Utah vegetable growers face several issues related to abiotic (drought, salinity, cold, heat stress) and soilborne pathogens (Fusarium and nematodes). We are investigating grafting as a tool to enhance crop resilience, increase yealds and manage soilborne diseases by selecting different Solanaceae and Cucurbits rootstocks. Preliminary results in grafted watermelon show an increase of almost 200% compared to farmer stands.
Soil health research on vegetable crops is one of the top needs among commercial vegetable growers. We aim to assess the benefits of cover crops for improving soil health, reducing weed pressure and enhancing sustainability in vegetable production. An on-farm trial was set in Kaysville in 2024. Long-term replicated fall and spring-planted cover crops rotational studies will be hosted in Kaysville, Utah from 2024-2029, UT.
Growers expressed interest in having USU explore the feasibility of growing short-day onions and evaluating their potential for overwintering in Utah. We are currently studing the feasibility of fall-plated onions (short-day) in Utah's climate, focusing on cold tolerance, establishment and yield performance.
Drought is one of the major environmental stress that negatively impair the overall productivity of numerous crops, especially vegetables. Our research and Extension efforts aim to identify the most effective biostimulant or combination of formulations to enhance tolerance to drought in target vegetable crops, under Utah's challenging conditions.
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