Dry conditions continue through most of the state with potential relief in the forecast. Weed escapes and economics of a fungicide application were common observations or question topics received by Ohio State University Extension Educators and Specialists this past week.
Central and West Central – Caden Buschur of OSU Extension Darke County reported that soybean is in good condition and has reached R3 (beginning pod development) growth stage in Central and West Central Ohio. Corn is also in good condition overall and has reached silking. The region remains dry, and main field activities this past week including tiling and applying herbicides and fungicides. Waterhemp and giant ragweed escapes were reported, as well as volunteer corn in soybean fields.
Southeast – Ted Wiseman of OSU Extension Perry County shared that the region is extremely dry, especially south of Interstate 70. Dry conditions have led to a low-yielding 2nd and 3rd cutting hay, and corn and soybean are both in fair condition. Fields are relatively clean, though volunteer corn in soybean fields was reported in Southeast Ohio too.
Southwest – Gigi Neal of OSU Extension Clermont reported that corn and soybean are in good condition and have reached silking and pod development, respectively. Parts of the region thankfully received timely rains, but weed escapes continue to be a concern, especially waterhemp, giant ragweed, and marestail in soybean fields.