Enhancing biological control of insect pests using flowering intercrops in wine grape ecosystems
Summary
Investigator: Miguel Altieri, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Project location: Sonoma and Napa counties, California
Research
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.
Molasses as an alternative energy feed source for organic dairies
Summary
Investigator: Kathy Soder, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pasture Systems and Watershed Research Unit, University Park, PA
Project location: University of New Hampshire Organic Research Dairy, Burley-Demeritt farm, Lee, New Hampshire (certified organic since 2005)
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
Finding cost-effective weed and nutrient management practices in organic pear orchards
Summary
Investigator: Chuck Ingels, University of California Cooperative Extension, Sacramento County, Sacramento, California
Project location: Joe Green Ranch, Courtland, California (certified organic in 2009)
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
Integrated soil-borne disease and weed management for organic strawberries using anaerobic soil disinfestation, broccoli residue incorporation and mustard cake application
Summary
Investigator: Carol Shennan, University of California, Santa Cruz, Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
Stakeholders: Organic strawberry producers
Reducing risk associated with organic snap bean production in Wisconsin
Summary
Investigator: James Nienhuis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Project location: Wisconsin
Farmer-based evolutionary participatory plant breeding for organic quinoa, buckwheat, and spelt
The purpose of this project was to identify varieties of quinoa, buckwheat and spelt optimally adapted to organic farming systems in Washington State. Quinoa varieties have been identified that perform well in both Eastern and Western Washington. The multi-location quinoa variety trials have led to the establishment of a robust organic quinoa breeding and agronomy program, with multiple students incorporating genetic, agroecological and social aspects into their research.