Ag news and notes: Week of August 13

Editor’s Note: Ag News and Notes is a new feature of the Meigs Independent Press. If you have local agricultural news or something you would like to see mentioned, email [email protected].

Researchers working on stopping pathogens in salads

Researchers at The Ohio State University are working on stopping pathogens from growing in vegetables. The focus of a the research is on hydroponics and preventing listeria and salmonella from growing on leafy greens.

Small growers utilizing hydroponics are growing across Ohio. Hydroponics makes it possible for food to be grown with less to no soil and less space than traditional farming.

For now, rinsing leafy greens under running water can help cut down on possible pathogens. Even those labeled washed should be washed. Keeping leafy greens cold helps too.

Spotted Lanternfly

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is confirming the latest spotted lantern fly (SLF) infestations in the Columbus and Toledo areas. The SLF is designated a destructive plant pest. New detections have also been in Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, and Muskingum counties.

The SLF is native to Asia. Grapes, hops, and apples are susceptible along with other plant species. The insects reach adult stage in late summer and into fall. They are about one inch, with black bodies and colorul red and grey wings with black markings. Eggs are laid in small, grey masses covered by a waxy covering starting in October.

If you think you see spotted SLF or damage caused by them, report it to the ODA by filling out the Ohio Plant Pest Reporter. A clear photo is required for submissions.

Fair Entries Up

The 160th Meigs County Fair is this week and open class fair entries are up. A long standing part of the fair are the agricultural displays. From baking and canning to sewing and horticulture, the fair offers the opportunity for showing off those skills that have been part of the fair from the beginning.
This year the fair received 2,568 open class entries. That is up from 2022 by 155.
The fair is August 14-19 at the Meigs County Fairgrounds.