Pollination is vital for many plants, and nutrients present in the soil before these plants even sprout may affect how attractive they eventually are to pollinators, according to Penn State-led research. In a study with cucumber plants, the researchers found that in general, higher amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil resulted in larger plants and floral display, including …
Spring marks the return of fruit and vegetable harvest in the Salinas Valley region. With heavy rains, cold winter weather and our area recovering from flooding, that harvest has been delayed but consumers can be assured that they will enjoy leafy greens, vegetables and strawberries with the harvest continuing into November. While we understand the importance of providing healthy produce to …
Amber Vinchesi-Vahl, UCCE — The Pest Management Strategic Plan for Processing Tomatoes in California (see attachment) was published in May 2021 and encompasses a wealth of information on pest issues and farming practices for processing tomatoes in California. Myself, Cooperative Extension Specialist Cassandra Swett, and UC IPM collaborated on creating this document directly from stakeholder input and funding from the Western IPM Center. …
The USDA Potato Breeding Research grant program supports potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) research and Extension programs that focus on varietal development and testing to create improved potato varieties for commercial production using conventional breeding and/or biotechnological genetics. Application deadline is May 18. For more information, read the Potato Breeding Research program funding opportunity.
The experimental fields of the Mount Vernon Northwestern Research & Extension Center are adorned this summer with Japanese melons that could one day fill the displays of grocery stores across the western United States. Eight varieties of Higo Green melon — a variation traditionally unique to Japan — are being evaluated at the Washington State University facility for their ability …
Just as the previous Farm Bill has supported farmers with cost-share programs like EQIP to improve their sustainability, the specialty crop sector of ag is pushing for the coming Farm Bill to support on-farm ag tech innovations in a similar way. Watch this brief interview with California Fresh Fruit Association President Ian LeMay to learn more. Please thank this video’s …
As inflation and fluctuating global economics raise concern for Americans and California farmers, watch this brief interview with world-renowned economic forecaster Marci Rossell. Dr. Rossell recently addressed pistachio growers, processors and marketers at the annual Conference of American Pistachio Growers and shared some enlightening insights regarding the difference in today’s economic dynamics from the recessions of the past. Special Thanks …
During its quarterly Board Meeting, the Western Growers Executive Committee announced it will bestow D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California CEO/President and Chairman of the Board John D’Arrigo with the 2023 Award of Honor. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community. D’Arrigo Bros. Co. …
The Governor of California recently issued an Executive Order allowing local water districts to utilize floodwater for groundwater recharge purposes, a record amount of which will take place on California farmland. This is desperately needed and welcomed by farmers and other water users all over the state that have suffered decades of drought conditions. Watch this brief interview with Adam …
Registration is now open to attend the first-ever Salinas Biological Summit, which will be held June 20-21, 2023 at CSU Monterey Bay’s Salinas City Center. Co-presented by Western Growers and New Zealand-based agrifood tech consultancy Wharf42, the 2023 Salinas Biological Summit will provide an opportunity for growers to increase their awareness of available biological solutions to address their soil and …
