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This Week's Observations
Insect and Plant Observations
- Spotted lanternfly activity in Northern Ohio occurred following a snow event, BYGL Alert to follow
- A Virginia program called “Scrape for the Grape” targeting lanternfly egg masses, more on that here: https://graperesearch.org/2024/04/19/scrape-for-the-grape-eliminates-a-million-spotted-lanternflies/
- Witch hazel is blooming in NW Ohio
Turfgrass Science and Public Perception
- Discussion the importance of science-based outreach and respectful discourse on turfgrass biodiversity and misconceptions about its ecological value.
- A winter discussion to address the broader issue of native plant advocacy vs. practical landscaping was suggested. Plans for future educational content and strategies were discussed.
- A study from Chris Riley showing that woody plant diversity—not necessarily native plants—reduces pest management needs was shared with the group: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1618866721004660
- Debate over the compatibility of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass in lawns.
Cultural & Historical Notes
- Insights and photos from a visit to Mound City Group (https://www.nps.gov/hocu/learn/historyculture/mound-city-group.htm) and the ancient Teays River system (ODNR Bulletin) was shared.
OSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic Updates
Fruit Crops
September Highlights:
- Strawberry (Warren): Anthracnose
- Apple (Wayne): Bitter rot, Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia
- Blueberry (Ottawa): Environmental stress suspected
- Pear (Wayne): Possible virus
- Blackberry (Greene): No pathogens found
October Highlights:
- Apple McIntosh (Wayne): Bitter rot
- Blueberry (Medina): Phomopsis blight
- Grape (Licking): Ripe rot
- Strawberry (Franklin): Anthracnose
- Pear (Shelby): Fire blight
Ornamentals
Common Diagnoses:
- Boxwood: Volutella blight (Cuyahoga, Franklin, Wood, Hamilton), often with environmental or mite stress
- Arborvitae: Environmental stress, Pestalotiopsis blight, Phyllosticta needle blight
- Oak (various types): Tubakia leaf spot, environmental stress; Oak wilt frequently tested but not detected
- Maple: Anthracnose, leaf scorch, tar spot, herbicide drift
- Canaan Fir: Diplodia blight, mites, Pythium root rot
- Yew: Cryptocline needle blight, Phytopythium root rot
- Other notable issues: Fusarium wilt (Begonia), Verticillium wilt (Smoke Bush), bacterial streak (Hosta), herbicide injury (Hydrangea), Cladosporium leaf spot (Magnolia), Rhizosphaera needle cast (Spruce)
Vegetables
September Highlights:
- Tomato: Pith necrosis, bacterial leaf spot, Verticillium wilt + corky root rot
- Cilantro (Huron): Fusarium wilt
October Highlights:
- Tomato (Columbiana): Bacterial leaf spot, blossom end rot
- Cucumber & Squash: Viral panels negative
- Potato (Ashtabula): Pink eye due to high moisture/heat
Turf
- September: Leaf spot on mixed high-cut turf
- October: Abiotic weather-related issues on bentgrass (Lake)
Field Crops (October only)
- Triticale + Soil (Sandusky): Phytopythium damping off confirmed via baiting
Insect ID (October only)
- Franklin: Click beetle
- Cuyahoga: Pavement ant
- Unspecified: Anthocoridae (Hemiptera), Dictynida (spider)
Upcoming Events
OTF Conference and Trade Show (includes Landscape Tracks and ODA credits) - December 9-12, 2025 Columbus, OH
Tri-State Green Industry Conference - February 5, 2026 at Sharonville Conference Center
Contributing Buckeye Environmental Horticulture Team Members:
For more information on each team member, visit: https://beht.osu.edu/people. Additional contact information for each member can be found on their county website by visiting: countyname.osu.edu (ie. lucas.osu.edu).
- Amanda Perkins, Pike County
- Amy Stone, Lucas County
- Beth Scheckelhoff, Putnam County
- Dr. Dave “BugDoc” Shetler, Professor Emeriti
- Francesca Rotondo, Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic
- Gigi Neal, Clermont County
- Jenny Stoneking, Adams County
- Joe Boggs, Hamilton County
- Pam Bennett, Clark County
- Savannah Ballweg, Preble County
- Thomas DeHaas, Erie County
