Author: jagger.6

Peachy Time to Deal with Leaf Curl

Authors: Erik Draper
Peach Leaf Curl fungus on leaf

At this time of year most people are not thinking about next year’s fruit crop, but to be successful with peaches and nectarines, the critical time is now.  There is a particularly obnoxious foliar disease commonly called “peach leaf curl (PLC)”, caused by a fungal pathogen, Taphrina deformans.  This fungal foliar affliction can defoliate peach and nectarines on both ornamental and fruit bearing trees.  This fungus is responsible for creating strange and weird contorted, puckered up, yellow to red to purplish, deformed leaves.  Strangely enough, the PLC fungus can also infect young, green twigs or shoots causing swollen, stunted, and sometimes chlorotic shoots with curled leaves at their tips.   Continue Reading

Free Growing Berries Workshop

Produce and Specialty Crop Field Night Opportunities

A little Weed Seed Prevention can go a LONG WAY

Author: Carri Jagger OSU Extension – Morrow County

Do you fight weeds on your produce farm or in your gardens? You’re not alone! Every year weeds pop up in our production systems and some struggle to keep them under control. There are several pre and post emergent herbicide options on the market, but that’s not what I’m covering today. I’m going to look at some common weeds in production systems and the number of seeds one plant produces. When we start to think about the number of seeds that weeds produce, we soon realize why they are such a problem to control!

Redroot pig weeds produce 13,000 – 35,000 seeds per plant and it takes 3 years for the seed bank to be reduced by 50% and about 20 years to deplete the seed bank by 99%.

Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

 

Giant ragweeds produce 10,300 seeds per plant and it takes 2 years to deplete the seed bank by 99%.

Theodore Webster, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

 

Common ragweeds produce 3,500 seeds per plant and it takes 1 year to deplete the seed bank by 50% and 10 years for 99% depletion.

Theodore Webster, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

 

Velvet Leaf produces 2,000 – 9,000 seeds per plant. Each plant produces about 70 – 200 seed capsules per plant and each capsule contains 35 -45 seeds. It takes 2 years for the seed bank  to be reduced by 50% and about 16 years to deplete it by 99% unless it is buried deep in the soil from plowing and it will persist longer.

Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org

 

Common Lambsquarters produces between 30,000 – 176,000 seeds per plant and takes 12 years for 50% depletion and  78 years for 99% depletion.

Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

 

Giant Foxtail produces 500 – 2,500 seeds per plant and takes 5 years for the seed bank to be reduced by 50% and 30 to deplete it by 99%.

John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org

 

Canada Thistle will produce between 1,500 and 5,300 seeds per plant and research shows low to moderate persistence – when buried 1 to 3-inches in the soil 45 to 60% of seed germinates the first year and less than 1% survives after 3 to 5 years. When buried at greater depths (7-inches or more) and left undisturbed seeds have been found to be viable for up to 30 years. 

Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org

 

Hairy Galinsoga can produce up to 7,500 seeds and can remain viable for more than 2 years.

Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

Next time you see a weed getting ready to spread it’s seeds think about these numbers and cut it down before it can spread it’s offspring all over your field. If you are experiencing issues with weeds that I didn’t mention drop me a line at jagger.6@osu.edu to share what your problem weeds might be.

 

Sources: Michigan State Department of Soil and Microbial Sciences, Weeds

https://www.canr.msu.edu/weeds/extension/michigan-s-worst-weeds

https://blogs.cornell.edu/enychp/vegetables/weed-of-the-week-hairy-galinsoga/

National Farmers Market Week Kickoff

Thursday, July 31, 2025
Pearl Market
N Pearl Street and E Gay Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Time: 11 a.m.

Come join us for a kickoff celebration for National Farmers Market Week at Pearl Market in Columbus beginning at 11 a.m. on July 31. This year’s theme is Rooted in Community. National Farmers Market Week is August 3-9, 2025.

Agenda:

11:00 – 11:03 a.m. – Welcome to Pearl Market

11:03 – 11:05 a.m. – National Farmers Market Week Proclamation

11:05 – 11:08 a.m. – Ohio Farmers Market Network – How you can participate in NFMW celebrations at your local farmers market.

QUESTIONS: Christie Welch (welch.183@osu.edu)

 

Disease Management in Home Strawberry Plantings

Dr. Melanie Lewis Ivy, Associate Professor from the Department of Plant Pathology in Wooster just released this great new Strawberry resource for Home Strawberry Plantings. Click on the picture to see the full guide.

 

Don’t miss the 2025 Small Farm Conference

 

Full Conference Registration $100.00

Register here for the 2025 Ohio State Small Farm Conference

8:30  Check-in / Registration

  Trade show is open all day!

Track 1:Horticulture and Crop Production

9:00-10:00 | Growing in a Hoophouse: Frank Becker, OSU Extension – “Growing in a Hoophouse” will cover planning, setup, production techniques, management goals, and strategies for long-term success.

10:10-11:10 | Greenhouse vs. High Tunnels: Impacts on Pesticide Use and Disease and Insect Pest Management: Melanie Ivey, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology CFAES-Wooster – This presentation will explore the differences between greenhouses and high tunnels and their impact on pesticide use, disease, and pest management.

11:20-12:20 | Integrated Disease Management Strategies for Apples and Peaches: Prevention and Control of Major Tree Fruit Diseases: Melanie Ivey, Associate Professor, Plant Pathology CFAES-Wooster – This presentation will cover major tree fruit diseases and strategies for prevention and control, focusing on integrated disease management in apples and peaches.

2:00-3:00 | What’s Required to Get the Most from High Tunnel Production?: Matt Kleinhenz, Professor& Extension Specialist- Vegetables – This presentation will explore why some high tunnel users fall short of their goals, offering strategies for success, followed by a tour of the OSU High Tunnel Research and Extension Facility in Wooster.

3:10-4:10 | High Tunnel Tour Matt Kleinhenz, Professor& Extension Specialist- Vegetables – The OSU High Tunnel Research and Extension Facility in Wooster features 18,000 sq ft of learning space across nine high tunnels; more details are available at https://u.osu.edu/vegprolab/research-areas/high-mid-tunnel-systems.

Track 2: Natural Resources and Conservation

9:00-10:00 | Sourcing Logs for Mushroom Production: Marc Amante, Central State University & Erika Lyon, Ohio State University Extension –  Considering log-grown mushrooms as a farm enterprise? This session covers mushroom types, log selection, and budgeting for laying yards.

10:10-11:10 | Soil Regeneration Utilizing Cover Crops: Chris Galbraith, Extension Field Specialist, Ohio State University – This session explores how cover crops can improve soil health as a regenerative practice and align with your farm’s goals.

11:20-12:20 | What’s in My Woodland? Basic Tree and Nut Identification: Carrie Brown, Ohio State University Extension – Join us for a crash course on identifying seeds and nuts from Ohio woodlands.

2:00-3:00 |Creating Habitat for Beneficial Insects on the Farm: Denise Ellsworth, Ohio State University– What do beneficial insects need to survive, and how can you enhance the habitat you already have to draw in more pollinators and other good bugs?

3:10-4:10 | Phenology:Using this Age-Old Science to Predict Bloom Time and Insect Activity:  Denise Ellsworth, Ohio State University– Phenology is the study of recurring biological phenomena and their relationship to weather and climate. Bird migration, hunting and gathering seasons, blooming of wildflowers and trees, and the seasonal appearance of insects are examples of phenological events that have been recorded for centuries.

Track 3: Diversifying Your Enterprise

9:00-10:00 | Growing Microgreens for Urban Growers and Small Farms: Kip Curtis, Associate Professor, OSU Extension – Scale, Scope, and Specialty: Overcoming Urban Grower and Small Scale Farm Marketing Challenges. 

10:10-11:10 | Money to Grow: Grants 101 for Food & Farm Businesses: Hannah Scott, Program Director, OSU South Centers  – This session covers the basics of grant funding for farms, addressing misconceptions, challenges, key considerations, and examples of available programs.

11:20-12:20 | Growing Your Farm With Agritourism: Christie Welch & Rob Leeds OSU Extension – Discover how agritourism can boost your farm’s business and profitability.

2:00-3:00 | Direct Marketing Your Food Through Online Sales: Christie Welch OSU South Centers – Explore online sales platforms to find the best fit for ag-based businesses.

3:10-4:10 | Navigating Licenses/Certificates for your Small Farm Market:  Emily Marrison, OSU Extension– Not sure what license, certification, or labels you will need to sell your products. This presentation will investigate what you will need to sell created cosmetics, granola, soaps, creamed filled pastries.

Track 4: Business Management

9:00-10:00 | How can value-added help your farm?: Kate Hodeges & Jessica Eikleberry, Northeast Ohio Ag innovation Center –  Learn what defines a value-added product, its benefits, and how the AIC supports farmers in starting or expanding their businesses, with insights from experienced professionals and optional one-on-one mini consultations.

10:10-11:10 | Behind the Brand: Heather Neikirk, OSU Extension Educator – Exploring branded programs and certifications for agricultural producers & products that I think would be a good fit.  

11:20-12:20 | Passing on Your Farm to the Next Generation: David Marrison, Professor and Field Specialist, Ohio State University Extension – Learn practical tips for passing your farm to the next generation, including ownership transfer, asset management, and navigating crucial conversations.

2:00-3:00 | Whole Farm Planning for the 21st Century: Integrating Childcare, Healthcare, and Health Insurance into Farm Planning.:  Sarah Noggle and David Marrison, Ohio State University Extension – This session equips farmers with an overview of tools to integrate childcare, healthcare, and health insurance into their farm business plans, addressing often-overlooked aspects of farm viability.

3:10-4:10 | SARE Topics and Grants:  Michelle Wallace, Central State – Learn about USDA-funded SARE grants for farmers, educators, and researchers, including funding opportunities, deadlines, and tips for improving your application.

Track 5: Livestock

9:00-10:00 | Vaccinations Program for a Small Farm: Kevin Jacque, Assistant Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, OSU Large Animal Service –  What vaccinations should I be giving my livestock? Dr. Kevin Jacque will look at the vaccinations that are essential for a small farm.

10:10-11:10 | Small Scale Hay Making: Lee Beers, OSU Extension Educator – This session covers the hay-making process, equipment selection for small farms, and hay market insights to support sound financial decisions. 

11:20-12:20 | Biosecurity for Small Farms: John Yost, OSU Extension Educator – Learn how diseases can enter your farm and practical steps to protect the health and welfare of your livestock and poultry.

2:00-3:00 & 3:10-4:10 | Grassfed Beef Tour (Self-driving): John Yost & Dean Kreager, OSU Extension – Matt Falb, a 4th generation farmer near Orrville, Ohio, operates an 80-acre grass-fed beef farm focused on sustainable practices like managed intensive grazing, cover crops, and extending the grazing season.

 

 

Virtual Ohio Berry Production Series

The Ohio State University South Centers is bringing its Ohio Berry Production Series to an online virtual format to reach even more growers in Ohio and beyond! Join us on February 20 beginning at 9:30 a.m. for this FREE online event via the Zoom communications platform.

This webinar will feature information to benefit both beginner and advanced growers, and to teach you proven techniques to maximize production and quality in your plantings and vineyards.

Schedule

9:30-10:30 a.m. Growing Blueberries in Ohio

10:45–11:45 a.m. Raspberry Growing in Ohio

Break for lunch

1:15-2:30 p.m. Growing Grapes in Ohio

Simply visit the link below and fill out the registration form. We also plan on offering on-demand recordings afterward, so you can access the event on-demand, as we know this fits some people’s schedules better.

 Register here: go.osu.edu/ohioberries

For even more information, consult the attached flyer.

Looking forward to seeing you virtually this year!

Cucurbit Field Nights