Planting progress is still variable across the state, but the weather last week provided another window for field activities. Hear from Ohio State University Extension Educators and Specialists on crop conditions and pest issues across the state.
Northeast – According to Lee Beers of OSU Extension Trumball County, about 75-85% of northeast Ohio is planted. Soybean is between VE and V2 growth stages and in good condition, though slugs continue to be reported in no-till fields (Figure 1).
Emerged corn is also in good condition and is anywhere between VE and V3 with increasing weed pressure in fields that did not use a residual herbicide. The main weed species present are pigweeds, common lambsquarter, and yellow nutsedge. In wheat and other small grains, cereal leaf beetle is present and causing foliar damage in affected fields (Figure 2).
The main field activities this past week were planting, spraying, and manure application. Some growers took advantage of a three-day window to make hay, but overall weather has not been conducive for making dry hay in the area.
Southwest – Gigi Neal reported that planting progress continues, and the area is now approximately 75% planted. Growers were also able to bale hay between rain events and continue nitrogen side dressing in corn. Emerged corn and soybean stands are in good condition, but some fields are suffering from poor weed control. Some replant did occur in the region, including a soybean field damaged by an herbicide misapplication. (Figure 3).
Southeast – Jordan Penrose of OSU Extension Gallia County shared that the southwest region is nearly finished with planting and dry conditions allowed for the making of hay and baleage. The majority of emerged soybean fields are in good condition and between VE and VC growth stages. This past week, slug damage was also reported in Licking County. Corn stands are in good condition and are reaching the V2 growth stage. Area Extension Educators noted cocklebur being identified in some pastures.
Northwest – OSU Extension Wood County Extension Educator Nick Eckel reported that the region is on average 70-80% planted, with areas in Henry, Wood, and Sandusky Counties further behind due to wet conditions. Corn is VE – V6 across the region, and soybean ranges between the VE and V2 growth stage. In wheat, some lodging has occurred, and true armyworm was identified in Paulding County. So far reports of Fusarium head blight or head scab have been minimal, but growers feeding out livestock with wheat straw should avoid infected fields to minimize mycotoxin risk. True armyworm was also observed in Van Wert County after the first cutting of hay, and potato leaf hopper was seen in unharvested alfalfa fields in Putnam County. Emerged soybean and corn are in good condition, though some earlier planted corn fields are showing signs of sidewall compaction likely due to suboptimal planting conditions.