Ultra-Niche Crops are defined as exceptionally high-value crops that can provide a significant source of income to the farmer while using minimal land area. Winter lettuce is a crop that is seeded or transplanted in a high tunnel or other protected structure after the traditional planting season. Winter lettuce planting takes place from late summer…
Spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) is an important pest of berries, cherries, and some thin-skinned grape varieties. The berry crops at greatest risk are raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries. For many berry and small fruit growers, SWD has rapidly become their most critical insect pest. SWD is native to Asia and was first detected in the…
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD COVER CROP CHART The Cover Crop Chart (v. 2.1) is designed to assist producers with decisions on the use of cover crops in crop and forage production systems. The chart, patterned after the periodic table of elements, includes information on 58 crop species that may be planted individually or in cocktail…
The production of raspberries and blackberries in Arkansas is growing as more consumers demand a local supply of fresh, high quality fruit. Demand for these fresh berries still typically exceeds supply in much of the state particularly early and late in the production season. Commercial production with high tunnels offers promise for those producers willing…
The early onset of high temperatures in June has kept us on our toes as we manage our high tunnel production systems at the ISU Horticulture Research Station. While high tunnels bring many benefits to high value crop production, including season extension and increased produce quality, we find that one major downfall is the increase…
Introduction Insect pests are one of the major problems in organic production systems. Crop damage from insect pests can occur via direct feeding or egg-laying, contamination with feces, or disease transmission; loss in yield or marketability ofvegetables in the absence of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can be nearly 100 percent. Organic IPM practice consists of…
Shows the hours of daylight received during the year for an observer at a given latitude. This is an important factor contributing to the seasons. flash animation
Why Grafting Is Important Grafting is important for a number of reasons. First, grafting emphasizes the use of genetics in overcoming abiotic and biotic crop stress. Heightened host resistance has proven time and again to be a foundational component of successful integrated crop management strategies. Second, grafted plants can be used in vegetable operations of…
Abstract In organic production, tomato, pepper, and eggplant are normally started indoors and transplanted to the field to give them a head start on the weeds. Crops kept free of weeds for the first 4–8 weeks (tomato) or 8–10 weeks (eggplant, pepper) after transplanting can usually outcompete later-emerging weeds. However, late-season weeds can interfere with…
Introduction A high tunnel is not, by definition, a permanent structure. Nonetheless, site selection will play an important role in its performance. Considerations in siting a high tunnel include orientation, airflow, shading, windbreaks, drainage, soil quality, weeds and other pests, and purpose. Purpose The purpose of the high tunnel is one of the first considerations…