Pests and Diseases
Cover crops are beneficial for the fertility and health of the soil. They are also very effective at managing insects, pests, and diseases. However, cover crops can also fall victim to various pests and diseases. Find recommendations for managing insect pests and diseases in cover crops, tips on deer control options, and how to deal with toxic plants.
Cover Crops Diseases and Integrated Pest Management
Soil-borne diseases can devastate crops. Cover crops can help producers better manage diseases such as Barley Yellow Dwarf, caused by a virus that is spread by aphids. Using disease suppressive cover crops works well as an additional tool for managing soil diseases.
Seeds can also be the vehicle for unwanted diseases. High-quality seed is fundamental for successful crop production as seeds can be the source of unwanted plant pathogens. Fungicides can be used to control such contagions; however, factors such as disease resistance can affect application levels.
Pests can also be a problem for agronomic producers. The clover root curculio and the clover root borer can rescue or eliminate red clover stands. Slugs are another challenging pest. Penn State Extension Educators and Farmer Cooperators are currently taking part in a Pennsylvania Slug Monitoring Project and share their practical insights.
Deer are another pest that can cause extensive damage to crops. The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) is one management option that also provides opportunities to the hunters who participate in the program. Certified crop advisers can help producers with pest management, as well as studying soil, water, crop, and nutrient management.
Using an integrated pest management plan is one way producers can ensure long-term prevention of pests. Cover crops have an important role to play as they can help to support a diverse microbial community that aids the natural suppression of pests.
Penn State Extension has an extensive range of resources covering agronomic pest control, herbicide products and weed control experiments, a comprehensive agronomy guide, and a certified crop adviser study guide.
Cover Crops and Pesticides Application
Pest-fighting cover crops systems help to minimize producers' reliance on pesticides. Understanding control alternatives is a fundamental part of recertification for pesticide applicators.
Factors such as cultivar choice, placement, and timing of cover crops can reduce infestations by insects, diseases, nematodes, and weeds. The FSA, NRCS, and RMA have cooperated in the publication of a simple and flexible policy for cover crop practices. It covers issues such as termination using burndown and herbicide control.
- Conferences
$10.00
Crops Conference
When 02/04/2025Length 6 hours, 30 minutesEvent Format In-PersonRecap the 2024 crop production season, discover agronomic innovations, and earn valuable certification credits. Attendees gain expert insights, network with industry leaders, and enjoy a buffet lunch. - Articles
Insect Damage Minor in Organic Corn
Organic cover crop management does not promote insect damage in tilled and no-til corn systems. - Articles
Major Insect Pests of Red Clover in Pennsylvania
Two insect pests, the clover root curculio and the clover root borer, are partially responsible for the reduction or elimination of red clover stands. - Articles
Paraquat Safety
Use of paraquat dibromide, or paraquat, has been increasing in popularity among agricultural producers. However, this product has safety and handling risks associated with its use. - Articles
What Cover Crop Should I Plant?
Keep your goals in mind when selecting cover crops and cover crop mixtures. - Articles
No-till Farming and Healthy Soils Work Hand in Hand
No-till and cover crops are essential for healthy soils, but also require some additional management and attention to detail. - Guides and Publications
Starting at $15.00
The Penn State Agronomy Guide
Featuring a brand-new look for the 2023 edition, this guide features revised weed-management recommendations. - Articles
Managing a Beneficial Soil Fungus for Insect Control
Pest suppression is an important function of healthy soil. The effects of cover crops and soil characteristics on a beneficial fungus are being examined. - Articles
Using Integrated Pest Management to Balance Soil Health and Insect Management
Research Spotlight. Novel research is exploring how insecticides and fungicides influence soil health. - Workshops
Crops Conference
Length 6 hours, 30 minutesRecap the 2024 crop production season, discover agronomic innovations, and earn valuable certification credits. Attendees gain expert insights, network with industry leaders, and enjoy a buffet lunch. - Online Courses
$99.00
Pennsylvania Certified Crop Adviser Study Guide
Sections 4Length 15 hoursStudy soil and water, and crop, pest, and nutrient management, the agronomy areas you are required to know for the Pennsylvania Certified Crop Adviser exam. - Articles
Diagnosing a Plant Problem 101
Use this step-by-step method to narrow down the possibilities of your plant problem, but don't forget to ask the experts if you need to.