COLUMBUS, Ohio - Growers seeking information about crop management, insect and disease problems and weed identification while in the field may find a new Ohio State University Extension pocket field guide helpful.
The Corn, Soybean, Wheat and Alfalfa Field Guide, developed by researchers and Extension agents, is designed to serve as a quick reference handbook for growers, scouts and consultants who have questions about crop condition or performance problems while scouting fields.
"It's concentrated information in one small packet. The guide is a hands-on reference for growers to use out in the field when trying to assess field problems," said Peter Thomison, an Ohio State Extension agronomist and one of 15 authors of the publication. "It's very concise and I think growers are looking for that type of information."
The 240-page field guide is packed full of information concerning Ohio's four major field crops: corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. The book touches upon such topics as crop management, insect, disease and weed identification, nutrient deficiencies, estimating crop yields, stand evaluations and how to submit samples for analysis. The book is also filled with charts, conversion tables and color photos.
"A major plus of the publication is that it has color photos for diseases, insects and weeds," said Thomison, who refers to the paperback as a crop version of Peterson Field Guides. "Many new features have been added to this publication as compared to previous guides that represent a major step forward as far as its utility. Hopefully it contains information field professionals can use during the growing season."
The field guide, Bulletin No. 827, is available in print version for $4.50. Contact your local Ohio State Extension office for more information. The publication is also available on the Internet through Ohio State Extension's C.O.R.N. newsletter website at http://corn.osu.edu/agcrops.html by clicking on "Publications."