Fruits can be canned using the boiling water bath method because they contain high enough acid levels to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum spores and the production of botulism toxin. Additionally, when properly canned fruits are heated long enough at high enough temperatures, spoilage causing microorganisms are destroyed.
Gypsum is a source of calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S) for crop nutrition. Calcium is also used for soil balancing of base cations and as a soil amendment to improve soil tilth and health (Chen and Dick, 2011). However, the application rates and frequencies sufficient to obtain soil and crop benefits from gypsum are often unknown. This article discusses the response of soils and crops in Ohio based on recent published studies.
One of the ways plant pathogens are introduced into a crop is on seeds. Bacterial pathogens are particularly notorious for this means of dissemination. In general, the earlier a pathogen encounters the crop, the greater the potential for a serious disease problem to develop. This is why it is very important to start with "clean" seed. Properly used, hot water treatment kills most plant disease-causing bacteria both on and within seeds.
Plants in the pigweed or Amaranthus family are found across Ohio and can be difficult to differentiate from one another. Correct identification of these species is critical, as they present varying degrees of management and economic concern. Below are pictures and key identifiers for five of the most common and troublesome pigweed species in Ohio:
The number of farmers markets in the United States has increased by almost 7,000; from 1,755 in 1994 to 8,771 in 2017 (USDA ERS, 2022). And while this growth in the number of markets has increased access to fresh, locally produced foods for many, those individuals and families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly known as the Federal Food Stamp program) do not have the ability to spend those benefits at all farmers markets in Ohio.
Consumer demand for organic products has grown steadily over the past several decades, with U.S. sales of organic food more than doubling from 2008 to 2019 (Figure 1). Meeting this demand through organic certification allows farmers to add value to their products while using sustainable production methods. However, organic certification is the most highly regulated food production program in the United States.
Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to a specific temperature for a defined amount of time to kill (inactivate) organisms in milk that may cause spoilage or disease if consumed. This process has been used for over 100 years to keep consumers of commercial milk safe by following the standards of the Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
Many closely held or family businesses make the decision to incorporate for the positive benefits provided by a corporate legal structure. These benefits include corporate personal liability limits and the potential for a corporation to survive the departure of a principal member of the business due to their decision to leave the business or their death. One of the requirements for incorporation in many states is the establishment of a board of directors.
Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper first detected in Ohio in 2020 (Mingo Junction in Jefferson County). Currently, no Ohio vineyards have reported an SLF infestation; however, this pest poses a significant threat to the industry. This invasive planthopper originates from Asia but has been in the United States since 2014. SLF has a broad host range, with over 200 different plant hosts.
Grape berry moth (GBM) (Paralobesia viteana) is a common and destructive pest in Midwest vineyards. GBM infests grape clusters, feeds on berries, and can significantly reduce yields. Infestations can also contaminate fruit by introducing plant pathogens that cause plant diseases like bunch rot (Duso et al., 2022; Thiéry et al., 2018). GBM overwinter in cocoons, often within folded leaves and debris on the vineyard floor (Goldammer, 2018).
