Ohio State University Extension Releases Four New Guides for Growers

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State University Extension has released four new publications that producers and consumers may find helpful.

The publications -- on commercial vegetable production, Midwest tree fruit spraying, commercial small fruit and grape spraying, and controlling weeds in Ohio and Indiana -- offer insight into practical issues as spring approaches and growers are getting ready for the upcoming planting season, said Celeste Welty, an OSU Extension Entomologist and an associate professor of entomology.

OSU Extension and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) fruit and vegetable specialists are contributors to the new guides, ensuring that the information within the publications reflects current recommendations applicable to Ohio farming operations, she said.

OSU Extension and OARDC are the outreach and research arms, respectively, of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

“Having all current options for pest management decision-making in one bulletin is valued by our growers,” Welty said. “Every year there are some new pesticide products and uses added, and some pesticide use cancelled, and these changes are incorporated into the annual edition of each production guide.

“Although pesticides are prominent in these bulletins, information on non-chemical management tactics is also included.”

The publications include:

• “2013 Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide,” offering information on pest management recommendations formulated to provide up-to-date guidance on pesticides and their applicability to the pest problem. The guide is good for growers who plan to use restricted pesticides, who must be certified as private applicators. Cost is $8.

• “2013 Midwest Tree Fruit Spray Guide,” developed by the Midwest Fruit Workers Group to ensure proper application of pesticides on commercial fruit including apples, pears, cherries, peaches and plums. The guide includes formulations, application schedules and procedures for the listed fruits and special problems and pests that can occur. Cost is $8.

• “2013 Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers,” an annual guide that provides a summary of suggested vegetable varieties, seeding rates, fertilizer rates, weed control, insect control and disease control measures for commercial growers. Cost is $10.

• “Weed Control Guide for Ohio and Indiana, 2013” explains the importance of weed control and provides suggestions on herbicide management strategies for corn, popcorn, grain sorghum, soybeans, small grains and forages. Cost is $17.25.

The publications are among some 600 titles that are in stock and can be found at http://estore.osu-extension.org, said Cindy McCain, marketing and promotions manager for media distribution at Ohio State University Extension.

“These particular guides are very popular among growers and sell out almost every year,” McCain said.

The publications are available at OSU Extension county offices statewide. The guides can also be purchased online at OSU Extension’s Media Distribution Store, http://estore.osu-extension.org.

Ohio residents who purchase publications at an OSU Extension county office can get 20 percent off the website price, McCain said. Prices listed above do not include tax or shipping.