By Andi Anderson
The 2025 winter has been colder than usual, with deep soil freezes affecting both crops and pests. While the cold may reduce insect populations, it can also damage wheat, barley, hay, and cover crops.
Snow acts as an insulator, preventing deep freezing. Areas with less snow, such as northern Ohio, are seeing crop damage due to wind desiccation. Farmers should check alfalfa roots for signs of heaving once thawing begins.
Slugs and voles are also impacted by the cold. Deep freezes force slugs deeper into the soil, reducing their survival rate. Voles, which stay active in winter, struggle to find food without snow cover, leading to a decline in their populations.
However, in regions with consistent snowfall, vole populations remain high, causing damage to alfalfa and red clover.
Ohio soybean farmers should be aware of two new diseases: red crown rot and target spot. Red crown rot resembles sudden death syndrome but can be identified by red fungal growth on the lower stems.
The disease is soil-borne and has been found near the Ohio-Indiana border. Researchers are exploring seed treatments and genetic resistance to manage its spread.
Target spot, previously a minor disease, is now spreading north. It causes reddish-brown lesions on soybean leaves, leading to defoliation. Warm, humid conditions encourage its growth. Farmers can reduce its impact by planting in wider rows and rotating crops.
With cold temperatures affecting pests and crops while new diseases emerge, farmers must stay vigilant and adapt their management strategies for the upcoming growing season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Soybeans