Summer Garden Programs Improve Youth Food Preferences

Childhood and adolescent obesity is on the rise in the U.S. School lunch programs and after-school gardens are increasingly common ways to steer students towards healthier food choices. However, school-based programs do not cover the summer months when eating habits of youths tend to be worse. Brown et al. (p. 133) studied two summer garden programs for children ages 5 to 17 years, and found them to be effective at increasing knowledge about healthy foods, plants, and nutrients. After attendance, participants had more favorable views of fruits and vegetables and of trying more of them.

Choosing the Best Plastic Rain Covers for Table Grapes

California table grape growers cover the tops of whole vine rows in late-season varieties, using green or white polyethylene film to protect the fruit from rain. However, it is unclear whether either color is preferable with respect to canopy microclimate or fruit quality. Fidelibus et al. (p. 141) report that white plastic covers, which are more reflective than green, may be a better choice. Green covers were associated with higher canopy temperatures in two seasons and higher relative humidity in one season, but otherwise performed similarly.

Biofabric Mulches Conserve Soil Moisture and Suppress Weeds

Plastic mulch commonly is used in commercial vegetable production, but plastic disposal has negative environmental consequences. Wortman et al. (p. 148) studied the performance of alternatives, including bio-based plastic and fabric mulches, in field and high-tunnel cucumber crops. Both bioplastic and biofabric mulches increased soil moisture relative to bare soil, but biofabrics were more durable and more effective in controlling weeds. Biofabrics and bioplastics degraded at similar rates after incorporation in soil. Biofabrics, unlike most bioplastics, can be manufactured from 100% bio-based materials and soon could be approved for use on certified organic farms in the U.S.

Residual Fertilizer Adds Consumer Value to Potted Petunias

If plant products are delivered to the consumer without residual fertilizer, the grower is passing on the responsibility for subsequent fertilization to the customer. Oliveira et al. (p. 164) found that plant performance of petunias in patio containers or the landscape could be improved, compared with water-soluble fertilizer alone, by incorporating a conventional controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) before planting; incorporating a double-coated, delayed-release CRF; or top-dressing with CRF before shipping.

CPPU Improves Fruit Set of Spray-Pollinted Japanese Pear

Sakamoto et al. (p. 185) investigated the effects on ‘Hosui’ japanese pear fruit set of adding forchlorfenuron (CPPU) to media used for spray pollination. The rate of fruit set by spray pollination without CPPU were 48% to 62% of fruit set by hand pollination. Using media with 2 mg·L-1 CPPU resulted in 71% to 94% of fruit set by hand pollination. The use of CPPU increased the frequency of calyx-perpetual fruit, but did not significantly effect on fruit size, shape, or quality.

Benefits of Hand Thinning ‘Nadorcott’ Mandarin

Hand thinning is not a common practice in commercial citrus production due to the high cost of manual labor. Stander and Cronje (p. 206) evaluated hand thinning in “on-year” ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin for effects on tree fruit yield, quality, and size distribution, and for the financial implications of treatments over two seasons. Summer hand thinning of fruit smaller than 20 mm resulted in more premium-sized fruit per tree, without reducing fruit yield. Additional labor costs due to thinning were offset by faster picking of fruit at harvest. In season 2, fruit yield was higher for summer hand-thinning treatments compared to control.

Hard Cider Market Opportunities Evaluated in Vermont

Production and sales of hard cider in the U.S. have grown at a rapid pace recently. This expansion has been facilitated by increased consumer demand; however, future growth of the cider industry may be constrained by limited availability of the required quantity and types of apples. Becot et al. (p. 220) surveyed fruit growers and cideries in Vermont to identify opportunities and challenges for both industries. Each grower/cidery identified preferred apple varieties to be grown/purchased for cider making. Prices paid to growers for cider apples were below target prices that would sustain orchard profitability.

Onion Variety Performance Evaluated in Washington State

There are various markets and end uses for dry bulb onions grown in Washington, and different varieties are generally suited for different uses. The Washington State University Onion Variety Trial is a resource for onion growers, packers, processors, and seed companies to identify new varieties that may be a good fit for their operations. Wohleb and Waters (p. 230) evaluated the performance of 54 onion varieties entered in the trials from 2012 to 2014. Yield, quality, and storage characteristics were compared. Many varieties, including advanced experimental varieties, demonstrated attributes that are desired for certain markets and uses.