Producing and marketing high tunnel cucumbers after the typical field production season has distinct advantages that can greatly boost the profitability of a vegetable business.
By Christina Grozinger, Ph.D., Shelby Fleischer, Ph.D., Robyn Underwood, Ph.D., Margarita López-Uribe, Ph.D., Krishona Martinson
Approximately three quarters of our major food crops require pollination. Here we will look at how wild bees provide insurance against ongoing honey bee losses.
By Christina Grozinger, Ph.D., Shelby Fleischer, Ph.D., Robyn Underwood, Ph.D., Margarita López-Uribe, Ph.D., Tianna DuPont
Pollinators need a diverse, abundant food source and a place to build their nests and rear their young. If we keep these two elements in mind, we can encourage native bee populations.
By Christina Grozinger, Ph.D., Shelby Fleischer, Ph.D., Robyn Underwood, Ph.D., Margarita López-Uribe, Ph.D., Tianna DuPont
Domestic honey bee hives are down by 59% compared to 60 years ago, with rapid declines over the last forty years. The populations of some native bee species may also be declining.
Scurf is a superficial discoloration of the roots and it does not affect eating quality. However, sweet potatoes with scurf are more difficult to market.
By Mary Barbercheck, Ph.D., David Mortensen, Ph.D.
Wild bees, which include native and naturalized bees, pollinate a variety of crops. In areas of Pennsylvania, wild bees already provide the majority of pollination for some summer vegetable crops.
Spent mushroom substrate is the soil-like material remaining after a crop of mushrooms. Spent substrate is high in organic matter making it desirable for use as a soil amendment or soil conditioner.