Fruit and Vegetable Production Meeting Summaries and Slides
Here are summaries of various talks from winter fruit and vegetable production and grower meetings.
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2024
Corn Earworm IPM
By Dr. Kelly Hamby, Associate Professor/Extension Specialist, Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park
Department of Entomology, UMD Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) has become the most common and difficult to control pest of sweet corn ears. An interdisciplinary team has begun work to improve trapping, risk maps, thresholds, and management. In the meantime, trap captures near the planting best determine appropriate spray intervals during silking. Attribute II and Attribute Plus hybrids provide excellent control without the need to spray for any caterpillar pest; however, all other hybrids will require insecticide sprays to achieve fresh market quality ears. Corn earworm resistance to pyrethroid insecticides [Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) group 3A] means that these products likely provide poorer control. Products containing group 5 (spinosyns), 5+18 (spinosyns+diacylhydrazines), and 28 (diamides) active ingredients work well. Rotating modes of action helps delay the development of insecticide resistance.
Download Corn Earworm PDF Slide Deck
Soil Health Maintenance in Orchards
By Kayla Griffith, University of Maryland Extension, Faculty Specialist, Agricultural Nutrient Management Program
The health of the soil and the way it functions is important to the health of crops. The intersection of soil organic matter, soil water, soil physical properties, and soil biota are critical for healthy soils. But what is a healthy soil? According the the NRCS a health soil is one with the continued capacity to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Many farms, including orchards, already implement soil health practices such as growing cover crops and minimizing tillage. Researchers are studying soil health in orchards and some studies have looked at orchard floor management including the use of mulches and living cover crops. Understanding management tradeoffs, for example plant competition, pollinator habitat, and rodent damage, are critical when implementing a management change. University of Maryland Extension agriculture educators and specialists can help guide you through some regional management practices and what to consider on your own farm.
Weed Management Updates for 2024 Vegetable Production
By Dr. Kurt Vollmer, University of Maryland Extension, Weed Management Specialist
The best time to terminate a spring-seeded grass cover crop for watermelon production was discussed.Spring-seeded grass cover crops, such as spring oats, can be used to complement herbicide programs in plasticulture production systems. The grass cover crop competes with weeds early in the season, then is terminated before interfering with crop growth. Using an effective herbicide for termination, such as paraquat, allows for the management of the grass cover crop and any emerged weeds. The remaining cover crop residue will continue to aid in weed suppression throughout the growing season. However, choosing the right time to terminate can be challenging. If done too early, there won't be a sufficient amount of cover crop residue remaining on the ground. If done too late, weeds may become too large or too dense to control with herbicides. Research showed that a spring oat cover crop can be terminated at either the boot or head stage, and still provide late-season weed suppression compared to no cover crop. Growers were updated on two herbicides for plasticulture vegetables (Relay and Optogen) and changes related to the EPA's compliance with the Endangered Species Act and its strategic plan for herbicides going forward.
Influence of Biochar on Strawberry Growth and Development
By Erasmus K. Aduteye, PHD candidate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Biochar has gained popularity in agriculture due to its role in improving nutrient cycling, enhancing water efficiency, and mitigating global warming. In addition to its impact on agriculture, biochar has the potential to enhance bacterial diversity and alter the makeup of rhizospheric microbiota. The goal of the study is to investigate the effects of biochar-soil amendment on the growth of strawberry plants and its effect on microbial community composition in strawberry roots. A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse during the 2023 summer with three different biochar rates; 0%, 5%, and 10% w/w. Day-neutral strawberry cultivars, Seascape and Monterrey were selected for the study. Data was collected of parameters such as the number of leaves, flowers, fruits, chlorophyll content, plant height, and pest and disease symptoms. The result showed that biochar application had a positive effect on the growth parameters of both strawberry cultivars after 60 days of transplanting compared to control. Biochar-amended soils also had a positive effect on the microbial community composition in the strawberry roots. These results highlight the potential of biochar as a valuable supplement in strawberry growing, helping to improve overall plant growth and soil health.
2023 Vegetable Variety Trial Results
By Dr. Emmalea Ernest, University of Delaware, Extension Fruit & Vegetable Specialist
In 2023 variety trials at University of Delaware’s research farm in Georgetown the following varieties performed well:
- Lettuce: Skyphos, Muir*, Nevada*, Jericho, Salanova Red Tango, Sunland (*most heat tolerant)
- Vining Peas: Super Sugar Snap, Green Beauty (snow pea)
- Dumpling Squash: Orangita, Orange Peel, Black Kat
- Specialty Pumpkins: Millionaire (spaghetti squash), Kakai (hulless seed), Naked Bear (hulless seed), Blue Harvest, Lakota
- Seedless Watermelons: Jet Ski, Eleanor, Fascination
- Snap Beans: PV857, Nyquist, Greenback
Produce Safety What is New in 2024?
By Carol Allen, Agent Associate in Food Safety, University of Maryland, College Park
Does your operation fall under a Federal food safety law? Check out these updates on the proposed water rule, a part of the Produce Safety Rule. If you have not already, register your farm with MDA to take full advantage of the exceptions. Contact Carol Allen, callen12@umd.edu for more information.
Minimizing Herbicide Usage in Vegetable Production
By Dr. Dwanye Joseph, University of Maryland Extension, AgFS Agent-Kent County
Weeds are a significant constraint in vegetable production due to limited herbicide options and the risk of crop damage during application. Two ongoing research projects, highlighted in the presentation, aim to reduce herbicide usage among growers through integrated weed management (IWM) tactics. These tactics, such as biosolarization and spring-seeding cover crops between plastic-mulched rows, have shown promising tentative results. They offer potential benefits for growers seeking effective weed management strategies.
Are My Apples Ready to be Harvested?
By Dr. Macarena Farcuh Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Dept of Plant Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park
Determination of apple fruit maturity and optimal harvest date can be achieved by using different maturity indices. Take into account several indices when making harvest and storage decisions. No individual indices alone can explain the true maturity stage of an apple. The relative importance of the maturity indices and their value ranges will be defined by the cultivar/strain and by fruit target market. It is of crucial importance to collect a representative sample of apple fruits to conduct maturity tests, and start monitoring fruits weekly ~4 weeks before the anticipated normal harvest date. Also do not forget to try the fruit.
Legalities of Direct Marketing: Online Sales & Intellectual Property
By Margaret (Megan) Todd, Sr. Legal Specialist ALEI, University of Maryland Baltimore
Tomato Variety Trials & Grafted Watermelons Study
Presented By Dr. Haley Sater, University of Maryland Extension, AgFS Agent-Wicomico Co.
Vegetable and Fruit News is a statewide publication for the commercial vegetable and fruit industries and is published monthly during the growing season (April through October). Subscribers will receive an email with the latest edition.
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