COLUMBUS, Ohio — With the Neopestalotiopsis fungal disease — commonly called “Neo-P”—affecting strawberry supply chains and crop yields, Ohioans may notice a shortage of locally grown strawberries this year, said Melanie L. Lewis Ivey, associate professor of fruit pathology in the Department of Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
“Consumers can expect that there will be a limited supply of Ohio-grown strawberries this year,” Lewis Ivey said. “Based on reduced supply, the price of strawberries may be higher than in previous years.”
With limited fungicide options and no resistant strawberry varieties available, growers are turning to CFAES for critical...
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Mosquitoes have been transmitting the West Nile virus to humans in the United States for over 25 years, but we still don’t know precisely how the virus cycles through these pests and the other animals they bite.
A federally funded project aims to help pin down the process by using mathematical models to analyze how factors like temperature, light pollution, and bird and mosquito abundance affect West Nile virus transmission. The ultimate goal is to advise health departments of the best time of year to kill the bugs.
“I’m hopeful that what we will uncover in this grant will help us to better understand what’s driving West Nile virus transmission, and seasonal cycles of transmission, so we can determine when and where to...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Backyard poultry keeping is gaining popularity across Ohio as more residents discover the benefits of raising chickens.
Whether for a fresh supply of eggs, the fun of caring for animals, or the satisfaction of growing their own food, many are finding chickens to be a rewarding addition to their homes. As more communities consider or implement regulations allowing urban and suburban homeowners to raise chickens, the trend is only expected to grow.
To address this growing interest, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is supporting new poultry keepers through an online educational resource.
Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm, has developed the Backyard Poultry Certificate Course...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bruce Ackley, a lecturer in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS) at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been named a recipient of the 2025 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding lecturers, senior lecturers, and associated faculty for their excellence in teaching and commitment to student success.
Ackley, who has been with Ohio State since 2008 and became a lecturer in 2021, received the award during a surprise visit to his HCS 5411 lab, Domestication and Utilization of Agronomic Crops, where university leadership, colleagues, and students gathered to celebrate his achievement.
“It’s hard to articulate...
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hotter temperatures may render natural insect repellents less effective against mosquitoes, according to a new study.
Researchers found that a pain receptor called TRPA1 becomes less sensitive in mosquitoes when exposed to heat, meaning that the chemical cues that typically trigger insect avoidance behaviors are prevented from activating as strongly.
TRPA1, also known as the “wasabi receptor,” helps animals detect noxious heat and harmful chemicals. In humans, this receptor can induce eye and skin irritation. In mosquitoes, it influences which hosts the insects find most alluring – specifically, those unprotected by repellents that drive them away, said Peter Piermarini, co-author of the paper and a professor of...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to impact Ohio’s poultry industry, experts from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and Ohio State University Extension are providing critical support to poultry producers.
From biosecurity guidance and economic impact assessments to mental health resources, CFAES is leveraging its expertise to help farmers navigate the impacts.
“This is a rapidly evolving situation, and our Extension team members have been working tirelessly to support those most affected,” said David Civittolo, interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension, the outreach arm of CFAES. “Our faculty and staff are providing crucial resources ranging from...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Twenty-four students have been selected as 2025 Distinguished Seniors at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), the highest honor awarded to undergraduate students in the college.
The Distinguished Senior Award recognizes exceptional graduating seniors from CFAES who have demonstrated excellence in academics, research, leadership, and service throughout their time at Ohio State. Recipients are selected based on their ability to exemplify the CFAES mission and their impact both within the university and beyond.
“This award celebrates the incredible dedication and achievements of our students,” said Ann D. Christy, CFAES professor and associate dean for academic programs. “These 24 ...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — With egg prices soaring due to supply chain disruptions and avian flu impacts, many consumers are looking for ways to stretch their egg supply while ensuring food safety. Experts at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) offer key insights into safe egg storage, viable substitutes, and the economic factors behind the price hikes.
Maximizing egg shelf life
Proper storage is essential to keeping eggs fresh for as long as possible. According to Ahmed E. Yousef, the Virginia Hutchison Bazler and Frank E. Bazler Chair in Food Science, refrigeration is critical.
“In grocery stores, eggs are kept refrigerated, and they should remain refrigerated at home,” Yousef said. “Eggs can be stored beyond...
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a year marked by extreme weather events — including Ohio’s historic drought and the chilling cold of a polar vortex that brought temperatures feeling as low as -20 degrees across much of the state — Ohio State’s Improving Weather and Climate Understanding in Ohio program is expanding its reach with a new online course.
What started as a statewide effort to bring weather and climate education to Ohio is now broadening accessibility to even more educators, environmental professionals, and students.
After taking the state by storm with in-person workshops, the program is launching a self-paced online course starting Feb. 18, 2025. The course, Weather, Climate, and Climate Change for Ohio’s Environmental and Natural Resources...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — High school students passionate about solving global challenges are invited to participate in the 2025 Ohio Youth Institute (OYI) on April 14 at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Hosted in partnership with the World Food Prize Foundation, this program offers students the opportunity to explore critical issues like hunger, poverty, and sustainability while presenting their research alongside experts and peers from around the world, said Margo Overholt-Seckel, program manager for Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways, and coordinator for the OYI.
During the event, students present their research on global food security issues and propose innovative solutions. In addition to developing valuable...
