Research Breakthroughs in Vegetable Farming Around the Great Lakes
Every year, agricultural researchers learn more about what does and doesn’t work in food production. We took a look at four recently published studies. Here are some of the most intriguing research breakthroughs in vegetable farming.
Evaluating Between-Bed Management Strategies in Organic Plasticulture Vegetable Production
A research team from Michigan State University conducted a study on between-bed management strategies in organic plasticulture vegetable farming aimed to assess the effectiveness of different methods for controlling weeds, improving soil health, and maximizing crop yield. The primary methods evaluated included living mulches, tillage, and cover crops.
The overall findings indicated that while some approaches were effective for specific goals, each method had trade-offs. Living mulches suppressed weeds but competed with crops for water and nutrients, potentially reducing yields. Tillage showcased high weed control, but negative impacts on soil health. Cover crops contributed to soil quality improvement but weren’t as efficient in weed suppression.
Overall, no single approach worked perfectly across the board. There must be a balance between immediate needs for weed control with long term soil health and yield sustainability. The study suggests that integrated management systems combining multiple strategies might be the most effective solution.
Authors: Alyssa R. Tarrant, Daniel C. Brainard, Lisa K. Tiemann, Zachary D. Hayden
Using Early-Season Clover Cover Crops as Living Mulch for Broccoli and Winter Squash
A research team from South Dakota State University investigated the potential benefits of using clover cover crops as living mulch in vegetable production for broccoli and winter squash. The research focuses on integration of various clover types with different soil management practices to evaluate their effects on weed suppression, soil health, and crop yield.
The overall findings suggest that while living mulches can help in suppressing weeds and enhancing soil fertility, challenges arise in their competition with cash crops leading to reduced yields. The study specifically noted that weed biomass decreased during broccoli production but increased in squash due to poor clover establishment.
Overall, the research highlights the challenges and opportunities of incorporating clover cover crops into organic vegetable systems. While there seems to be promise for sustainable farming practices, the variability in results points to the need for further study and refinement of management strategies.
Authors: Kristine M. Lang, Rhoda L. Burrows, South Dakota State University, Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Effectiveness and Economic Feasibility of Organic Methods with Day-neutral Strawberry Production
The increasing popularity of day-neutral strawberry (DNS) production in the Upper Midwest is driven by the longer harvest season and higher yields. A research team from the University of Minnesota established a 2-year controlled field experiment with organic DNS. They implemented treatments aligned with techniques reported by local growers that were found effective for organic raspberries.
However, this extended season also exposes the fruit to the invasive spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), which poses a threat to small fruit production in organic farming. During the two year field experiment, management strategies were compared including increased harvest frequency, botanical repellents, and organic insecticide rotations with an untreated control. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of these methods.
Overall, results showed that on average strawberries infested with SWD eggs and the experimental treatments had inconsistent effects and did not improve yield. Alternatives could provide more cost-effective solutions for managing SWD in organic DNS.
Authors: M. G. Gullickson, G. DiGiacomo, and M. A. Rogers
Pumpkin Response to Low Applications of 2,4-D Choline and Dicamba
The introduction of 2,4-D and dicamba tolerant soybean traits has raised concerns for specialty crop growers in the Midwest due to the risk of off-target herbicide injury and subsequent yield loss. A research team at the University of Nebraska conducted a 2-year field study from 2019 to 2020, which researched the impact of sublethal rates of 2,4-D and dicamba on visible injury and yield loss in pumpkins.
The study assessed herbicide rates at both the vegetative and flowering stages. Findings showed that while pumpkins treated with higher rates of 2,4-D exhibited visible injuries, this did not always correlate with yield loss. Higher visible injury rates for dicamba were recorded during the vegetative stage, with substantial yield loss.
The study highlighted the need for pumpkin growers and herbicide applicators to implement strategies to mitigate off-target herbicide, such as using larger droplet nozzles, shielded sprays, and maintaining clear communication to protect crops.
Read more on “Pumpkin Injury and Yield Response to Low Rates of 2,4-D Choline and Dicamba”
Authors: Xinzheng Chen, Amit Jhala, Stevan Knezevic, and Sam E. Wortman
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