Ginseng Crop Update – Responding to Storm Damage and High Moisture – Sep. 3, 2026

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

There are reports of storm damage to ginseng, including damaged shade cloth in some areas and heavy rains in most areas. In addition, there have been 5 straight days of nearly continuous leaf wetness in this area, along with saturated soils. This greatly increases the disease risk. Here are some considerations for how to respond to these impacts, given where we are in the growing season:

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2026 Ontario Peanut Research Field Day – Updated Agenda

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Evan Elford

Please join us at the Ontario Crops Research Station – Simcoe on September 10, 2026 for a grower-oriented field day highlighting current field research on new, high-oleic peanut varieties and sensory analysis.

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Lavender Crop Update – Pruning and a Call for Disease Samples – August 28, 2026

Posted on August 28, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

Lavender bloom is finished except for some cultivars that continuously bloom or have a second bloom. While many growers are focused on essential oil distillation and other postharvest practices, it is important to continue to monitor and maintain the crop. Here are some late-season reminders:

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Ginseng Crop Update – El Niño, Root Conditioning and New Publication – August 21, 2026

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

Ginseng is showing early signs of senescence in most gardens, but senescence is more advanced in some areas. Early senescence is often due to hot conditions earlier in the year, moisture stress at times, and root diseases and disorders like Pythium root dieback, abiotic rusty root, or Cylindrocarpon. Excess nutrient concentrations in the soil could also lead to early senescence if it damages fibrous roots. The risk of foliar diseases, especially Alternaria, is higher when plants are stressed.

As fall approaches, it is important to keep monitoring soil moisture levels and irrigate when necessary. Although days are shortening, temperatures are falling, and the ginseng is beginning to senesce, the crop still needs a steady supply of moisture to prevent plants from shutting down too early. Low moisture before harvest may also increase the risk of red root/red vein after drying. In recent years, hot and dry conditions in the fall have become more common.

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Peanut Field Day &Taste Testing – Sept 10, 2026

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Evan Elford

Join us at the Ontario Crops Research Station in Simcoe on September 10, 2026 from 10am – 3pm to tour peanut field research plots, discuss yield and sensory analysis results, and learn about IPM information for Ontario peanut growers.

An opportunity to taste test the experimental lines will be included in the afternoon. 

Enjoy lunch, meet with other producers and members of the peanut industry, and talk to University of Guelph staff and OMAFA specialists. Lunch is included for the first 25 registrants. Pre-registration is required by Wed., Sept 1, 2026.  Additional registrants are welcome, but lunch will be on their own.

  • When: Thurs., Sept. 10, 2026; 10am-3pm (RSVP by Sept 1)
  • Rain Date: Fri., Sept., 11
  • Where: Simcoe Research Station, 1283 Blueline Road, Simcoe, Ontario

AGENDA:
10-10:30: Registration
10:30-12: Field Tours
12-1: Lunch
1-2: Presentations
2-3: Taste Testing

RSVP by Sept 1, 2026 through the Agricultural Information Contact Centre: 1-877-424-1300; ag.info.omafa@ontario.ca OR Direct Online Registration

This project is funded by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario

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Lavender Crop Update – August Tasks – July 31, 2026

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

Lavender bloom is wrapping up in most areas, and growers will soon focus on harvest for oil extraction followed by pruning. While growers are focused on harvest and distillation, it is easy to forget about the crop. However, this is a critical period of the year to ensure plants are not stressed, so they can put on as much vegetative growth as possible by the fall and properly harden off before winter.

Problems Associated with Wet and Dry Conditions

Rainfall has been highly variable this summer. Some growers have experienced heavy rains, which increases the risk of root diseases, while others are very dry. Both of these conditions can lead to poor health of the plants:

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