Ohio State wins Weed Science Competition. For the 5th year in a row Ohio State wins first place at the annual Weed Science Contest sponsored by the North Central Weed Science Society. By Victor van Buchem.

High Tunnels: Grow, Sell Crops Year-round. Unheated and relatively inexpensive, high tunnels let farmers expand their market and production windows, reports Ohio State scientist Dr. Matt Kleinhenz. By Victor van Buchem.

Barnes Family Touches Up Stone Lab. Owners of Barnes Nursery, OSU alumni Sharon and Robert "Bob" Barnes generously contributed their landscaping expertise to beautify the grounds of Stone Lab. By Victor van Buchem.

Extension Outreach Trains Hispanic Workforce. An OSU Cares grant has funded a series of training sessions on horticulture and life skills for Latino workers at eight Ohio nurseries. By Victor van Buchem.

HCS News Launches Podcasting. Enhanced podcasts of Ohio State Horticulture & Crop Science News stories are now available for easy download to your desktop computer and a portable music player. By Victor van Buchem.

X-ray Technology Improves Seed Assessment. Ohio State University's Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center is exploring the use of medical x-ray technology in seed assessment. By Victor van Buchem.

Beuerlein Honored for Crop Science Extension Education. OSU Extension agronomist Dr. James E. Beuerlein received the Crop Science Society of America 2005 Crop Science Extension Education Award. By Victor van Buchem.

Tailgaters Cheer Buckeyes to Victory. The 4th Annual Beat Michigan Tailgate brought together over 150 alumni and friends to cheer on the football Buckeyes to a come from behind victory. By Victor van Buchem.

Students Benefit from Agronomic Internships. Four crop science majors gained valuable industry exposure and work experience by participating in an agronomic internship experience this past summer. Whether working on a family farm or for a large multi-national company, these young men developed new skills, expanded their horizons and prepared for careers in agriculture. To foster a well-rounded experience, employers provided opportunities in all areas of the business, including customer service, management, sales, research, and other appropriate departments. By Victor van Buchem.

Master Gardeners Serve Extension and Arboretum. Both Franklin County Extension and The Ohio State University Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens benefit greatly from a dedicated group of volunteers. These 115 Master Gardeners donated over 6100 hours toward the horticulture efforts of Extension and the arboretum. Here are a few highlights of how these volunteers help make these programs an annual success. By Victor van Buchem.

Trials Help Poinsettias Get New Look. Poinsettias, by any other color, pattern or shape, are still America's favorite holiday flowers. But just like in the automobile business, new poinsettia "models" are bred each year for growers and buyers to either embrace or reject. That's why Ohio State University floriculture experts conduct annual poinsettia trials in which both producers and consumers rate the new arrivals - providing direction to nurseries on what to offer in the coming year and giving the public a chance, perhaps, to pick the next holiday star. By Victor van Buchem.

Our Ohio Features Tomato Research. The Our Ohio television program recently visited The Ohio State University to learn more about cancer fighting lycopene in tomatoes. The health segment of the program featured an interview with Horticulture & Crop Science Professor Stephen Myers discussing the beneficial ways that biotechnology will complement the fields of plant genetics and breeding. Dr. Myers detailed the exciting horticulture research that is exploring ways to increase human health. By Victor van Buchem.

Students Give International Flavor to Turf Program. Through a collaboration with the International Internship Program the Ohio State Turfgrass Science program welcomed five new international turfgrass science students this winter quarter. By Victor van Buchem.

Researchers Investigate Nursery Stock Bark Splitting. Nursery tree stock throughout Ohio is suffering from bark splitting, a common injury sustained under cold conditions. But the severity and scope of the damage is costing nursery growers millions in lost revenue, and is driving Ohio State University researchers to investigate other potential causes behind the problem. By Victor van Buchem.

New Tests Added to Corn Performance Trials. The scope of this year's Ohio State University Ohio Corn Performance Trials has been broadened to accommodate increasing interest in other production practices. The test not only faithfully provides growers grain yield and composition, stalk lodging, emergence, and plant stand results for early and full-season maturity hybrids, but it also gives information on Roundup Ready corn, corn grown for silage and organic corn. By Victor van Buchem.

Award Recognizes OSU's Commitment to African Agriculture. When Richard Pratt was presented with the 2005 African Crop Science Society (ACCS) Award last December in Entebbe, Uganda, he accepted it not only as a personal recognition but also as a testament to the strong ties that unite Ohio State University and Africa's agricultural science community. By Victor van Buchem.

PAX Poinsettias Raise Student Funds. The 28th annual Pi Alpha Xi (PAX) Poinsettia Sale was held November 30th, December 1st and December 2nd 2005. Along with PAX, the floriculture and ornamental horticulture honor society, two other student organizations joined with holiday decorations. The Landscape and Floriculture Forum (LAFF) provided live holiday center pieces and the student chapter of Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) provided wreaths. Proceeds from poinsettias fund scholarships and educational travel for both undergraduate and graduate horticulture students. By Victor van Buchem.

Dobbels Earns Professional Staff Award. H&CS Research Associate Tony Dobbels earned the North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS) Professional Staff Award at the 60th NCWSS Banquet in Kansas City. Dobbels was recognized for his outstanding and sustained contributions in support of weed science acitivities in the North Central region. By Victor van Buchem.

Turfgrass Science Student Scholarships Awarded. A highlight of the 39th Annual Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show was six Ohio State Turfgrass Science students earning academic scholarships at the Awards Banquet. During the December 7th ceremony, the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) presented $25,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in turfgrass management, including the annual Don Sweda and George Biddulph Memorial Scholarships. An additional $10,000 was awarded to four students that received the R.D. Baker Memorial Scholarships, presented by the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust - the non-profit, charitable fund-raising arm of OTF. By Victor van Buchem.

Ohio State Students Help in Hurricane Recovery Efforts. A group of 30 Ohio State University students arrived in Louisiana the week of December 11-17, ready to roll up their sleeves and pitch in to clean up parts of South Louisiana ravaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Landscape Horticulture students Anna Leis, Nate Tschaenn and Aaron Heilers joined the volunteer effort. By Victor van Buchem.

Appreciating Locally Grown Foods. There is a growing trend in Ohio in which local farmers and chefs are coming together to offer hungry citizens a taste of what grows just 30, 60 or 90 minutes away from their favorite restaurant. This chef-grower trend - which has become increasingly popular in other parts of the country - reflects local efforts to restore, in an increasingly globalized food economy, the vital connection between those who grow our food and those who prepare it. The Buckeye state - with its 11 million residents, good road system, and numerous urban centers surrounded by farmland - may just have the right ingredients for this recipe. By Victor van Buchem.

One-Stop Agronomic Resource Revised. Horticulture & Crop Science faculty contributed to newly revised 14th edition of the Ohio Agronomy Guide now available from OSU Extension. By Victor van Buchem.

Dave Barker Earns Advising Award. Dr. David Barker has earned the 2005 Price Advising Award from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences in recognition of his dedication to outstanding student advising. Dr. L. H. Newcomb, Senior Associate Dean and Price Chair in Teaching, Advising and Learning, congratulated Dr. Barker and thanked him for his outstanding contributions to the college. By Victor van Buchem.

2006 ONLA Phil Kozel Scholarships Announced. Established in memory of Dr. Phil Kozel, Professor of Horticulture at Ohio State, the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) annually presents the Phil Kozel Memorial Scholarships to 30 Ohio college students and 6 FFA students.The scholarship is given to further the college careers of two upper-class persons and one first year student from the nine 2-year colleges in Ohio offering plant science degrees, as well as The Ohio State University Horticulture and Crop Science Department. The following three Ohio State student scholarship winners were recognized at the annual ONLA Business Meeting in January 2006. By Victor van Buchem.

Corn Breeding Dissertation Helps Africans. In September 2001 Godfrey Asea, a native Ugandan, traveled to Wooster, Ohio to study with corn breeding expert Dr. Rich Pratt at OSU's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). After completing his Ph.D. in December 2005, Dr. Asea is prepared to return to Africa and put his research into action. Armed with an increased understanding of the corn (maize) genes that are resistant to disease, Dr. Asea strives to help African farmers fight against pests and diseases that devastate their crops. He recently returned to Entebbe, Uganda to present his dissertation research at the 7th Annual African Crop Science Society Conference - Opportunities and Challenges for Transforming Agriculture. By Victor van Buchem.

Konjoian Earns Distinguished Alumni Award. An entrepreneur, scientist and educator, Peter Konjoian has served both the academic and industry sectors of floriculture through his research teaching and business practices. As such, the Ohio State College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences has honored Konjoian with the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award. Konjoian was recognized at the Award Banquet Program held on Saturday, February 25, 2006 on the OSU Campus at the Fawcett Center. By Victor van Buchem.

Retractable Roof Greenhouses Offer Advantages. Containerized tree liners grown in retractable roof greenhouses before being transferred to field production have higher growth and survivability rates than field bareroot material, according to Ohio State University Horticulture and Crop Science research. By Victor van Buchem.

Garrity Earns Distinguished Alumni Award. An international champion of agroforestry, Dennis Garrity (BS 1974, Agronomy) is part of a global effort to develop sustainable farming systems, alleviating poverty and achieving sustainable food security in developing countries. Recognizing his efforts, the Ohio State University College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences has honored Dennis Garrity with the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Garrity was recognized at the Award Banquet Program held on Saturday, February 25, 2006 on the OSU Campus at the Fawcett Center. By Victor van Buchem.

Extending the Life of Flowering Plants. Flowering plants are most eye-catching when healthy and in full-bloom vigor. But something always happens to them in the pot at the nursery or in the vase on someone's kitchen table - leaves wilt; the blooms eventually die. And for many, this death tends to occur sooner rather than later.Ohio State University researchers with the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science are studying molecular and biochemical ways to delay the degradation and death (also known as senescence) of plant organs, such as leaves and flowers. By understanding the regulators that control senescence, researchers hope to identify genes that could be inhibited to delay the process and increase the quality and shelf-life of flowering plants. By Victor van Buchem.

Pre-PGM Students Have High Hopes. A brand new major at The Ohio State University will have students aspiring for careers in the golf industry. While the university awaits review for accreditation by the Professional Golfer's Association of America, Pre-Professional Golf Management (Pre-PGM) students are ready to enroll in courses to prepare them for a career in golf management. By Victor van Buchem.

Alum Deeter a Distinguished Teacher. Dr. Laura M. Deeter, an Assistant Professor in Horticulture Technologies at Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI), was honored for her superior teaching with the 2006 Ohio State University Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. Dr. Deeter is a role model and friend to students, who consider her to be an amazing teacher who makes learning fun. "She finds unique ways of making students want to learn and feel a kinship with her," one student commented. Students consistently praise Deeter's excellence in teaching, her command of the subject matter, and her genuine concern for her students. By Victor van Buchem.

Turf Students Benefit from Gifts, Endowments. The Ohio State University Turfgrass Science program has begun a fundraising campaign for its nationally-recognized Turfgrass Science and new Professional Golf Management (PGM) programs. The turfgrass industry, Ohio State alumni and OSU faculty have responded favorably to this new campaign through generous equipment donations and endowment contributions. Current and future Ohio State students are sure to benefit from this initiative to strengthen the Turfgrass Science teaching and research programs at OSU. By Victor van Buchem.

OSU Scholars Revise Plant Science Textbook. Thanks to a diverse group of plant science scholars from The Ohio State University, a widely-used plant science textbook has been completely revised. College-level horticulture and agronomy students across the country can expect to using the 4th Edition of Hartmann's Plant Science: Growth, Development, and Utilization of Cultivated Plants to learn about the environmental, cultural and social factors that influence how plants are grown and used worldwide. By Victor van Buchem.

Soybean Inoculants Supply Nitrogen More Effectively. Inoculants are an effective and profitable alternative method of providing soybean plants with nitrogen, according to Ohio State University Extension research by Dr. Jim Beuerlein. By Victor van Buchem.

OARDC Honors HCS Faculty and Students. Horticulture & Crop Science tomato breeder/geneticist Dr. David Francis and graduate students Roel Rabara and Anton Prajitna were honored during OARDC 2006 annual research conference. By Victor van Buchem.

Landscape Horticulture Students: Future Leaders. Diverse educational experiences are cultivating Ohio State students Michael Boeck, Karisa Bethune and Joseph Tychonievich to be future leaders in the green industry. By Victor van Buchem.

Gamma Sigma Delta Honors Pratt, Initiates New Members. Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture, awarded the 2006 International Award of Merit to Dr. Rich Pratt and initiated new members at annual banquet. By Victor van Buchem.

2006 Buckeye Sports Turf Awards Announced. Buckeyes Weston Appelfeller, Brian Gimbel, and Mike O'Keeffe were honored during the 10th Annual OSU Sports Turf Short Course. By Victor van Buchem.

Chadwick Arboretum Celebrates Arbor Day. Ohio State University's Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens Arbor Day 2006 event dedicated an American Elm in honor of OSU plantsman Dave Maynard and recognized Sharon Treaster's work with students and volunteers. By Victor van Buchem.

Transgenic Corn Production Slowly Increasing in Ohio. Of all the major corn-producing states, Ohio ranks last in adopting biotechnology varieties. However, the shift to transgenic corn production may be accelerating, according to OSU Extension Agronomist Dr. Peter Thomison. By Victor van Buchem.

OSU Alums Author Two New Gardening Books. Whether you are creating a new outdoor space or starting a garden in Ohio, Horticulture & Crop Science alumni Melinda Myers and Debra Knapke have each authored a new guide that helps gardeners select the best varieties and designs for their garden needs. By Victor van Buchem.

Bonsai Educator Honored with Student Services Award. Ben Fredritz was recognized by the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Student Council with the 2006 Meritorious Service to Students Award. By Victor van Buchem.

New Statewide Master Gardener Coordinator Named. Pam Bennett, an OSU Extension Educator and horticulture director for Clark County, has been appointed Ohio's new statewide Master Gardener Volunteer coordinator. By Victor van Buchem.

Extension Addresses Mexican Migration, Agriculture. A group of Ohio State Extension Educators recently traveled to central Mexico to experience, first-hand, rural Mexico and its agriculture and how they relate to Mexican migration in the US. By Victor van Buchem.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides Effective for Weed Control. Due to increasing herbicide resistance in Ohio crop fields, OSU's Jeff Stachler encourages weed management through the proper use of pre-emergent herbicides. By Victor van Buchem.

Controlling Perennial Weeds on Organic Farms. Dr. John Cardina is leading a new study that looks at how to control perennial weeds without using synthetic weed killers. By Victor van Buchem.

Arsenal Attracts OSU Turfgrass Intern. Ohio State University turfgrass science major Brett Tanner is completing his international sports turf internship with English Premiership soccer team Arsenal. By Victor van Buchem.

Minton Rose Garden Expands Learning Opportunities. A generous endowment has established the John Peter Minton Memorial Rose Garden and expanded the educational and ornamental plant internship opportunities in the Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens. By Victor van Buchem.

An Outdoor Office Sprouts in Bamboo Garden. Landscape Horticulture students Virginia Oswald and Joseph Tychonievich have created a whimsical outdoor office in The Ohio State University Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens bamboo garden between Howlett Hall and The Parker Food Science Building. By Victor van Buchem.

2006 Ohio Wine Competition: A Record Year. Ohio's "wine quality" is evaluated from a sensory and a scientific basis during Ohio State's annual Ohio Wine Competition. By Victor van Buchem.

Podcasting Delivers Educational Content. Dr. Tim Rhodus and the HCS Digital Technology Team are using podcasting technology to deliver timely, educational content to students, industry and the public. By Victor van Buchem.

Graduate Students Earn Associateship and Awards. Ohio State graduate students Jing Luo, Min Gab Kim, and Brian Schutte have earned awards and an associateship for their excellent plant science and horticulture research. By Victor van Buchem.

International Fruit Extension Funt's Forte. Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Department Professor Emeritus Dr. Dick Funt is an international extension expert who pioneered economic analysis of fruit production systems and extended non-biased research for 30 years. By Victor van Buchem.

Predicting Nitrogen Fertility for Turfgrass. Horticulture and Crop Science researcher Dr. David Gardner is developing a new test for predicting nitrogen fertility requirements for turfgrass. By Victor van Buchem.

Miller McDonald Earns AOSA Merit Award. Seed Biologist Miller McDonald earned the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) 2006 Merit Award for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of seed testing.An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by the Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Story and web publishing by Victor van Buchem. Award photo courtesy Wayne Guerke. McDonald photo by Jodi Miller. Field photo by Ken Chamberlain. By Victor van Buchem.

Organic Corn: Test Shows How Well It Can Yield in Ohio. Organic farming can produce, on average, as much corn per acre in Ohio as conventional farming can, according to an Ohio State University study.Given the right conditions, organic farming can produce, on average, as much corn per acre in Ohio as conventional farming can, according to an Ohio State University study. Corn hybrids grown in last year's Ohio State Organic Corn Performance Test produced 13 percent more corn per acre than the statewide average yield - most of that conventional corn - and topped the record-high state average yield by four bushels per acre.An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Story by Candace Pollock. Photos courtesy Peter Thomison and Ken Chamberlain. By Victor van Buchem.

Herbicide/Mulch Combo Offers Superior Weed Control. Nursery Extension Specialist Dr. Hannah Mathers and Luke Case have discovered that a combination of mulch and pre-emergent herbicide treatments can provide weed control for nearly a year.The challenges of weed control in the nursery and landscape industries just got easier and less expensive.According to Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop Science field trials, a combination of mulch and pre-emergent herbicide treatments can provide weed control for nearly a year per single application. Consequently, that translates into anywhere from 88 percent to 93 percent in potential chemical and labor savings annually for nurseries and landscape professionals, says Dr. Hannah Mathers, an Ohio State nursery and landscape extension specialist.An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Story by Candace Pollock. Photos by Ken Chamberlain and Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

Horticulturists Convene in New Orleans. Horticulturists from across the globe convened in New Orleans for the 2006 American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference. Held at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel between July 27-30, the conference boasted many Ohio State horticulturists delivering educational presentations.OSU Horticulture & Crop Science faculty involved in the meetings included Drs. Matt Kleinhenz, Ray Miller, Joe Scheerens, Tim Rhodus, Mark Bennett and David Tay. H&CS staff Luke Case and Victor van Buchem. Graduate students Roel Rabara, Jon Sammons, Petra Sternberg, and Alejandra Acuna. Additional co-authors and collaborators whose work was discussed at the conference include Drs. Hannah Mathers, Dick Funt, Pablo Jourdan, David Francis, Miller McDonald, and Dan Struve, as well as students Elizabeth Grosskurth and Samuel Contreras.An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Story by Candace Pollock. Photos by Ken Chamberlain and Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

Outstanding H&CS Columbus Staff Honored. The H&CS Staff Awards for Excellence in Performance Program has honored two Columbus-based staff members for their outstanding contributions to the Ohio State Horticulture & Crop Science program. Jenny Pope and Brian Mowery have each been recognized for enhancing the capabilities of their programs and furthering the mission of the department.An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Story and photos by Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

Outstanding H&CS Wooster Staff Honored. The H&CS Staff Awards for Excellence in Performance Program has honored two Wooster-based staff members for their outstanding contributions to the Ohio State Horticulture & Crop Science program. K. Gregory Smith and Bruce Williams have each been recognized for enhancing the capabilities of their programs and furthering the mission of the department.An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Story and photos by Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

Dr. David Gardner Promoted to Associate Professor. Barbara Snyder, Provost at The Ohio State University, has announced that Turfgrass Science researcher Dr. David Gardner has been promoted to Associate Professor in the Horticulture & Crop Science Department effective October 1, 2006.An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Story and photos by Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

Dr. Richard Pratt Promoted to Professor. Barbara Snyder, Provost at The Ohio State University, has announced that Plant Breeding Genetics researcher Dr. Richard Pratt has been promoted to Professor in the Horticulture & Crop Science Department effective October 1, 2006.An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Ken Chamberlain. By Victor van Buchem.

Ferree Earns Pomological Society Wilder Medal. Ohio State University Professor Emeritus Dr. David C. Ferree was recently awarded the American Pomological Society's (APS) 2006 Wilder Medal for his vast contributions to the advancement of pomological science as a researcher, educator, and mentor. Established in 1873 in honor of Marshall Pinckney Wilder, the illustrious founder and first President of the APS, the Wilder Medal is awarded to individuals or organizations for distinguished service and contributions to the advancement of pomological science and for the development of outstanding fruit varieties.An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Ken Chamberlain and Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

Ohio State Launches Buckeye Turf Podcasts. Buckeye Turf Podcasts are the newest e-learning offering from The Ohio State University Turfgrass Science Program, a team that has been using new technologies to better communicate turgrass science management techniques for many years. Through the Buckeye Turf Podcasts blog turfgrass professionals can access, download and watch the latest OSU turfgrass research reports and presentations on turfgrass pests, cultural programs, and case studies delivered as enhanced podcasts.Available at http://buckeyeturf.osu.edu/podcast, this podcasting initiative builds upon Ohio State's strong history of delivering timely technical turfgrass tips to golf course superintendents (SK TurfNotes) and athletic field managers (OSU SportsNotes) via blog-style postings. Instead of relying on text-only publications to educate the industry, Ohio State faculty and staff experts illustrate educational turf tips with photos and graphics. The enhanced podcast learning module format allows for additional photos, synchronized audio, full-screen desktop playback, and portable playback.*****An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Kevin Fitzsimons and Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

OSU Helps Turn Ohio Brownfield into Unique Vineyard. When developer Todd Davis faced a hurdle in planning his ambitious sports resort community on the shores of Lake Erie, he turned to Horticulture & Crop Science faculty for help.Cleveland brownfield developer Todd Davis had a problem. A sizable area of his most ambitious project to date - turning the 1,100-acre, contaminated former site of Lake County's Diamond Shamrock Painesville Works into the nation's first sports-oriented resort community - was not stable enough to support the weight of structures, limiting development options.*****An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Victor van Buchem and Wurtzler Photography. By Victor van Buchem.

First Year PGM Student Receives Accolades. Ohio State Professional Golf Management major A. Andrew Moore authored a top-ranked essay in the First Year Experience Autumn Quarter Buckeye Book Community.Andrew authored the top-ranked essay in response to the third of four questions about the book The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon. Published by Del Rey, the novel focuses on an autistic boy, how he sees the world, and how he is perceived by others. Andrew's essay discussed how the book impacted his empathy for someone in his life who lives with autism. He made an immediate connection with the main character Lou because of his cousin Eric. "The Speed of Dark has helped me understand the mysteries of autism and more importantly, to understand my own cousin," said Andrew.*****An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Victor van Buchem and Wurtzler Photography. By Victor van Buchem.

Seed Biology Program Launches New Website. The Ohio State University Seed Biology Program has launched a new website to better communicate the breadth and scope of the teaching, research and outreach efforts of this interdisciplinary program.In the Ohio State University Seed Biology Program, faculty from the Departments of Horticulture & Crop Science, Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, and the School of Environment and Natural Resources study seeds and their performance. The integration of these basic and applied disciplines results in breadth in student training and comprehensive research programs. American seed companies are one of the significant agricultural industries benefiting from the advances in seed research and increased student training.*****An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

Buckeyes for Birds Attracts New Visitors to Campus. The OSU Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens are not just for people this winter. Wild birds have been welcomed to visit through the "Buckeyes for Birds" program.Recycled Christmas trees were "planted" in containers and adorned with a variety of tasty treats. One treat made from a peanut butter, cornmeal & seed combination strongly resembles a buckeye candy and the buckeye fruit, hence the name "Buckeyes for Birds".*****An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

Giant Ragweed Added to Glyphosate Resistant List. Researchers at Ohio State and Purdue universities have confirmed glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed populations in Indiana and Ohio. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in herbicides such as Roundup and Touchdown, which are used for burndown weed control in no-till cropping systems and postemergence in Roundup Ready soybeans and corn.The weed species is the seventh in the United States to show resistance to glyphosate.*****An enhanced podcast hosted and edited by Victor van Buchem and produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

Students Design Muirfield Practice Green. H&CS 501 Landscape Plant Selection students gain real-world experience designing a new practice green for Muirfield Village Golf Club. The Horticulture & Crop Science Department course trains students to identify the 'right plant for the right place' and to develop ecologically appropriate landscapes. One of the seven projects students designed during the spring quarter was a new practice green for the golf course that hosts the Memorial Tournament, an annual PGA event that attracts thousands of visitors to central Ohio.*****An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

H&CS and Battelle Partner on Soybean Oil Development. Ohio State soybean breeders and oil chemists from the Battelle are collaborating to develop some new products, including soy-based lubricants, plasticizers, and polyols.Americans are on intimate terms with soybean oil, consuming it daily in food products ranging from french fries to granola bars, and margarine to mayonnaise. Many consumers are also familiar with the use of soy oil in biodiesel fuels and in printing ink. Potentially soy oil can be used for many more industrial products that are currently being made from petroleum.*****An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos by Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.

ONLA Honors Gooding and Announces Kozel Scholarships. Ohio State students Samantha Hatcher, Brent Halderman, Cullen Meves and alum Dick Gooding were recognized by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association (ONLA) on January 23, 2007, during the annual Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show (CENTS) and OSU Nursery Short Course.A respected green industry professional, Richard (Dick) F. Gooding received the 2007 ONLA Distinguished Contribution Award Recipient. This award recognizes any Ohio resident who has made significant and outstanding contributions to the nursery and landscape industries. Dick Gooding (BS 1975 Horticulture) got his start in the green industry working at his 90 acre family nursery and landscape business in 1975, after graduating cum laude from The Ohio State University. He now serves as President and General Manager of Gooding's Nursery & Landscaping in Sherrodsville, Ohio.*****An enhanced podcast hosted by Victor van Buchem produced by The Ohio State University Horticulture & Crop Science Digital Technology Team. Photos courtesy ONLA and by Victor van Buchem. By Victor van Buchem.