scattered in groups, especially near the tips of the glumes. Scab is caused by the 

 same fungus {Gibberella zeae) that causes seedling blight, stalk rot, and ear rot of 

 corn. Scab-infected grain is highly toxic to hogs. None of the wheat varieties avail- 

 able are resistant to scab. 



Leaf rust can be found in traces in some fields, but is generally of no consequence. 



SOYBEAN DISEASES 



We are getting reports of poor and uneven soybean stands where (1) farmers planted 

 low-quality beans, or where (2) seed was not treated with a fungicide. Some fields 

 may need to be replanted. 



Phyllosticta leaf blotch can be expected to appear soon after the beans first emerge. 

 Check the first-formed leaves for brown, V-shaped blotches with the widest part of 

 the blotch toward the leaf margin. Infected areas become papery and later tear away, 

 leaving damage that resembles hail injury. This disease, although it appears unsight- 

 ly, causes no loss in yield because it rarely attacks above the first trifoliate 

 leaves . 



In low, wet areas or where recent rains were heavy , expect stunting, wilting, yel- 

 lowing, and dying of plants in patches or in sections of rows. Dying can occur at any 

 time during the season. 



If the stem is firm and discolored brown above the soil line, Phytophthora root and 

 stem rot is probably the cause. If the stem below the ground line is soft and water- 

 soaked (at least during initial stages) and the plants are easily pulled up, leaving 

 the roots in the soil, Pythium is probably the cause of the problem. Rhizoctonia is 

 the third possible cause of soybean seedling blight and root and stem rot. Rhizoctonia ' 

 infection causes reddish-brown to brick- red discoloration, generally in sunken can- 

 kers below the ground. 



Phytophthora and Pythium infections occur in low wet areas of fields or following 

 heavy rains. Rhizoctonia thrives in dry or wet soil on high or low ground. Many soy- 

 bean varieties are resistant to Phytophthora, and these varieties should be planted 

 in low-lying areas, especially where there is a past history of the disease. There 

 are no varieties available that resist Pythium or Rhizoctonia. 



LAWN DISEASES 



Fairy rings are now readily apparent in nitrogen-deficient lawns where the dark green 

 rings, arcs, or "horseshoes," stand out. Mushrooms (toadstools) pop up in these rings 

 following rains or heavy sprinkling. Fairy rings are unsightly and can be masked by 

 (1) fertilizing the lawn with a nitrogen- containing fertilizer and (2) pumping water 

 into the circles at about one-foot intervals, using a root-feeder attachment on a gar- 

 den hose. Push the root feeder 12 to 18 inches into the soil and pump in all the water 

 the soil can take. A single treatment will mask the rings for as long as 18 months. 



Slime molds are also common on lawns now. Look for small patches (usually up to 6 to 8 

 inches in diameter) with a bluish to grayish-white mold growing on the surface of the 

 leaf blades that can be easily wiped off with the fingers. No control measures are gen- 

 erally warranted except, perhaps, to mow the grass or wash-rake the areas. Slime molds 

 are harmless and use grass or other low- lying vegetation, such as alfalfa, clover, and 

 strawberries, strictly as a surface on which to reproduce. Slime molds normally live 5 

 in soil or thatch areas and break down organic matter into useful nutrients. 



Powdery mildew has been evident on lawn areas close to buildings and in the shade of 

 shrubs and trees for the past several weeks. Spraying with Karathane, Acti-dione-Thiram 



