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Program, '98 OH Fruit and Vegetable Congress |
Twenty Fresh Market tomato cultivars were evaluated in a replicated trial at Hillsboro. Seedlings were transplanted onto black plastic mulch on May 23. Fruit were harvested from August 20 through September 23. The most promising cultivars and lines included: Flavor More 223, Sunbeam, Majesty, Emperador, Sungem (XPH 10045). A Complete report of this trial may be found in the Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 1997.
This project was supported in part by seed company donations.
Thirteen Colored Pepper Cultivars were evaluated in a replicated trial in Hillsboro. Seedlings were transplanted onto black plastic mulch on June 6. Fruit were harvested from September 9 through October 10. The most promising cultivars and lines included: Bendigo, Admiral, Choco, Bianca, XPH 12205.A Complete report of this trial may be found in the Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 1997.
This project was supported in part by seed company donations.
Six pepper varieties that ripen as red fruit were planted in twin-rows on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch and were drip-irrigated in the spring of 1997. Ripe fruit were harvested twice in September. While most varieties did not have statistically significant different yields their were significant differences in fruit size and number. Several varieties yield fewer but larger fruit. This should help growers reduce harvest costs. Varieties growers should consider trying are Enterprise, Figaro and Maestro.
This project was supported in part by seed companies and the Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Research Development Fund.
Two hybrid varieties of bell pepper (Merced & X3R Camelot), both common varieties grown by processing pepper growers, were selected for this trial. Two different harvesting treatments were selected for this trial including: 1) a traditional selected hand harvest schedule (2 harvest) 2) once over machine simulated harvest only. Each treatment was replicated four times in a scientific replicated block design.
1997 was the second year for this Mechanical Harvest Pepper trial. Planting conditions were good in 1997, however, at bloom and fruit set a mild dry spell resulted in a delayed and reduced fruit set. These plots were not irrigated. An earlier than normal freeze damaged plants on the evening of October 2 resulting in only two pepper harvests, one less than normal. The 1997 growing season was one of the coolest on record for Ohio. All of these conditions combined resulted in overall reduced plant yield.
First and second year results determine that a machine harvest treatment may be feasible for Ohio Processing Pepper growers. Highest yielding overall treatment for both varieties was a traditional selected hand harvest schedule. However the total yield for the once over harvest is not significantly different from the traditional hand harvest.
This project was supported in part by the Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Research Development Fund.
Thirteen eastern style muskmelons cultivars were evaluated in a replicated trial in Hillsboro. Seedlings were transplanted onto silver reflective on black plastic June 10. Fruit were harvested from August 12 through August 29. The most promising cultivars and lines include: Super Star, HMX 0586, Eclipse, HMX 0584, Quasar. A Complete report of this trial may be found in the Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 1997.
This project was supported in part by seed company donations.
Data were collected at each harvest for total yield, marketable yield, and fruit size. Leaf and petiole samples were collected every 2-wk and used to monitor plant-N status throughout the growing season. A Cardy nitrate meter was used to measure nitrate concentrations in freshly-pressed petiole sap. A SPAD chlorophyll meter was used to measure the chlorophyll content of leaf blades. Soil samples were collected every two weeks from the 0 to 1- and 1 to 2-ft depths, extracted with aluminum sulfate, and the extract analyzed for nitrate with colorimetric reagent strips. Suction-cup samplers were installed in each plot at the 1- and 2-ft soil depths. Water samples were collected every 1- to 2-wk for nitrate analysis and comparisons of nitrate leaching for the different fertilizer treatments.
Results from these experiments, combined with a previous study in 1995, indicate that adequate plant N, reduced nitrate leaching, and equivalent yields are possible with fertigation at reduced N-rates compared to 100% preplant fertilizer applications. Sap testing provides useful feedback on plant-N status and guidelines from Florida are reasonably accurate for southern Ohio conditions.
Chlorophyll readings also track plant-N status accurately, but are limited in their ability to detect excessive N levels. Trends in soil nitrate generally followed application rates, but the method was not sensitive enough to be used alone as a tool to adjust fertigation rates.
The objective of this trial was to evaluate the potential of direct seeding pumpkins into spring and fall seeded cover crops using no till techniques for benefits of weed control, Moisture retention, and fruit cleanliness and the effects upon fruit yield and quality. Cover Crops were seeded September 13, and April 17. The treatments include: Spring Wheat, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fall Wheat, Spring Rye, Fall Rye, Spring Oats. Pumpkins were seeded on July 3.Weed Pressure was greatest in our spring seeded oats treatment. No till planting of a pumpkin crop into cover crops are an option for many Ohio pumpkin producers. It won=t necessarily work for all growers every season. 1997 was a season where it DID NOT work very well in our trials in Hillsboro. The highest total fruit per acre, and tons per acre was the spring wheat treatment.
This project was supported in part by the Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Research Development Fund.
Twenty four Pumpkin cultivars were evaluated in a replicated trial at Hillsboro. Pumpkin seeds were planted to the field on June 11. Pumpkins were harvested the Second week of October. Large pumpkins (15.5 - 21 lbs.) that had excellent quality include; Tallman, Gold Rush (has a large diameter and strong stem), Howden Biggie and Pro Gold 510, Medium size pumpkins(10 - 14.5 lbs.) with excellent to good quality include; HMX 6689, Gold Strike, Howden, Appalachian. Pie Pumpkins (1.4 - 5.6 lbs.) that showed promise include; HMX 4695 and HMX 4696 (both small with a smooth exterior) Mystic, and HMX 6688.
This project was supported in part by seed companies and the Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Research Development Fund.
In the fall of 1996 three strawberry varieties, Chandler, Sweet Charlie and Oso Grande, were planted on plastic mulch covered raised beds. Three different production systems were evaluated, no fall protection, row covers in the fall and a high tunnel. Strawberries were harvested and yields measured in the spring of 1997. Chandler grown under the high tunnel had the highest yields. Berry havest in the high tunnel began a month earlier than typical for the area, April 22, and continued for 8 weeks until June 12.
This project was supported in part by the Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Research Development Fund.
Four thornless blackberry varieties, Navaho, Hull, Chester and C-65, have been grown for 5 years. Three years worth of yield data has been collected. Chester has consistently been the highest yielding variety followed by Hull, C-65 and Navaho. While Navaho had lower yields but, it is the first variety to ripen and the sweetest. Growers may want to consider trying some Navaho.
In the Spring of 1997 an informal survey of Ohio State University Extension, agriculture agents within a 16 county area (OSUE south district) was performed. This survey questioned the county agriculture Extension Agents regarding their best estimates of the types, acreage and number of growers of fresh market vegetables, small fruit, tree fruit, processing peppers, processing tomatoes, greenhouse vegetables and other specialty produce that was being grown in their counties.
14 of the 16 counties provided estimates for this survey. Results of this informal survey indicate that the total acreage being devoted to vegetable, small fruit and tree fruit within a 14 county area in southern Ohio (OSUE south district) equals 4,325 acres. Of this 3,723 acres are being grown in vegetable crops and 603 acres are being grown in small fruit and tree fruit crops. Approximately 33,000 square feet of greenhouse space is devoted to the production of greenhouse tomatoes in these areas combined. There are no producers of greenhouse herbs, lettuce, peppers or cucumbers from those counties that responded.
Why has wholesaling been limited in its use by growers? What types of wholesale buyers exist within our growing region? What do wholesale buyers of produce want when it comes to product type, quality, packaging, etc.? How should a grower build a business relationship with a wholesale buyer? All of these questions and many more are "roadblocks" that Ohio growers face to increasing the amount of produce that is being marketed to wholesale buyers. To begin to answer these questions, an informal survey of a sample of wholesale produce buyers was conducted in 1997.
Results of this informal survey certainly suggest that wholesale buyers, overall, are interested in increasing their amount of local Ohio grown produce purchases. Customers are requesting "Home Grown" produce during the season and that buyers support of the local and area agriculture community is well received by these customers. Demand for locally grown produce exceeds the amounts being sold to those wholesale buyers interviewed.
The preliminary data from this survey indicates the strategy growers need to implement to turn these buyers into customers. As with any business, a grower will have to be committed to product quality, shelf life, quality, pricing, communications, delivery and loyalty to these customers. A further study will need to be implemented to address the specific quantities, types, seasonality and specific product demand with wholesale produce buyers. Ohio growers will need to identify if they want to increase their market share in the wholesale produce industry and if this decision is the best financial opportunity for their business.
Brad Bergefurd, Extension Agent Horticulture, responsible for extension and applied research in horticulture crops.
Peter Bierman, Research and Extension Associate Water Quality / Water Management, responsible for extension and applied research in soil and water resources.
Leanne Fuhrmann, Research Assistant Horticulture, responsible for applied research in horticulture crops.
Richard Funt, Ph.D., Extension Specialist Small Fruits, responsible for extension and applied research in small fruit.
Thomas Harker, Research Assistant Horticulture, responsible for extension and applied research in horticulture crops.
Wayne Lewis, Assistant Manager Farm Operations, responsible for applied research in horticulture crops and soil and water resources.
Chad Lucht, Research Assistant Water Quality / Water Management, responsible for applied research in soil and water resources.
Donald McFeeters, Ph.D., Program Director Piketon Research and Extension Center, and Ohio State University Extension Enterprise Center.
Lynn Miller, Research Assistant Horticulture and Water Quality / Water Management, responsible for applied research in horticulture crops and soil and water resources.
Robert Precheur, Ph..D., Extension Specialist Vegetable Crops, responsible for extension and applied research in horticulture crops.
Richard Riedel, Ph. D., Extension Specialist Processing Vegetables, responsible for extension and applied research in horticulture crops.
Duane Rigsby, Research Assistant Horticulture, Water Quality / Water Management and General Operations, responsible for research in horticulture crops and soil and water resources.
Tom Wall, Research and Extension Associate Horticulture, responsible for extension and applied research in horticulture crops.
Celeste Welty, Ph.D., Extension Specialist Fruits and Vegetables, responsible for extension and applied research in horticulture crops.
Student Assistants
Deanna Bapst, Horticulture, assisted with the planting, harvest and maintenance of the horticulture research trials.
Chris Cox, Horticulture, assisted with the planting, harvest and maintenance of the horticulture research trials.
Elissa French, Water Quality / Water Management, assisted with the planting , harvest and maintenance of the soil and water resources research trials.
Austin Gray, Water Quality / Water Management, assisted with the planting , harvest and maintenance of the soil and water resources research trials.
Bryan Hamilton, Horticulture, assisted with the planting, harvest and maintenance of the horticulture research trials.
Daniel Higginbotham, Horticulture, assisted with the planting, harvest and maintenance of the horticulture research trials.
Jessica Jordan, Water Quality / Water Management, assisted with the planting , harvest and maintenance of the soil and water resources research trials.
Jason Shaffer, Water Quality / Water Management, assisted with the planting , harvest and maintenance of the soil and water resources research trials.
Darlene Slusher, Water Quality / Water Management, assisted with the planting , harvest and maintenance of the soil and water resources research trials.
Dwayne Taylor, Horticulture, assisted with the planting, harvest and maintenance of the horticulture research trials.
Amanda Wilson, Horticulture, assisted with the planting, harvest and maintenance of the horticulture research trials.
Kevin Yost, Horticulture, assisted with the planting, harvest and maintenance of the horticulture research trials.
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Program, '98 OH Fruit and Vegetable Congress |