Crop Management
Research in England on strawberries considers IPM practices
Experts at two British universities are starting a new project to develop a photonic “nose” to monitor crops for pest infestations and plant disease. Aston University, Birmingham, England, is collaborating with Harper Adams University, Shropshire,... more »
Grafting watermelons could boost yields for California growers
As growers across California navigate severe drought, supply-chain challenges and rising inflation, reducing inputs has become an existential necessity. And for watermelon growers, a new twist on a thousands-year-old practice is showing real promise. In... more »
Investors fund autonomous tractor company Sabanto
Sabanto Inc. has closed an oversubscribed $17M Series A funding round led by ag-tech venture firm Fulcrum Global Capital. DCVC Bio, Hico Capital, Yara Growth Ventures, Cavallo Ventures, Johnsonville Ventures and Trimble Ventures also participated... more »
USDA devotes $300 million to ease transition to organic production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making a $300 million investment, the Organic Transition Initiative, to help new spur growth in the organic sector and fulfill consumer demand while opening revenue streams for growers. Agriculture... more »
Look to California for day neutral strawberries for repeat blooming in East
There is significant interest in the use of repeat blooming strawberries for extended production. These “day neutral” varieties can provide good spring production with continued production into the summer and fall, depending on the planting... more »
A Q&A with New Jersey peach experts from Rutgers University
When it comes to producing peaches, New Jersey, with help from Rutgers scientists, does its part in keeping up with the competition. The round, slightly furry tree fruit is commercially produced in roughly 20 states. New... more »
SWD-killing wasps released in Michigan to protect fruit
Michigan State University (MSU) researchers who specialize in fruit crop pests have begun testing the effectiveness of a new biocontrol agent that could help reduce the damage caused by spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) on crops. This... more »
Biome Makers expanding client base, moving to larger HQ
Biome Makers, a global leader in soil microbiology, will be moving into a new 4,200-square-foot headquarters in Davis, California, early next year to accommodate growth at the company. Construction and redesigning the space has already... more »