Ashtabula Agricultural Research Station
History
The newest of CFAES's statewide research sites, the Ashtabula Agricultural Research Station was established in 1985, a year after the Ohio legislature appropriated funds for CFAES to set up a grape research farm. The Ashtabula County Commissioners then entered into a long-term lease agreement with The Ohio State University for 25 acres of the former county home farmland. Over the years, CFAES has built trellised vineyards, two operations buildings, a cold storage facility, and an automated weather station on the site.
Research Focus
Ashtabula ARS maintains a comprehensive research program that covers the entire spectrum of grape and wine production, including work on cultivar evaluation and management practices; pest, disease, and weed control; cold tolerance; and evaluation of juice and wine quality. The coordinated work of Ohio State viticulturists, enologists, plant pathologists, entomologists, and weed ecologists has been crucial to the station's success in meeting growers' needs and ensuring the viability of the state's grape and wine industries.
The climate of northeastern Ohio is conducive to numerous grape diseases. Studies at Ashtabula ARS focus on the evaluation of new chemicals and control methods for many of these diseases.
Native and introduced insects are a perennial concern of area growers. CFAES scientists are quick to respond to grower needs with studies at the Ashtabula ARS. Additionally, the research station plays a vital role in the establishment of insect thresholds, control methods, food safety and quality, and dissemination of information.
Innovative approaches to weed control are an ongoing focus at Ashtabula ARS. Herbicide-treated mulches, herbicide rates, drift, and problem weed identification help growers establish management practices that lead to prudent use of resources.
Ashtabula ARS evaluates new cultivars to assist growers in identifying grape varieties suited to the climate of northeastern Ohio. Boosting grape quality is also a state and national priority supported at the research station. CFAES viticulture research has focused on identifying the most sustainable production practices that improve vine health as well as fruit and wine quality.
Freezing temperatures in midwinter and late spring are the most limiting factors for commercial grape production in Ohio. CFAES experts focus their research on studying physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which grapevines cope with freezing temperatures and subsequently on developing protection methods.
CFAES enologists play a major role in many studies conducted at the station. Wines produced from varietal and cultural trials help in determining the qualitative outcome of many studies. In addition, many station-grown grapes are used in research and Ohio State Extension projects that help area wineries.
Outreach and Ohio State University Extension
Ashtabula ARS has a very close relationship with local growers and winery owners, who provide critical input in the planning and development of many research projects. The research station's advisory committee brings together producers, CFAES researchers, and Ohio State Extension personnel, who keep research activities on target with the industry's needs. Ashtabula ARS also hosts various outreach events-including the biennial Ohio Grape and Wine Field Day, the Winter Pruning School, and educational programs for students from kindergarten through college.
Contact the station
Ashtabula ARS
2625 South Ridge East
P.O. Box 467
Kingsville, OH 44048
Phone: 440-224-0273
Aaron Jaskiewicz, Manager
jaskiewicz.3@osu.edu
Patrick Turner, Research Assistant
turner.879@osu.edu