Harvested onions from an on-farm research trial.
The goal of my extension education and adaptive research program is to develop integrated management strategies for important and emerging diseases of the major vegetable crops grown in Pennsylvania and provide statewide leadership in the area of vegetable pathology. Specifically these responsibilities include working with research faculty, extension specialists and county-based educators to develop integrated pest and crop management strategies to address important and emerging diseases of the major vegetable crops grown in Pennsylvania as well as use existing and new technologies to provide growers and other ag service providers with research-based information on pathogen biology, epidemiology and vegetable disease management.
In partnership with industry, my extension/research program conducts product efficacy trials for commonly occurring diseases on tomatoes, snap beans, onions and cucurbits in PA.
Onion growers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are constantly challenged by yield losses due to bacterial diseases.
In 2010, an emerging disease similar to what had been previously described as celery leaf curl disease (CLCD) was identified in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Virginia with yield losses reportedly reaching 25 to 50% in some fields.
Penn State Extension has initiated hops variety and production trial at the Rock Springs Farm in Centre County, PA.
