Ontario Field Crop Report
2008 Soybean Seasonal Summary
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Challenges
and Opportunities for 2009
For emerging issues, questions or to provide
feedback on this report, contact the CropLine at 1-888-449-0937. Technical information
can also be obtained at the OMAFRA Field Crops
Webpage and Crop Pest
Ontario. Referenced OMAFRA Publications include the Agronomy Guide for Field
Crops (Publication 811), the
Field Crop Protection Guide (Publication
812), Guide to Weed Control (Publication
75), and Ontario Weeds (Publication
505). These can be obtained from your OMAFRA Resource Centre, or by calling
1-800-668-9938.
Summary
The 2008 growing
season was characterized by above average rainfall and a warm September. Lots
of moisture and a lack of major stress factors resulted in above average yields.
With 41% of reported yields submitted to Agricorp, the provincial average to date
stands at 43 bu/ac. The 10 year average farm yield on those same acres is 37.6
bu/ac. Some producers harvested fields above 65 bu/ac. It now looks like 2008
soybean crop will be the second highest yielding year on record, with the largest
yield ever reported was in 2006 with 46 bu/ac. Approximately 2.1 million acres
were seeded this year. Seed size and quality has generally been excellent.
Unfortunately,
many fields suffered from excess rainfall which resulted in white mould disease
pressure. White mould was a particular problem in Eastern Ontario. In the extreme
southwest, conditions were quite dry during the summer resulting in below average
yields in some areas.
Planting
Soybean planting
progressed slowly during the first half of May due to wet conditions. Only about
25% of Ontario soybeans were planted by May 15th. By the end of May, 90% of fields
were planted. Fields planted from May 9-11 were challenged by cool, wet weather
after planting resulting in emergence difficulties. Seed treatments used during
this planting window resulted in a marked improvement in plant stands. Although
some fields were planted into wet soil conditions, rainfall throughout the season
helped prevent major root development problems.
Growing
Season
The 2008 growing season was below last years' Crop Heat Units (CHU's)
but not far off the 30 year average. From May 1 to September 30, London reported
3,152 CHU's in 2008 compared to 3,262 CHU's in 2007. The 30 year average for London
is 3,106 CHU's for that time period. Precipitation was spotty and above average
in many regions. Soybeans need significant rainfall, especially during July and
August for optimum yields. Since rainfall occurred during this time of key plant
developmental phases of the plant, yields were above average.
A few areas
in the southwest suffered hail damage. Fields that were hailed on early in the
growing season recovered well with some yielding over 50 bu/ac. Those fields were
severely damaged in late July and during August suffered significant yield losses,
including 100% in a few cases.
Soybean Pests
Soybean
aphids were not a problem in 2008. Although aphids were present in the southwest,
populations remained well below threshold levels. Eastern Ontario and parts of
Quebec had larger numbers but only a few fields required spraying.
Bean
leaf beetle pressure was a concern during late summer in affected fields. A few
regions within Essex and Kent counties had populations high enough to warrant
spraying, although the number of fields affected was low. Leaf feeding at below
economic thresholds was evident in fields west of Toronto.
Spider mites
and soybean cyst nematode caused yield losses in the southwest especially where
conditions were dry.
Some fields were hit hard with white mould this year
depending on seeding rate, row width, variety and region. In western Ontario where
conditions have been dry the last few years, inoculant levels were quite low going
into the season. Due to these low levels of inoculant, disease pressure was much
lower than expected considering the moist weather conditions. Take note of which
fields had white mould in order to plan for future susceptible crops such as soybeans,
edible beans and canola. Disease inoculant levels will be high next year so that
favourable weather conditions for disease could result in substantial damage.
Harvest
Harvest
progressed relatively smoothly except where beans were planted very late or harvest
was delayed due to excess moisture. About 3-5% of the crop was not harvested by
November 20th. Snow and excess moisture could make harvest a challenge for the
remainder of the crop. Seed moisture was generally excellent and quality was good.
Challenges
and Opportunities for 2009
Poor Crop Rotations
Increased
input costs may lead to more acres being planted back into soybeans in 2009. A
good rotation is absolutely essential for maximum yields. Soybeans seeded once
every three, or even better every four years in the rotation is ideal. When considering
crop budgets, remember that a 10-15% yield reduction must be included for a crop
following the same crop (i.e. soybeans following soybeans) In a field that had
significant white mould pressure in 2008, planting soybeans in 2009 could result
in significant yield losses.
Soybean Rust
Soybean
rust spores were detected in Ontario for the first time in 2007. Spores were again
found in the province this year, although no disease symptoms were found on plants.
Soybean rust continued to move into new areas of the United States. Close monitoring
of this disease continues to be essential. Ontario will need to be vigilant in
2009 to monitor the spread of rust, and be prepared to apply control measures
as necessary.
IP Production
A strong
demand for IP soybeans has meant higher IP premiums for producers. Growers may
want to investigate possible IP varieties for the 2009 growing season.
