OHIO NOTEBOOK: State study shows some insects can actually help plants
Compiled by Chris Pugh
A new technology could make it possible to save a growing crop from imminent widespread disaster – whether drought, pest or disease.
And it doesn’t come in a pesticide sprayer.
Rather, scientists from The Ohio State University and partner institutions are using cutting-edge technologies from three scientific fields and combining them to provide an insect-delivered antidote, of sorts, to whatever ails a growing plant.
Dubbed “Insect Allies,” the project is being supported by a $10 million cooperative agreement with the federal Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Guo-Liang Wang, a molecular geneticist in the Department of Plant Pathology in Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, and Peg Redinbaugh, a geneticist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and an adjunct professor of plant pathology at Ohio State in Wooster, are co-leading the effort that includes scientists from ARS, North Carolina State University and Oklahoma State University.
The team, including geneticists, virologists and entomologists, is focusing on four major stressors facing corn: viral and fungal diseases, insect damage, and drought.
“If there’s a widespread drought, but farmers have already planted a drought-sensitive hybrid, this will allow us to protect that crop in the field,” Wang said.
- Ohio State Extension
Ohio insurance rates still among lowest in U.S.
Ohio Department of Insurance Director Jillian Froment today announced that the average rate changes in 2016 for the top 10 homeowners and private passenger auto insurance groups in Ohio increased 1.9 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively. Ohioans pay among the lowest average insurance premiums for homeowners and auto insurance.“Ohio’s insurance market continues to grow in part thanks to strong and fair regulation,” Froment said. “A growing and competitive market is why Ohioans can choose from many offerings to find the right policy at the right price.”
Ohioans pay an average of $797 (9th lowest) for homeowners insurance and $683 (12th lowest) for auto insurance compared to the national average, according to the most recent data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Ohio’s combined average premiums are $518 below the national averages.
Changes in auto insurance rates can be associated with medical costs, weather-related claims, the number of cars on Ohio roads and repairs costs. Homeowners insurance rates can be impacted by weather-related claims, and building and material costs.
Individual insurance consumers may have experienced rate changes that differ from the average. The Ohio Department of Insurance reviews rates to ensure they comply with Ohio insurance law and that they are actuarially sound.
The top 10 insurance groups represent approximately 75 percent of the market in Ohio.
Ohioans with insurance questions can call the department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526 and visit www.insurance.ohio.gov for insurance information.
- Ohio Department of Insurance
Upcoming Ohio events to check out
Oct. 19Circleville Pumpkin Show
O.A.R. in Columbus
Oct. 20
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Boo at the Zoo at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The Chillicothe Festival of the Antique
Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival in Coshocton
Oct. 21
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Fall Festival and Plant Sale in Newark
Boo at the Zoo at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The Chillicothe Festival of the Antique
Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival in Coshocton
3 deals to check out
3 contests you can win
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