhance understanding, key terms include a separate interpretative explanation of the concept “Why this matters.”
This publication discusses the methods and results of a study researching the benefits of cover crop mulches in cotton production. Cover crops provide nutrients to subsequent crops while conserving soil moisture and suppressing weeds, pests, and diseases without adversely affecting yield.
This publication, chapter 10 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, discusses the interactions of agrochemicals used in peanut production.
This publication, chapter 9 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, contains information on the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association's annual peanut production contest.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a dichlobenil herbicide injury.
This publication describes how cotton growers in the Southeast can use a pocket-size scouting decision aid to assess and manage stink bug damage based on thresholds for different cotton growth stages.
This publication, chapter 10 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, offers information on the most efficient use of fuel and electricity while maintaining the highest cured leaf quality.
This publication, chapter 7 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, provides information on topping tobacco and using ethephon, the only chemical approved for yellowing tobacco in the field.
This publication, chapter 15 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, provides information about the classing system used in the cotton industry.
This publication discusses the results of recent nitrogen rate trials in the North Carolina coastal plain that assessed the recommendations of the Realistic Yield Expectation (RYE) database.
This soybean insect factsheet discusses the biology, damage, and management of the bean leaf beetle, a pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and control of the three-cornered alfalfa hopper, a pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and control of the velvetbean caterpillar, a pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
This factsheet describes identifying and controlling spider mites in soybeans in North Carolina.
This factsheet discusses protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicide injury in soybean.
Stubby-root nematodes are soilborne, plant-parasitic roundworms that may cause significant damage in corn. This publication covers the symptoms and disease management of the pathogen.
This guide provides an overview of common mycotoxins found in animal feeds, including predominant fungi species, FDA action levels, common crops, and symptoms. Further information about occurrence, regulation, and toxicosis is available for each mycotoxin.
Part of the Guide to Mycotoxins Commonly Found in Animal Feeds, this factsheet provides information about occurrence, regulation, and toxicosis for ochratoxin A.
Part of the Guide to Mycotoxins Commonly Found in Animal Feeds, this factsheet provides information about occurrence, regulation, and toxicosis for ergot alkaloids.
Soils were collected from three farms in Wilson County before and after a sesame crop. These farms have a history of root-knot nematode and the growers were interested to see how sesame might impact nematode populations. Nematode populations dropped between 81% and 97%, depending on the farm. These results indicate that sesame may play an important role as an IPM tool to reduce nematode populations in traditional row crop rotations.
This bulletin publishes the results of 10 experiments that addressed aspects of nutritive value (i.e., laboratory estimates of dry matter disappearance and chemical composition) and quality (i.e., animal responses) of cool-season perennial forages preserved as hay. The focus of this bulletin is the evaluation of tall fescue cultivars, forage maturity, drying methods, and diurnal changes in forages. However, experiments on other forages (i.e., reed canarygrass and alfalfa) have also been included. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide original research data in a summarized format, with associated methodology, for future reference.
This publication provides research-based guidance on using cover crops in organic corn production to suppress weeds and provide fertility benefits.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide discusses rolled cover crop mulches for organic corn and soybean production.
Iron (Fe) deficiency does not readily occur under field conditions. To better catalog this deficiency, we induced Fe stress under a controlled greenhouse study. In NC State University trials, interveinal chlorosis (yellowing) developed on the youngest leaves. Over time the chlorotic areas became more pronounced.
Sulfur (S) deficiency can easily be mistaken for nitrogen (N) deficiency in tobacco. The ability to distinguish between the two is very important to determining a corrective measure.
This publication for tobacco growers describes steps that can be taken to avoid or minimize tobacco curing losses due to an electrical outage.
Hand-move irrigation systems are normally used to irrigate small fields. Solid-set and permanent sprinkler irrigation systems are used for irrigation, frost/freeze protection, evaporative cooling, and land application of nutrient-rich effluent. Selection and management considerations for hand-move solid-set and permanent sprinkler irrigation systems are discussed in this article.
This publication, part of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, provides information on North Carolina extension personnel that work with peanuts.
This publication, chapter 5 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, reviews insect control issues in peanut production.
This publication, chapter 1 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, describes the current landscape of peanut production in North Carolina.
This publication, chapter 2 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, presents information on peanut seed.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and control of grape colaspis, a beetle pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
Fusarium wilt can be an important disease in soybean when it appears. Although not a yearly problem for most of North Carolina producers, it can be locally damaging. The signs and management of the disease are described in this factsheet.
Phytophthora root and stem rot is a common pathogen in North Carolina due to our frequent wet weather. This factsheet describes the symptoms and management of the disease in soybean production.
This publication discusses the findings of applied research conducted to answer production questions about growing grain peas in North Carolina. Topics include planting date, seeding rate, and variety selection.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of manganese deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of molybdenum deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This factsheet discusses PS-II-inhibiting herbicide injury on soybean.
This publication discusses using poultry waste as a nutrient treatment for field crops. It provides practical information that can be used to calibrate spinner spreaders for the most effective land-application of poultry litter. A spreader calibration worksheet is included.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.
This publication provides recommendations for managing essential nutrient concentrations when growing organic tobacco in the field.
This publication, chapter 10 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide identifies the management strategies that have been the strongest predictors of high soybean yield based on decades of information gathered through the North Carolina Soybean Yield contests.
This publication focuses on organic hemp production in North Carolina, where hemp is cultivated for cannabidiol (CBD) from female flowers. Researchers compared organic nitrogen sources and bedding systems to assess their impact on plant-available nitrogen, cannabinoid content, and floral hemp biomass throughout the growing season.
Though there are no hard survey numbers to demonstrate, anecdotally a majority of rented farmland in North Carolina is still done on a “handshake.” Such verbal tenancies — not reduced to writing or a term lease — are protected under North Carolina state law. Without written agreement, details of the tenancy — in the event of dispute — would have to be testified in court by the party seeking to either prove the tenancy (the farmer) or terminate the tenancy (landowner). One key detail is often the allocation of rent and renewal of tenancy in the event land is sold or devised to new owners during the crop year. This paper address how such allocation should be handled at the purchase contract stage, and also following death of prior owner.
High-quality wines — those that command premium prices — can be produced only from high-quality grapes. Grape quality can be defined in various ways, but ripeness and freedom from rots are two of the chief qualities. Producing ripe fruit with minimum rot and maximum varietal character is not easy in North Carolina. As described elsewhere in this publication, the combination of climate, soils, and vine vigor often leads to excessive vegetative growth. For reasons that will be discussed, luxurious vegetative growth can reduce vine fruitfulness, decrease varietal character, degrade other components of fruit quality, and hamper efforts at disease control. Canopy management practices can help alleviate these problems.
This profile board will help farmers and consultants determine when peanuts should be dug.
The spined stilt is the most abundant predator insect in tobacco and is found in other economically important crops covered with trichomes, including tomatoes. This factsheet offers information on this pest.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide offers a list of resources available to organic grain farmers.
This publication, chapter 11 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, discusses insect management practices for cotton production.
Gray mold of industrial hemp is common to most regions that produce this crop. It is favored by cool, wet conditions, and may cause significant losses.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and management of soybean loopers, a pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
This factsheet describes the biology of Japanese beetles and their impact on industrial hemp plants grown on commercial farms.
This publication looks at historical records to estimate the number of days available for planting and harvesting peanuts in North Carolina. The goal is to provide producers with information to help plan for the available days suitable for field work and make decisions about peanut equipment and working acreage.
Part of the Guide to Mycotoxins Commonly Found in Animal Feeds, this factsheet provides information about occurrence, regulation, and toxicosis for fumonisin.
Scouting guide for stink bugs, the top insect pest of corn in the southeastern US.
This factsheet describes public programs designed to reduce barriers for growers wanting to implement practices like cover crops and conservation tillage and enhance the adoption of conservation practices.
Grapes are subject to attack by many different pests, including nematodes, fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens, insects, and wildlife, such as deer and birds.Weeds, which compete with the vines for soil moisture and nutrients, may also be included in this list. Recognizing and understanding the nature of these pests is essential to minimizing crop losses.This chapter briefly describes the major pests that routinely threaten bunch grapes in North Carolina and discusses control measures.
Tobacco plants that are B deficient are stunted very early on in production when compared to healthy plants. Initial symptoms involve a noticeable distortion at the growing point. The youngest leaves will develop kinks and other unusual growth patterns. Additionally, the upper leaves will be very thick and brittle to the touch. It has a very distinct “ridged” feeling compared to healthy plants. Symptoms can progress very quickly once initial symptoms are observed. The distorted terminal bud will quickly become necrotic and may abscise from the plant. The older foliage will often become darker green in coloration and will also become distorted. The leaves will begin to curl downward and will take on a crinkled appearance.
Low volume irrigation systems are normally used for fruits, vegetables, container nursery plants and in the landscape. For all these uses, growers are interested in highly controlled water management systems. Selection and management considerations for low volume irrigation systems are discussed in this article.
Rice is a minor crop in the state of North Carolina with less than an estimated 2000 acres in the entire state. Unfortunately this means there are very few resources for growers. There are currently no insecticides or herbicides registered for use on rice in the state of North Carolina. Due to legal and liability issues we are not allowed to recommend any brand or chemistries of insecticide or herbicide to be used. Since rice is usually a second or third priority crop behind flowers and vegetables we are tailoring these recommendations in a way where you can grow your crop and receive the maximum yield benefits possible given the circumstances. What follows are a series of cultural and non-chemical controls for weed and pest management.
This publication, chapter 6 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, provides information on a weed management program for tobacco production.
This publication, chapter 2 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, provides a general overview of the laws that affect farm workers.
This publication, chapter 9 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, covers insect management in tobacco production.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and control of grasshoppers and crickets, a pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
This factsheet discusses the effect on soybean fields after a hurricane and how to proceed with production after extended rain or a flood.
This Soybean Insect Factsheet describes the biology, identification, and control of green cloverworm in soybeans in North Carolina.
This factsheet discusses the biology, damage, and management of the corn earworm and tobacco budworm in industrial hemp in North Carolina.
Virus diseases like bean pod mottle virus can significantly impact soybean yields when disease pressure is high. This factsheet describes the identification and management of bean pod mottle virus.
Brown spot is a common pathogen in soybeans in North Carolina. Symptoms from brown spot may be confused with other leaf spot pathogens, and accurate diagnosis is important for management decisions.
This factsheet examines the symptoms and management of Southern blight in soybean production in North Carolina.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of iron deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.
Part of the Guide to Mycotoxins Commonly Found in Animal Feeds, this factsheet provides information about occurrence, regulation, and toxicosis for PR toxin.
This publication discusses the results of greenhouse trials that screened seven sesame varieties for resistance to North Carolina's most common root-knot nematode species. The results of this research will help determine if sesame may play a role in crop rotations for producers managing these pests.
This study examined the impact of termination timing on cereal rye biomass across 4 North Carolina locations for 2 growing seasons. Termination times were 4 weeks before and at soybean planting. Biomass samples were collected to determine if delaying termination significantly impacted the biomass achieved by the cereal rye cover. Cereal rye biomass ranged from 1325.4 lbs/acre to 6006.5 lbs/acre across environments and treatments. Delaying termination (Green) resulted in significantly higher cereal rye biomass for only 3 of 8 environments. The remaining 5 environments saw no significant gain in biomass from delaying termination an additional 4 weeks. These results suggest that terminating cereal rye at soybean planting may not be necessary to maximize biomass in our Southeastern climate.
This wheat publication presents data on the impact of late harvest on yield, test weight, falling numbers, deoxynivalenol (DON) levels, grain protein content, and milling and baking characteristics.
This publication addresses a wide spectrum of forage production and utilization principles and practices. Contributions to this effort were made by 37 authors from four organizations: Agricultural Research Service, USDA; North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services; North Carolina State University (researchers and extension specialists from eight departments); and Soil Conservation Service, USDA.
Expanding organic grain markets have increased interest in mechanical weed control. Learn how the rotary hoe can be used to control weeds in large-seeded grain crops such as corn and soybeans.
Molybdenum (Mo) deficiency has not been reported under field conditions. (Descriptions based on the book, Hunger Signs of Crops, 3rd Edition, edited by H.B. Sprague.) Under controlled greenhouse conditions, tobacco plants are slightly stunted when Mo is limited. The lower foliage of the plant develops a chlorosis, initially as a pale green, then the spots progress to a necrosis. The leaves may be crinkled and become bent or twisted.
The North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide provides farmers, Extension personnel and other agricultural educators with information about organic production, certification and marketing of crops. The introduction provides background context and additional resources on the topic.
This publication, chapter 11 of the 2024 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information handbook, describes some measures that tobacco producers and professional applicators can take to minimize the threat to people and water quality and reduce pesticide exposure to humans and wildlife.
This publication, chapter 1 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, provides information about the situation and outlook of market conditions going into 2024.
Subsurface drainage is beneficial to agricultural lands by improving crop yield and eliminating prolonged wet periods without taking land out of production. This publication provides an overview of the costs of installing subsurface drainage on agricultural lands in North Carolina.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and control of the corn earworm, a common pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
Cold damage in soybeans can emerge early or late in the season. This publication describes the symptoms and management of cold damage in soybeans in North Carolina.
This factsheet covers the signs, symptoms, and management of red crown rot, a problem in soybean production in North Carolina.
This soybean disease information factsheet describes the symptoms and disease cycle of the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus, a disease of soybean and cowpea in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of phosphorus deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of potassium deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of aluminum toxicity in soybean production in North Carolina.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of calcium deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of sulfur deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.
This publication discusses the results of field trials conducted in 2020 and 2021 to determine the effects of transplant date and plant spacing on plant height and width for floral hemp. These results can help farmers make planting decisions to maximize biomass yields per acre.
This publication provides a simplified tool that can quickly guide farm managers, handlers, workers, and family farmers in understanding compliance with the Worker Protection Standard.
Este mapa presenta la ruta más rápida para satisfacer la Ley de Protección al Trabajador sin complicaciones. Esta es una herramienta de descripción general simplificada para orientar rápidamente a los ger-entes de fincas, manipuladores, trabajadores y agricultores familiares en la dirección correcta.
This publication, chapter 16 of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, is a glossary of terms used throughout the 2024 Cotton Information book.
This publication, part of the 2024 Cotton Information handbook, lists North Carolina county Extension personnel working with cotton.
This factsheet describes the biology, identification, and management of the Mexican bean beetle,
Powdery mildew is a common foliar disease caused by a fungus. The causal agent of soybean powdery mildew is host limited to beans. This factsheet describes soybean powdery mildew and its management in soybeans.
This factsheet discusses recognizing and treating soybeans that have been damaged by deer in North Carolina.
This publication discusses planting depth for soybean producers in North Carolina.
This soybean disease factsheet discusses various fungi that cause seed decay and pod blight of soybean in North Carolina.
This factsheet discusses bacterial blight of soybean in North Carolina.
This publication provides recommendations for managing essential nutrient concentrations when growing organic tobacco in greenhouses using a float system.
Part of the Guide to Mycotoxins Commonly Found in Animal Feeds, this factsheet provides information about occurrence, regulation, and toxicosis for patulin.
This publication, chapter 14 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, describes on-farm trials conducted in 2021, 2022, and 2023 across North Carolina
This publication describes the major systems used in farm equipment and outlines basic maintenance procedures that equipment operators can use to enhance performance and efficiency.
Before installing a dual-purpose subsurface drainage and subirrigation system on your farm, have your site evaluated by the local Soil Conservation Service (SCS) to determine whether this option is suitable for your farm and your needs. If your site is found to be physically suitable, this publication will help you determine whether installing this type of system will be a wise investment.
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is a relatively new system that may give North Carolina producers similar or higher crop yields while using less water than other irrigation systems. Proper site selection helps ensure optimum system performance and crop yield while minimizing expenses. This publication will help you consider the characteristics of your field, soil, crop, cropping system and irrigation water resources as they apply to SDI.
Knowing the soil profile of your agricultural land will help determine the spacing needed for installing subsurface drains. This publication provides essential information to producers, landowners, farm managers, and contractors for determining proper drain spacing based on soil types.
This soybean insect factsheet describes the biology, damage, and control of the black cutworm, a pest of soybeans in North Carolina.
This factsheet discusses the signs and symptoms of freeze injury in winter wheat.
The symptoms and management of white mold, an important cause of yield loss in soybean in North Carolina, are covered in this soybean disease factsheet.
This factsheet discusses ALS-inhibiting herbicide injury on soybean.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of zinc deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.
The studies described in this publication show the potential productive capacity of combinations of hybrid bermudagrass with different annual or perennial grasses or legumes.
For organic soybean producers increased seeding rates improve early soybean canopy density, which shades out weeds in the early stages of weed competition. Organic soybean producers can increase seeding rates with much less of a negative impact on economic return than for conventional production with herbicides.
Although subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is in its infancy in North Carolina, it is becoming more popular as growers learn of its many benefits, which include increased irrigation efficiency. Proper management is imperative with an SDI system. Many components of an SDI system are underground; therefore, you must carefully monitor pressure and flow rates to ensure that the system is operating properly. This publication addresses water management, chemigation, system management and maintenance, and system evaluation.
This soybean diseases factsheet examines charcoal rot in North Carolina soybean production.
The reniform nematode is not a common nematode pressure for soybean growers in North Carolina, but is limited to several southern counties of the state. This factsheet will help growers identify and management the nematodes in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of boron deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) update, we highlight the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feed stock, high protein meal, and rocket jet fuel. It is similar in management to Canola given both Canola and Carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops.
Copper (Cu) deficiency is extremely rare, consequently it is not normally seen in field conditions. To help with the diagnosis and treatment of Cu deficiency, we induced Cu stress under controlled greenhouse studies. In NC State University trials, symptoms first developed in the middle part of the plant. The middle region of the leaf developed brown veins, which quickly turned black. The tissue surrounding the veins became chlorotic. Symptoms progress up the plant to the younger leaves.
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is the practice of installing drip irrigation below the ground. SDI may be used below planting and tillage operations even in standard row-crop production systems. This publication is the first in a series that examines how North Carolina growers can use the technology.
This publication discusses the yield losses, delayed maturity, and management associated with damaged caused by deer feeding on cotton crops.
This publication discusses a study to compare five winter pea genotypes to crimson clover and hairy vetch for biomass production in mixture with various small grains.
Lance nematode is not a common problem of soybeans, but can cause local damages in fields where it is found. This factsheet covers the symptoms and management of lance nematodes in North Carolina.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of manganese deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.
This report provides the results of the 2020 tests conducted to evaluate the commercial potential of the best advanced peanut breeding lines that have not yet been released. These tests measure the adaptability of potential new cultivars to various environments.
This publication provides an overview of the NC State University Cotton Planting Conditions Calculator and the NCDA&CS Cotton Seed Database. It explains how to use these tools to aid in making cotton planting decisions.
This publication provides the results of a 2019 Rowan County Hemp Strain Test that was conducted at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury, NC.
This publication, chapter 13 of the 2024 Peanut Information handbook, provides information about the peanut breeding program at North Carolina State and the varieties developed.
This publication summarizes design considerations, system operations and information on monitoring controlled drainage and subirrigation systems.
This publication is the third in a series on greenhouse transplant production. It discusses the sources and quality of water essential to success in economically producing uniform, high-quality transplants.
This publication provides the results of a 2019 Henderson County Hemp Strain Test that was conducted at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC.
This factsheet discusses how to mitigate hail damage in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of zinc deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of magnesium deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.
This factsheet discuses very-long-chain fatty acid synthesis-inhibiting herbicide injury on soybean.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of boron toxicity. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.
This publication provides the results of a 2019 hemp strain test conducted in Rowan County at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury, NC.
This publication provides statewide average results for 2019 hemp strain testing.
Soil crusting is a problem that can occur after soybean planting before the soybeans have emerged. This factsheet discusses the symptoms and management of soil crusting in North Carolina soybean production.
In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of potassium deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.
This publication discusses the factors involved in selecting cotton varieties and the potential economic impacts of making improper selections.
Sunscald is caused by bright sunlight on a wet leaf after exposure to high temperatures. Symptomology typically appears as rusty discoloration on the underside of leaves. This factsheet describes the symptoms and management of sunscald in soybean in North Carolina.
This publication describes the symptoms of a lightning strike in soybeans in North Carolina.
