Crop Management

Plastic mulch used to control verticillium wilt in watermelons

Verticillium wilt, caused by the soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is a significant disease affecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) production in Washington State. This field study at three locations in Washington in 2015 compared verticillium wilt susceptibility,... more »

Low tunnels show good results for strawberries

June-bearing (short-day) strawberries are a high-value crop, but their brief harvest season severely limits the window of opportunity for making a profit. At most, with a combination of cultivar and production methods, the harvest season... more »

Time strawberry alarm clock for post-apple bloom

Growers who time their strawberries to bloom just after apples do can reap a better harvest, according to new research. When apple trees blossom, the sheer abundance of flowers attracts most of the pollinators, which... more »

Watch for Stewart’s wilt in Michigan sweet corn this year

The average temperature from December through February determines the survival of the corn flea beetle that transfers the Stewart’s wilt bacteria into sweet corn. Based on this winter’s temperature data, the survival of corn flea... more »

Cover crops effective at reducing wind erosion impacts

While growers often feel they get benefits from the cover crops they plant following crop production, sometimes it is harder to know they are getting a return on the dollars invested from the practice. The... more »

California revises proposed rules for pesticide use near schools

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has released a revised proposal for regulating the use of agricultural pesticides near school sites and licensed child day care facilities. The department is inviting the public to... more »

Onions successfully grown in low tunnels

Researchers with the University of New Hampshire report they have successfully grown bulbing onions planted in fall for a spring harvest with the aid of inexpensive low tunnels. The new research, which was funded by... more »

USDA announces $12.1M for pest management, crop protection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has made $12.1 in funding available through the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Competitive Grants Program. The CPPM program supports research... more »