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Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

Recent Updates

  1. White Grub Identification, Biology and Management

    Mar 13, 2026

    “White grub” is the common name for root-damaging turf pests in the family Scarabaeidae, or scarab beetles. Scarabs, like all beetles, undergo complete metamorphosis, transitioning through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. All white grubs appear as plump, pale, typically C-shaped larvae that feed in the thatch layer of grass stands. White grubs have six true legs and no abdominal leg-like structures (prolegs) like caterpillars. Late instars have highly developed chewing mouthparts.
  2. Squash Vine Borer Damage and Management: What to Look for and When to Act

    Mar 5, 2026

    Squash vine borer (SVB), Melittia cucurbitae, is a destructive insect pest of cucurbits in Ohio and across the eastern and central United States. In some cases, growers report nearly complete crop loss as a result of SVB damage. Larvae bore into the stems of cucurbit plants, disrupting xylem and phloem transport resulting in plant collapse (Fig. 3) (Middleton, 2018).
  3. Community Brownfield Redevelopment: Preparing Sites for New Opportunities

    Mar 5, 2026

    Communities of all sizes face the challenge of brownfields, including properties that are abandoned, derelict, or underutilized as a result of their prior use. These sites contribute limited economic or community value and often impede redevelopment efforts. Without coordinated planning, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration for reuse, remediation, or redevelopment, brownfields typically remain underutilized.
  4. Purchasing Hay Equipment: Balers

    Mar 4, 2026

    The type of baler selected for haymaking is important in the success of the operation. First, operational goals must be set to determine the best baler for the job. These goals are determined by multiple questions:
  5. Controlling Non-Native Plants in Ohio Forests: Callery Pear

    Feb 17, 2026

    Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), often referred to by the cultivar name “Bradford pear,” is native to Asia. Its seed was initially brought to the United States in the early 20th century to serve as genetic material for breeding fire blight resistance in native pears in the Pacific Northwest. By 1950, Callery pear was recognized for its horticultural potential, especially its production of showy white flowers in early spring (Figure 1).
  6. Beef Cattle Handling: Physiology and Behavior

    Feb 12, 2026

    You have heard of horse sense. Well, to get cattle to do what you want takes knowledge of animal behavior, access to good facilities, and proper handling techniques. Collectively, these items add up to “cow sense”. Animal-related injuries to employees can be due to the preoccupation, impatience, or anger of the animal or its handler. During these moments, a livestock handler needs to understand animal behavior. Well-designed facilities do not make up for a lack of cow sense.
  7. Cressleaf Groundsel Identification and Control

    Feb 10, 2026

    Cressleaf groundsel (Packera glabella, formerly Senecio glabellus) has spread in Ohio since the early 1900s. With the adoption of no-till or reduced tillage, cressleaf groundsel has become more prevalent in Ohio across a variety of cropping fields, pastures, and other landscapes. Also called butterweed, this plant can spread aggressively. It has poisonous characteristics, making it a potentially toxic weed for livestock.
  8. Checklist for Complying With Endangered Species Protection Requirements on Pesticide Labels

    Feb 10, 2026

    Check the pesticide label for these requirements Mandatory spray-drift mitigations. Mandatory runoff mitigation measures, noting the number of points you need to comply.
  9. Purchasing Hay Equipment: Tedders and Rakes

    Feb 6, 2026

    After mowing a forage crop, the next step in the hay-making process is drying forage to a suitable content for end use. Forage intended for dry-hay production should be at 20% moisture or less before baling. Hay baled at the correct moisture decreases the risk of spoilage and hay fires while maintaining nutritional value (Krieger, et al., 2021). If baleage or silage is the intended product, the moisture can be much higher, but usually not over 60%.
  10. Benefits of Using Seed-Propagated Strawberries as Planting Materials

    Feb 5, 2026

    In Ohio, fresh local strawberries are typically produced in open fields from late spring to early fall. During the off-season, controlled environment facilities, such as tunnels, greenhouses, and indoor vertical farms, can be used to extend the production season and help growers produce strawberries year-round. The increasing interest in local foods and the continuous expansion of controlled environment production in Ohio have empowered strawberry growers to produce locally grown strawberries competitively.

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