Life Sciences Commons^™

G73-73 Sweet Potatoes (Revised June 1992), R.E. Neild, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Varieties, requirements and culture, harvesting and storage of sweet potatoes. The sweet potato, a member of the morning glory plant family, is native to tropical America. It is an important food plant in warmer regions of the world and is adapted to southeastern Nebraska. Sweet potatoes may be boiled, baked, fried, or candied. They have high food value. Varieties with deeply yellow colored roots are a good source of vitamin A.

Windbreaks In North American Agricultural Systems, James R. Brandle, Laurie Hodges, Xinhua H. Zhou

Laurie Hodges

Windbreaks are a major component of successful agricultural systems throughout the world. The focus of this chapter is on temperate-zone, commercial, agricultural systems in North America, where windbreaks contribute to both producer profitability and environmental quality by increasing crop production while simultaneously reducing the level of off-farm inputs. They help control erosion and blowing snow, improve animal health and survival under winter conditions, reduce energy consumption of the farmstead unit, and enhance habitat diversity, providing refuges for predatory birds and insects. On a larger landscape scale windbreaks provide habitat for various types of wildlife and have the potential to contribute …

G1425 Garlic Production In The Home Garden, Laurie Hodges, Susan D. Schoneweis

Laurie Hodges

Garlic provides flavor to many favorite recipes, is relatively easy to grow and offers plenty of varieties from which to choose. Garlic, Allium sativum L., is used as a seasoning in many foods worldwide. It isn't considered a major vegetable because consumption is generally small due to its strong flavor. But without garlic, many of our popular dishes would lack the flavor and character that make them favorites. Fortunately, garlic is relatively easy to grow in the home garden. The most difficult decision may be deciding what kind of garlic to plant since there are over 100 cultivars available from …

Effects Of Antitranspirant And Polyacrylamide Gel On Early Growth Of Muskmelon (Cucumis Melo L Cv. Hiline) [Abstract], Entin Daningsih, Laurie Hodges, James R. Brandle

Laurie Hodges

Field experiments were conducted in 1991, 1992, and 1993 to evaluate the effects of antitranspirant (Folicote, Aquatrol Inc.) and polyacrylamide gel (Supersorb, Aquatrol Inc.) on early growth of muskmelon.

Nf97-344 Weights And Measures Guidelines For Sales At Farmers' Markets, Roadside Stands And Other Commercial Outlets, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact focuses on the sale of fresh produce at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and other seasonal outlets.

Bindweed Identification And Control Options For Organic Production, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Two species of bindweed are commonly found in the Great Plains and one unrelated weed is often confused with bindweed.

Nf04-607 Growing Scallions (Green Onions) For Market Gardeners, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Growing scallions (green onions) can provide market gardeners with early cash flow and customers with quality increases in storage life, freshness and flavor. Growing quality scallions is easier than growing quality bulb onions simply because they are in the field for a shorter time and bulb formation is not an issue when growing true scallions. This NebFact discusses choosing and growing scallions from seed, fertilizing, the use of pesticides and herbicides for controlling pests and weeds, and a listing of seeding companies.

Nf91-50 Bee Pollination Of Cucurbit Crops, Laurie Hodges, Fred Baxendale

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact discusses bee pollination of cucurbit crops.

Nf92-107 Resource List For Marketing Alternative Crops, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact is a resource list of companies, organizations, and government offices who offer and supply information for helping the small farmer/gardener market their alternative crops.

Wind Protection And Planting Date Affect Snapbean Growth And Yield [Abstract], Mohammed Nazip Suratman, Laurie Hodges, James R. Brandle, Kenneth G. Hubbard

Laurie Hodges

The effects of windbreak shelter on growth, total, and marketable yield of snapbeans were evaluated during 1994 and 1995.

Bean Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Abundance In Soybean Fields Protected And Unprotected By Shelterbelts, Stephen Danielson, James Brandle, Laurie Hodges, P. Srinivas

Laurie Hodges

The bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a major insect pest of soybean in Nebraska and throughout much of the Midwest. This insect overwinters in the adult stage in litter in wooded areas such as shelterbelts. Historically, crop producers have been unsure of the merits of shelterbelts, especially if nearby crops are more likely to be infested by insect pests as a result. In this study, bean leaf beetle adults were sampled during the season by visually counting the number of beetles found on soybean plants early in the season and by sweep net sampling once plants …

Comparison Of An Antitranspirant Spray, A Polyacrylamide Gel, And Wind Protection On Early Growth Of Muskmelon, Laurie Hodges, Entin Daningsih, James R. Brandle

Laurie Hodges

Field experiments were conducted over 4 years to evaluate the effects of antitranspirant (Folicote, Aquatrol Inc., Paulsboro, N.J.) and polyacrylamide gel (SuperSorb, Aquatrol Inc., Paulsboro, N.J.) on early growth of transplanted muskmelon grown either protected by tree windbreaks or exposed to seasonal winds. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement was used with wind protection (sheltered and exposed) areas as the main treatment and use of an antitranspirant spray or gel dip as subtreatments. Based on destructive harvests in the field, treatments and subtreatments did not affect dry weight or leaf area index in the first 2 …

Ec00-1207 Growing Onions, Shallots, And Chives, Susan Schoneweis, Laurie Hodges, Loren J. Giesler

Laurie Hodges

The common onion (Allium cepa) is the most popular and widely grown Allium in Nebraska home gardens. Many members of the onion family (Alliaceae) are used in flower gardens because of their interesting flowers and foliage, but here we're going to focus on the onion as a vegetable crop. This publication will discuss the different types of onions and how to grow onions from onion sets, plants, transplants, and seed. It will cover the different cultivars found here in Nebraska, the nutrition, fertilizing, harvesting, curing and storing of onions.

Performance Of Green And Blanched Asparagus Cultivars In Nebraska [Abstract], Laurie Hodges, Roger Uhlinger, Ernesto Brovelli, Susan Cuppett, Anne Parkhurst

Laurie Hodges

Fourteen asparagus cultivars were established in 1988 in eastern Nebraska on a heavy silty clay soil to determine suitability for Nebraska production.

G03-1522 Damping Off Of Seedlings And Transplants, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

The shift toward more ecological means of pest control is a driving force in research and in growers' fields. Growers need to understand how the various pathogens causing plant disease respond to environmental conditions and cultural practices — what keeps the level of disease below an economic threshold and how these conditions can be developed and maintained for more sustainable production. This NebGuide provides information on two common pathogens that cause seedling disease (damping off) in many crops. Although vegetable production is used in the examples, the principles apply to many cropping systems.

Adaptability And Reliability Of Yield For Four Bell Pepper Cultivars Across Three Southeastern States, Laurie Hodges, Douglas C. Sanders, Katharine B. Perry, Kent M. Eskridge, K. M. (Dean) Batal, Darbie M. Granberry, Wayne J. Mclaurin, Dennis Decoteau, Robert J. Dufault, J. Thomas Garrett, Russell Nagata

Laurie Hodges

Four bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars were evaluated for yield (total weight of marketable fruit) performance over 41 environments as combinations of 3 years, three planting dates, and seven locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Cultural practices, including trickle irrigation and double rows planted on black plastic-covered beds, were uniform across all environments, except for fertilization, which was adjusted at each location based on soil tests. Comparing production over 3 years between the mountain location and the Coastal Plain location in North Carolina, yields were lower on the Coastal Plain. Spring plantings provided higher yields than summer …

G00-1778 Field Windbreaks, James Brandle, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

gricultural producers face many challenges as they try to balance efficient production systems with increasing environmental demands. For these systems to be successful, they must optimize the balance between inputs and final production. Field windbreaks are one way to increase yields while at the same time reducing inputs and improving both environmental quality and production efficiency. Windbreaks reduce wind speed and alter the microclimate in sheltered areas. Field windbreaks reduce wind erosion and the damage to crops caused by wind-blown soil. They improve water use efficiency, reduce risks associated with drought, and manage blowing snow.

Field windbreaks provide positive economic …

Nf92-69 Selected Vegetable Cultivars For Nebraska, Susan Schoneweis, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact provides information about cultivars of garden vegetables available to grow in Nebraska.

Growing Scallions (Green Onions) For Market Gardeners, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Growing scallions can provide market gardeners with early cash flow and is easier than growing bulb onions; they are different than young bulbing onions.

Nf92-108 Sources Of Information — Organic Or Sustainable Vegetable Production, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact is a list of companies, organizations and government offices that supply information for the gardener and small farmer who are looking at instituting organic or sustainable vegetable production.

The Response Of Muskmelon Growth And Development To Microclimate Modification By Shelterbelts, Dongsheng Zheng, James R. Brandle, Laurie Hodges, Entin Daningsih, Kenneth G. Hubbard

Laurie Hodges

The relationships between shelterbelt (tree windbreak)-induced microclimate and muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) growth and development were investigated at the Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead, Nebr., during the 1992 and 1993 growing seasons. Wind speed, wind direction, air and soil temperatures, relative humidity, and soil moisture were monitored in both sheltered and nonsheltered areas. Plant growth parameters (plant height, vine length, plant dry weight, and leaf area) were measured at various stages of development. Shelterbelts provided improved growing conditions for muskmelon transplants. Direct wind damage and duration of higher wind speeds were reduced 47% to 56% …

G90-993 Basic Cultural Practices For Commercial Production Of Green (Snap) Beans, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebGuide discusses cultivar selection, production, pest management and packing of commercial green beans. Cultivars Selection of cultivars depends on intended use or market. "Processor" cultivars are low in fiber and are best for home garden and roadside markets as well as processing. These include the various Bush Blue Lake selections (BBL 47, BBL 92, BBL 274) and others such as Early Gallatin, Eagle, Slenderwhite, Labrador, Flo, and Peak. The "fresh market" or "shipping" beans have high fiber to maintain quality during long distance shipping. These include Strike, Podsquad, Blazer, Triumph, Atlantic, Gatorgreen, Greencrop, Sprite, and many others. Cultivars with …

Ec92-1248 Growing Squash And Pumpkin For Food And Ornamentation, Laurie Hodges, Frederick P. Baxendale, David S. Wysong

Laurie Hodges

Pumpkin and squash are American members of the plant family Cucurbitaceae. Cucumbers, originally from India, muskmelons from the Middle East, and watermelons from Africa are other members of this important family of vine crops. Squash, like corn, was domesticated by Indians of Central America and spread to the 48 contiguous states of the United tates before the arrival of Columbus. Squash was among the first vegetables to be planted in Nebraska. These crops can be used in many ways. The quick-growing, tender-skinned summer squash, when harvested and used while still immature, are delicious either steamed and buttered or sliced and …

Ec81-1240 Vegetable Gardening In Nebraska, Dale T. Lindgren, Laurie Hodges, Don Steinegger, Ralph E. Neild

Laurie Hodges

Nebraskans are increasing their consumption of fresh vegetables — as appetizers, salads, side dishes, and snacks. Fresh vegetables are an integral part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Although Nebraska's climate and soil are well-suited for many vegetables, most are supplied from out of the state, even during summer. Growing fresh vegetables can provide higher nutrition and flavor at less expense than buying fresh produce at the grocery store. A garden also can be a source of personal enjoyment and satisfaction. This extension circular helps the gardener decide when, where, and how to plant and maintain a vegetable garden.

Nf91-43 Blossom End Rot In Tomatoes, Laurie Hodges, Don Steinegger

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact discusses the causes, prevention and treatment of blossom end rot in tomatoes.

Adsorption Of The Herbicides Diuron, Terbacil, And Simazine To Blueberry Mulches, Laurie Hodges, Ronald E. Talbert

Laurie Hodges

Samples of soil, mulch, and the soil/mulch interface zone were collected from commercial highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) fields typical in their use of mulch under Arkansas conditions. Mulches included J-year-old hardwood sawdust, 5-year-old hardwood sawdust, and 1-year-old pine needle mulch. Herbicide adsorption (Kd values) of the samples was determined for diuron, terbacil, and simazine. The soils, mulches, and interfaces adsorbed nearly 10 times as much diuron and more than twice as much simazine as terbacil. Adsorption of the herbicides was three to five times greater to the mulches than to the soils. Adsorption was significantly correlated with the organic …

G81-540 Peppers (Revised May 1990), Dale T. Lindgren, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Various peppers and their care are discussed here. Peppers are treated as warm-season annual crops when grown in Nebraska gardens. They are related to eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes, all of which belong to the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family.

G80-496 Tomatoes In The Home Garden, Laurie Hodges, Dale T. Lindgren, Susan Schoneweis

Laurie Hodges

This NebGuide outlines tomato rearing practices, cultivars and possible pest, disease and weed control problems.

Tomatoes come in a wide range of fruit colors, sizes, shapes and maturities. Ripe tomatoes may be red, yellow, orange, pink or even green. Shapes vary from globe or round to slightly flattened, pear-like or cherry-sized. Often consumers complain tomatoes purchased in grocery stores are lacking in flavor or have tough skin. In a home garden, you can grow the tomatoes you prefer, including a wide selection of fruit colors, flavors, textures and sizes. Although rumored, there is no direct link between fruit acidity and …

Parasitoids Of The Bean Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Found In Nebraska Soybean Fields, Stephen D. Danielson, James R. Brandle, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

The bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is the major insect pest of soybean in Nebraska and throughout much of the midwestern United States. Natural enemies of the bean leaf beetle have been reported in other states, but none have been reported in Nebraska. In this study, bean leaf beetle adults were obtained by aspirating those found on soybean plants early in the season and by sweep net once plants were in the V4 stage (approximately 0.33 meter tall). Sampling was done in 1997 and 1998 in soybean fields at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development …

Windbreaks: An Important Component In A Plasticulture System, Laurie Hodges, James R. Brandle

Laurie Hodges

Windbreaks reduce wind speed and modify the microclimate in sheltered areas. Many producers use wind barriers in their production systems, but few producers recognize all of the benefits available or understand the principles involved in windbreak function and design. Wind has direct and indirect effects on plant growth and development. Direct effects include soil abrasion, increased transpiration, and lodging. Indirect effects are based on changes in the crop microclimate, which influence plant growth and yield. Windbreaks increase soil and air temperatures and can extend the growing season in sheltered areas, resulting in increased crop development, earlier crop maturity, and market …