Pennsylvania State University Statewide Cultivar Evaluation Program Model

Abstract

Cultivar selection is an important managerial task for commercial farmers. Numerous available options provide marketing opportunities for farmers; however, they can also make cultivar selection time-consuming. For the past 13 years, a team of Penn State Extension educators and university faculty has implemented a new model to evaluate cultivars for key vegetable crops to assist farmers. Our approach started by building relationships within the vegetable industry with farmers, seed company representatives, and farmer-driven organizations who support our program with funding and gift-in-kind donations. We also added rigor to cultivar evaluations by conducting trials of key vegetable crops over 2 years at three locations. The results were used to develop cultivar recommendations, which were disseminated through various face-to-face and distance Extension avenues. The results were also published in refereed journals. The combination of funding, Extension products, and refereed articles led to university support. A drawback to our approach was the difficulty implementing uniform production methods at three experimental sites. The input of a statistical consultant assisted with overcoming this drawback. This model also required the use of strategies common to successful teams. Our methods are described here for those who desire to build a similar program.

Hydroponics: current trends in sustainable crop production

“…The detrimental effects of soluble salts have been attributed to various factors, including but not limited to over-fertilization, suboptimal water quality, gradual accumulation of salts in the aggregate media, and inadequate drainage. Insufficient leaching during the process of fertigation in Hydroponics can lead to the accumulation of soluble salts in the medium due to water evaporation [75]. Nutrient antagonism and interaction is a crucial parameter that warrants serious consideration in the context of hydroponic systems.…”

“…The nutrient levels in the nutrient solution may not necessarily guarantee optimal plant growth and development. Despite sufficient nutrient supply, plant nutrient deficiency may still occur [75,76]. Some major nutrients significance has been discussed below.…”