Starting this week until harvest, Ohio State University Extension professionals across the state will report on crop progress and field conditions. This past week, growers made significant planting progress before weekend rains, and wheat continues to mature. OSU Extension Educators and Specialists report emergence issues in earlier planted corn and soybean fields from soil crusting and in some cases slug damage. Besides planting, main field activities have included tillage, manure and herbicide applications, nitrogen side-dressing in corn, and limited hay or haylage being made. Keep reading for region-specific field reports:
Northwest – Extension Educator Kendall Lovejoy reported that planting progress in northwest Ohio ranges from 40 to 90% completed, with early-planted corn and soybean approaching the V4 and V1 growth stage stages, respectively. Weather last week was conducive for spring manure and pre-emergent/burndown herbicide applications. The region received 0.5 – 1.5 inches of rainfall over the weekend, and some emergence issues are being reported from soil crusting and now excess moisture. In parts of northwest Ohio, periodic rainfall has delayed alfalfa harvest and alfalfa weevil has reemerged as previous insecticide applications only provide control for 10 – 15 days. Potato leafhopper has also been observed in forage fields in the region.
Northeast – Lee Beers of Trumball County estimated that 75% of northeast Ohio has been planted. Emerged corn and soybean are in good condition though slug damage has been reported in soybean. There has been an increase in black cutworm moth numbers, but armyworm is declining based on insect monitoring efforts across the area. Weed pressure continues, especially in late-planted fields where cressleaf groundsel is in full bloom. Stagonospora leaf blotch, stripe rust, and cereal leaf beetle were reported in wheat this past week (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Wheat showing signs and symptoms of stripe rust. Photo courtesy of Lee Beers.
Central & West Central – Extension Educator Caden Buschur reported that 70 – 100% of central and west central Ohio have been planted, with area growers busy in the fields ahead of rainfall this weekend. Precipitation ranged from 0.5 to 0.8 inches, along with localized reports of hail and heavy winds. Main field activities included hay chopping and baling, corn and soybean planting, corn side-dressing, and post-herbicide applications. Emerged soybeans are between VE and V2 growth stages with reports of slug damage in Knox County. Corn is in good condition and between VE and V3 growth stages depending on planting date.
Southeast – Dean Kreager of Licking County estimated that 80 – 90% of the region is planted. Some emergence issues have been reported, though average corn and soybean conditions are good, with corn in the V1 – V3 growth stage and soybean between VE and V2. Besides planting, corn side-dressing and herbicide applications occurred last week, though there has been limited forage harvesting at this point. Additionally, Extension Educators and Specialists in southeast Ohio are still receiving reports of cressleaf groundsel and poison hemlock in forage fields.
Southwest – Trevor Corboy reported on behalf of OSU Extension Educators and Specialists in southwest Ohio that about half of the area is planted, with a wide variation in planting and crop progress throughout the region. High rainfall in Brown and Clermont counties has led to soil crusting and emergence issues in soybean and may require replanting in some cases. Wet conditions have also limited hay activity.
Check back next week for continued updates from across the state. Here are some helpful Extension resources as you scout and make management decisions in the week ahead:
- Leaf Blotch Diseases of Wheat Factsheet
- Making Replant Decisions - Corn
- Soybean Stand Evaluation and Re-Plant Decisions
- Slugs on Field Crops Factsheet