Source: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV submitted to
IMPROVEMENT OF COMMERCIAL FIELD AND GREENHOUSE VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION USING INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0232043
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
MIS-149140
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2012
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Evans, W.
Recipient Organization
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS 39762
Performing Department
Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station
Non Technical Summary
Per capita fresh vegetable consumption is increasing throughout the United States. Crops that are being increasingly consumed include squash, bell pepper, tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, and sweetpotato. The overall increase in vegetable consumption was attributed in part to the greater appeal of fresh produce brought about by improved handling, post harvest technology, and plant breeding. Reported vegetable acreage in Mississippi varies among sources. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reports Mississippi has 3,400 acres of planted vegetables. An informal survey of county agents in 2003 found that vegetable production was occurring on over 28,000 acres across the state. The Mississippi vegetable industry is changing. Eighty years ago, the industry was concentrated in Copiah County, then the nations largest tomato growing region. Since that industry declined in the 1940s, the state vegetable industry has seen ebbs and flows of fresh and processing vegetable crop production. Today, processing crops are a very small part of the industry. What remains today is a mix of mostly small to medium-sized growers, with a few large scale operations, selling into fresh wholesale and retail markets. There are also a few growers selling under supply contracts to out of state processors. Pockets of significant acreage are centered in George and Smith Counties, with acreage increasing in parts of the Delta (northwestern Mississippi) over the last few years. Madison and Rankin Counties in central Mississippi have also seen some new acreage in recent years. One trend is the growth in recent years of farmers markets designed for growers to sell produce directly to the consumer. Currently, there are 70 farmers markets throughout Mississippi, with some counties having two or three. This has created opportunities being filled by new growers and established ones as well. Most of the new growers have small farms with many crops. They also tend to have a mix of crops that extends beyond vegetables. Of the major vegetable crops and crop classes in Mississippi, sweetpotatoes, greens, sweet corn, and organic vegetables are reported to be increasing in acreage. With the growth of farmers markets and national trends toward consumption of local foods, it may be possible to stop or reverse the acreage declines reported for many crops. The Mississippi vegetable industry has developed four or five significant and at times overlapping, components: field vegetables, greenhouse vegetables, large wholesale growers, small retail/wholesale growers, and a small, distinct organic industry. The industry is fairly small as is the university support system when compared to those in many other states. This means the team research activities must be broad in scope, well integrated, and incorporate a willingness by members to bring focus to significant problems and opportunities. Mississippi also has a significant number of home vegetable gardeners, some of whom sell their excess produce in farmers markets.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
80%
Applied
20%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1021499106020%
2041499106010%
2051499106010%
2111499113010%
2121499116020%
2131499114010%
2161499106020%
Goals / Objectives
To evaluate vegetable and herb cultivars and breeding lines for yield, quality,environmental responses and marketability. To grow observational trials of a wide diversity of vegetable species in both spring and fall to determine potential of these crops and to establish a data base of cultural and performance information. To develop sustainable cultural practices and pest control programs for vegetable crops that results in better produce quality, production, and handling efficiencies, with greater economic returns. Evaluate varieties, media, pest management, and cultural techniques for greenhouse tomato production to determine which are the most appropriate for greenhouse vegetables for the climate in Mississippi.
Project Methods
THIS IS TO CORRECT THE PROJECT DIRECTOR'S CONTACT INFORMATION ONLY.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:All greenhouse tomato growers; state and regional commercial vegetable producers and gardeners; horticultural and soil scientists; agriculture and youth extension professionals; government and non-government support agencies. Demographic groups served include all races and religions of Mississippi, and age groups from elementary school-aged children to senior adults. Coordinated multi-state research, evaluated summer cover cropping systems, linking food quality to soil characteristics and management in organic systems, and improving soils with cover crops and broiler litter compost in fall planted organic vegetable systems. Evaluation of crop species, variety, planting dates and fertility were conducted in high tunnel systems. Changes/Problems:The PI on this project (1.0 FTE), Bill Evans, quit his job at MSU in June 2017. Also, our Plant Pathologist on the project (0.2 FTE), David Ingram, retired. Flooding damaged a cilantro cultivar trial in fall of 2015. A grower request for research and facilitation of an EPA Section 18 Special Local Needs herbicide label for a minor vegetable crop was not able to be fulfilled What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Fall Flower & Garden Fest; Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, Agent trainings, High Tunnel Workshop, MS Medallion Selection Committee, Mid-South Green Industry and Garden Center Conference attendees, publication of information on extension.msstate.edu and twitter.com/npkveg, small group and individual tours and conferences, farm visits, North Mississippi Vegetable Growers Conference, and Coastal Mississippi Research and Extension Center Producers Advisory Meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, a two-day program held in March at Eagle Ridge Conference Center, Raymond, MS, educated about 650 participants during this project, growers of greenhouse tomatoes and other hydroponically grown greenhouse crops from 28 states, Canada, El Salvador, Ghana, Brazil and Trinidad. Speakers and exhibitors from across the U.S. and Canada addressed their fields of expertise. Fall Flower & Garden Fest and Kids' Week were both held at the Truck Crops Experiment Station, and attracted about 28,000 adults and 11,000 school children during this project, respectively. Adults toured the 3 acres of gardens viewing over 500 vegetable variety entries, ethnic vegetables, small space intensive gardening, herb, and participated in garden seminars, demonstrations, tours, etc., while children took part in "hay bale classes", garden tours, wagon ride tours, and the forestry obstacle course in October. Information was also disseminated directly to growers via numerous news articles, web sites, and trade magazines. Greenhouse tomato disease research was published as Plant Disease Management Reports and is available to the academic community. Plant pathology extension educational information was disseminated to over 2500 individuals statewide. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The Project is now complete.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Organic vegetable producers in Mississippi now have sources of information on selecting the best summer cover crops and how to use broiler litter compost in their operations. High tunnel vegetable producers have increased their knowledge of these systems and many producers are utilizing them in total or in part of their vegetable production operations. Participants at the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course learned how to increase their profitability as well as to reduce their risk in several categories, i.e. price, economics, pest management, marketing, environmental control, water sanitation, production techniques, etc. Home gardeners from throughout MS benefitted from 21 garden seminars, workshops, and walking tours each day of Fall Flower & Garden Fest to make them more successful in their gardening and home food production efforts. Findings from greenhouse tomato disease research identified products for management of Botrytis gray mold and bacterial canker. Greenhouse tomato growers benefitted from increased information on how to manage two of the most important greenhouse tomato diseases. The goals of this project have been met and it is now complete.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. Saving Money By Growing Your Own. Mississippi Gardener Magazine November / December 2018 issue. 18(9):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. The Last Straw. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. October 2018 issue. 18(8):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018.Russet Mites Can Be Tough To Identify. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 66(10), P 32. October 2018.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. Beginning Greenhouse Grower? Avoid Beginner Mistakes. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 66(8), Pp. 8, 10. August 2018.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. Beware Of Poisons - Dont Eat Like A Bird. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. September 2018 issue. 18(7):66.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Meadows, Inga, et. al. 2018. Pest Management Strategic Plan for Tomato in the Southeast, https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/source_report.cfm?view=yes&sourceid=1383
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. Multitasking In The Garden. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. July / August 2018 issue. 18(6):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. Growing Todays Most Popular Vegetables In Your Mississippi Garden - Veggie Trends. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. June 2018 issue. 18(5):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. Eating Fresh From The Garden. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. May 2018 issue. 18(4):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. Mosquitoes - Our Friends? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. April 2018 issue. 18(3):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. The Story of Two-Worst Case Mysteries In The Greenhouse. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 66(3), Pp. 9-10. March 2018.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. The Weird Science of Horticulture. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. March 2018 issue. 18(2):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2018. Entomophagy - Would You Like That Grilled or Fried? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. February 2018 issue. 18(1):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Veggie Q & A: Why Do My Squash Rot From The Tips Back? Fine Gardening Magazine. Taunton Press. October 2017. Page 51.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Ill Have My Peanuts Boiled. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. November / December 2017 issue. 17(9):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Square Watermelons - Really? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. October 2017 issue. 17(8):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. New Gardener? Listen Up. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. September 2017 issue. 17(7):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Organic Agriculture - Where Are We Now? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. July / August 2017 issue. 17(6):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Hard Gardening Questions - Where To Find Answers. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. June 2017 issue. 17(5):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Speak Your Greenhouse Plants Language. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 65(6), Pp. 26-27. June 2017
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Springtime & Allergy Season. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. May 2017 issue. 17(4):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Witch Hazel - The Rest of the Story. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. April 2017 issue. 17(3):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Peccadillos, Armadillos, and Tomatillos. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. March 2017 issue. 17(2):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. Garden Crimes - Guilty As Charged. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. February 2017 issue. 17(1):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2017. State Coordinator for Mississippi of Vegetable Crop Handbook For The Southeastern U.S.; with North Carolina State University, Auburn University, University of Georgia, Clemson University, Louisiana State University; University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky, University of Florida, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech. 2016. 276 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Paw Paw - The Largest Edible Fruit In North America. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. November / December 2016 issue. 16(9):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Greenhouse Structures - Its All In The Planning. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 64(9), P. 28. September 2016
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Are You Ready for Self-Driving Mowers? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. October 2016 issue. 16(8):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Eating the Ugly Foods. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. September 2016 issue. 16(7):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. The Food We Eat  Whats In A Name? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. July / August 2016 issue. 16(6):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. 8 Outstanding New Veggies - Ricks Picks. Fine Gardening Magazine. July - August 2016 (170). Pp. 41-43
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Climate Change Effects On The Crops We Grow. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. June 2016 issue. 16(5):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Eating Your Veggies - The Good And Not So Good News. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. May 2016 issue. 16(4):66
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Move Over Habanero - Youre Not So Hot Any More. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. April 2016 issue. 16(3):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Kale - The Oldest New Thing Around. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. March 2016 issue. 16(2):66


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Audiences include state and regional commercial vegetable producers and gardeners, along with their associations and clubs; produce processors and marketers; all greenhouse tomato growers, globally; state and regional horticultural and soil scientists; agriculture and youth extension professionals; elementary and secondary school teachers; undergraduate vegetable crops students; high school students; government and non-government support agencies that support vegetable growers and production including USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Jackson-area veterans and physically and mentally challenged general adult and veterans groups; urban healthy living advocacy groups. Demographic groups served include all races and religions of Mississippi, and age groups from elementary school-aged children to senior adults. Changes/Problems:We no longer have a research plant pathologist on the project. Flooding damaged a cilantro cultivar trial in fall of 2015. A grower request for research and facilitation of an EPA Section 18 Special Local Needs herbicide label for a minor vegetable crop was not able to be fulfilled. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Investigators on the project have attended and presented information at meetings of the American Society of Agronomy, American Society for Horticultural Science, grower meetings here and in other states, the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, the National Small Farmers Conference, and others. Investigators have hosted trainings on high tunnels, vegetable production, mulch and drip irrigation installation, growing transplants, and growing for farmers markets. In addition, we have had workplace trainings and retreats covering topics such as team dynamics and understanding how personality influences interactions and behavior. We have made training and information presentations to primary and secondary teachers, Master Gardeners, agricultural scientists, NRCS personnel, agents of the state of Mississippi, and local conservation boards. We also have trained a new technician on the project while they complete their M.S. The technician has learned commercial vegetable techniques, laboratory techniques and some botany during this project period. Support staff were also trained on crop sampling and grading, along with refresher safety training. Greenhouse Short Course: The Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, a two-day program held in March at Eagle Ridge Conference Center, Raymond, MS, educated about 110 participants, growers of greenhouse tomatoes and other hydroponically grown greenhouse crops from 28 states, Canada, El Salvador, Ghana, and Trinidad. Speakers and exhibitors from across the U.S. and Canada addressed their fields of expertise. Participants at the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course learned how to increase their profitability as well as to reduce their risk in several categories, i.e. price, economics, pest management, marketing, environmental control, water sanitation, production techniques, etc. Home gardeners from throughout MS benefitted from 21 garden seminars, workshops, and walking tours each day of Fall Flower & Garden Fest to make them more successful in their gardening and home food production efforts. The event also attracted several new and existing farmers who learned about vegetable cultivars, high tunnel production and other aspects of market gardening. Fall Flower & Garden Fest and Kids' Week were both held at the Truck Crops Experiment Station, and again attracted close to 5,000 adults and 1,500 school children, respectively. Adults toured the 3 acres of gardens, and participated in garden seminars, demonstrations, tours, etc., while children took part in outdoor mini-classes, garden and wagon ride tours, and a fire safety obstacle course in October. Information was also disseminated directly to growers via numerous news articles, web sites, and trade magazines. We are also working with NRCS and the Up In Farms! Food Hub to build production capacity and train growers and procurement leaders on production and post-harvest practices. Data and information on parts of the project were presented at the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference in Natchez to growers, industry professionals, and university personnel. Trainings and demonstrations of plasticulture techniques occurred at Choctaw and Jackson, Mississippi farms for NRCS, tribal, and university professionals. Seeding and seedling production were taught at the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and at the North Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association meetings to growers, industry workers, and outreach professionals. The project lead investigator has accepted a graduate student into the program through the Iraqi Scholars program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Our results have been disseminated through extension and commercial websites, including www.msucares.com/crops/hightunnels, www.greenhousetomatosc.com, www.strawberry.uark.edu,Twitter@npkveg, and several Facebook pages. In addition, we have disseminated information using field days and tours at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station, presentations at scientific meetings and grower group meetings (in and out of state), and through radio and television presentations by the investigators and others. We have supported vegetable gardeners and potential new commercial growers with popular press articles. Results for scientific audiences are published as presentations at conferences, as journal articles and as experiment station or extension publications. A book chapter based in part on project related knowledge was in press at the end of the project period and should be published internationally in the coming project period. We continued to have significant interactions during this reporting period with African-American, limited-resource and new farmers through the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture in Holmes County, cooperating research with Alcorn State University, and school programs with Foot Print Farms in Jackson and USDA NRCS/Hinds County work with Casey Elementary School, Wingfield High School and the Jackson Public Schools Technical and Career Education Center. Our presentations have included oral presentations, posters, hands-on field trainings, and group lectures. Our fall Flower &Garden Fest included more than 4,500 direct contacts over two days and led to several newspaper mentions. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting period, we will continue the Fall Flower & Garden Fest as an outreach vehicle. Planning for the 2017 Greenhouse Tomato Short Course is well under way. We will repeat several of our cultivar trials, initiate others, and continue the All-America Selection and fall observational trials. We have several container vegetable farming studies planned for spring 2017. We will continue cover crop studies. We continue to work on and publish manuscripts related to our fertilizer and cultivar studies. We will plant the second year of a strawberry cultivar study for spring 2017 harvest. We continue working with colleagues and other agencies to identify funding opportunities to leverage this and other existing support. We will have another strawberry field day. We will use the project to help train a Ph.D. graduate student who is part of an international science training program. We will present results and information at professional and outreach meetings, and prepare refeed and non-refereed publications of our findings.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Our project is helping the growth of the local foods and fresh produce industries in Mississippi. We have formed strong relationships with several community and government agencies to train and provide support to new and existing market farmers, cooperatives, and others involved in the growth of farmers markets, farm-to-school and other farm-to-institution programs. We have seen continued impact from the continuation of high tunnel research and outreach efforts started in 2009. In this reporting period, we trained dozens of visitors on high tunnels at the station and another 300+ at off-site trainings. Farmers throughout the state continue to install tunnels and seek training from us and others. We have demonstrated or evaluated more than 600 vegetable cultivars to gardeners and growers since Oct. 1, 2015. We conducted replicated trials of cilantro, carrots, Asian greens, lettuce, snap beans, and broccoli, plus installed observational plots of more than 30 other vegetable crops. The second year of a study on commercially available broiler litter fertilizer was completed on tomatoes. Irrigation studies continued to test the roll soil moisture sensors can play in improving irrigation efficiency on fruit and vegetable farms. A study on winter cover crops for spring vegetable production continued, as have several studies on containerized vegetable production.Several high tunnels were repaired this year, with new plastic sheeting put on. A book chapter on season extension for organic production was published. A graduate student from Iraq has been enrolled in the program. We continue to build our ties with the area Natural Resources Conservation Service offices and County Soil and Water Conservation Districts leading to programming efforts in small farm development, conservation practices such as cover crops, and work with area schools. The project reached several hundred primary and secondary students through field days and trainings. We continued partnerships with Wingfield High School and the Piney Woods School. Through these efforts, we again exposed dozens of non-agricultural students from poor and minority neighborhoods to vegetable crops and agriculture. We made presentations at the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture Production monthly skills workshops in Holmes Co. There, new and experienced, mostly African American farmers are being trained once each month over two years in all facets of fruit and vegetable production. We have also served our sciences as reviewers of papers and in committee and other leadership positions. These have included chair-elect of an organic working group, secretary-elect of the Community Food Systems Working Group, and membership on the technical program committee in the American Society for Horticultural Science. Objectives and Progress toward Goals 1. To evaluate vegetable and herb cultivars and breeding lines for yield, quality, environmental responses and marketability. We conducted replicated cultivar trials of leaf lettuce, Asian greens, carrots, and cilantro in high tunnels. We conducted cultivar trials of cilantro, snap beans, and broccoli in the field at our station and on cooperators' farm fields. All trials included three or four replicates of the cultivars and used locally accepted conventional or organic production methods. All were irrigated. Early head and drought reduced lettuce quality in high tunnel trials this summer. Carrots and Asian greens showed some yield and quality differences with both crops showing promise for profitability. The on-farm snap bean trial demonstrated several cultivars performed better than all others tested. The cilantro trial was ruined by an eight inch rain in early November. The broccoli trial showed us that commercial quality broccoli can be grown with very high yields in central Mississippi. Now, 30,000 plants are started for on-farm trials in fall of 2016. 2. To grow observational trials of a wide diversity of vegetable species in both spring and fall to determine potential of these crops and to establish a data base of cultural and performance information. We again demonstrated more than 500 vegetable and herb cultivars to gardeners and growers in the Fall Flower & Garden Fest display area. Although no data was collected, observations were noted and shared with tour participants and outreach professionals, who also made their own notes on the demonstrations. A separate non-replicated study tested performance of entries for the All-America Selections program using protocols specified by the sponsor. Ratings of the entries were summarized and sent to the sponsor for inclusion in their national data analysis and development of future award winners. We also completed replicated cultivar trials of cilantro, snap beans, carrots, lettuce, Asian greens, and broccoli. 3. To develop sustainable cultural practices and pest control programs for vegetable crops that results in better produce quality, production, and handling efficiencies, with greater economic returns. We conducted a few containerized vegetable trials that will help support small farmers in the state and region. Early results show very large production potential from a small area. Summer trials in 2016 showed that some container types can be used to reduce root zone temperature by as much as 15 degrees (F), with implications for crop quality and growth. We also showed that substrate selection and management is as critical as container and cultivar selection in container vegetable production. We supported our partners' preparation of a manuscript based on our 2015 tests of using shade cloth to reduce heat load, and to improve yield and quality of late-spring high tunnel lettuce. More than 40 people attended our strawberry field day in April. Four new urban farm partnerships were created in the Jackson area, resulting in initial sales of over $10,000. Yields per acre at one farm were increased over 500% for greens, okra, tomatoes through introduction of better cultivars, crop planning, water management, and integrated pest management knowledge. The projeect is also supporting the development of a food hub in Jackson through information exchange and support of a broccoli cultivar trial involving growers that supply the food hub.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. One Bad Apple. Mississippi Gardener 16(1):66. February 2016.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Greenhouse Structures - Its All In The Planning. American Vegetable Grower 64(9):28. September 2016.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Are You Ready for Self-Driving Mowers? Mississippi Gardener 16(8):66. October 2016.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Eating the Ugly Foods. Mississippi Gardener 16(7):66. September 2016.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. The Food We Eat  Whats In A Name? Mississippi Gardener Magazine 16(6):66. July/August 2016.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. 8 Outstanding New Veggies - Ricks Picks. Fine Gardening 170:41-43. July - August 2016
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Climate Change Effects On The Crops We Grow. Mississippi Gardener 16(5):66. June 2016.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Eating Your Veggies - The Good And Not So Good News. Mississippi Gardener 16(4):66. May 2016.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Move Over Habanero - Youre Not So Hot Any More. Mississippi Gardener: 16(3):66. April 2016.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2016. Kale - The Oldest New Thing Around. Mississippi Gardener 16(2):66. March 2016.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2015. Comparing Apples To Tomatoes. American Vegetable Grower 63(12):30. December 2015.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2015. Flavor - That Elusive Trait of Tomatoes. Mississippi Gardener 15(9):66. November/December 2015.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2015. Pollinators - The Rest of the Story. Mississippi Gardener Magazine 15(8):66. October 2015.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Evans, W.B. 2015. Season extension in organic systems: In: Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture. New York: Springer. Sust. Devel. Biodivers. Series, Vol. 9. ISBN: 978-3-319-26801-9
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Seepal, R., B. Macoon, K.R. Reddy and W.B. Evans. 2016. Nitrogen Application Rate and Genotype Effects on Switchgrass Production and Chemical Characteristics. Amer. J. Plant Sci. 7(3): 533-546.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Seepaul, R., B. Macoon, K.R. Reddy, and W.B. Evans 2016. First harvest timing and nitrogen application rate effects on chemical composition and ethanol yield of sweeichgrass. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management 2: doi:10.2134/cftm2015.0163
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Evans, W.B. and S.R. Broderick. 2016. Biosolids-based fertilizer performance in annuals trials. Proc. 2016 SNA Res. Conf.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Audiences include state and regional commercial vegetable producers and gardeners, along with their associations and clubs; produce processors and marketers; all greenhouse tomato growers, globally; state and regional horticultural and soil scientists; agriculture and youth extension professionals; elementary and secondary school teachers; undergraduate vegetable crops students; high school students; government and non-government support agencies that support vegetable growers and production including USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Jackson-area veterans and physically and mentally challenged general adult and veterans groups; urban healthy living advocacy groups. Demographic groups served include all races and religions of Mississippi, and age groups from elementary school-aged children to senior adults. Changes/Problems:The project was without a vegetable pathologist for a portion of reporting period, so progress on related portions of the goals was limited, although we were able to use other resources to provide some professional plant pathology training and stakeholder service from our observational trials and other plantings. That portion of the project may be split off in the future, too. The project was without a technician for six months during the reporting period, as well, delaying some sample processing and other office/lab portions of the project. Flooding reduced data quality in a tomato irrigation study and a tomato fertility study. Flooding reduced data quality and prevented some data collection in several high tunnel cultivar trials. Unscheduled harvests prevented collection of data in our large observational vegetable cultivar demonstration. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Investigators on the project have attended and presented information at meetings of the American Society of Agronomy, American Society for Horticultural Science, grower meetings here and in other states, the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, the National Small Farmers Conference, and others. Investigators have hosted trainings on high tunnels, vegetable production, mulching and drip irrigation installation, growing transplants, and growing for farmers markets. In addition, we have had workplace trainings and retreats covering topics such as team dynamics and understanding how personality influences interactions and behavior. We have made training and information presentations to primary and secondary teachers, Master Gardeners, agricultural scientists, NRCS personnel, agents of the state of Mississippi, and local conservation boards. We also have trained a new technician on the project while they complete their M.S. The technician has learned commercial vegetable techniques, laboratory techniques and some botany during this project period. Support staff were also trained on crop sampling and grading, along with refresher safety training. Greenhouse Short Course: The Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, a two-day program held in March at Eagle Ridge Conference Center, Raymond, MS, educated about 110 participants, growers of greenhouse tomatoes and other hydroponically grown greenhouse crops from 28 states, Canada, El Salvador, Ghana, and Trinidad. Speakers and exhibitors from across the U.S. and Canada addressed their fields of expertise. Participants at the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course learned how to increase their profitability as well as to reduce their risk in several categories, i.e. price, economics, pest management, marketing, environmental control, water sanitation, production techniques, etc. Home gardeners from throughout MS benefitted from 21 garden seminars, workshops, and walking tours each day of Fall Flower & Garden Fest to make them more successful in their gardening and home food production efforts. The event also attracted several new and existing farmers who learned about vegetable cultivars, high tunnel production and other aspects of market gardening. Fall Flower & Garden Fest and Kids' Week were both held at the Truck Crops Experiment Station, and again attracted close to 5,000 adults and 1,500 school children, respectively. Adults toured the 3 acres of gardens, and participated in garden seminars, demonstrations, tours, etc., while children took part in outdoor mini-classes, garden and wagon ride tours, and a fire safety obstacle course in October. Information was also disseminated directly to growers via numerous news articles, web sites, and trade magazines. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Our results have been disseminated through extension and commercial websites, including www.msucares.com/crops/hightunnels, www.greenhousetomatosc.com, www.strawberry.uark.edu,Twitter@npkveg, and several Facebook pages. In addition, we have disseminated information using field days and tours at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station, presentations at scientific meetings and grower group meetings (in and out of state), and through radio and television presentations by the investigators and others. We have supported vegetable gardeners and potential new commercial growers with popular press articles. Results for scientific audiences are published as presentations at conferences, as journal articles and as experiment station or extension publications. A book chapter based in part on project related knowledge was in press at the end of the project period and should be published internationally in the coming project period. We continued to have significant interactions during this reporting period with African-American, limited-resource and new farmers through the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture in Holmes County, cooperating research with Alcorn State University, and school programs with Foot Print Farms in Jackson and USDA NRCS/Hinds County work with Casey Elementary School, Wingfield High School and the Jackson Public Schools Technical and Career Education Center. Our presentations have included oral presentations, posters, hands-on field trainings, and group lectures. Our fall Flower &Garden Fest included more than 4,500 direct contacts over two days and led to several newspaper mentions. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting period, we will continue the Fall Flower & Garden Fest as an outreach vehicle. Planning for the 2016 Greenhouse Tomato Short Course is well under way. We will repeat several of our cultivar trials, initiate others, and continue the All-America Selection and fall observational trials. We have several container vegetable farming studies planned for spring 2016. We have begun three cover crop studies that will continue as well. We have three manuscripts in preparation for several of our projects, including the cultivar trials and fertilizer work. We will publish results of our cultivar studies in regional and state publications. We have planted a strawberry cultivar study for spring 2016 harvest. We continue working with colleagues and other agencies to identify funding opportunities to leverage this and other existing support.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Our project is helping the growth of the local foods and fresh produce industries in Mississippi. We have formed strong relationships with several community and government agencies to train and provide support to new and existing market farmers, cooperatives, and others involved in the growth of farmers markets, farm-to-school and other farm-to-institution programs. We have seen continued impact from the continuation of high tunnel research and outreach efforts started in 2009. In this reporting period, we trained more than 150 people on high tunnels at the station and another 300+ at off-site trainings. Farmers throughout the state continue to install tunnels and seek training from us and others. We have demonstrated or evaluated more than 500 vegetable cultivars to gardeners and growers. We conducted replicated trials of cilantro, carrots, Asian greens, lettuce, snap beans, and broccoli, plus installed observational plots of more than 30 other vegetables. The first year of a study on commercially available broiler litter fertilizer was completed on tomatoes. A set of irrigation studies was initiated to gather preliminary data on the roll soil moisture sensors can play in improving irrigation efficiency on fruit and vegetable farms. A study on winter cover crops for spring vegetable production has been initiated, as have several studies on containerized vegetable production. A book chapter on season extension for organic production has been submitted and accepted by the publisher. A graduate student from Iraq has been enrolled in the program. We continue to build our ties with the area Natural Resources Conservation Service offices and County Soil and Water Conservation Districts leading to programming efforts in small farm development, conservation practices such as cover crops, and work with area schools. The project reached several hundred primary and secondary students through field days and trainings. We continued partnerships with Wingfield High School and the Piney Woods School. Through these efforts, we again exposed dozens of non-agricultural students from poor and minority neighborhoods to vegetable crops and agriculture. We made presentations at the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture Production monthly skills workshops in Holmes Co. There, new and experienced, mostly African American farmers are being trained once each month over two years in all facets of fruit and vegetable production. We have also served our sciences as reviewers of papers and in committee and other leadership positions. These have included chair-elect of an organic working group, secretary-elect of the Community Food Systems Working Group, and membership on the technical program committee in the American Society for Horticultural Science. Several high tunnels were repaired this year, with new plastic sheeting put on. Objectives and Progress toward Goals 1. To evaluate vegetable and herb cultivars and breeding lines for yield, quality, environmental responses and marketability. We conducted replicated cultivar trials of leaf lettuce, Asian greens, carrots, and cilantro in high tunnels. We conducted cultivar trials of cilantro, snap beans, and broccoli in the field at our station and on cooperators' farm fields. All trials included three or four replicates of the cultivars and used locally accepted conventional or organic production methods. All were irrigated. Early head and drought reduced lettuce quality in high tunnel trials this summer. Carrots and Asian greens showed some yield and quality differences with both crops showing promise for profitability. Snap bean, cilantro, and broccoli cultivar trials are continuing beyond this reporting period. In addition, we conducted a few containerized vegetable trials that will help support small farmers in the state and region. Early results show very large production potential from a small area. 2. To grow observational trials of a wide diversity of vegetable species in both spring and fall to determine potential of these crops and to establish a data base of cultural and performance information. We demonstrated more than 500 vegetable and herb cultivars to gardeners and growers in the Fall Flower & Garden Fest display area. Although no data was collected, observations were noted and shared with tour participants and outreach professionals, who also made their own notes on the demonstrations. A separate non-replicated study tested performance of entries for the All-America Selections program using protocols specified by the sponsor. Ratings of the entries were summarized and sent to the sponsor for inclusion in their national data analysis and development of future award winners. 3. To develop sustainable cultural practices and pest control programs for vegetable crops that results in better produce quality, production, and handling efficiencies, with greater economic returns. With our partners from the USDA ARS Soil Dynamics Lab in Auburn, Alabama, we presented data from the second year of trials of a litter and compost banding machine that should improve fertilizer use efficiency of organic amendments and fertilizers, much as banding salt-based fertilizers can improve uptake and use by crops. We partnered with the USDA lab in Starkville and a nearby vegetable grower to study summer cover crops for fall vegetable production. We tested five colors of 50% shade cloth as a way of reducing heat load and improving yield and quality of late-spring high tunnel lettuce. We found significant differences in plant and soil temperatures between shaded and non-shaded lettuce, but no significant differences among the shaded treatments. 4. Evaluate varieties, media, pest management, and cultural techniques for greenhouse tomato production to determine which are the most appropriate for greenhouse vegetables for the climate in Mississippi. Growers who participated in the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course learned how to increase their profitability, as well as to reduce their risk in several categories, i.e. price, economics, pest management, marketing, environmental control, production techniques, etc. In-service training for County Agents and Extension Specialists was conducted as an integral part of the Short Course. Mr. Danny Robinson participated as a grower/cooperator on the Downy Mildew Monitoring program. Growers and others learned of new cultivars, best management practices, and many had their first exposure to high tunnels through this project. Growers had networking opportunities with each other and with university personnel.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, R.G. 2015. Mississippis Weather - Like It Or Not. Mississippi Gardener Magazine 15(4):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2015. New All-America Winners for Your Garden. Mississippi Gardener Magazine 15(3):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2015. Make The Most of Social Media. American Vegetable Grower Magazine 63(3):28-30.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, R.G. 2015. Farmers Markets - Great Source for Local Produce; MSU-ES Brochure, M2027.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, R.G. 2015. The Healthiest Foods You Can Grow. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. 15(2):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, R.G. 2015. Free Trees During Tree Planting Week. Mississippi Gardener Magazine 15(1):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, R.G. 2014. Thrips: Vectors of Doom. American Vegetable Grower Magazine 62(11):17-18.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2016 Citation: Evans, W.B. 2015. Season extension in organic systems: In: Organic Farming for Sustainable Development. New York: Springer.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Evans, W.B., S. Reynolds, P. Hudson, and A. McCain. 2015. High tunnel Asian greens cultivar trial, 2013. Vegetable and fruit variety trials. Auburn Reg. Bull. 31:34-36.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2015. Growing Plants From Your Garbage. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. September 2015 15(7):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2015. Fresh Produce Or Soylent - You Decide! Mississippi Gardener Magazine 15(6):66.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2015. Using Real Money to Promote Extension Horticulture Programming. HortScience 48(9):Supplement. (Abstra.)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, R.G. 2015. 8 Production Tips For Greenhouse Growers. American Vegetable Grower Magazine 63(6):20.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, R.G. 2015. Mississippi Myths Of The Garden. Mississippi Gardener Magazine 15(5):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, R.G. 2014. Greener Than Green. Mississippi Gardener Magazine 14(9):66.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Maximizing Extension Horticulture Outreach With Fall Flower & Garden Fest. Digital poster presented at International Horticulture Congress 2014. Brisbane, Australia. http://ihc2014.digitalposters.com.au/posters-search
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Snyder, R.G. 2014. My Least Favorite Weed. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. 14(8):66.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Audiences include state and regional commercial vegetable producers and gardeners, along with their associations and clubs; all greenhouse tomato growers, globally; state and regional horticultural and soil scientists; agriculture and youth extension professionals; elementary and secondary school teachers; undergraduate vegetable crops students; High school students, government and non-government support agencies that support vegetable growers and production (including NRCS, Jackson-area veterans and physically and mentally challenged general adult and veterans groups, urban healthy living advocacy groups. Demographic groups served include all races of Mississippi, and age groups from elementary school-aged children to senior adults. Changes/Problems: One investigator retired late in the previous reporting period. His research on tomato diseases has been taken up by another researcher. Hisoutreach activities have been spread among several extension workers. The retirement also led to a new lead investigator being appointed for this project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Investigators on the project have attended and presented information at meetings of the American Society of Agronomy, American Society for Horticultural Science, grower meetings here and in other states, the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, the National Small Farmers Conference, and others. Investigators have hosted trainings on high tunnels, vegetable production, mulching and drip irrigation installation, growing transplants, and growing for farmers markets. In addition, we have had workplace trainings and retreats covering topics such as team dynamics and understanding how personality influences interactions and behavior. We have made training and information presentations to primary and secondary teachers, Master Gardeners, agricultural scientists, NRCS personnel, agents of the state of Mississippi, and local conservation boards. We also have trained a new technician on the project while they complete their M.S. The technician has learned commercial vegetable techniques, laboratory techniques and some botany during this project period. Greenhouse Short Course: The Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, a two-day program held in March at Eagle Ridge Conference Center, Raymond, MS, educated about 110 participants, growers of greenhouse tomatoes and other hydroponically grown greenhouse crops from 28 states, Canada, El Salvador, Ghana, and Trinidad. Speakers and exhibitors from across the U.S. and Canada addressed their fields of expertise. Fall Flower & Garden Fest and Kids' Week were both held at the Truck Crops Experiment Station, and attracted close to 5,000 adults and 1,500 school children, respectively. Adults toured the 3 acres of gardens, and participated in garden seminars, demonstrations, tours, etc., while children took part in "hay bale classes", garden tours, wagon ride tours, and the forestry obstacle course in October. Information was also disseminated directly to growers via numerous news articles, web sites, and trade magazines. Participants at the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course learned how to increase their profitability as well as to reduce their risk in several categories, i.e. price, economics, pest management, marketing, environmental control, water sanitation, production techniques, etc. Strawberry Short Course: Working with colleagues, we developed and hosted a two-day strawberry short course in collaboration with the National Sustainable Strawberry Initiative and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. This course brought in experts from Mississippi and other states to train trainers and growers on strawberry production from planning to sales. It included tours of a strawberry field and time for discussions Home gardeners from throughout MS benefitted from 21 garden seminars, workshops, and walking tours each day of Fall Flower & Garden Fest to make them more successful in their gardening and home food production efforts. The event also attracted several new and existing farmers who learned about vegetable cultivars, high tunnel production and other aspects of market gardening. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Our results have been disseminated through extension and commercial websites, including www.msucares.com/crops/hightunnels, www.greehnousetomatosc.com, www.strawberry.uark.edu,Twitter@npkveg, and several Facebook pages. In addition, we have disseminated information using field days and tours at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station, presentations at scientific meetings and grower group meetings (in and out of state), and through radio and television presentations by the investigators and others. We have supported vegetable gardeners and potential new commercial growers with popular press articles. Results for scientific audiences are published as presentations at conferences, as journal articles and as experiment station or extension publications. We continue to have significant interactions during this reporting period with African American, limited resource and new farmers through the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture in Holmes County, cooperating research with Alcorn State University, and school programs with Foot Print Farms in Jackson and USDA NRCS/Hinds County work with Casey Elementary School, Wingfield High School and the Jackson Public Schools Technical and Career Education Center. Our presentations have included oral presentations, posters, hands-on field trainings, and group lectures. Our fall Flower &Garden Fest included more than 4,500 direct contacts over two days and led to several newspaper mentions. We also completed a one-year research and extension effort in strawberry production studies that has led us to work closely with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. There we have trained a few dozen tribe members in strawberry crop establishment and protected culture. National press for our work with Wingfield High School was seen in late 2013in USA Today, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, and The Katie Couric Show. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? In the next reporting period, we will continue the Fall Flower & Garden Fest as an outreach vehicle. Planning for the 2015 Greenhouse Tomato Short Course is well under way. We will repeat several of our cultivar trials, and continue the All-America Selection and fall observational trials. We intend to prepare a manuscript for publication of our chicken litter compost banding results and to compete for funding of follow-on studies. We will publish results of our cultivar studies in regional and state publications. We have secured some funds to continue strawberry studies in 2015 and 2016. We continue working with colleagues and other agencies to identify funding opportunities to leverage this and other existing support.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Our project is helping the growth of the local foods and fresh produce industries in Mississippi. We have formed strong relationships with several community and government agencies to train and provide support to new and existing market farmers, cooperatives, and others involved in the growth of farmers markets, farm-to-school and other farm-to-institution programs. We have seen continued success of the high tunnel research and outreach efforts started in 2009. In this reporting period, we trained more than 200 people on high tunnels at the station and another 200+ at off-site trainings. Farmers throughout the state continue to install tunnels and seek training from us and others. We have demonstrated or evaluated more than 500 vegetable cultivars to gardeners and growers. We conducted replicated trials of four crops, and observational trials of many others. Our study of chicken litter compost banding, in cooperation with the USDA National Soil Tilth Laboratory in Alabama showed that banding of bulky organic fertilizers and composts is possible and can provide yield and quality similar to that from broadcasting the material, while at the same time increasing the fertilizer use efficiency and environmental quality of the production system. We have also developed strong ties with the area Natural Resources Conservation Service offices leading to programming efforts in small farm development, conservation practices such as cover crops, and work with area schools. The project reached several hundred primary and secondary students through field days and trainings. We continued partnerships with Wingfield High School, Casey Elementary, and the Piney Woods School. Through these efforts, we exposed dozens of non-agricultural students from poor and minority neighborhoods to vegetable crops and agriculture. We made presentations at the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture Production monthly skills workshops in Holmes Co. There, new, mostly African American farmers are being trained once each month over two years in all facets of agricultural production. We have also served our sciences as reviewers of papers and as committee or other chair/leadership positions. These have included chair-elect of an organic working group, chair of the Solar Corridor community in the American Society of Agronomy, and chair of a regional vegetable crops group in the American Society for Horticultural Science. One of our investigators also completed a term as chair of the agriculture and plant science section of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences. Several high tunnels were repaired this year, with new plastic sheeting put on. Renovations of our laboratory space began late in the reporting period and will increase the utility of that space in future periods. Objectives and Progress Toward Goals 1. To evaluate vegetable and herb cultivars and breeding lines for yield, quality, environmental responses and marketability. We conducted replicated cultivar trials of leaf lettuce, asian greens, carrots, collards, and cilantro in high tunnels. We conducted cultivar trials of pumpkins, mustard, and turnips in the field. All trials included three or four replicates of the cultivars and used locally accepted conventional or organic production methods. All were irrigated. All leaf lettuces performed statistically similarly. Carrots and asian greens showed some yield and quality differences. Collard and cilantro trials are continuing beyond this reporting period. Pumpkins all produced fairly high yields, but had some rot and pickleworm damage. The mustard and turnip trials are ongoing as of the end of this reporting period. We have also set up some interstate and on farm trials for the cilantro. These are pending. In addition, we have started developing protocols for some containerized vegetable trials that will help support small farmers in the state and region. 2. To grow observational trials of a wide diversity of vegetable species in both spring and fall to determine potential of these crops and to establish a data base of cultural and performance information. We demonstrated or evaluated more than 500 vegetable and herb cultivars to gardeners and growers in the Fall Flower & Garden Fest display area. Although no data was collected, observations were noted and shared with tour participants and outreach professionals, who also made their own notes on the demonstrations. A separate non-replicated study tested performance of entries for the All-America Selections program using protocols specified by the sponsor. Ratings of the entries were summarized and sent to the sponsor for inclusion in their national data analysis and development of future award winners. 3. To develop sustainable cultural practices and pest control programs for vegetable crops that results in better produce quality, production, and handling efficiencies, with greater economic returns. We partnered with USDA ARS Soil Dynamics Lab in Auburn, Alabama to complete the second year of the first trials of a litter and compost banding machine that should improve fertilizer use efficiency of organic amendments and fertilizers, much as banding salt-based fertilizers can improve uptake and use by crops. We tested the machine on tomatoes and sweet corn. The latter crop had a germination failure. In the tomatoes, however, the plants receiving banded broiler litter compost performed equally to those receiving broadcast compost or salt-based fertilizer. We tested very wide row corn production. In this study, we tested three field corn hybrids for yield and ear flex (changes in size and quality due to environment) in a non-irrigated system that compared the wide-row system to conventional planting at 39 inches (1 meter) between rows. To keep the plant population near 30,000/acre in both systems, twin-rows one foot apart were used in the wide row system, where the twin rows were on 78 inch centers (2 meters).Growth was strong in all systems and no significant negative production-related ailments were seen within any treatment. The corn was harvested and data analysis is pending. We tested five colors of 50% shade cloth as a way of reducing heat load and improving yield and quality of late-spring high tunnel lettuce. We found significant differences in plant and soil temperatures between shaded and non-shaded lettuce, but no significant differences among the shaded treatments. 4. Evaluate varieties, media, pest management, and cultural techniques for greenhouse tomato production to determine which are the most appropriate for greenhouse vegetables for the climate in Mississippi. Studies were completed on control of botrytis and several other diseases of greenhouse tomato. Growers who participated in the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course learned how to increase their profitability, as well as to reduce their risk in several categories, i.e. price, economics, pest management, marketing, environmental control, production techniques, etc. In-service training for County Agents and Extension Specialists was conducted as an integral part of the Short Course. Mr. Danny Robinson participated as a grower/cooperator on the Downy Mildew Monitoring program. Growers and others learned of new cultivars, best management practices, and many had their first exposure to high tunnels through this project. Growers had networking opportunities with each other and with university personnel.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Seepaul, R., B. Macoon, K.R. Reddy, and W.B. Evans. 2014. Harvest frequency and nitrogen effects on yield, chemical characteristics and nutrient removal of switchgrass. Agron. J. 106:1805-1816.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Zhao, Y., M. Gu, G. Bi, B. Evans and R. Harkess. 2014. Planting date effect on yield of tomato, eggplant, pepper, zinnia, and snapdragon in high tunnel in Mississippi, J. Crop Impr. 28(1): 27-37. DOI: 10.1080/15427528.2013.858283
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Tips On Mixing Your Own Fertilizers. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 62(1), Pp. 34-35. GHI. January 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Bi, G. and W.B. Evans. 2014. Effects of shade cloth on specialty crop production in high tunnels. Presented to the Amer. Soc. Hortic. Sci. Ann. Mtng., July 30, 2014. Orlando, FL. http://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2014/webprogram/Paper19305.html (abstr.)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Evans, W.B., S. Reynolds, R. Williams, A. Horton, and C. Motsenbocker. 2014. Summer sorghum cover crop reduces fall lettuce growth and yield. Presented to the Amer. Soc. Hortic. Sci. Ann. Mtng., July 31, 2014. Orlando, FL. http://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2014/webprogram/Paper20293.html (abstr.)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Evans, W.B., H. Tewolde, S. Reynolds, and T. Way. 2014. Machine that bands compost shows promise in sweet corn (Zea mays L.) and tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum). Presented to the Amer. Soc. Hortic. Sci. Ann. Mtng., July 29, 2014. Orlando, FL. http://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2014/webprogram/Paper19856.html (abstr.)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Maximizing Extension Horticulture Outreach With Fall Flower & Garden Fest. Digital poster presented at International Horticulture Congress 2014. August 17 - 23, 2014. Brisbane, Australia. http://ihc2014.digitalposters.com.au/posters-search
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. My Least Favorite Weed. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. October 2014. 14(8):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. How To Speak ZTR. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. September 2014. 14(7):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Dealing With The Dirty Dozen. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. July / August 2014. 14(6):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Just the Facts on GMOs. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 62(4):33. Greenhouse Insider. April 2014.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Microfarming: Growing For Farmers' Markets (conference brochure). Mississippi State University Extension Service. Publication M-2007. July 2014. 6 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. So, Where Do Plants Come From? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. June 2014. 14(5):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. GMOs and You. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. May 2014. 14(4):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. A Gardeners Resolutions. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. April 2014. 14(3):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. 3Qs: Rick Snyder, MSU Extension horticulturist; Tupelo Daily Journal; March 16, 2014; also online at http://djournal.com/lifestyle/3qs-rick-snyder-msu-extension-horticulturist
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Super Foods and You. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. March 2014. 14(2):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. The Earliest Harvest From Your Garden. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. February 2014. 14(1):66.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Growing Greenhouse Tomatoes - A to Z. Proceedings of the Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Invited Speaker Oral Presentation. Hershey, PA. January 28, 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Trouble Shooting Greenhouse Vegetable Problem. Proceedings of the Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Invited Speaker Oral Presentation. Hershey, PA. January 28, 2014.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. Farmers' Markets - Great Source For Locally Grown Produce. Mississippi State University Extension Service. Publication 2821. February 2014. 8 pages.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2014. State Coordinator for Mississippi of Vegetable Crop Handbook For The Southeastern U.S.; with North Carolina State University, Auburn University, University of Georgia, Clemson University, Louisiana State University; University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky, University of Florida, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech. 2014. 276 pages.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Diagnosing Common Tomato Problems. Proceedings of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo. Invited Speaker Oral Presentation. Grand Rapids, MI. December 11, 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Greenhouse Tomatoes 201. Proceedings of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo. Invited Speaker Oral Presentation. Grand Rapids, MI. December 11, 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Introduction to Greenhouse Tomato Production. Proceedings of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo. Invited Speaker Oral Presentation. Grand Rapids, MI. December 10, 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Evans, William B., Richard G. Snyder, Vasile Cerven, and M. Hutton. 2013. Degradable Mulches May Have a Place in Southern Vegetable Farming. HortScience (Supplement). 2013 ASHS Annual Conference, Orlando, FL. February 2-5, 2013. (Abstr.) Oral Presentation and Published Abstract. October 2013. HortScience 48(9):S42-S43.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. The Forbidden Fruit - A Pomegranate? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. November / December 2013. 13(9):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Greenhouse Vegetables Break Into Surprising New Markets. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 61(11), P. 38. GHI. November 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Printing Your Veggies. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. October 2013. 13(8):66.


Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Target Audience(s): Commercial vegetable growers and others transitioning to vegetable farming; trainers and extension educators in Mississippi; vegetable and horticultural researchers teachers and Extension faculty and staff in Mississippi and other U.S. and international locations; elementary and secondary education students; undergraduate and graduate students of horticulture; home gardeners; 4-H Clubs including clubs from socially and economically disadvantaged/minority schools in Jackson and other areas; small farmers; women and minority ) farmers (mainly African American and American Indian in Mississippi; citizens of the MSU-ES Southwest District; U.S. and international commercial suppliers to the vegetable industry. Changes/Problems: Our originalProject Director (PD) retired in early 2013. Dr. Evans was appointed and approved by NIFA in the fall of 2013 toserve as the replacementPD. Currently, Drs. Snyder and Evans are investigators on the project and a search is underway to replace the scientist that held the PD position previously. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Greenhouse Short Course: The Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, a two-day program held in March at Eagle Ridge Conference Center, Raymond, MS, educated about 110 participants, growers of greenhouse tomatoes and other hydroponically grown greenhouse crops from 28 states, Canada, El Salvador, Ghana, and Trinidad. Speakers and exhibitors from across the U.S. and Canada addressed their fields of expertise. Home gardeners from throughout MS benefitted from 21 garden seminars, workshops, and walking tours each day of Fall Flower & Garden Fest to make them more successful in their gardening and home food production efforts. Fall Flower & Garden Fest and Kids’ Week were both held at the Truck Crops Experiment Station, and attracted close to 5,000 adults and 1,500 school children, respectively. Adults toured the 3 acres of gardens, and participated in garden seminars, demonstrations, tours, etc., while children took part in “hay bale classes”, garden tours, wagon ride tours, and the forestry obstacle course in October. Information was also disseminated directly to growers via numerous news articles, web sites, and trade magazines. Participants at the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course learned how to increase their profitability as well as to reduce their risk in several categories, i.e. price, economics, pest management, marketing, environmental control, water sanitation, production techniques, etc. Investigators on the project have attended and presented information atmeetings of the American Society of Agronomy, American Society for Horticultural Science, grower meetings here and in other states, the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, the National Small Farmers Conference, and others. Investigators have hosted trainings on high tunnels, vegetable production, mulching and drip irrigation installation, growing transplants, and growing for farmers markets. In addition, we have had workplace trainings and retreats covering topics such as team dynamics and understanding how personality influences interactions and behavior. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Our results have been disseminated through extension presentations and publications (e.g. www.msucares.com/crops/hightunnels), field days and tours at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station, presentations at scientific meetings and grower group meetings (in and out of state), and through radio and television presentations by the investigators and others. We have had signfiicant interactions during this reporting period with African American, limitted resource and new farmers through the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture in Holmes County, cooperating research with Alcorn State Univeristy, and school programs with Foot Print Farms in Jackson and USDA NRCS/Hinds County work with Casey Elementary School, Wingfield High School and the Jackson Public Schools Technical and Career Education Center. Our presentations have included oral presentations, posters, hands-on field trainings, and group lectures. We also have a new effort in strawberry production studies that has led us to work closely with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. There we have trained a few dozen tribe members in strawberry crop establishment and protected culture.Nationalpress for our work with Wingfield high school was in preparation at the end of this reporting period. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? In the next reporting period, we will continue the Fall Flower & Garden Fest as an outreach vehicle. Planning for the 2014 Greenhouse Tomato Short Course is well under way. We will repeat our pumpkin and high tunnel trials, and continue the All America Selection and fall observational trials. We intend to complete a second year of study of the banding of chicken litter compost for vegetable crop production. We will complete our work on the cover crops study and have at least one publication in preparation. We also have drafts of publications for some of our cover crop work. We are working with colleagues and other agencies to identify funding opportunities to leverage this and other existing support. A search is already underway to replace the plant pathogist on this project who retired in 2013. That hire should be made before the end of the next reporting period, Sept. 30, 2014.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The major accomplishments under this project in this reporting period include completion of the first vegetable crops thesis from a student trained at our station in almost thirty years.That thesis is published and refereed publications have been drafted. Another major accomplishment is the continued success of the high tunnel research and outreach efforts started in 2009. We trained more than 200 people on high tunnels at the station in this reporting period, and farmers throughout the state continue to install tunnels and seek training from us and others. We have demonstrated or evaluated more than 500 vegetable cultivars to gardeners and growers. We conducted replicated trials of four crops, and observational trials of more than 20 others. Our study of chicken litter compost banding, in cooperation witht he USDA National Soil Tilth Laboratory in Alabama includes promising results fromthe first ever trial of their first of its kind organic amendment banding machine in vegetable crop systems. Anotehr successful Greenhouse Tomato Short Course also brought together and trained over 100 people from six countries in spring 2013. We have also developed strong ties with the area Natural Resources Conservation Service offices leading to programming efforts in small farm development, conservation practices such as cover crops, and work with area schools. The project reached several hundred primary and secondary students through field days and trainings. We formed partnerships withand educated students and teachersat Wingfield High School, Casey Elementary, the Piney Woods School, and the Oakley Training School. Through these efforts, we exposed dozens of non-agricultural students from poor and minority neighborhoods to vegetable crops and agriculture. We supported the development of and made presentations at the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture Production monthly skills workshops in Holmes Co. There, new, mostly African American farmers are being trained once each month over two years in all facets of agricultural production. We have also served our sciences as reviewers of papers and as committee or other chair/leadership positions. These have included chair-elect of an organic working group, chair-elect of a cropping arrangement community in the American Society of Agronomy, and chair of a vegetable crops group in the American Society for Horticultural Science. One of our investigators is also chair of the agriculture and plant science section of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences. We also completed installation of three growth chambers at the station. These will support this and other projects, providing highly controlled environments for research. Several high tunnels were repaired this year, with new plastic sheeting put on. Ojectives and Progress Toward Goals 1. To evaluate vegetable and herb cultivars and breeding lines for yield, quality, environmental responses and marketability. We tested responses of crops to organic fertilizers and different placement of fertilizer in the soil. We presented data on blueberry yields and high tunnel production of several crops to scientific and lay audiences. We evaluated the response of lettuce to shading in high tunnels. We continued testing of vegetable cropping systems using summer cover crops for fall vegetables in organic systems. 2. To grow observational trials of a wide diversity of vegetable species in both spring and fall to determine potential of these crops and to establish a data base of cultural andperformance information. We have demonstrated or evaluated more than 500 vegetable and herb cultivars to gardeners and growers. We conducted replicated trials of four crops, and observationaltrials of more than 20 others. Trials included testing of entries for the All-America Selections. 3. To develop sustainable cultural practices and pest control programs for vegetable crops that results in better produce quality, production, and handling efficiencies, with greater economic returns. We have demonstrated or evaluated more than 500 vegetable cultivars to gardeners and growers. We conducted replicated trials of four crops, and observationaltrials of more than 20 others. 4. Evaluate varieties, media, pest management, and cultural techniques for greenhouse tomato production to determine which are the most appropriate for greenhouse vegetables for the climate in Mississippi. Studies were completed on control of botrytis and several other diseases of greenhouse tomato.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Evans, William B., Richard G. Snyder, Vasile Cerven, and M. Hutton. 2013. Degradable Mulches May Have a Place in Southern Vegetable Farming. HortScience (Supplement). 2013 ASHS Annual Conference, Orlando, FL. February 2-5, 2013. (Abstr.) Oral Presentation and Published Abstract. October 2013. HortScience 48(9):S42-S43.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Horticultural Outreach for 5,000+ with Fall Flower & Garden Fest. In T. Rhodus (Ed.), Changing the Pace - Adopting a Pecha Kucha Approach to Presentations [iBooks 3.0 or later] (pp. 22-24). Retrieved 1/31/2013 from https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/changing-pace-adopting-pecha/id594201341?ls=1
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Outreach for 5,000+ with Fall Flower & Garden Fest. ASHS. Online Apple iBook presentation: http://ashs.org/db/horttalks/detail.lasso?id=9306
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2012. Outreach for 5,000+ with Fall Flower & Garden Fest. HortScience (Supplement). 2012 ASHS Annual Conference, Miami, FL. August 2, 2012. (Abstr.) Oral Presentation and Published Abstract. HortScience 47(9):S103-S104.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Kemble, Joseph M., George E. Boyhan, Jeanine M. Davis, Richard L. Hassel, Richard G. Snyder, and Annette L. Wszelaki. 2012. After 12 YearsThe Southeastern Vegetable Crops Handbook and SE Vegetable Extension Workers Meeting. HortScience (Supplement). 2012 American Society for Horticultural Science Southern Region Annual Conference, Birmingham, AL, February 36, 2012. (Abstr.) Oral Presentation and Published Abstract. HortScience 47(9):S37-S38.
  • Type: Other Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. The Forbidden Fruit - A Pomegranate? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. November / December 2013 issue. 13(9):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Printing Your Veggies. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. October 2013. 13(8):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Simple Garden Advice for Summer. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. September 2013. 13(7):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. The Details On Vegetable Consumption. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 61(8), P. 38. GHI. August 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Beware of the Poisonous Plants. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. July / August 2013. 13(6):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Be Careful to Save the Bees. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. June 2013. 13(5):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Q & A For Spring Vegetable Gardens. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. May 2013 . 13(4):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. MGLOG - A Mississippi Gardener Blog. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. March 2013. 13(2):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hood, Kenneth, Richard G. Snyder, and Clay Gholston. 2013. Greenhouse Tomato Budgets for Mississippi. Mississippi State University Extension Service. February 2013. Publication No. 2766. 8 pages.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Using Your Marketing Edge. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 61(1), P. 34. GHI. January 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. State Coordinator for Mississippi of Vegetable Crop Handbook For The Southeastern U.S.; with North Carolina State University, Auburn University, University of Georgia, Clemson University, Louisiana State University; University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky, University of Florida, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech. 2013. 276 pages.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Speaking Latin for Gardeners. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. February 2013. 13(1):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Snyder, Rick. 2012. How to Grow Giant Produce. State By State Gardening Magazines eNewsletter. November 2012. http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/newsletters/stories/how_to_grow_giant_produce_enews.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2012. When Kudzu Bug Attacks, is Our Kudzu in Danger? Mississippi Gardener Magazine. November / December 2012. 12(9):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2012. Greenhouse News Around The World. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 60(11), P. 34. GHI. November 2012.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. New U.S. Greenhouse Profiles. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 61(4), P. 38. GHI. April 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2013. Gold Rush? Mississippi Sweetpotatoes. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. April 2013 issue. 13(3):66.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Snyder, Richard G. 2012. Bio-Plastics and Keeping It Green. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. October 2012. 12(8):66.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Reynolds, S.M. 2012. The use of summer cover crops and composted broiler litter in fall organic vegetable production. M.S. Thesis.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Evans, W.B., G. Bi, M. Gu, V.C. Cerven.2013. Impacts from three years of an integrated high tunnel project in Mississippi. Presented to the So. Branch  Amer. Soc. Hortic. Sci., Feb. 2013. Orlando, Fl.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Evans, W.B., S. Reynolds and D. Marshall. 2013. Blueberry cultivar trial in Central Mississippi: 2012 Update. Presented to the So. Branch  Amer. Soc. Hortic. Sci., Feb. 2013. Orlando, Fl.


Progress 10/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Coordinated multi-state research, evaluated summer cover cropping systems, linking food quality to soil characteristics and management in organic systems, and improving soils with cover crops and broiler litter compost in fall planted organic vegetable systems. Evaluation of crop species, variety, planting dates and fertility were conducted in high tunnel systems. The Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, a two-day program held in March at Eagle Ridge Conference Center, Raymond, MS, educated about 130 participants, growers of greenhouse tomatoes and other hydroponically grown greenhouse crops from 28 states, Canada, El Salvador, Ghana, Brazil and Trinidad. Speakers and exhibitors from across the U.S. and Canada addressed their fields of expertise. Fall Flower & Garden Fest and Kids' Week were both held at the Truck Crops Experiment Station, and attracted about 4,600 adults and 1,800 school children, respectively. Adults toured the 3 acres of gardens viewing over 500 vegetable variety entries, ethnic vegetables, small space intensive gardening, herb, and participated in garden seminars, demonstrations, tours, etc., while children took part in "hay bale classes", garden tours, wagon ride tours, and the forestry obstacle course in October. Information was also disseminated directly to growers via numerous news articles, web sites, and trade magazines. Greenhouse tomato disease research was published as Plant Disease Management Reports and is available to the academic community. Plant pathology extension educational information was disseminated to over 2500 individuals statewide. PARTICIPANTS: Participants: David M. Ingram-PI. Conducted vegetable pathology research, teaching and extension. William B. Evans-Co-PI. Conducted vegetable research, teaching and outreach. R.G. Snyder-Co-PI. Conducted vegetable research and extension. Operations staff: Peter Hudson, Janie Taylor, David Williams, Clay Cheroni, Ed Hamilton, Melvin Townsend. Collaborators: USDA-NIFA-SCRI Ohio State University,funding for plant pathology extension and research. R. Rowe, Mississippi State University; D. Nagel, Mississippi State University; K. Hood, Mississippi State University; K. Crouse, MSU-Soil Testing Lab; K. Benson, Grower; E. Fackler, Gardens Alive; M. LaBelle and B. Sanderson, Mighty Grow; W. Wade, BioSoil Enhancers; Alcorn State University; LSU AgCenter; Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Mississippi Pecan Growers Association; Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Association; USDA Southern Horticultural Laboratory at Poplarville, MS; and Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. Funding for Extension programming was provided by three Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Specialty Crops Block Grants. TARGET AUDIENCES: All greenhouse tomato growers; state and regional commercial vegetable producers and gardeners; horticultural and soil scientists; agriculture and youth extension professionals; government and non-government support agencies. Demographic groups served include all races and religions of Mississippi, and age groups from elementary school-aged children to senior adults. Trainings and professional development: Fall Flower & Garden Fest; Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, Agent trainings, High Tunnel Workshop, MS Medallion Selection Committee, Mid-South Green Industry and Garden Center Conference attendees, publication of information on msucares.com and twitter.com/npkveg, small group and individual tours and conferences, farm visits, North Mississippi Vegetable Growers Conference, and Coastal Mississippi Research and Extension Center Producers Advisory Meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Organic vegetable producers in Mississippi now have sources of information on selecting the best summer cover crops and how to use broiler litter compost in their operations. High tunnel vegetable producers have increased their knowledge of these systems and many producers are utilizing them in total or in part of their vegetable production operations. Participants at the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course learned how to increase their profitability as well as to reduce their risk in several categories, i.e. price, economics, pest management, marketing, environmental control, water sanitation, production techniques, etc. Home gardeners from throughout MS benefitted from 21 garden seminars, workshops, and walking tours each day of Fall Flower & Garden Fest to make them more successful in their gardening and home food production efforts. Findings from greenhouse tomato disease research identified products for management of Botrytis gray mold and bacterial canker. Greenhouse tomato growers benefitted from increased information on how to manage two of the most important greenhouse tomato diseases.

Publications

  • Snyder, Richard G. 2012. State Coordinator for Mississippi of Vegetable Crop Handbook For The Southeastern U.S.; with North Carolina State University, Auburn University, University of Georgia, Clemson University, Louisiana State University; University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky, University of Florida, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech. 2012. 274 pages.
  • Reynolds, S.M., W. Evans, C. Motsenbocker, G. Panicker, and R. Mentreddy. 2012. Improving soils with summer cover crops and broiler litter compost in fall organic vegetable systems. Presented to the Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. 2012 Annual Conf., Cincinnati, OH. Poster. Volunteered. Abstra. 151-6. http://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2012am/webprogram/Paper72197.html
  • Snyder, Rick. 2012. How to Grow Giant Produce. State By State Gardening Magazines eNewsletter. November 2012. http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/newsletters/stories.
  • Evans, W.B., C. Motsenbocker, R. Mentreddy, G. Panicker, and V. Cerven. 2012 Winners from Two Years of Summer Cover Crop Screening in Mississippi and Louisiana. 2012 So. Reg. Amer. Soc. Hortic. Sci. Ann. Mtng. Oral Presentation. Volunteered.
  • Evans, W. 2012. SCC 083: A new multi-state research coordinating committee for linking food quality to soil characteristics and management in organic systems. Presented to the Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. 2012. Annual Conf. Cincinnati, OH. Poster. Volunteered. Abstr. 401-56. Http:// scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2012am/webprogram/Paper75191.html.
  • Evans, W., C. Motsenbocker, G. Panicker, R. Mentreddy, and V. Cerven. 2012. Summer cover crop screenings for fall vegetable production in the Gulf States. Presented to the Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. 2012. Annual Conf. Cincinnati, OH. Poster. Volunteered. Abstr. 238-5. http://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2012am/webprogram/Paper72140.html.
  • Ingram, D.M. 2012. Evaluation of biopesticides for the control of gray mold in greenhouse tomatoes, 2011. Plant Disease Management Reports Vol 6:V090.
  • Ingram, D.M. 2012. Evaluation of products for the control of bacterial canker in greenhouse tomatoes, 2011. Plant Disease Management Reports Vol6:V089.
  • Snyder, Richard G. 2012. When Kudzu Bug Attacks, is Our Kudzu in Danger Mississippi Gardener Magazine. November / December 2012 issue. 12(9):66.
  • Snyder, Richard G. 2012. Greenhouse News Around The World. American Vegetable Grower Magazine. 60(11), P. 34. GHI. November 2012.
  • Snyder, Richard G. 2012. Bio-Plastics and Keeping It Green. Mississippi Gardener Magazine. October 2012 issue. 12(8):66.
  • Kemble, Joseph M. and Richard G. Snyder. 2012. Growing Fresh-Market Tomatoes in a High Tunnel to Enhance Market Opportunities for Growers in Alabama. Poster presented at AgraTech Israel 2012: International CIPA Conference. Acta Horticulturae. In Press.