Optimizing mulch and fertilizer use in organic blueberries
Summary
Investigator: Eric Hanson, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Project location: southwestern Michigan and north central Indiana
Other
Harnessing aphid alarm pheromone to rid broccoli heads of aphids
Summary
Investigator: Phillip Fujiyoshi, Dept. of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis
Project location: Davis, California
The purpose of this project was to find a way to make aphid-infested broccoli heads marketable by inducing the aphids to walk away in response to alarm pheromone.
Developing an organic commercial production system for the Goji berry
Summary
Investigator: Norma Wilson, Butterfuly Hill Plants, Lovettsville, VA
Project location: Lovettsville, VA
Investigating the effects of shade canopy management on natural enemies, pests, plant damage and yield in organic coffee plantations
Summary
Investigator: Stacy Philpott, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
Project location: Chiapas, Mexico
Many conservation organizations and ecologists have promoted organic shade coffee farming as a direction towards agroecosystem sustainability and protection of tropical biodiversity. Coffee was traditionally grown under a native shade tree canopy, and ecological studies demonstrate that organic, shade-grown coffee provides much-needed habitat for migratory birds, mammals, and arthropods.
Investigating the use of buckwheat strips to attract beneficial insects for the management of Colorado potato beetle
Summary
Investigator: Robert Hadad, Cornell Regional Vegetable Program, Lockport, NY
Project location: Four organic farms in upstate New York
Hops Show Potential as Complement to Orchard Systems: Adapting organic apple practices for Great Lakes Region organic hops production
Summary
Investigator: Matthew Grieshop, Assistant Professor of Organic Pest Management, Organic Pest Management Lab, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
Project location: AlMar Orchards, Flushing, Michigan
Integrating bats into organic pest management
Summary
Investigator: Steve Tennes, Country Mill Farms, Charlotte, Michigan
Project locations: This project will be conducted at seven farms in southern Michigan over a total of three summers (2009-2011). The farms include organic, conventional and mixed operations.
Fungi, predatory mites and guardian plants for thrips IPM in organic greenhouse ornamentals
Summary
Investigator: Margaret Skinner, University of Vermont Entomology Research Lab, Burlington, VT
Project location: River Berry Farm, Fairfax, VT (certified organic since 1999)
This project focuses on thrips, one of the most important pests of organic greenhouse production nationally and a common reason why growers suspend organic practices in greenhouse ornamentals, fearing crop loss from this persistent virus-transmitting pest.
Identification of superior cover crop varieties for organic seed production in the Maritime Northwest
Summary
Investigator: John Navazio, Organic Seed Alliance, Port Townsend, Washington
Project location: Nash's Organic Produce, Sequim, Washington
Enhancing insect pest management in organic systems using genotypically diverse cultivar mixtures
Summary
Coordinator: John Tooker, Pennsylvania State University
Project location: Russel Larson Agricultural Research Center, Rock Springs, PA