Extension Agronomy eUpdate - Issue 1115: August 6, 2026

	Allow Time for Lime Applications When Planting Alfalfa This Fall Planning to establish alfalfa this fall? Soil pH should be addressed well before seeding, as acidic conditions can limit nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and stand productivity. Learn how K-State lime recommendations, lime sources, and application methods can help set a new stand up for success.
	Late-Season Insect Pest Considerations and Bt Stewardship in Cotton Late-season insect pressure can still threaten Kansas cotton, making continued scouting important. Review current recommendations for identifying and managing stink bugs and bollworms, along with considerations for protecting the effectiveness of Bt technologies.
	Webworms are Active in Pigweed and Alfalfa in Western Kansas Webworms are active now in western Kansas, with heavy infestations observed in pigweed and more recently in alfalfa. Learn what symptoms to look for and when early cutting or an insecticide treatment may be needed to manage infestations.
	Tar Spot in Kansas Update – August 3, 2026 Tar spot is continuing to show up across Kansas, but detection alone doesn't necessarily mean a fungicide application is needed. Scout fields closely and use disease activity and corn growth stage to help determine whether treatment is warranted.
	Corn Leafhopper Confirmed in Eastern Kansas - No Corn Stunt Spiroplasma Detected to Date Corn leafhopper detections continue to expand in Kansas, but there's encouraging news: no corn stunt spiroplasma has been detected in tested leafhoppers as of August 3. Keep scouting, particularly in late-planted and double-cropped corn where potential yield impacts are greater.
	Update on Southern Rust in Kansas – Active but at Low Levels Southern rust has been confirmed at trace levels in several eastern and central Kansas counties, but the 2026 season continues to progress more slowly than usual. Late-planted corn should still be scouted, as warm, humid conditions can favor rapid disease development.
	2026 Western Kansas Research-Extension Center Fall Field Days: Aug. 25-27 Three days, three locations, and plenty of opportunities to see K-State research in action. Join the Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers for Fall Field Days August 25–27 in Garden City, Hays, and Tribune, featuring practical research and management information tailored to western Kansas production.
	Wheat Rx Programs Planned for Hays and Wichita – August 12 & 13 Get ready for the upcoming winter wheat season with the latest research-based recommendations from Wheat Rx. Free programs on August 12 in Hays and on August 13 in Wichita will cover wheat profitability, precision agriculture, disease management, conservation opportunities, and more.
	North Central Kansas Experiment Field Fall Field Day - August 18 Make plans to attend the North Central Kansas Experiment Field Fall Field Day on August 18. Hear the latest K-State research and recommendations for corn, sorghum, soybeans, and weed management, with a free dinner following the program.