Insect and disease pressure remains relatively low across the state, but dry conditions worsen in Southern and Northeastern Ohio. Field issues Ohio State University Extension Educators and Specialists have seen this past week include uneven crop growth and development and weather stress. Keep reading for region-specific details.
Southeast – Dean Kreager of OSU Extension Licking County reported that rainfall has been highly variable, with some areas receiving near normal levels and others remaining very dry. Lack of soil moisture has slowed hay regrowth and is also impacting corn and soybean fields. Corn is in fair condition ranging from VT (tassel) to R2 (blister) with low levels of tar spot reported. Soybean is in fair condition. Main weed issues are currently giant ragweed and johnsongrass.
Central & West Central – Ryan McMichael of OSU Extension Mercer County reported that most counties in the region have adequate soil moisture levels, with Madison and Pickaway Counties being the exception. Nearly all corn has reached tasseling and is in good condition. Soybean is also in good condition and is mainly between R1 (flowering) and R3 (beginning pod).
Northeast – Lee Beers of OSU Extension Trumbull County reports that growers took advantage of drier weather and continued hay harvest along with fungicide application for corn and soybean. Overall, the region has low disease and insect pressure, and both corn and soybean are in fair condition. Large portions of the area remain dry though as corn pollination continues.
Northwest – Field Specialist Stephanie Karhoff reported that corn is in good condition and anywhere between V9 and R2 (blister). Low levels of tar spot and common rust were observed in the lower canopy this past week, but overall disease and insect pressure remain low. Soybean is in fair to good condition with variable growth and development. Parts of the region also reported yellowing in soybeans. Dry weather this past week was favorable for second cutting alfalfa, and forage quality and yield were both strong for second cutting.
