Corn and soybean planting near completion while wheat faces rising disease pressure.
Acorrding to the OMAFA fieldcropnews.com, crop conditions across Ontario indicate a generally positive start to the growing season, although dry weather and cool soil temperatures have created uneven growth and management challenges.
Corn planting is nearly complete across most regions, with estimates ranging from about 95 percent to almost fully planted. Emergence has been mostly uniform, and plant stands are generally strong.
However, some localized replanting has been required, especially in fields affected by cool soil conditions and early-season stress. Growth stages range from early leaf stages to around the V5 stage in advanced fields.
Weed pressure is increasing in areas where residual herbicides were not applied. Annual ryegrass and volunteer corn are key concerns, while dry soil conditions have slowed herbicide activation.
Soybean planting is also close to completion, with most regions reporting around 95 percent or more planted, although heavier clay soils have experienced some delays.
Emergence has been slower than usual due to cool temperatures, and uneven stands have been reported in some fields. Early planted fields are currently being assessed for replant decisions, while later planted crops are still emerging. Slug activity has caused minor damage in some areas.
Weed pressure, especially from Canada fleabane, remains a major concern in identity-preserved soybean systems. Multiple herbicide applications are often required to manage these challenges effectively.
Winter wheat is progressing into the heading stage, with reasonable growth across the province. However, disease pressure is increasing, particularly from stripe rust, which has been confirmed across several regions in southwestern Ontario. Growers are advised to closely monitor fields and apply fungicides where necessary.
Powdery mildew and viruses have also been reported in some areas. Insect activity varies, with cereal aphids and cereal leaf beetles present in some fields, though control is only required if populations reach specific thresholds.
For more information about annual ryegrass, volunteer corn, slug, stripe rust and cereal leaf beetle, please visit the Farms.com Field Guide Pest pages.
Photo Credit: Pexels - Tom Van Dyck