When it comes to defining fruit quality, growers might think a bit differently than consumers. “Fruit consumers are concerned with flavor, texture, the balance between sugar and acid, and appearance (shape, color, russet),” said Dr. Jim Schupp, pomologist at Penn State’s Fruit Research & Extension Center. “We’ve seen an increase in consumers who say that … Read more
Nematode resistance genes open opportunities for farmers “When I start a breeding program, and I’m looking for new traits, the first things I look at are old varieties,” said Richard Fery, a plant geneticist with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Charleston, S.C. Ferry has been working with peppers and cowpeas for 40 years. The … Read more
Many new miticides for strawberries and vegetables Hot and dry are ideal conditions for spider mite outbreaks. Along the East Coast, growers reported spider mite infestations in beans, cucurbits, eggplant, tomatoes, sweet corn, and even potatoes. Mites are not true insects but are classed as a type of arachnid closely related to insects, spiders, ticks, … Read more
Fire blight is near the top of the list of diseases for apples, crabapple, pears, and quince orchards, as it has the potential to cause serious economic loss and can even completely destroy an orchard. Understand its roots The term “fire blight” is derived from the appearance of infected leaves on very susceptible trees, which … Read more
Are you looking to improve your carbon footprint and do your part for the planet? This sudden change of heart could have something to do with one of the many eco-friendly documentaries you watched which may have made you aware of the dire state of the planet or even a simple picture of a rubbish … Read more