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.