This webinar shares findings from a three-year USDA-funded study on improving organic melon production in Maryland, focusing on yield, quality, and food safety, offering valuable insights for farmers and researchers to enhance profitability.

Organic cucurbit producers are particularly at-risk, since there are limited options for effectively managing pests without the use of synthetic insecticides. Several physical exclusion strategies have been tested with variable success given challenges to pollination and weed control. Mesotunnels are an intermediate between low and high tunnels and have the potential to protect cucurbit crops for the entire growing season at a lower cost. This study evaluated several pollination and weed control strategies within mesotunnels for organic Athena muskmelon production systems.

This publication offers an overview of specialty melon production and marketing. It covers seed sourcing, planting, soil preparation, pest control, and marketing strategies. Additionally, it summarizes current research findings and provides a resource list for seeds and supplies to support melon growers.

This factsheet, published by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, provides an organic commercial spray schedule for field production of melons, detailing the timing of major diseases and example organic-approved fungicides/bactericides. It emphasizes the importance of applying treatments before disease onset and offers a framework for growers to develop preventative programs in certified organic systems.

In this project I will assess resistance to both Bacterial Wilt and Cucurbit Downy Mildew among selected cucumber and muskmelon […]

Organic tomato, eggplant and watermelon production in Washington is limited by soilborne diseases such as Verticillium wilt. Disease control in […]

This publication serves as a practical guide on the certified organic production of cucurbits—such as cucumbers, squash, and melons. The publication offers comprehensive agronomic direction alongside business considerations.

Explore innovative high tunnel production strategies for diverse crops beyond tomatoes, including strawberries and melons. Join this presentation to learn about research findings and cover cropping techniques to enhance local food production and crop rotation.

Cucurbits, which include cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, and melons, are susceptible to several diseases, including bacterial wilt and cucurbit yellow vine disease. Mesotunnels, which are modified row cover systems consisting of nylon mesh fabric and hoops, can be effective, organic-compliant methods of excluding pests. This study assesses the effectiveness of several pest and weed management practices (i.e. mesotunnels, furrow cover cropping, and landscape fabric) in reducing insect pest populations, disease incidence, fruit yield, and fruit quality in acorn squash.

Organochlorine residues from past agricultural practices continue to pose problems for Oregon’s growers. Even trace residues can affect produce grown […]

In this project I will continue to assess downy mildew (DM) resistant cucumber seedstocks, with intensified focus on evaluating and […]

The objectives of this study were: To evaluate the efficacy of high tunnel structures covered with insect excluding materials to […]

Native bee pollinators connect natural habitats with agricultural areas, depending on natural habitats for forage and nesting resources during part […]

The main purpose of our project was to deliver the results of several years of organic vegetable breeding to the […]

Discover dry farming techniques for the Pacific Northwest, covering site selection, tools, and seed-saving. Join experts from OSU and seasoned farmers to learn how to grow crops sustainably in arid conditions.

Discover effective strategies for managing striped cucumber beetles in organic cucurbit production, including SCB biology, cultural practices, approved insecticides, and ongoing breeding efforts to minimize their impact on crops.

Discover effective strategies for managing cucurbit downy mildew, including pathogen arrival, spread, and control methods. Learn about resistant varieties and the effectiveness of organically approved products to safeguard yields in the Northeastern US.

Explore aphid-borne viruses affecting cucurbits. Learn about their spread, management challenges, diagnosis, and strategies like genetic resistance and innovative production practices to minimize losses.