Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Alternative production systems for high-value horticultural crops

Project ID: 1992-33

Abstract

As concern about the adverse effects of pesticides grows, interest in alternative production methods for horticultural crops is increasing. In this project, strawberries and tomatoes, two important fruit and vegetable crops in Iowa, were studied under several alternative production approaches to determine how yields, quality, and income for growers could be maintained in comparison with conventional growing practices. One approach used integrated crop management strategies; another employed organic practices. A third used corn gluten meal, a natural fertilizer and weed control material. Results indicate that alternative production systems can provide acceptable June-beaming strawberry and tomato crop yields, quality, and income for Iowa growers. If biological controls for tarnished plant bug can be developed, everbearing strawberries may have acceptable yields as well.

Lead investigator: Gail Nonnecke, ISU Horticulture, et al

Year of grant completion: 1996

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Initiative.

Topics: Biocontrol and Integrated Pest Management, Fruit and vegetables, Organic production practices and comparisons