Managing indigenous seed-inhabiting microbes for biological control against Fusarium pathogens in corn
Managing indigenous seed-inhabiting microbes for biological control against Fusarium pathogens in corn
West
Developing testing protocols to assure the quality of fertilizer materials for organic agriculture
The organic industry is on track for a six-fold increase in the next five years, having grown from $6.1 billion in sales in 2000 to $29.2 billion in sales in 2011 (4.2% of total food sales in the U.S that year). Consumer demand continues to drive steady growth of this sector, which is indicated by average growth of 8% per year since 2002.
Create Two Open-Pollinated, Sugary Enhanced Sweet Corn Varieties - Year III
Very little sweet corn grown commercially today is open pollinated. Farmers who wish to save their own seed have few if any good choices of varieties to grow. Today’s hybrids have been developed for conditions that are different from those found on most organic farms. Organic sweet corn growers deserve better choices.
Establishing breeding populations for organic broccoli, sweet corn, and red kale varieties
Organic farmer interest in on-farm plant breeding has been on the rise due to a lack of available germplasm adapted to organic systems, a growing awareness of the value of regionally adapted varieties, and consolidations in the seed industry that have led to a decline in varietal offerings.
Managing Natural Habitat Can Aid in Organic Pest Control
Summary
Determing habitat requirements for natural enemies of farm pests
Coordinator: Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer, University of California, Berkeley
Maintaining a healthy population of beneficial insects that serve as natural enemies to crop pests is an important component of pest management for organic farmers. To do so, we must understand the habitat requirements of these insects.
Organic Seed Production Guides Help Fill Knowledge Gap
Summary
Production guides for organic carrot, lettuce and beet seed
Coordinator: Micaela Colley, Organic Seed Alliance, Port Townsend, Washington
Stakeholders: U.S. organic vegetable producers interested in producing organic vegetable seed
Organic Farmers Flock to Farm Walk Series
Summary
Tilth Producers of Washington Farm Walks
Coordinator: Nancy Allen, Tilth Producers of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Stakeholder location: Washington State
Integrating Biological Control with Trap Crop Management in California Organic Strawberries
Summary
Investigator: Sean Swezey, Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, University of California, Santa Cruz
Project locations: Pacific Gold Farms, Watsonville, California