This information was summarized from a June 4 teleconference with Iowa State University extension field specialists in crops.

• Most specialists reported rainfall has hampered attempts at pesticide and fertilizer applications, planting, replanting, and cultivation. Several north central counties had damaging hail late last week. There is some first-time corn and soybean planting yet to be completed. Most areas of the state report more than 95 percent of the corn planted and up to 90 percent of the soybean. The exception is the south central and southeastern counties where 40 to 90 percent of the corn is planted and up to 60 percent of the soybean.
• Corn is behind in development and appears light green-yellow. Field specialists reported a few locations where corn plants were damaged or killed by a radiation freeze that occurred several weeks ago. Other problems discussed include rotted mesocotyls, crown rot, and some rootless corn. Flexstar carryover and injury from preemergence herbicides such as Balance were reported. Discussion continued as to the timing of postemergence herbicides to avoid potential injury to corn (see article on pages 103-104). Black cutworm, wireworm, seedcorn maggot, and white grub are adding to the corn stand loss problems in some fields.
• Soybean growth is slow and damping-off has caused stand loss. Bean leaf beetle numbers are lower than several weeks ago. See article in the June 4, 2001, ICM newsletter, pages 97-98.
• Alfalfa and hay harvest continue, but much of what has been cut remains in the field. Hopperburn from potato leafhoppers was reported in some uncut alfalfa fields.
• Winter wheat is starting to head out. The oat crop looks good in most areas and is in early joint stage.