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Published: April 5, 2010

A different view of recent USDA reports

The USDA's estimates of March 1 stocks of soybeans and corn were generally larger than expected. At 1.27 billion bushels, soybean inventories were as much as 70 million bushels larger than expected. At 7.7 billion bushels, corn stocks were about 200 million above expectations.

However, the relevant issue is not really the size of stocks versus expectations, said University of Illinois agricultural economist Darrel Good.

"The real issue is whether or not stocks were larger than they should have been based on known and expected consumption levels," Good said. "That is, do the March 1 stocks estimates change expectations about the level of stocks at the end of the marketing year? The answer for soybeans is 'no' and the answer for corn is 'maybe'."

According to Good, March 1 stocks of soybeans exceeded expectations primarily due to an unexpected disappearance in the feed, seed, and residual category during the second quarter of the marketing year. Such an occurrence is rare, last experienced in 1989.

"The size of the negative disappearance depends on the Census Bureau estimate of February exports due to be released in a few days," Good said. "We calculate use in that category at minus 44.5 million bushels. However, that just offsets the generally overlooked very large disappearance in that category during the first quarter of the year. Calculated disappearance in that category during the first half of the year is well within the range experienced over the past 15 years. Expectations for March 1 stocks were misguided."

The March 1 soybean stocks estimate implies that the 2009 crop was correctly estimated and that consumption is occurring at the rate projected by the USDA. In fact, the current pace of exports and export sales is larger than needed to reach the USDA projection for the year.

"Ironically, year-ending stocks could be smaller than the current USDA projection of 190 million bushels, not substantially larger as implied by the market reaction to the March 1 stocks estimate," he said.

The March 1 inventory of corn implied that 3.23 billion bushels of U.S. corn were consumed during the second quarter of the 2009-10 marketing year. Exports were likely near 420 million bushels, so that domestic use was near 2.81 billion. The use of corn for processing purposes may have been near 1.33 billion, implying that 1.48 billion bushels of corn were used in the feed and residual category.

"If these calculations are close, feed and residual use during the first half of the year totaled 3.56 billion bushels, about equal to the 3.57 billion used last year," Good said. "For the year, the USDA has projected use in that category at 5.55 billion bushels, 304 million more than used last year. On the surface, the level of use during the first half of the year implies that USDA will have to lower the projection for the year and substantially increase the projection of year-ending stocks."

The seasonal pattern of feed and residual use this year may or may not be following the same pattern as last year. Last year, 68.1 percent of feed and residual use occurred in the first half of the year. In 2007-08, 70.2 percent occurred in the first half. In the 10 years before 2007-08, however, an average of 64.3 percent of use occurred in the first half of the year.

Why the change in pattern the past two years? And, what pattern is being followed this year? "The answers are not clear, but the implications are significant," Good said.

"If feed and residual use of corn is following the same seasonal pattern as the last two years, use to date points to a total for the year of only 5.15 billion bushels. If use is following the pattern prior to 2007-08, use to date points to a total for the year of 5.54 billion bushels. The seasonal pattern may become clearer with the June 1 stocks estimate."

The USDA survey of planting intentions revealed that producers intend to plant 88.8 million acres of corn in 2010, 2.3 million more than planted last year. "The increase is less than expected. In addition, intended acres of other feed grains are 607,000 acres less than planted last year, making the corn acreage number look even smaller," Good said.

For soybeans, planting intentions at 78.1 million are 647,000 more than planted last year. "The increase is less than expected, but acreage of other oilseeds is expected to increase by 740,000 acres, suggesting a potentially large increase in oilseed production in 2010," he said.

The USDA's April update of projected use and ending stocks of U.S. corn and soybeans typically has modest implications. Good said this year could be different, depending on how those analysts interpret the March 1 stocks figures.

Published: April 5, 2010

Illinois MANRRS Students Earn National Awards

Two students from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois took first place awards at this spring's annual convention of The Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS).

Kristen Cooksey, a senior in Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the College of ACES, took first place in the undergraduate research competition in the social sciences division. Lorraine Hinton, a senior in Community Health, placed first in the undergraduate written essay competition. In addition, Amanda Dominquez, junior in Food Science, placed third in the research discussion contest.

The entire Illinois MANRRS chapter also received recognition, placing second in the national competition for Chapter of the Year and first in the Region V (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Ohio) Chapter of the Year competition.

Maxine Roman led the group in this year's Chapter of the Year competition. Semecia Williams is president of College of ACES chapter of MANRRS.

Published: April 5, 2010

Students travel to Washington, D.C., to study agricultural policy making

In March, University of Illinois students traveled to Washington, D.C., to study current policy issues impacting U.S. agriculture, and the legislative process for developing public policies. The trip was organized through an agribusiness leadership and policy course offered by the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE). The educational trip has been offered in recent years during the spring semester.

"This unique learning opportunity allows students to directly engage our nation's agricultural policy makers and gain real-world experiences related to agricultural policy issues being debated in Washington, D.C.," said Ron Warfield, former president of the Illinois Farm Bureau and course instructor. "The experience cultivates policy understanding and helps students develop important leadership skills. Students who participate come from very diverse backgrounds and experience levels."

Twenty-two students traveled to the nation's capitol over U of I spring break. Students interacted with legislative leaders, federal agency directors, and members of the international community to discuss current policy issues and to better understand the policy-making process.

Current U.S. agricultural policy discussions focus on a wide range of issues, including emissions trading and other climate change legislation, increasing the blend rate for ethanol, bilateral trade agreements, and the federal budget deficit's impact on U.S. agricultural programs. While on Capitol Hill, students engaged legislative leaders regarding key policy issues and visited with representatives of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and the House Agricultural Committee. They also visited offices of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Canadian Embassy, and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"While in D.C., we met with legislative leaders and agency directors to discuss an array of agricultural policy issues, including cap and trade, renewable fuels standards, and foreign policy and trade," said Eric Donovan, U of I College of ACES agri-finance student. "Being able to meet and talk with people who work to address the concerns facing U.S. agriculture showed me just how complex all these issues are and why it is so tough to resolve them. There are not just two sides to every issue but 50 sides, with each different view just as passionate as the next."

"Through this experience, the students learn they can personally make a difference by being engaged in public policy making, whether it's at the local, state, or national level," Warfield said. "Several students have gone on to public policy-related careers due to their experiences gained and interests cultivated during the class."

The U of I Department of ACE offers several experiential learning opportunities each year through specially designed courses. During spring 2010, ACE faculty also led class trips to Sierra Leone, Guatemala, and China.

Published: April 2, 2010

Repository of Digitized Farm Newspapers Launches at University of Illinois

Urbana, Illinois--The University of Illinois Library houses one of the world's premier collections of agricultural newspapers and now provides digital access to this historically significant material. Farm, Field and Fireside, a repository of digitized farm newspapers, offers digital facsimiles of farm newspapers published in the U.S., mainly within the Midwest.

There is no charge to use the repository located at http://www.library.illinois.edu/dnc/fff/. Anyone with access to the Internet can browse the newspapers by date or search by keyword across articles, advertisements, and photo captions. In addition, individual articles can be printed, downloaded, or e-mailed.

Farm, Field and Fireside is a project of the History, Philosophy and Newspaper Library at Illinois. It began with a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services via the Illinois State Library. Additional support came from the Clifford Family Endowment, Lancaster Farming, Inc., the Minnesota Historical Society, Pennsylvania State University, the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Norman Jean Johnston Estate, and the University of Illinois Library. To date, the repository contains more than 230,000 pages of farm newspapers, with another 70,000 pages in the works. More titles will be added to the repository as funding becomes available.

Together with the introduction of rural mail delivery, the telephone, and the automobile, farm newspapers have played a key role in the modernization of rural America. Distinct from the general small-town or rural press, farm weeklies were aimed at a local, regional, or national audience of farmers and their families, with the goal of disseminating information and dispensing advice.

Farm newspapers were instrumental in the formation of rural public opinion and in connecting farmers to broader social and economic currents in American life. More than 75% of Midwestern farmers subscribed to one or more agricultural papers in 1913. In a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers overwhelmingly cited agricultural newspapers as the most helpful source of information in their farming--second only to experience. Yet until now, this rich source material remained largely hidden from scholars. Digitization offers keyword access to the contents of the newspapers, and this essential piece of our national heritage is now widely accessible for the first time.

"The collection is valuable not only for students and scholars researching the history of agriculture or agricultural economics, communications and technology, but also for historians of education, rural sociologists, environmental historians, and especially social and cultural historians. There is a wealth of material on American popular culture in the farm weeklies, including a large body of early romance fiction written for farm wives," said Mary Stuart, history, philosophy and newspaper librarian and professor of library administration. "It's very exciting to be able to bring this previously hidden material to light. We believe this project builds on the land-grant tradition of the University."

To highlight some of the "unexpected" content in the farm weeklies, the History, Philosophy and Newspaper Library created separate subject guides for specialized topics addressed by the farm newspapers, such as rural school reform, Indian lands, health and hygiene, "women's" fiction, and immigrant labor. These guides are available online at http://uiuc.libguides.com/fff/.

Newspaper titles currently available:

-Berkshire World and Cornbelt Stockman (1910-1926) -Better Farming (1913-1925) -Farmers' Review (1879-1918) -Farmer's Voice (1898-1913) -Farmer's Wife (1906-1939) -Farm, Field and Fireside (1884-1906) -Farm, Field and Stockman (1885-1887) -Farm Home (1899-1920) -Farm Press (1906-1913) -Illinois Farmer (1856-1864) -Lancaster Farming (1955-1981) -Prairie Farmer (1841-1923)

In preparation:

-Banker Farmer (1913-1927) -Chicago Packer (1907-1946) -Chicago Livestock World (1902-1917) -Western Rural / Western Rural and American Stockman / National Rural (1868-1900)

The Farm, Field and Fireside repository is accessible at http://www.library.illinois.edu/dnc/fff/. The History, Philosophy & Newspaper Library is located at http://www.library.illinois.edu/hpnl/.

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Published: April 1, 2010

Living on the Land courses offered throughout Illinois

Do you have a small acreage, but aren't sure what to do with it? University of Illinois Extension is offering a new program, Living on the Land (LOL), to educate small acreage owners. The course will help landowners inventory resources, develop goals to implement sustainable best management practices, and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities.

Each course varies according to the host location's preferences. Topics include soil and water management, resource inventory, lawn and forage care, animal nutrition and management, farming systems, stewardship and farm assessment, and field tours to sustainable-run homesteads.

LOL courses will begin on April 29 for Macon County and surrounding counties at the Macon County Extension Office in Decatur, Ill. Classes will take place from 6-9 p.m. and continue on Thursdays through June 17. To register, call Paul Mariman at 217-877-6042 or visit https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=4403.

Residents in Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, Pike and Schuyler counties can attend LOL on Tuesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Classes will rotate between the participating counties, and will take place June 1 through July 20. To register, call Mike Roegge at 217-223-8380 or e-mail roeggem@illinois.edu. Participants can also register online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=4286.

Kendall County will offer Tuesday night classes beginning August 17 through October 19 from 6-9 p.m. at the Sugar Grove Library in Sugar Grove, Ill. To register, call Jeff Rugg at 630-553-5823 or e-mail jrugg@illinois.edu.

Cindy Gustafson, participant in the 2009 Kankakee LOL, said, "LOL gave us the tools to better understand the resources we currently have and ways to focus in on our priorities for our property. This course makes you think about all the aspects of your property — what you want to do, why you want to do it and how your actions affect the surrounding area and community."

New course locations are being planned. For more information about LOL, contact Extension Educator Ellen Phillips at 708-352-0109 or e-mail ephillps@illinois.edu.

Published: April 1, 2010

U of I scientist says slimming soybeans are on the horizon

URBANA - If you're serious about losing weight, check out recent studies done in Elvira de Mejia's University of Illinois laboratory. Her research provides insight into the way a certain type of soy protein inhibits fat accumulation and reduces inflammation.

"We found that soybeans rich in beta-conglycinins limit lipid accumulation in fat cells by inhibiting an enzyme called fatty acid synthase," said de Mejia, a U of I associate professor of food science and human nutrition.

"What's more, we have identified the specific peptides (digested proteins) that do this, and we are now beginning to understand the mechanism behind it. This is exciting research because it could lead to the development of nutraceuticals to fight obesity," she added.

The study was also the first to establish the anti-inflammatory properties of soy high in this type of protein. "The peptides fight inflammation by blocking key enzymes in the body's immune response," said the scientist.

de Mejia said that soy contains, among others, two types of protein, glycinins and beta-conglycinins, and the most important factor influencing a soy cultivar's healthful effects is the proportion in which they occur. Her research shows that soy that is low in glycinins and high in beta-conglycinins is preferred for its ability to inhibit lipid accumulation and inflammation.

"Using the latest molecular marker-assisted breeding techniques, soybeans with the right composition can be tagged and later identified using a simple leaf tissue sample. This would make it possible to create high-yielding cultivars that contained the 'slimming' trait for soybean farmers to grow in their fields," she said.

How did de Mejia discover that certain soybeans had this slimming effect? She had learned from her previous research that administration of soy protein caused weight loss in laboratory rats, but she wanted to know exactly why it happened.

She incubated human fat cells in the lab, treated them with soy hydrolysates from 15 soy genotypes containing varying amounts of beta-conglycinin, and then measured the amount of fat that accumulated.

"As we increased the concentration of beta-conglycinin, we saw more inhibition of lipids and less accumulation of fat. Further testing showed that this occurred because fatty acid synthase, an enzyme responsible for synthesizing lipids, had been suppressed.

"We also found that fat cells exposed to digests made from the 'slimming' soybeans increased the synthesis of adiponectin, a hormone that enhances insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism," she said.

She then compared the activity of beta-conglycinins with glycinins and found that hydrolysates from beta-conglycinins inhibited almost 50 percent of lipid accumulation in the fat cells. Glycinins did not inhibit lipid accumulation at all, she said.

In a separate study, her team identified specific soy peptides that inhibit fatty acid synthase, and they were able to learn exactly how it happens.

de Mejia and her colleagues are now taking their research a step further by performing human trials with soy milk that is high in beta-conglycinins.

"For years we've known that soy protein is a good source of essential amino acids. Soy helps us maintain muscle mass, and its peptides make people feel full so they don't eat as much," she said.

"Now it appears that products made from soybeans selected for this particular protein profile may also help limit fat accumulation. Food manufacturers will be able to create soy products targeted at consumers who are trying to maintain their ideal weight," she said.

The first study appeared in a recent issue of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. Cristina Martinez-Villaluenga and Vermont P. Dia of the University of Illinois, Mark Berhow of the Agricultural Research Service, and Neal A. Bringe of The Monsanto Company are co-authors.

It was supported by Monsanto, whose geneticists provided the 15 soy genotypes; the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES); and a Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship for Career Development.

The study that identifies the specific peptides and the mechanism by which they inhibit fatty acid synthase appears in FEBS Journal 277:1481—1493, 2010. Co-authors are the U of I's Cristina Martinez-Villaluenga, Sanjeewa G. Rupasinghe, and Mary A. Schuler. Funding was provided by the USDA CSREES Future Foods Illinois initiative; the Illinois Soybean Association; and a Marie Curie fellowship.

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Published: April 1, 2010

U of I joins with industry to develop plant breeders

Despite high unemployment rates, the need for plant breeders is increasing. The University of Illinois Plant Breeding Center (IPBC) is expanding opportunities for students to meet this need.

Rita Mumm, director of the Illinois Plant Breeding Center, estimates that U.S. institutions educating master's degree and Ph.D. plant breeders are meeting less than two-thirds of the industry's demand.

"The seed industry is experiencing strong, steady growth, and half of its work force are baby boomers who will retire in 10 to 15 years," Mumm said. "Our estimates show that more than 1,430 new graduates holding a master's degree or Ph.D. in plant breeding will be needed by 2020. We want to substantially increase the number of master's and Ph.D. students in crop improvement and prepare them to be highly productive in their future career."

U of I's history of success in plant breeding sets the bar high for their program. Mumm said they need students with a strong aptitude for math and science.

"Unfortunately some people have the misconception that agriculture is low-tech," she said. "The traditional image of plant breeding is very field-focused. In reality, we are also using molecular discoveries, bioinformatics and DNA analysis to make crop improvement more efficient. We are shaping breeding strategies that will result in more and better food for the planet."

IPBC is an intellectual community that includes 29 professors in various crop and disciplinary areas. Most students are awarded assistantships or fellowships to do their own thesis research. IPBC offers 21 merit-based fellowships sponsored by industry and private donors.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, provides fellowships because they view the U of I as a leading university in plant improvement graduate programs.

"We are seeing unprecedented demand for agricultural products and Pioneer is expanding its business to meet this demand," said Brian Bowman, Pioneer Global Talent Acquisition Manager. "Research to bring new products to the market is a critical part of that growth. In 2009, we filled more than 700 research positions globally, and expect our workforce to grow to keep pace with demand."

Mumm said it's encouraging to see a "rallying of the seed industry" to support the next generation of plant breeders.

Donn Cummings, global breeder sourcing lead for Monsanto, said they provide fellowships to invest in top talent and create a pipeline of potential employees.

"The breadth of education and experiences demanded by hiring managers for new plant breeders is mind-boggling," Cummings said. "U of I's historical excellence in this area, cutting-edge tools and techniques, outstanding faculty, and cross-functional opportunities all contribute to successful graduates."

It's apparent the IPBC is working. In less than two years, their graduate program has grown nearly 90 percent.

"Crop production has more risk than ever as we look to a future population of 9 billion and a world where global change is occurring, water tables are falling, and no more land is coming into production," Mumm said. "We need students who can continue finding ways to grow plants that can yield more and handle greater stresses."

Digital photos available at http://images.itcs.uiuc.edu/media/plantbreeding/

Published: March 31, 2010

DuPont Pledges $200,000 to University's AgCom Program

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., March 31, 2010 — DuPont announced a $200,000 award to a University of Illinois initiative between the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the College of Media designed to address the growing need for effective communications in the fast-changing world of agriculture, food, feed, fiber, bio-energy and rural development.

The award, from DuPont businesses Pioneer Hi-Bred and Crop Protection, will be paid based on the university meeting milestones in its $2 million goal for the effort.

"Agriculture is undergoing incredible change at the same time dynamic new media is redefining the field of communications," said Paul E. Schickler, president — Pioneer Hi-Bred. "Additional focus and understanding at the intersection of those two trends should bring incredible benefits to farmers and consumers and others throughout the value chain."

The university plans to enhance its joint agricultural communications program to support teaching and research in the field. The university plans to have at least three teaching positions and include initiatives in environmental and consumer communications. "Agricultural production needs to nearly double by 2050," said James C. Collins, president — DuPont Crop Protection. "Science from DuPont is part of the solution. We'll also need collaboration and innovation across sectors to meet the challenge. And effective communications is vital to our ability to do that."

"We are grateful for DuPont's willingness to support this important initiative that will benefit the university's students in agricultural communications for years to come," said Robert Hauser, interim dean of the College of ACES.

Pioneer Hi-Bred is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

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Published: March 30, 2010

Birds Need Social Interaction, Too!

An archive of Pet Columns from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is available online at www.vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/. Requests for reprints of this article may be directed to Mandy Barth, mandyb@illinois.edu.

It is all too common that you walk into a pet store and see a cockatiel alone in a cage. Or a single, breathtaking blue-and-yellow macaw up on a perch by itself. As pet birds have become more and more popular in the United States, it is critical that owners remember that these animals are not only highly intelligent, but extremely social creatures.

Dr. Trevor Zachariah is a member of the Chicago Zoological and Aquatic Animal Residency Program, which is operated through the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Over the course of a three-year training program, he rotates through Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Shedd Aquarium, treating everything from beluga whales to lovebirds.

"If you look at the natural history of psittacines [parrots], they have evolved to be very social animals." He says, "In the wild they are almost always found in groups." In essence, interacting with another parrot on a daily basis is what these birds are hard-wired to do. It's just as essential to their well-being as a nutritionally balanced diet.

Where owners start to run into trouble is when we take one of these birds and put it in an environment that is devoid of social interaction, whether that be with another bird or a human. "Lack of socialization within a bird's environment can lead to a whole host of behavioral and medical problems, such as screaming, biting, feather picking, or self-mutilation," notes Dr. Zachariah.

In short, a less than stimulating environment doesn't just affect the bird's mental health, but actually has been shown to lead to medical problems as well.

The best way to prevent any of these issues is to look critically at your lifestyle before adopting a bird. They can live for several decades and require a huge time commitment. If you work 9 to 5 and the bird will be left alone during those hours, you should reconsider your choice of pet.

When it comes to the question of whether to get one bird or two (so they can keep each other company) Dr. Zachariah says, "Ideally it would be great to have two." However, he first recommends that owners consider whether they have the financial resources to care for two birds, and not just one. Parrots are a long-term investment--veterinary, food, and housing expenses add up quickly, and with two birds you are doubling those costs.

If you do have just one bird, it is even more critical that you make sure the animal leads a socially enriched life. Because these birds are programmed to be social in the wild and we are preventing them from that lifestyle, "The onus is on the owner to make up for that loss in social interaction," says Dr. Zachariah.

In the end, although it's easy to throw a few toys in your parrot's enclosure, there is a big difference between that and another feathered friend to cuddle with, or the shoulder of a human companion to perch on and talk to. "Social interaction is really what these birds need," stresses Dr. Zachariah.

For more information on enriching your bird's life, contact your local avian veterinarian.

An archive of Pet Columns from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is available online at www.vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/. Requests for reprints of this article may be directed to Mandy Barth, mandyb@illinois.edu.

Veterinary Extension/Office of Public Engagement
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
217/333-2907

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Published: March 30, 2010

Foliar fungicides may not be the answer for hail-damaged corn

University of Illinois researchers may have debunked the myth that foliar fungicides can improve corn's tolerance to hail damage.

In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted a supplemental label registration for use of Headline fungicide on registered crops for disease control and plant health. This label stated that the fungicide can provide a benefit of "better tolerance to hail" in corn.

"When these recommendations began to surface, I was not aware of any data from properly designed research studies to back them up, so we decided to test this theory," said Carl Bradley, U of I Extension plant pathologist.

Researchers simulated hail damage to corn before tassels emerged with a gasoline-powered string mower causing injury to leaves and defoliation. Once the tassels completely emerged, foliar fungicides were applied to corn.

Understandably, yield was significantly reduced in the simulated hail-damaged areas versus non-damaged control areas both years. However, foliar fungicides did not significantly improve yield in either the damaged or non-damaged plots compared with the non-treated controls.

"To make a recommendation to spray a hail-damaged field, one would expect to see a differential reaction where the fungicide improves the damaged corn," Bradley said. "However, we didn't see that in either of the years the trial was conducted. Our research showed there was no difference in yield."

Prior to 2007, application of foliar fungicides to hybrid corn in the Midwest was uncommon. In 2007, estimates of approximately 10 to 14 million acres out of an approximate total of 76 million acres of corn in the Midwest were sprayed with a foliar fungicide.

Bradley said this dramatic increase was brought on by many different factors.

"With corn market prices reaching unprecedented levels in 2007, the yield response needed to pay for a fungicide application was lowered, making this practice more enticing to corn growers," Bradley said. "Agrichemical companies marketed and promoted fungicide applications for yield enhancement due to improved growth efficiency and stress tolerance in addition to disease control."

The possibility of yield enhancement without regard to disease pressure was enough of a reason for some corn growers to use a foliar fungicide on their 2007 corn crop, he added.

"Growers should consider factors other than hail damage when making fungicide application decisions for corn," Bradley said. "You need to consider disease risk and scouting observations."

More research is needed on the effect of foliar fungicides on hail-damaged corn, as it is possible fungicides could affect other variables not measured in this study such as mycotoxin levels in harvested grain and stalk rot, Bradley said.

This study was published in the January 2010 issue of the journal Plant Disease and was supported by the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Hatch Act program. Researchers included Carl Bradley and Keith Ames of the U of I.

Digital photos available at: http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/News_Photos/Hail-damagedcorn

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