Warm winter may increase crop pests

FINGER LAKES--While the warmer temperatures are heralding signs of an early spring, the abnormal weather could prove problematic for area farmers. Schuyler County Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Resource Educator Roger Ort provided information on the many ways a warm winter can negatively impact crops in the spring. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information the average temperature was above average in the area, as well as across most of the state.
Ort highlighted the fact that pests and diseases that are normally regulated by freezing temperature may become more of a problem for crops in the spring. Pests like the flea beetle and the stinkbug could have higher populations once the winter is over, which could negatively impact the more pest intensive vegetable crops like tomatoes, corn and lettuce. Life cycles of beneficial insects may also get out of sync with the pests they help control.
The lack of cold temperatures could prove problematic for grape vines, fruit trees and berries as well. Ort provided information from fruit specialist Ian Merwin, who said flower buds on fruit trees and grapes will not be as cold-hardy this year due to the combination of warm weather and fluctuating temperatures. Many flower buds could be killed if temperatures drop rapidly below zero, reducing flowering in spring and fruit harvests later. While there is still a chance the buds could avoid damage if the weather stays consistent until the spring, temperatures are still likely to dip low enough to cause a freeze before the winter concludes.
In addition to the cold, the wetness can also play a factor. The fields themselves are at risk, as those with fall applications of manure could lose some of their nutrient value if things get wet. Rainy weather contributes to nutrients leeching out of the fields, as well as causes erosion problems, as frozen ground is often in better shape.
Despite the concerns, there are some positives to come out of the warmth as well. Some farmers had an extra month or two to complete additional plowing and field work, which should help cut down on some of the spring workload. Greenhouse farmers also benefit from the warmth, as it helps keep their fuel costs low.