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Full-Text Articles in Horticulture

Evaluation Of 18 Broccoli Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips Feb 2026

Evaluation Of 18 Broccoli Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A broccoli cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Rijk Zwaan (RZ), Sakata (SK), and Tozer (TZ) seed companies donated 18 broccoli cultivars for plastic mulch-bedded hand harvest. Overall, the trial quality was good for collecting data on stressed plants from both heat and fertility.


Evaluation Of 9 Cauliflower Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips Feb 2026

Evaluation Of 9 Cauliflower Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A cauliflower cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Rijk Zwaan (RZ), Sakata (SK), and Tozer (TZ) seed companies donated nine cauliflower cultivars for plastic mulch-bedded hand harvest. Overall, the trial demonstrated poor growth in cauliflower before heading amidst high heat, resulting in small plants, small heads and poor head quality.


Evaluation Of 14 Round Tomato Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips Jan 2026

Evaluation Of 14 Round Tomato Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A round tomato cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Enza Zaden (EZ), North Carolina State University (NCSU), PanAmerican (PA), and Sakata (SK) seed companies donated 14 cultivars for plastic mulch-bedded hand harvest. Overall, the trial quality was good, with periods of high heat slowing ripening.


Evaluation Of Eight Parthenocarpic Slicing Cucumber Cultivars And Four Production Systems In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips Jan 2026

Evaluation Of Eight Parthenocarpic Slicing Cucumber Cultivars And Four Production Systems In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

In the machine-harvested pickling cucumber system, parthenocarpic (parth) varieties make up about 50% of the market, and is growing. The seed cost is higher, but this is offset by not needing to contract or truck bees and an increased yield when planted at half the population of standard varieties. Additionally, they hold their shape and size better when moisture and temperatures fluctuate, reducing docked payments from graders. In pickling cucumbers, a breakeven yield is approximately 250 bushels per acre with a plant population of 30,000 plants per acre. Plant populations can play a strong role in economic viability, as demonstrated …


Evaluation Of Nine Sh2 Sweet Corn Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips Nov 2025

Evaluation Of Nine Sh2 Sweet Corn Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A bicolor sh2 sweet corn cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Seeds were donated by Crookham (CK), and Rupp (RP) seed companies. Two synergistic varieties were donated by Chris Difonzo from the Bt resistance project and were treated as unsprayed late-season checks against caterpillar infestation. Overall trial conditions were hot and dry, with moisture stress throughout the trial on a sandy hill. Overhead irrigation provided some relief. A new seeder was used that planted at a lower population than desired. As such, yield suffered in this trial.


Evaluation Of Six Roma Tomato Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips Nov 2025

Evaluation Of Six Roma Tomato Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A Roma tomato cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). HM Clause (HM), Lark (LK), and Sakata (SK) seed companies donated 6 cultivars for plastic mulch-bedded hand harvest. Overall, the trial quality was good, with periods of high heat slowing ripening.


Research Progress On The Effect Of Grafting Technology On Disease Resistance And Stress Resistance Of Watermelon, Xuena Liu, Shikai La, Chang Chen, Ainong Shi, Mingjiao Wang, Yingying Zhang, Jinghuai Guo, Lingdi Dong Oct 2025

Research Progress On The Effect Of Grafting Technology On Disease Resistance And Stress Resistance Of Watermelon, Xuena Liu, Shikai La, Chang Chen, Ainong Shi, Mingjiao Wang, Yingying Zhang, Jinghuai Guo, Lingdi Dong

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Grafting is an effective horticultural technique that significantly enhances disease resistance and stress tolerance in watermelon. This review systematically summarizes the types of rootstocks used in watermelon grafting and analyzes the effects of grafting on plant responses to biotic stresses, such as viral and fungal pathogens, root-knot nematodes infections, and abiotic stresses, including drought, temperature extremes, and salinity. Furthermore, it discusses the changes in fruit quality and explores the underlying mechanisms associated with graft-induced resistance. By synthesizing recent research advances, this review aims to offer valuable insights and practical references for improving resistance and promoting sustainable production in cucurbit and …


The Effect Of Melatonin And 6-Benzylaminopurine Application On The Post-Harvest Quality Of Cut Roses (Rosa X Alba), Azizah Tiara Putri, Syariful Mubarok, Rahmat Budiarto Aug 2025

The Effect Of Melatonin And 6-Benzylaminopurine Application On The Post-Harvest Quality Of Cut Roses (Rosa X Alba), Azizah Tiara Putri, Syariful Mubarok, Rahmat Budiarto

Jurnal Kultivasi

Roses are known as a high-value commodity frequently used in various important events. However, they are susceptible to postharvest quality deterioration, which can affect their vase life and appearance. In this study, roses with a blooming stage of approximately 25–50% were immersed in melatonin and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) solutions at different concentrations. This research aims to analyze the effect of melatonin and BAP application on the freshness of cut roses. The parameters observed included flower vase life, flower wilting angle, increase in flower diameter, fresh weight, solution uptake, and chlorophyll content. The results showed that melatonin and BAP, applied individually or …


2025 Standard-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie, Cesar Escalante Jan 2025

2025 Standard-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie, Cesar Escalante

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Indiana ranked fifth in watermelon production in the United States. In 2024, Indiana growers planted approximately 8,100 acres of watermelons. Watermelon cultivar evaluation trials have been conducted annually at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) in Vincennes, IN, for over 30 years. In 2025, 25 standard-sized seedless watermelons were evaluated, and yield and fruit quality parameters were assessed.


2025 Personal-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie, Cesar Escalante Jan 2025

2025 Personal-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie, Cesar Escalante

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Indiana ranks fifth in the United States for watermelon production in 2024. Most of the state’s production consists of red-flesh seedless cultivars with fruit weighing 9 lbs and above. A small portion of watermelon production devoted to mini seedless types. Meanwhile, interest in watermelon production among small and diversified vegetable farms is increasing, where smaller-sized watermelons are likely fit better at these farms. In this report, we summarize the performance of 12 personal-sized watermelon cultivars evaluated at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) in Vincennes, IN, during the 2025 season.


2024 Seeded Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan Dec 2024

2024 Seeded Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

The annual watermelon cultivar evaluation trial is conducted at Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) in Vincennes, Indiana. It evaluates yield, fruit quality, and overall plant performance of commercial watermelon cultivars and advanced breeding lines. Purdue Extension and seed companies financially support the trial. The 2024 seeded watermelon cultivar trial evaluated 15 cultivars.


2024 Personal-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan Dec 2024

2024 Personal-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

The annual watermelon cultivar evaluation trial is conducted at Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) in Vincennes, Indiana. It evaluates yield, fruit quality, and overall plant performance of commercial watermelon cultivars and advanced breeding lines. Purdue Extension and seed companies financially support the trial. The 2024 personal-sized triploid watermelon cultivar trial evaluated 18 cultivars.


2024 Standard-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan Dec 2024

2024 Standard-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

No abstract provided.


Evaluation Of 23 Pickling Cucumber Cultivars For Machine Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2024, Ben Phillips Nov 2024

Evaluation Of 23 Pickling Cucumber Cultivars For Machine Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2024, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A pickling cucumber cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.088261, -86.351980, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Nunhems (NU), Rijk Zwaan (RZ), and US AgriSeed (UA) seed companies donated parthenocarpic (seedless) cultivars for mechanical once-over harvest. Overall, trial quality was good despite a droughty start, though picking could have started sooner.


Evaluation Of Five Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2024, Ben Phillips Nov 2024

Evaluation Of Five Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2024, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A jack-o-lantern pumpkin cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Rupp (RP) seed company donated pumpkin seeds. Overall trial conditions were excellent, and the crop was harvested early due to the environmental conditions compounded with black plastic mulch pushing the plants to produce and ripen fruit early.


Evaluation Of 10 Specialty Pepper Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2024, Ben Phillips Nov 2024

Evaluation Of 10 Specialty Pepper Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2024, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A specialty pepper cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Tozer (TZ) and United Genetics (UG) seed companies donated specialty pepper cultivars for plastic-mulch bedded and trellised hand harvest. Overall trial conditions were excellent, however our pre-plant fertilizer mixing was outsourced this year, and a spreader was rented from the same company. Due to either a mixing error or a misapplication with a piece of unfamiliar or malfunctioning equipment, the plots received a toxic level of boron, which remained in plant tissues for the whole season.


Evaluation Of 18 Bell Pepper Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2024, Ben Phillips Nov 2024

Evaluation Of 18 Bell Pepper Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2024, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A bell pepper cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Clifton (CL), Enza Zaden (EZ), Sakata (SK), Seminis (SE), and United Genetics (UG) seed companies donated bell pepper cultivars for plastic-mulch bedded and trellised hand harvest. Overall trial conditions were excellent, however our pre-plant fertilizer mixing was outsourced this year, and a spreader was rented from the same company. Due to either a mixing error or a misapplication with a piece of unfamiliar or malfunctioning equipment, the plots received a toxic level of boron, which remained in plant …


Hop Cone Drying For The Small Grower: Temperature And Airflow Considerations, Stacy A. Adams, David M. Mabie, Michael F. Kocher, David Jones Jan 2024

Hop Cone Drying For The Small Grower: Temperature And Airflow Considerations, Stacy A. Adams, David M. Mabie, Michael F. Kocher, David Jones

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Small hop growers without nearby processors for cone stripping and drying must attempt to do so on their own farm. Challenges exist for self-built drying systems, including drying capacity, processing speed, airflow direction, and maintaining quality during drying. Research-based recommendations are given for optimal temperature, sizing of drying vessel, maximum cone depth, and influences associated with airflow on processing uniformity and cone quality are presented.


Evaluation Of 23 Pickling Cucumber Cultivars For Machine Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2023, Ben Phillips, Jenny Schoonmaker Dec 2023

Evaluation Of 23 Pickling Cucumber Cultivars For Machine Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2023, Ben Phillips, Jenny Schoonmaker

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A pickling cucumber cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.088261, -86.351980, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Nunhems (NU), Rijk Zwaan (RZ), and US AgriSeed (UA) seed companies donated parthenocarpic (seedless) cultivars for mechanical once-over harvest. Overall trial quality was good despite a droughty start, though picking could have started sooner.


Evaluation Of Five Cauliflower Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2023, Ben Phillips, Leah Freeman Dec 2023

Evaluation Of Five Cauliflower Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2023, Ben Phillips, Leah Freeman

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A cauliflower cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Clifton (CL), Sakata (SK), and Tozer (TZ) seed companies donated five cauliflower cultivars for plastic-mulch bedded hand harvest. The trial quality was good for collecting data on stressed plants. A dry start and cabbage maggot attack reduced stand with replacement plants lagging behind, and heat around head formation created a high proportion of non-marketable heads.


Evaluation Of 11 Broccoli Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2023, Ben Phillips, Leah Freeman Dec 2023

Evaluation Of 11 Broccoli Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2023, Ben Phillips, Leah Freeman

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A broccoli cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Clifton (CL), Sakata (SK), and Tozer (TZ) seed companies donated 11 broccoli cultivars for plastic-mulch bedded hand harvest. The trial quality was good for collecting data on stressed plants. A dry start and cabbage maggot attack reduced stand with replacement plants lagging behind, and heat around head formation created a high proportion of non-marketable heads.


Evaluation Of Six Slicing Cucumber Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2023, Ben Phillips, Jenny Schoonmaker Dec 2023

Evaluation Of Six Slicing Cucumber Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2023, Ben Phillips, Jenny Schoonmaker

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A slicing cucumber cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Clifton (CL), Seedway (SW), Seminis (SM), and Syngenta (SY) seed companies donated five slicing cucumber cultivars for plastic-mulch bedded hand harvest. The trial quality was OK, with a dry start that created an uneven stand, and some deer browse.


2023 Personal-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie Nov 2023

2023 Personal-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Indiana ranks sixth in watermelon production in the U.S., following Florida, Georgia, Texas, California, and North Carolina in 2022. A total of 7,000 acres of watermelons were planted, with a production value of $71 million (USDA, 2023). Watermelons grown in Indiana are primarily red flesh seedless, and around 10% are personal-sized seedless watermelons (6-8 lbs).


2023 Seeded Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie Nov 2023

2023 Seeded Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Watermelons grown in Indiana are primarily red flesh seedless, and a small portion of personal-sized red flesh seedless. Seeded watermelons are typically not grown in large acreages, but they may be used as pollenizer plants for growing seedless watermelons. The 2023 seeded watermelon cultivar trial included 15 seeded watermelon cultivars.


2023 Standard-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie Nov 2023

2023 Standard-Sized Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

The annual watermelon cultivar evaluation trial is conducted at Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC), in Vincennes, Indiana. The trial evaluates yield, fruit quality, and overall plant performance of commercial watermelon cultivars and advanced breeding lines. The trial is financially supported by Purdue Extension and seed companies. The 2023 standard-sized triploid watermelon cultivar trial had 35 cultivars, including six with solid dark-green rind patterns, and one with a solid light-green rind pattern.


2022 Seedless Pickling Cucumber Cultivar Trial, Ben Phillips, Jenny Schoonmaker Nov 2022

2022 Seedless Pickling Cucumber Cultivar Trial, Ben Phillips, Jenny Schoonmaker

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A pickling cucumber cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.088261, -86.351980, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Nunhems (NU), and Rijk Zwaan (RZ) seed companies donated parthenocarpic (seedless) cultivars for mechanical once-over harvest. Overall trial quality was marginal due to being the first trial on a new research farm with different equipment parameters, task procedures, and responsibilities. Factors affecting trial quality were logged for next year’s trial, and include machine planting, incorporating the entire nitrogen recommendation ahead of planting, and adjusting final plant population to 30 inch row spacings.


2022 Personal-Sized Triploid Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dean Haseman, Dennis Nowaskie, Dan Egel Jan 2022

2022 Personal-Sized Triploid Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dean Haseman, Dennis Nowaskie, Dan Egel

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Personal-sized (mini) watermelons refer to fruit weighing 4.4 to 8.8 lb (Vinson et al., 2010), with 6-7 lb considered the ideal size. Both seeded and seedless personal-sized cultivars are commercially available. In the annual cultivar trial, we evaluate the performance of personal-sized triploid watermelons in southern Indiana.


2022 Standard-Sized Triploid Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dean Haseman, Dennis Nowaskie, Dan Egel Jan 2022

2022 Standard-Sized Triploid Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dean Haseman, Dennis Nowaskie, Dan Egel

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A total of 6,600 acres of watermelons were planted in southern Indiana in 2021, making Indiana the sixth largest watermelon production state in the US, following Florida, Texas, Georgia, California, and North Carolina (USDA, 2022). Farmers select cultivars based on yield, disease resistance and fruit quality. This annual watermelon cultivar evaluation trial aims to provide watermelon producers and seed companies with information on the performances of different watermelon cultivars in southern Indiana.


2021 Seedless Pickling Cucumber Variety Trial, Ben Phillips, Jessica Good Dec 2021

2021 Seedless Pickling Cucumber Variety Trial, Ben Phillips, Jessica Good

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A pickling cucumber variety trial was planted at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center (43.399097, -83.694497, Frankenmuth, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Nunhems (NU), Rijk Zwaan (RZ), and Sakata (SK) seed companies donated parthenocarpic (seedless) varieties for mechanical once-over harvest. The top five varieties each had Total Percent Recovery scores of 100%. When arranged in order of their highest combined clean yields of the most profitable fruit sizes (2B + 3A + 3B), they were NU 2106 (711 bu/a), NU 2105 (699 bu/a), RZ 16 (639 bu/a), RZ 11 (446 bu/a), and BJ Aristan (303 bu/a).


2021 Cantaloupe Variety Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dan Egel, Dennis Nowaskie, Dean Haseman Nov 2021

2021 Cantaloupe Variety Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dan Egel, Dennis Nowaskie, Dean Haseman

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Indiana ranks sixth in cantaloupe production in the US. A total of 1,800 acres of cantaloupes were planted in Indiana with a production value of $8.6 million in 2018 (USDA 2021). Melon produced in Indiana is primarily eastern-type cantaloupes. Traditional eastern-type cantaloupes have less pronounced netting, larger fruit size, softer flesh and shorter shelf life compared with western-type cantaloupes. They are harvested at quarter-slip to full-slip stage, and require frequent harvest. Recently, extended shelf life varieties have been developed and are becoming attractive in the eastern market. This variety trial included 11 traditional eastern-type cantaloupes, as well as extended shelf-life …