Leafy Greens

Lettuce genome assembly published

UC Davis researchers have unlocked a treasure-trove of genetic information about lettuce and related plants, releasing the first comprehensive genome assembly for lettuce and the huge Compositae plant family. Garden lettuce, or Lactuca sativa, is the plant species that... more »

Listeria bacteria can hide inside tissue of romaine lettuce

A Purdue University study shows that the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes can live inside the tissue of romaine lettuce, suggesting that conventional post-harvest sanitization practices might not be sufficient to kill the potentially lethal pathogen. Research... more »

Plan ahead to protect cole crops from swede midge

Michigan cole crops growers must be wary of a new pest, the swede midge, according to Ben Phillips, a Michigan State University Extension educator. Phillips discussed swede midge and how to manage it during the... more »

Knox given 2017 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award

This year's Fruit Logistica Innovation Award goes to "Knox – Delayed Pinking in Fresh Cut Lettuce" from the Dutch firm, Rijk Zwaan. Knox delays the discoloration – so-called pinking – at the edges of fresh-cut... more »

Hydroponic agriculture showcases diversity of California production

Hydroponic agriculture, the growing of plants without soil and adding nutrients in water, is a relatively new method of production in California, but it shows promise as a growth sector for farmers seeking to produce... more »

LettuceBot wins 2017 AE50 award

Blue River Technology's LettuceBot precision lettuce thinning implement was just recognized by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) with an AE50 Award. AE50 awards honor the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products... more »

Plant breeders take cues from consumers to improve kale

A Cornell program is reimagining kale – its color, shape and even flavor – in a bid to breed the naturally biodiverse vegetable for consumer satisfaction. Traits of importance for plant production, such as resistance... more »

LGMA honors Congressman Farr

The California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement (LGMA) and the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California hosted a breakfast event honoring Congressman Sam Farr for his longstanding support of national food safety laws and the leafy greens industry... more »