CORN Newsletter

April 18 – 24, 2023

 

Editor: Amanda Bennett

 

Spring Weather & Soil Conditions: Update 2

Author: Aaron Wilson

Soil Temperatures and Moisture

Read more

 

Battle for the Belt: Episode 6

Authors: Osler Ortez, Laura Lindsey, John Fulton, Matt Davis, CCA, Joe Davlin, Lynn Ault

Episode 6 of Battle for the Belt is now available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQq_7OePtNU

Read more

 

Two Rate Nitrogen Trial – MRTN vs. MRTN (+50)

Author: Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA

Ohio’s corn nitrogen recommendation tool is the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator (https://www.cornnratecalc.org/).

Read more

 

Drones for Spraying Pesticides- Part 2: Opportunities and Challenges

Author: Erdal Ozkan

Currently, there is tremendous interest in using drones to spray crop-protection products.

Read more

 

About C.O.R.N. Newsletter

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

 

Contributors:

 

Glen Arnold, CCA
Field Specialist, Manure Nutrient Management

 

Mark Badertscher
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

John Barker
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nic Baumer
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Lee Beers, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Trevor Corboy
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Grant Davis, CCA
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Wayne Dellinger, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amanda Douridas, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nick Eckel
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amber Emmons
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Alyssa Essman
Visiting Assistant Professor

 

Mike Estadt
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Ken Ford
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Mike Gastier, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Andrew Holden
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Stephanie Karhoff, CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Dean Kreager
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Alan Leininger
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Laura Lindsey
State Specialist, Soybean and Small Grains

 

Ryan McMichael
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Gigi Neal
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Les Ober, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Pierce Paul
State Specialist, Corn and Wheat Diseases

 

Richard Purdin
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Ricardo Ribeiro
Visiting Scholar, Federal University of Parana (Brazil)

 

Beth Scheckelhoff
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Matthew Schmerge
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Clint Schroeder
Program Manager

 

Kyle Verhoff
Student

 

Barry Ward
Program Leader

 

Aaron Wilson
Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center

 

Ted Wiseman
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Curtis Young, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Chris Zoller
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Brown County Master Gardener Training Class

Calling all gardeners! The Brown County Master Gardener Volunteers are currently accepting new volunteer applications. The Master Gardener Program works with county Extension personnel to provide educational services to the community. These services include hosting seminars, providing garden activities, as well as other horticulture activities.  The Brown County Master Gardeners are looking for people who want to learn more about plants and gardening, eager to participate in the practical and intensive training programs, enjoy sharing knowledge with others, and you have the time to attend training and serve your community as a volunteer educator. To become a Master Gardener, you must:

  1. Be accepted into the Master Gardener program by completing the volunteer application.
  2. Complete the formal training provided by The Ohio State University Extension. Training is approximately 50 hours along with receiving a 70% or better on all quizzes and exams.
  3. Complete 50 volunteer hours on projects that are pre-approved by the Master Gardener coordinator. (The volunteer time must be completed within one calendar year after their formal training.

The training does require pre-registration and a fee of $200 in addition to the cost of a background check. Pre-registration closes May 17, 2023 and can be found here.

See the flyer below for additional details about the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program along with full training details.

CORN Newsletter

 

2023-09

 

Editor: Amanda Bennett

 

Spring Weather & Soil Conditions: Update 1

Author: Aaron Wilson

Soil Temperatures and Moisture

Read more

 

Battle for the Belt: Episode 5

Authors: Alexander Lindsey, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Mark Badertscher

In Episode 5, learn about corn and soybean germination and emergence, imbibitional chilling, and cold injury… All are important considerations for early planting! Also, hear from an Allen County, Ohio farmer on what he plants first and why. Hint: He is Team Soybean.

Read more

 

Alfalfa Weevil – Add it to Your Radar Screen

Authors: Aaron Wilson, Kelley Tilmon, Mark Sulc, Andy Michel

Even though some parts of Ohio have had a slow, cold spring, it’s still time to start thinking about alfalfa weevil scouting.  Overwintered adults begin laying eggs when temperatures exceed 48°F.  Peak larval activity and feeding damage occur between 325 and 575 heat units (base

Read more

 

Enhanced Soil Carbon Farming as a Climate Solution: Pastures and Hayfields in Ohio

Authors: Ricardo Ribeiro, Marilia Chiavegato

The Sustainable Agroecosystems Lab at The Ohio State University, Departments of Horticulture & Crop Science and Animals Sciences is seeking farmers to participate in an on-farm soil assessment to evaluate soil carbon sequestration under perennial pasture fields and annual cr

Read more

 

OSU’s Farm On financial management course released

Author: Eric Richer, CCA

A new online farm management course offered by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will help Ohio’s beginning farmers qualify for the requirements of the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer T

Read more

 

About C.O.R.N. Newsletter

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

 

Contributors:

 

Mark Badertscher
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

John Barker
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nic Baumer
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Lee Beers, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jocelyn Birt
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Trevor Corboy
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Grant Davis, CCA
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Wayne Dellinger, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amanda Douridas, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nick Eckel
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amber Emmons
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Alyssa Essman
Visiting Assistant Professor

 

Ken Ford
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Mike Gastier, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Don Hammersmith
Program Assistant, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jamie Hampton
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jason Hartschuh, CCA
Field Specialist, Dairy & Precision Livestock

 

Elizabeth Hawkins
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Andrew Holden
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Stephanie Karhoff, CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Dean Kreager
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Courtney Krieger
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Alan Leininger
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Laura Lindsey
State Specialist, Soybean and Small Grains

 

Kendall Lovejoy
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Ryan McMichael
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Gigi Neal
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Sarah Noggle
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jordan Penrose
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Ricardo Ribeiro
Visiting Scholar, Federal University of Parana (Brazil)

 

Eric Richer, CCA
Field Specialist, Farm Management

 

Clint Schroeder
Program Manager

 

Kyle Verhoff
Student

 

Barry Ward
Program Leader

 

Aaron Wilson
Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center

 

Ted Wiseman
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Curtis Young, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Chris Zoller
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Wild Parsnip: Look But Don’t Touch

Authors

Published on
Wild Parsnip

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L., family Apiaceae (= Umbelliferae)) plants are now large enough to be readily identified in southwest Ohio.  Parsnips have been cultivated as a root crop in Europe for centuries.  However, wild parsnip is a cultivated plant that’s returned to its dark side.

 

Both the cultivated type we grow in our vegetable gardens and the escaped wild type which is the focus of this Alert share the same scientific name.  However, it is clear that there are significant differences in the toxic biochemical properties between the two types.

 

Both types contain a plant defense chemical called psoralen in the sap, a naturally occurring phytochemical grouped in a family of organic compounds known as linear furanocoumarins.  However, the wild type of parsnip contains much higher concentrations of psoralen to defend against herbivores.  Indeed, herbivory applies selective pressure that rewards plants that produce more psoralen.

 

Psoralen acts as a photosensitizing compound by inhibiting DNA synthesis in epidermal cells, killing these light-shielding cells responsible for protecting us from long-wave ultraviolet radiation (LWUVR) bombarding us in sunlight.  Severe blistering occurs when affected skin is exposed to LWUVR. The synergistic effect is called phytophotodermatitis (a.k.a. Berloque dermatitis) and the burn-like symptoms and skin discoloration may last for several months.

 

Wild parsnip

 

Connecting skin blistering to exposure to wild parsnip sap can be a challenge.  It takes around 24 hours for symptoms to first appear after exposure to LWURV and severe blistering typically doesn’t peak until 48 -72 hours.  The time required for symptoms to appear after exposure to the sap means the effect may be disconnected from the cause.

 

Psoralens are also found in other members of the Apiaceae family including the notorious giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) which has captured national attention in the past.  However, giant hogweed has only been confirmed in Ohio growing in the extreme northeast part of the state.  Wild parsnip is found throughout the state and is equally damaging.  Of course, giant hogweed has a more threatening-sounding common name; wild parsnip just sounds like a vegetable gone wild; which it actually is!

 

 

Life Cycle and Identification

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip development from seeds to flowers usually follows a biennial life cycle.  Seeds most commonly germinate in the spring and the first year is spent in the vegetative stage as a low-growing basal rosette.  The rosettes use carbohydrates acquired through photosynthesis to produce a robust root system.

 

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip

 

Plants “bolt” during the second-year reproductive stage to produce a single, thick, deeply grooved, greenish-yellow stem that sprouts lateral branches topped with hundreds of clusters of the umbellate flowers.  Mature wild parsnip plants can rise as high as 8 ft.: however, most mature plants only grow to 5-6 ft.  Plants die after producing seeds.

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip

 

Occasionally, wild parsnip behaves as a monocarpic perennial with plants remaining in the rosette stage for 2 – 3 years.  This helps to explain why the growth stages within a wild parsnip infestation are seldom synchronous.  It’s common for vegetative rosettes to be mixed with reproductive plants.

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip is a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae.  The old name for the family was Umbelliferae which refers to the umbel flowers.  The flowers are a key family feature with short flower stalks rising from a common point like the ribs on an umbrella.  Wild parsnip produces yellow flowers on a flat-topped flower structure.

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip

 

Plants are prolific seed producers; however, seeds only remain viable for around 4 years and germination rates are relatively low.  Regardless, small patches of this weed can develop into large patches in just a few years.

 

Wild parsnip

 

All stages of the wild parsnip plants have light-green pinnately compound leaves that strongly resemble celery leaves.  Each leaf has 5 -15 ovate to oblong leaflets with variable toothed edges and deep lobes.  The leaf structure is even evident on newly germinated seedlings.

 

Wild parsnip

 

 

 

Management

The acute skin reaction to the wild parsnip sap means this non-native invasive weed should not be allowed to grow where it can be easily contacted by people.  Landscape managers and gardeners should also exercise extreme caution around this non-native invasive plant.

 

Wild parsnip

 

Hand-pulling is a high-risk endeavor and not recommended.  Likewise, tilling would release harmful sap.  There have been reports of sap spattered by mowers and string trimmers producing phytophotodermatitis on exposed arms and legs of equipment operators.

 

The safest approach to controlling this invasive weed is to use herbicides.  Of course, as always, read and follow label directions paying close attention to recommended rates and whether or not surfactants are recommended to enhance herbicide efficacy.

 

The graphic below illustrates that the best time to make herbicide applications is just after last season’s rosettes are starting to bolt but before flowers are produced. Seeds have also germinated by this time.  Killing the seedlings will reduce next year’s rosettes and killing the bolting rosettes will prevent seed production later this season.  Eliminating these plants can significantly reduce infestations.  Note that mowing is not included in the graphic as a viable management option.

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip

 

Fortunately, wild parsnip is susceptible to a wide range of selective and non-selective postemergent herbicides.  Non-selective herbicides with the active ingredients glyphosate (e.g., Roundup) or pelargonic acid (e.g., Scythe) are effective but can also eliminate plants that compete with wild parsnip.

 

Herbicidal openings produced by non-selective herbicides provide perfect opportunities for wild parsnip to spring forth from previously deposited seed.  Thus, it’s important to have a plan for establishing competitive plants such as over-seeding with grasses (family Poaceae).

 

Grasses are effective competitors against wild parsnip and a range of selective post-emergent herbicides can be used that will preserve grasses but kill the poison hemlock.  These include clopyralid (e.g., Transline), metsulfuron (e.g., Escort XP), triclopyr (e.g., Triclopyr 4), and products that contain a combination of 2,4-D, dicamba, mecoprop, and dichlorprop.

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip

 

Of course, as with using any pesticide, it’s important to closely read and follow label directions.  Some post-emergent herbicides can seriously damage trees if applied over the root zone.

 

 

Don’t Be Fooled

Wild parsnip is commonly found growing in and around other weeds, particularly poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) which is another member of the Apiaceae family.  This deadly non-native biennial weed contains highly toxic piperidine alkaloid compounds which cause respiratory failure and death in mammals.

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip

 

Wild parsnip

 

The poison hemlock toxins have a completely different mode of action and must be ingested or enter the body through the eyes or nasal passages to induce poisoning; they do not cause skin rashes or blistering.  However, gardeners exposed to wild parsnip growing among poison hemlock may mistakenly blame the poison hemlock for their ultimate misery.

 

 

 

Farm On financial management course offers farmers, ranchers training to meet new program requirements

 

Farm On financial management course offers farmers, ranchers training to meet new program requirements

Published on April 5, 2023 – CFAES News

COLUMBUS, Ohio—A new online farm management course offered by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will help Ohio’s beginning farmers qualify for the requirements of the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program.

Called Farm On, the self-paced, on-demand farm financial management course was created by Ohio State University Extension professionals and is offered through OSU Extension’s new Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute (FFMPI), said Eric Richer, assistant professor and OSU Extension field specialist in farm management.

OSU Extension is the outreach arm of CFAES.

“The Farm On financial management course was created to address the needs of Ohio’s new and beginning farmers who want to better prepare themselves to operate a commercial farm in Ohio and do that with a high level of economic stability while remaining profitable and responsible at every step along the way,” said Richer, who is the lead instructor for the Farm On course. “We believe Farm On will be a great deliverable to Ohio’s agriculture industry because it is on-demand, self-paced, and taught by Ohio State’s expert farm management instructor.”

What’s unique about the Farm On course is that, not only does it comply with the regulations of the new Ohio House Bill 95 Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program, it also meets the borrower training requirements for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Loan Program, Richer said.

The Farm On course includes multiple video lessons, 10 quizzes, 10 exercises, individual and group consultations, and a 10-module course that covers the following topics:

  • Farm Business Planning
  • Balance Sheets
  • Income Statements
  • Cash Flow Projections
  • Calculating Cost of Production
  • Farm Record Keeping
  • Farm Taxes
  • Farm Financing
  • Risk Management
  • Farm Business Analysis

The Farm On course allows CFAES to serve the needs of farmers through OSU Extension and our FFMPI, said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES.

“We are excited to partner with ODA and USDA-FSA to address the farm financial training that is required for running a farm business,” Kress said. “Currently, we are the only educational institution in Ohio with a course like ‘Farm On’ that qualifies for ODA’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program and FSA’s Borrower Training Requirements.

“As part of our land-grant mission, CFAES educates not just college students but over 2 million individuals across the lifespan.”

The Ohio House Bill 95 Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program went into effect in July 2022 and grants a 3.99% tax credit to landowners who sell or lease assets to a certified Ohio beginning farmer. The new law also allows an Ohio tax credit to the certified beginning farmer equal to the cost of the financial management course completed, Richer said. The Farm On course costs $300 per person.

“Ohio State’s Farm On course is a great way to help Ohio farmers qualify for ODA’s new Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program, which is an important tool to help current, beginning farmers and potential, future farmers do what they do best,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “We are thankful for this partnership that is helping to keep Ohio’s hard-working farmers at the forefront.”

Ohio State’s Farm On course is now 1 of 5 approved vendors for borrowers in Ohio, said Darren Metzger, Ohio Farm Service Agency loan chief.

“The course is in-depth financial management training that can assist our borrowers to obtain and/or improve their knowledge in this critical area of farm management,” Metzger said.

The Farm On program is part of CFAES’ new FFMPI, which was created last year with the goal of sharing resource-based knowledge and best practices to help Ohio farmers manage their businesses as the agricultural industry changes and evolves. Housed within OSU Extension, the goal of FFMPI is for the integration, translation, and communication of CFAES’ farm management and ag policy presence that addresses critical farm management and policy issues affecting Ohioans.

“Farm On is meeting a need of today’s modern crop farmers, and it’s packaged in a way that respects the busy schedules of family farmers,” said Tadd Nicholson, executive director of Ohio Corn and Wheat. “It’s this type of tangible benefit that earns the support of Ohio’s corn and small grains checkoff funds. We are proud to partner with OSU Extension on this important new institute.”

Farm On, which is just one of the programs offered through the new FFMPI, isn’t just for new and beginning farmers, said Peggy Hall, CFAES agricultural and resource law specialist and a Farm On instructor.

“This course provides an opportunity for any farmer in Ohio, whether you’re a new farmer, a seasoned farmer, a small farmer, or a large farmer,” Hall said. “For a long time, we’ve needed to have this course in Ohio because farm management is so critical to ensuring the future of our farms.”

To sign up for Farm On, go to go.osu.edu/farmon.

 

Share

Writer(s):

Tracy Turner
turner.490@osu.edu
614-688-1067

Source(s):

Eric Richer
richer.5@osu.edu

Peggy Hall
hall.673@osu.edu

Darren Metzger
darren.metzger@usda.gov

Sarah Huffman
BeginningFarmer@agri.ohio.gov

Tadd Nicholson
tnicholson@ohiocornandwheat.org

 

Ohio BEEF Cattle letter

Dear Ohio BEEF Cattle letter subscribers,

Eight new articles have been posted in this week’s issue number 1338 of the Ohio BEEF Cattle letter: http://u.osu.edu/beef/

It’s likely too wet to be in the fields with equipment throughout much of Ohio, but it’s not too soon to be scouting forage fields for issues that might need corrected when the weather is fit!

Articles this week include:
* Spring Hayfield Scouting
* Cressleaf Groundsel Scouting
* “Can I start grazing?”
* “Beef Team Live” returns April 12 . . . Join us!
* Southwest Ohio Spring Cow/Calf Workshop
*  Attend the International Grassland Congress, in Kentucky May 14-19, 2023
* OSU Extension Seeks a Next Assistant Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources
* Prospective Plantings – from a Cattle Perspective

CORN Newsletter

2023-08

 

Editor: Amanda Bennett

 

Warmer Weather Ahead

Author: Jim Noel

APRIL

Read more

 

Battle for the Belt: Episode 4

Authors: Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Kelley Tilmon

Episode 4 of Battle for the Belt is now available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPPaWVMYmoQ

Read more

 

Cressleaf groundsel scouting

Authors: Alyssa Essman, Ricardo Ribeiro

Much of the state is still wet and waiting for dry conditions to resume field activities. Scouting for weeds now can help spot any issues and plan for spring burndown programs.

Read more

 

Becoming a Certified Crop Adviser and OSU Extension Online Exam Prep Course

Authors: Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA, Lee Beers, CCA

Why become a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA)? Being certified adds credibility and shows you are serious about the agronomic profession.

Read more

 

OSU Extension Seeks a Next Assistant Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources

Author: Elizabeth Hawkins

Ohio State University Extension is seeking applicants for our next Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Assistant Director is responsible for the leadership of Ohio State University Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources program area.

Read more

 

About C.O.R.N. Newsletter

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

 

Contributors:

 

Mark Badertscher
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

John Barker
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nic Baumer
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Lee Beers, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jocelyn Birt
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Rachel Cochran, CCA
Water Quality Extension Associate, Defiance, Van Wert, Paulding Counties

 

Grant Davis, CCA
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Wayne Dellinger, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amanda Douridas, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nick Eckel
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amber Emmons
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Alyssa Essman
Visiting Assistant Professor

 

Mike Estadt
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Don Hammersmith
Program Assistant, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jamie Hampton
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jason Hartschuh, CCA
Field Specialist, Dairy & Precision Livestock

 

Elizabeth Hawkins
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Andrew Holden
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Stephanie Karhoff, CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Dean Kreager
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Courtney Krieger
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Alan Leininger
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Laura Lindsey
State Specialist, Soybean and Small Grains

 

Horacio Lopez-Nicora
State Specialist, Soybean Pathology

 

Ryan McMichael
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Gigi Neal
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jim Noel
National Weather Service

 

Sarah Noggle
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Les Ober, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Osler Ortez
State Specialist, Corn & Emerging Crops

 

Pierce Paul
State Specialist, Corn and Wheat Diseases

 

Jordan Penrose
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Richard Purdin
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Ricardo Ribeiro
Visiting Scholar, Federal University of Parana (Brazil)

 

Beth Scheckelhoff
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Matthew Schmerge
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Clint Schroeder
Program Manager

 

Barry Ward
Program Leader

 

Ted Wiseman
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Chris Zoller
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

The information presented here, along with any trade names used, is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is made by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.

Food Preservation Five Webinar Series

Warmer weather is a good indicator that it is time to start preserving food. Beginning in April, Ohio State University Extension’s Food Preservation Team is hosting 5 FREE webinars on what you need to know about food preservation! These five (5) webinars will take place from 12:00pm-12:30pm every other Tuesday beginning April 11, 2023, and ending on June 6, 2023. Topics covered include the Top 5 Considerations for Preserving Food, Canning: Water Bath, Canning: Pressure, Freezing, Drying and Freeze Drying. There is no cost for participants to attend. Registration is required in order to attend. Participants interested in attending can register here. See the flyer below for full details.

Poison Hemlock is No Joke

From BYGL Newsletter:

Authors: Joe Boggs

Published on
Poison Hemlock

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.) was imported into the U.S. as an ornamental in the late 1800s from Europe, West Asia, and North Africa.  Rogue plants remained relatively rare until around 30 years ago.  Since that time, poison hemlock has elevated its profile from an uncommon oddity to a common threat.

 

This dangerous non-native invasive plant is currently in the growth stages in southern Ohio which makes it susceptible to early-season management options.  Seeds have germinated and last season’s rosettes are beginning to “bolt.”   Killing the seedlings will reduce next year’s rosettes and killing the bolting rosettes will prevent seed production later this season.  Eliminating these plants now can significantly reduce infestations.

 

Poison hemlock

 

 

 

Life Cycle and Identification

Poison hemlock is a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae.  The old name for the family was Umbelliferae which refers to the umbel flowers.  The flowers are a key family feature with short flower stalks rising from a common point like the ribs on an umbrella.

 

Poison hemlock has a biennial life cycle.  The first year is spent in the vegetative stage as a low-growing basal rosette.  The rosettes use carbohydrates acquired through photosynthesis to produce a robust root system.

 

Plants “bolt” during the second-year reproductive stage to produce erect multi-branched stems topped with umbrella-like flowers.  Mature poison hemlock plants can tower as much as 6 – 10 ft. tall.  Plants die after producing seeds.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Poison hemlock

 

It’s important to note that the graphic above provides a generalized view of a biennial life cycle.  In reality, there can be considerable variability in the timing of events meaning that the growth stages within a group of poison hemlock plants are seldom synchronized.  It’s common for first-season vegetive plants to be mixed with second-season reproductive plants.

 

Also, the literature notes that some plants may occasionally behave as monocarpic perennials spending more than one year in the vegetative stage before flowering once and then dying.  This could help to explain the rapid rise in asynchronous life cycles in developing poison hemlock infestations.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Seed viability as well as the timing of seed germination also affects what we see.  Poison hemlock is a prolific seed producer.  Research has shown that seed production ranges from 1,700 to as high as 39,000 seeds per plant with seed germination rates averaging around 85%.  Seeds remain viable for 4 – 6 years.  This means that management tactics must account for new plants arising annually from the “seed bank” until there are no longer any viable seeds to contribute to infestations.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Poison hemlock

 

New and old seeds may germinate in late summer, early fall, to early spring.  As a result, first-year rosettes commonly range in size from small plants if seeds germinated in the spring to larger plants if seeds germinated in the fall.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Poison hemlock

 

Poison hemlock

 

All stages of the poison hemlock plant have dark-green to bluish-green leaves that are 3-4 times pinnately compound.  The deeply cut parsley or carrot-like leaflets have sharp points.  The characteristic leaf structure is even evident on newly germinated seedlings.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Poison hemlock stems are hairless, light-green to bluish-green, and covered with obvious purplish blotches; maculatum means ‘spotted’.  The purplish-blotched stems are first evident as the rosettes begin to bolt and become even more obvious on mature plants.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Poison hemlock produces white flowers on stalks that create a more rounded look compared to other members of the carrot family.  For example, the non-native Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota), with its umbels producing a flat-topped flower arrangement, is often used as the poster child for carrot family flowers.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Queen Annes Lace

 

Various online reports also claim Queen Anne’s lace is often mistaken for poison hemlock and vice versa.  Queen Anne’s lace has hairy stems and blooms much later in the season after poison hemlock plants are producing seed.

 

Poison hemlock

 

 

 

Toxicity

Poison hemlock is one of the deadliest plants found in North America.  It is the plant used to kill Socrates as well as the Greek statemen Theramenes and Phocion.  All parts of the plant are poisonous: the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots. However, the toxins must be ingested or enter our body through our eyes, nasal passages, or cuts in our skin to induce poisoning.  The toxins do not cause skin rashes or blistering.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Regardless, this plant should not be handled because sap on the skin can be rubbed into the eyes or accidentally ingested while handling food.  Immediate emergency medical attention should be sought if accidental poisoning from this plant is suspected.

 

 

Mow, Pull, or Spray?

Unfortunately, poison hemlock has become too widespread for it to be eradicated from Ohio.  However, infestations that present a clear and present danger to the public should be targeted for elimination.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Poison hemlock

 

Timing is everything!  The graphic below shows the best and worst times to implement management tactics. However, it’s important to note that regardless of management strategies, poison hemlock infestations are not likely to be eliminated in a single season.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Mowing poison hemlock just after plants begin to bolt but before they bloom can be highly effective although mowers may pass over the low-growing first-year rosettes.  However, equipment operators should approach mowing large poison hemlock infestations with caution (see “Cautionary Case Study” below).  Equipment with unshrouded blades should not be used.  PPE should be considered even if brush or flail mowers are shrouded.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Hand-pulling poison hemlock plants just after they bolt can be effective on small infestations.  However, it’s strongly recommended that hands are protected with gloves, arms protected with long sleeves, and eyes protected with safety goggles.  Plants should not be burned but disposed of using a method with limited exposure to animals and people.

 

Herbicides may be the safest option given the problematic nature of controlling poison hemlock by physical removal (see Case Study below).  Fortunately, the non-native weed is susceptible to a wide range of selective and non-selective postemergent herbicides.

 

Poison hemlock

 

Poison hemlock

 

Non-selective herbicides with the active ingredients glyphosate (e.g., Roundup) or pelargonic acid (e.g., Scythe) are effective but can also eliminate plants that compete with poison hemlock.  Herbicidal openings produced by non-selective herbicides provide perfect opportunities for poison hemlock to spring forth from previously deposited seed.  Thus, it’s important to have a plan for establishing competitive plants such as over-seeding with grasses (family Poaceae).

 

Grasses are effective competitors against poison hemlock and a range of selective post-emergent herbicides can be used that will preserve grasses but kill the poison hemlock.  These include clopyralid (e.g., Transline), metsulfuron (e.g., Escort XP), triclopyr (e.g., Triclopyr 4), and products that contain a combination of 2,4-D, dicamba, mecoprop, and dichlorprop.

 

Of course, as with using any pesticide, it’s important to closely read and follow label directions.  Some post-emergent herbicides can seriously damage trees if applied over the root zone.

 

A CAUTIONARY CASE STUDY:  Beware of Aerosolized Sap.  A story titled, “Hiding in Plain Sight” published in the “Life + Health” section of Good Housekeeping (April 2022, pgs. 21-25) described a disastrous encounter with poison hemlock in 2021 in southwest Ohio.  A landowner was using an electric chainsaw to cut down large weeds with thick stems on his property.  He didn’t know what kind of weeds he was cutting, but the stems defied string trimming.

 

Poison hemlock

 

The landowner began to feel ill and was having trouble breathing.  He was taken to a hospital emergency room where he tested negative for COVID-19.  His symptoms worsened, so he was admitted to the hospital.  Various diagnoses were considered and eliminated by his physicians including pneumonia.

 

Poison hemlock exposure was not considered because the landowner was not familiar with the dangerous plant and the health risks it presented.  He had just been “cutting down weeds.”  The link to his symptoms was eventually made when his daughter showed him images of poison hemlock and he identified it as the weed he was cutting down.  He spent 109 days in the hospital ultimately needing heart surgery.

 

The plight of the landowner is not proof-positive he had inhaled poison hemlock sap that had been aerosolized by the chainsaw.  The toxins may have found their way into his system via another route.  However, his physicians believe the mode of entry was through inhalation based on the symptoms and the damage to the landowner’s lungs.  Regardless, it’s a cautionary tale that should be considered while weighing management options.