Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: First year results showed production of tomatoes, strawberries, basil, and snapdragons in central and southeastern Alabama was extended. Tomatoes were 3 weeks ahead of conventionally grown tomatoes in the spring studies and fall tomatoes were extended on average of 8 weeks. Harvest of strawberries was 14 weeks ahead of the conventionally grown plots. Snapdragon production in the high tunnels was very favorable. Basil production was compared inside vs. outside the high tunnel at the central Alabama location and yield and quality were superior inside the high tunnel and informal surveys with local restaurants were positive for demand of such produce. Second year results showed season extension for production for tomatoes, strawberries, and snapdragons in central and southeastern Alabama. Snapdragon production was favorable with red and blue plastic mulches performing better in the summer and white plastic mulch better in the fall. Results from third year showed extension for colored bell peppers and cut snapdragon production in central and southeastern Alabama. Colored bell pepper production was extended to late December. Cut snapdragon production was successful in the early spring, summer and late fall studies. The results of the forth year showed favorable results for extending production of colored bell peppers, tomatoes, cut snapdragons, dianthus, and sweet corn in central and southeastern Alabama. Production of marketable bell peppers was extended from mid-August until mid-January in central Alabama. Cut snapdragon production continued to be very successful in the early spring and late fall studies. An early spring dianthus cutflower experiment proved successful as well. Sweet corn studies were conducted with varying results. A tomato study validated that high tunnel production was earlier and produced more marketable tomatoes than production outside the high tunnel. The results of the fifth year showed season extension for watermelons, colored bell peppers, and sweet corn in central Alabama. Colored bell peppers were grown underneath various colored shade-cloth for fall production. Results showed harvest was extended into late fall (November 21st) with standard black shade-clothe. Sweet corn was produced 4 weeks before conventional corn in central Alabama however economics in this system does not appear to be profitable. Yields of marketable personal-size watermelons were successfully grown earlier than conventional production in central Alabama. Transplanted watermelons out yielded the direct seeded varieties. A tomato study utilizing the trellis system deployed for the spring watermelons was conducted in the fall with selected tomato varieties. Tomatoes were harvested through the first week of January, 2010 for mature green market. The sixth year showed that colored bell peppers performed well in central Alabama for early spring production. A trellised watermelon study proved to be economically non-viable. However, the production of the small person-sized watermelons on black plastic mulch inside the high tunnel was 4 weeks earlier than conventional production and is economically advantageous. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Local growers and regional Extension personnel. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Overall impact of this six year study has been significant. At the outset of the research little or no high tunnel production was done in the state of Alabama. In the last two years the amount of small farmers who have begun high tunnel production has been significant. USDA/NRCS funding of high tunnels (103 funded by USDA in 2010) has spurred this activity but that notwithstanding our research has been vital in answering production and/or construction questions for growers. Several presentations have been given to growers highlighting our research efforts. In addition, Extension personnel throughout the state are now working actively with high tunnel demonstrations and are active in assisting farmers with the production problems for this system.
Publications
- Sherrer, Will. M.S. Thesis (co-major advisor). 2009. Production of peppers, tomatoes and snapdragons in high tunnels. Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, AL 50 pp.
- McElhannon, Charles. M.S. Thesis. 2007. Effects of chromatinet on cut snapdragons and selected bedding and vegetable crops. Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, AL. 86 pp.
- Reeder, Brad E., M.S. Thesis. 2006. High tunnel production of tomatoes and snapdragons in southeastern Alabama for season extension. Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, AL. 129 pp.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Tomato and Colored Bell Pepper Yield in a High Tunnel Production System 2009: Research was extended for this objective due to earlier results that showed profit potential with these crops. A colored bell pepper study was completed to test various colored shade-clothe to enhance color and yield. A tomato study was completed to ascertain the length of season extension at our northern most located high tunnel (Chilton County). Preliminary results revealed that colored bell peppers grown in late-fall can be protected from extreme heat with black shade-clothe and then removed when cooler months arrive which will allow for colored bell peppers to be picked into late November at this location. Yields for this pepper study were excellent. Tomato harvest was extended into early January. Objective 2. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Snapdragon and Other Selected Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System 2009: Graduate student finished M.S. thesis on this topic. Objective 3. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Strawberries and Specialty Crops in a High Tunnel Production System. 2009: Trellised and non-trellised experiments were initiated with personal-size watermelons at two central Alabama locations. Results were favorable at both locations in producing earlier watermelons compared to conventional systems. Objective 4. Evaluate Rotational Sequence for Sustainable Production of Solanaceous Crops and Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System 2009: High tunnels located in southeastern Alabama were over-seeded with black oats as a winter cover crop to enhance soil tilth and both tunnels were idle. Plans are to utilize them in 2010. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: One-year extension of project requested and granted due to outstanding projects that can add significantly to the overall project.
Impacts
The results of the fifth year showed season extension for watermelons, colored bell peppers, and sweet corn in central Alabama. Colored bell peppers were grown underneath various colored shade-cloth for fall production. Preliminary results showed harvest was extended into late fall (November 21st) and standard black shade-clothe was comparable to colored shade-clothes. Sweet corn was produced 4 weeks before conventional corn in central Alabama. Sweet corn transplants outperformed the direct seeded in this early spring study. Worm damage was substantial and unexpected. Economics of growing sweet corn in this system does not appear to be profitable. Early-season watermelons grown on a trellised system showed favorable results. Yields of marketable personal-size watermelons were successfully grown earlier than conventional production in central Alabama. Transplanted watermelons out yielded the direct seeded varieties. A separate study was conducted with the same watermelon type grown on black plastic mulch (non-trellised) in central Alabama and these were earlier than conventional production with excellent yields. A tomato study utilizing the trellis system deployed for the spring watermelons was conducted in the fall with selected tomato varieties. Tomatoes were harvested on 3 Jan 2010 for green mature market. The temperature fell to 12 degrees F on 4 Jan 2010 killing the tomatoes.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The results of the forth year have been very favorable in extending the production of colored bell peppers, tomatoes, cut snapdragons, dianthus, and sweet corn in central and southeastern Alabama. Colored bell pepper production was extended into mid-January. Three separate experiments were conducted with colored bell peppers grown underneath various colored shade cloth. Preliminary results showed that red shade clothe increased yield in some comparisons. Production of marketable bell peppers was extended from mid-August until mid-January in central Alabama. Cut snapdragon production continued to be very successful in the early spring and late fall studies. An early spring dianthus cutflower experiment proved successful as well. Two separate sweet corn studies were conducted with varying results. An economic advantage for sweet corn has not been validated to date in our assessments. A tomato study validated that high tunnel production was earlier and produced more marketable tomatoes than production outside the high tunnel. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Objective 1. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Tomato and Colored Bell Pepper Yield in a High Tunnel Production System 2008: Three colored bell pepper studies were completed to test various colored shade-clothe to enhance color. A tomato study was completed to compare varieties grown inside vs. outside the high tunnel. Preliminary results revealed an increase in anti-oxidant levels for the colored bell peppers grown in late-fall. Yield data is still being analyzed. One grant was obtained to support continued research of colored bell pepper and tomato production in high tunnels. Objective 2. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Snapdragon and Other Selected Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System During 2008, four (4) studies were conducted with cutflowers (snapdragaons, dianthus, and sunflowers) grown on various colored mulches. All studies produced favorable results for producing high quality cutflowers in this high tunnel production system. Objective 3. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Strawberries and Specialty Crops in a High Tunnel Production System Previously conducted strawberry studies have been completed which showed that high tunnel strawberries were 14 weeks ahead of the conventionally produced strawberries at this location. A journal article is being prepared with submission slated for 2009. Objective 4. Evaluate Rotational Sequence for Sustainable Production of Solanaceous Crops and Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System High tunnels locations in southeastern Alabama were over-seeded with black oats as a winter cover crop to enhance soil tilth. Both tunnels were solarized as well. It appears that after four years of production that soil solarization is a suitable alternative to soil fumigation in our non-replicated observations.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
Objective 1. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Tomato and Colored Bell Pepper Yield in a High Tunnel Production System. In 2007 two colored bell pepper studies were completed to test various colored shade-clothe to enhance pepper color. Two grants were obtained to support continued research of colored bell pepper and tomato production in high tunnels. Objective 2. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Snapdragon and Other Selected Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System. During 2007, the following snapdragon experiments were conducted. A variety/colored plastic mulch study was completed in central Alabama. Two variety/colored plastic mulch studies were conducted in southeastern Alabama. A late fall research project of lisanthus and dianthus was initiated and is on-going. Objective 3. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Strawberries and Specialty Crops in a High Tunnel Production System. No
experiments were conducted. Objective 4. Evaluate Rotational Sequence for Sustainable Production of Solanaceous Crops and Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System. Both high tunnel locations were over-seeded with black oats as a winter cover crop and one high tunnel received a summer soil-solarization.
Impacts
The results of the third year have been very favorable in extending the production of colored bell peppers and cut snapdragons in central and southeastern Alabama. Colored bell pepper production was extended to late December. Preliminary results revealed an increase in anti-oxidant levels of the colored bell peppers grown in late-fall. Production of high-quality purple bell peppers was obtained during the mid-summer experiment. Cut snapdragon production continued to be very successful in the early spring, summer and late fall studies. Snapdragon production within the high tunnels were favorable on white plastic mulch in the summer and black plastic mulch in the fall season. Previously conducted strawberry studies revealed that high tunnel strawberries were 14 weeks ahead of the conventionally produced strawberries. A journal article is being prepared with submission slated for 2008.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Objective 1. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Tomato and Colored Bell Pepper Yield in a High Tunnel Production System. In southeast Alabama, conducted second year of a tomato planting date study which began in late January. Data was collected and still being analyzed. High Tunnel was scheduled for soil solarization during the summer which was completed. Fall scheduled research was delayed, due to damage from a weather event (straight-line winds associated with nearby tornadoes). Objective 2. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Snapdragon and Other Selected Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System. During 2006, a colored shade cloth experiment was conducted to ascertain optimum color for production of snapdragons in summer months. In addition, two experiments (colored mulch*variety) were conducted at the southeast Alabama location. Data is still being analyzed. Objective 3. Evaluate Combinations of Management
Practices that Optimize Strawberries and Specialty Crops in a High Tunnel Production System. A study was completed to evaluate production of strawberries inside vs. outside of a high tunnel. Harvest inside the high tunnel began 19 Jan 06 and ended on 5 May 06. This was 10 weeks ahead of outside production which began on 31 Mar 06 and ended on 17 May 06. Data is still being analyzed. Objective 4. Evaluate Rotational Sequence for Sustainable Production of Solanaceous Crops and Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System. The high tunnel at the southeast Alabama location was solarized for 10 weeks under clear polyethylene. Temperature data loggers recorded soil temperatures in excess of 120F at 6 inch soil depth.
Impacts
The results of the second year of studies have been very favorable in extending the production of tomatoes, strawberries, and snapdragons in central and southeastern Alabama. Tomatoes on average were 3 weeks ahead of conventionally grown tomatoes in the spring studies. Fall tomato season was extended on average of 8 weeks in both locations. Planting dates in early February appear to be favorable for the southeast Alabama location. Strawberry production in the high tunnels was extended in both years. Strawberries within the high tunnel were harvested 10-14 weeks ahead of the conventionally grown plots. Snapdragon production within the high tunnels was very favorable with red and blue mulches performing better in the summer. The white mulch performed better in the fall study. Local demand for cut snapdragons appears to be strong from informal surveys conducted by graduate students. Several local florists indicated they preferred our snapdragons to their current
supply.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Objective 1. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Tomato and Colored Bell Pepper Yield in a High Tunnel Production System. Conducted the following experiments to optimize tomato production within high tunnels. In central Alabama, completed a variety trail in the early spring of 2005. In southeast Alabama, conducted a planting date study that began in late January. Also, conducted two growth chamber studies to ascertain cold hardy varieties for selection in field studies due to temperature extremes that were experienced within the high tunnels. One high tunnel was constructed at the southeast Alabama location (Wiregrass Experiment Station). Construction of another high tunnel at the central Alabama location was initiated. Objective 2. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Snapdragon and Other Selected Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System. During 2005, the following snapdragon experiments were conducted. A nitrogen
study was completed with slow release fertilizer and a plant spacing experiment. In addition, a year-round colored mulch by variety study was initiated. The summer and fall studies were completed and the data is being analyzed. Objective 3. Evaluate Combinations of Management Practices that Optimize Strawberries and Specialty Crops in a High Tunnel Production System. A strawberry study was completed comparing inside vs. outside the high tunnel at the central Alabama location. The high tunnel strawberries were 14 weeks ahead of the conventionally produced strawberries at this location. Objective 4. Evaluate Rotational Sequence for Sustainable Production of Solanaceous Crops and Cut Flowers in a High Tunnel Production System. The high tunnel at the southeast Alabama location was solarized for 8 weeks under clear polyethelene. Temperature data loggers recorded soil temperatures in excess of 120F at 6 inch soil depth. Soil samples analyzed by the plant diagnostic laboratory revealed no
presence of plant pathogens. However, nutsedge was unaffected by this non-replicated treatment. Observations from this practice appears to be suitable as a soil fumigation alternative. Replicated studies to quantify this are planned in the future.
Impacts
The results of this first year have been very favorable in extending the production of tomatoes, strawberries, basil, and snapdragons in central and southeastern Alabama. Tomatoes on average were 3 weeks ahead of conventionally grown tomatoes in the spring studies. Fall tomato season was extended on average of 8 weeks in both locations. Premium prices for vine-ripened tomatoes were obtained from a local restaurant. Variety differences were detected. Strawberry production in the high tunnels was extended. Harvest of strawberries within the high tunnel were 14 weeks ahead of the conventionally grown plots. Snapdragon production within the high tunnels were very favorable with red and blue mulches performing better in the summer. The white mulch performed better in the fall study. Local demand for cut snapdragons appears to be strong from informal surveys conducted by graduate students. Several local florists indicated they preferred our snapdragons to their current
supply. Basil production was compared inside vs. outside the high tunnel at the central Alabama location. Yield and quality were superior inside the high tunnel and informal surveys with local restaurants were positive for demand of such produce.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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