Sometimes it seems as if growers are fighting the same crop issues, year after year, perhaps opting for new disease-resistant cultivars to try to get ahead of the problem. (more…)

In many of the fruit and vegetable meetings I’ve conducted and attended over the years, the topic that growers can’t seem to get enough of is marketing, or “How do I sell?” (more…)

If only it were as simple as counting days to maturity! But apple growers know that the optimal development of apple flavor (more…)

Research during the pandemic has shown customers want to link with their familiar retail outlets while seeking consistency in messaging about present and future opportunities and operation. (more…)

by Sally Colby

Dr. Jill Sidebottom, North Carolina State University has seen a lot of changes in Christmas tree production over the years, and said in changes yet to come, IPM will be more critical than ever. (more…)

Raspberry and blackberry growers are challenged both by disease and insect concerns. The primary insect of concern for bramble growers (but not the only one) is spotted wing drosophila (SWD) (more…)

While shoulder-to-shoulder happy hours, tours and tasting room experiences were pre-COVID-19 signs of successful marketing, such packed-house activities may be less the norm as wineries and craft beverage businesses gear up for full retail once again. (more…)

Itersonilia perplexans, the fungus that causes Itersonilia (aka black) canker in parsnips can overwinter in dead organic matter, on living parsnip roots and in soils, and can infest seeds as well as plants. (more…)

Over the years, growers have asked me if it is safe to harvest asparagus in the summer, to gain a market at a time where there is no local asparagus on the market, and to bring them a higher price. (more…)

by Courtney Llewellyn

A lot of attention is paid today to ensuring surfaces are safe and clean for humans – but what about the surfaces plants touch? They’re susceptible to a variety of diseases as well. (more…)