This past week included pockets of suitable weather to finish up planting and first cutting of hay and continue sidedressing and spraying. Top issues this week included weed pressure, lodged wheat, slug damage, and replant decisions. Read on for region-specific updates from Ohio State University Extension professionals.
Southeast – State Specialist Dr. Alyssa Essman reported on behalf of southeast Ohio that planting and first cutting of hay are completed, with some growers starting second cutting of hay. Corn and soybean fields are in good condition, but weed pressure continues to be a concern since earlier rains prevented growers from making timely herbicide applications this spring. Wheat is in fair condition with reports of lodged wheat in several areas. Extension Educators and Specialists also observed that wheat is shorter in stature and maturing earlier this year.
Central and West Central – OSU Extension Educator Ryan McMichael shared that central and west central Ohio are 95-100% planted, though recent heavy rains and ponding have required some growers to replant. Corn is in good condition and ranges from V1 to V5 growth stage. Soybean is also in good condition, but slug damage continues to plague growers in Morrow and Knox counties. Across the region, giant ragweed and volunteer corn are the main weeds of concern in soybean.
Northwest – Kayla Wyse of OSU Extension Williams County estimated that at least 70-80% of northwest Ohio is planted, with corn and soybean anywhere between V2 – V5 and VC – V3 growth stages, respectively. Other main field activities this week included spraying, tillage, and first cutting of hay. There were limited reports of true armyworm and variegated cutworm in Allen and Van Wert counties this week, but overall insect pressure remains low in the region. Wheat is also maturing early in northwest Ohio, and multiple counties experienced lodging the past two weeks (Figure 1).
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: