New sweet potato varieties will vie in the marketplace with heirloom varieties as producers seek profits in an ever-evolving market. Read about: Exploring the Versatility of Growing Tomatoes A major emphasis in the Louisiana State University AgCenter’s breeding program is improving shape quality. “The produce industry is looking for that cookie cutter shape,” said Don LaBonte, … Read more
When consumers think of tomatoes, they often debate whether it is a fruit or vegetable. Growers know that botanically a tomato is a fruit because fruits develop from the fertilized ovary of a flower, whereas a vegetable is any edible vegetative part of a plant that doesn’t happen to be a fruit. Growing Tomatoes Read about: Sweet … Read more
Driving the back southeastern Alabama roads to check on remote fields, farmer John Aplin spotted a sign advertising Slocomb tomatoes. Curious about what he’d find, he stopped at the roadside farm stand and inquired where the tomatoes came from. The stand operator asserted the tomatoes were Slocomb tomatoes, named for the region they are grown … Read more
Weeds are not only a nuisance, but also can be a resting home for insects and diseases, which can wreak havoc on production crops such as tomatoes. With this in mind, growers need an effective weed management plan so they can raise weed-free tomatoes and ensure they won’t experience a reduction in yield and quality. Tomato … Read more
Fall harvest is synonymous with pumpkins. From the smallest, palm-sized miniatures to the traditional medium-sized carving to the mammoth record-setting giants, pumpkins are a staple crop for growers nationwide. Pumpkins play an important role in our culture, from families celebrating the annual jack-o’-lantern carving tradition to home decorators looking for ornamental pumpkins to the foodies … Read more