The free app is available at the Apple Store or Google Play.

A web-based app is also available at: http://mpgabeanapp.com/.

Use a fixed area for solid-seeded crops seven to 14 rows, such as a Hula Hoop or quadrat (square foot or square metre) to count plants.

You can either enter the diameter of the Hula Hoop or the area of whatever measure you are using, and then choose five to 10 random, but representative areas of the field to conduct plant counts. Adjust the number of counts (sample size) based on the field size. To cover more ground, enter the field from different edges.

Take note of areas such as headlands, depressions or knolls that may cause higher or lower plant stands.

Count and record the number of plants within each selected area.

Calculate the average number of plants for the field and compare to the optimum plant stand.

One hundred and forty thousand to 160,000 soybean plants per acre is equivalent to 3.2 to 3.7 plants per square foot, 35 to 40 per square metre and 14 to 16 within a 28.4-diameter Hula Hoop.

From the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers’ May 31 Bean Report.

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The majority of soybeans have been seeded in Manitoba. Depending on how quickly fields dry up, there may be some late planting or change in acres. Early planted fields are nearing the unifoliate stage (V-C), while those planted May 20 or later are still emerging. Emergence is taking a little longer in some cases due to deeper planting and cool conditions. There were concerns about dry soils and impact on seed viability (how long can seed sit in dry soil?) and seeding depth (≥1.5”). Soybeans are emerging from 2” depths but are taking longer (10-12 days). Assessing seeding depth at emergence can help diagnose emergence issues such as deep seeding (long, thin hypocotyl) or soil crusting (swollen hypocotyl). Seed that sat in dry ground is also emerging: seed mortality can be a concern if seed imbibes some moisture, begins the germination process but then dries up. Soybean seed must maintain 20 per cent seed moisture throughout germination.

We are now dealing with excess moisture conditions. Soybean seedlings will be more tolerant to saturated soil conditions than seed. Seedlings can generally survive submerged conditions for 48-96 hours. However, if flooding occurs within 1-3 days of seeding/initial seed uptake, germination and emergence can be severely affected depending on temperature and duration of flooding. Studies have shown a reduction in germination by 15-30 per cent and up to 40 per cent when flooding occurred for 1-24h and 48h, respectively, 1-3 days after seed imbibition. Assessing plant stands will be critical. A desired soybean plant stand is 120-160,000 plants/ac, however 60-120,000 plants/ac can still produce 76-95 per cent optimum yield. Use the MPSG Bean app.

Severe soil erosion from strong winds occurred during the week of May 15 and rolled bean fields were particularly impacted. While providing benefits for harvest management, rolling breaks soil aggregates, increasing risk of soil erosion from wind and water, and can reduce water infiltration. If land rolling is required for harvest management, post-emergence rolling at V1 (first trifoliate) is a viable option. Some farmers are moving towards this to minimize negative impacts on soil. MPSG is looking for feedback on land rolling soybeans—take our survey!

Dry beans

Majority of edible beans are seeded and got a good start before the rain but some acres will be on hold. Yield potential of dry beans can be maintained into early June. Soil crusting impeding emergence and excess moisture may be concerns moving forward, weed control should be top of mind.

Field peas

Herbicide applications in field pea were underway prior to the rain, although some decided to hold off until after. Field peas have been advancing well and are currently in the 3 to 6 node stage. Once field peas have advanced beyond the 6th node stage, the application window for group 2 herbicides is closed. Plants are noticeably shorter than normal due to dry conditions early in the season. After herbicide applications, assessing nodulation and monitoring for root rots are key scouting activities. If poor emergence and/or nodulation is evident, look for root rot symptoms such as discoloured roots. Root rots in field pea and lentil can be a production limitation in wet soil conditions. Peas will begin flowering 40-50 days after planting, at which time fungicide applications should begin.

Click here to read the full June 1 Bean Report on the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers website.

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The majority of soybeans are in the full seed stage, R-6 (full seed). Overall, soybean development is slightly ahead of 2014 with some fields starting to turn from green to yellow, and harvest may begin in early September. These early maturing fields correspond to very early planting, early varieties as well as some moisture stress. Extreme heat (Aug 10-15) and extreme moisture events recently have had mixed effects on soybeans.

Drought symptoms (wilting, pre-mature yellowing) were present in areas near Boissevain, Lowe Farm and Morden last week but has been somewhat alleviated from weekend rain. On the other hand, the extreme heat negatively affected areas that received high rainfall amounts in early August. High temperatures increase plant respiration, which makes excess moisture conditions significantly more detrimental.

Overall, the soybean crop continues to look very good. In many areas, soybeans are 4 feet tall, but does height translate to yield? There has been little correlation made between height and yield in soybeans. In fact, too tall soybeans can be more prone to lodging.

Soybean yield is a function of plant population, pods per plant, seeds per pod and seed size. The most obvious component is pods per plant. Average pod counts range from 15 to 30. It is not surprising, however, to find some plants with over 40. To evaluate yield potential, use the Yield Estimator tool in the MPSG Bean App.

Soybean aphids continue to be present with some insecticide applications being warranted. However, most fields have remained at or below threshold without increasing due to high populations of natural enemies and hot, wet weather which has not been favorable.

White mould late season Phytophthora are the primary disease concerns that could impact yield.

Dry Beans

Light red kidney bean harvest began near Winkler on August 18 and will continue to progress. Extreme heat in mid August hastened maturity but has taken some yield from edible beans due to flower and pod abortion. This has been evident particularly on the youngest pods at the top of the plant which can provide “bonus yield”. Rust is being reported in North Dakota; it occasionally shows up in Manitoba as well and should be monitored up until R-7 (plants green, blossom on tendril). Most beans are at R-8 (leaves yellowing over half the plant) with 10-12 days until R-9 (mature, 80 per cent pods showing yellow). As fields yellow, timing is being monitored for cutting and desiccation.

To read the full Bean Report for August 25, view this downloadable pdf from the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers.

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Soybeans are in the pod filling to early seed stages, R-3 to R-5. Crops reaching R-5 are slightly ahead of previous years and correspond to early varieties, early seeding and/ or higher than normal accumulated heat units, especially in southwestern Manitoba.

Despite localized areas being affected by hail and excess moisture, overall yield potential looks good to excellent for soybeans. The recent heat and moisture has been ideal for pod and seed development. The next few weeks will be critical for maintaining yield potential. Soybeans should not be forgotten as wheat harvest begins.

Monitoring for soybean aphid should continue until R-6 (mid August) on a weekly basis. These insects are only detectable upon close inspection. With good moisture and yield potential also comes disease pressure. Diseases favored by wet soil are beginning to show up, including white mould and Phytophthora root rot. White mould is being observed in fields with dense canopy cover. The first visible symptoms generally occur during pod development after flowers begin to senesce. Once symptoms are visible, it is too late to manage. Soybeans can generally handle a 10 per cent incidence before significantly affecting yield. Bacterial blight remains evident in fields damaged by heavy rains, wind and hail.

Dry beans

Dry beans are advancing well, with pods 2-5 inches long. Earliest fields have some yellow color. Varietal differences in stand-ability following heavy winds and rain are being observed in our direct harvest trial at Carman. Field pea crops are also looking good and desiccation will soon be underway.

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The soybean crop is in bloom (R-1 to R-2) and have 3 to 6 fully developed trifoliate leaves. June planted soybeans are slightly behind and have not started flowering yet.

Environmental and field conditions favourable for white mould should be assessed on a field by field basis for potential fungicide applications. The earliest planted soybeans may be more susceptible to early infection of white mould following last weekend’s rain. Early infection of white mould is more detrimental than late infection.

Dry Beans

Dry beans are at the 3rd to 5th trifoliate and are entering the bloom period. Heavy rain and hail has caused leaf damage and bacterial blight is now being reported. An excellent resource from NDSU describing symptoms and potential management options is available here. Risk assessments, timing and product decisions are being made for white mould. Optimum timing for fungicide application in dry bean is R-1 to R-2 and prior to canopy closure to ensure good coverage.

Other topics covered in the July 10 Bean Report:

• Bacterial blight and white mould
• Soybean acres up slightly from 2014
• Favorable conditions for white mould
• Fungicide use in soybeans
• Soybean insect and disease identification guide
• Interested in advanced soybean management? Join the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers July 22 for SMART Day in Carman, MB!

To read the full Bean Report for July 10, visit the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers website.

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