California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: Vegetables West Magazine

  • Protein Discovery Could Help Enable Eco-Friendly Fungicides

    New research reveals an essential step in scientists’ quest to create targeted, more eco-friendly fungicides that protect food crops.

    Scientists have known for decades that biological cells manufacture tiny, round structures called extracellular vesicles. However, their pivotal roles in communication between invading microorganisms and their hosts were recognized only recently.

    UC Riverside geneticist Hailing Jin and her team found plants use these vesicles to launch RNA molecules at fungal invaders, suppressing the genes that make the fungi dangerous.  

    ​Infection of an Arabidopsis plant by the fungus that causes white mold disease. (Anna Schroll/Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology)

    “These vesicles shuttle small RNAs between cells, like tiny Trojan horses with weapons hidden inside,” said Jin, a professor of genetics and the Cy Mouradick Chair in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. “They can silence pathogenic fungal gene expression.”

    Using extracellular vesicles and small RNAs has several advantages over conventional fungicides. They’re more eco-friendly because they are similar to naturally occurring products. Eventually, they degrade and do not leave toxic residues in the soil. Also, Jin explained, this method of fighting fungi is less likely to breed drug-resistant pathogens.

    A sticking point for scientists in creating these fungicides has been figuring out how to load their desired small RNAs into the vesicles.

    “We’ve wondered how these weaponized small RNAs get into the bubbles,” Jin said. “Now, we think we have an answer.”

    Her laboratory has identified several proteins that serve as binding agents, helping to select and load small RNAs into the vesicles. The lab’s research is detailed in a new Nature Plants journal article.

    The Jin laboratory has been working for several years on the development of gene-silencing RNA fungicides. Work toward this goal led to the team’s landmark discovery in 2013 that gene-silencing RNA messages can be sent from the fungal pathogen to the plant host to suppress host immunity. Later, the team learned small RNAs can move both ways — from plants into pathogenic invader cells as well. In 2018, the team worked out that extracellular vesicles were the major delivery system for these small RNAs. They observed that Arabidopsis plants secrete extracellular vesicles into Botrytis cinerea, a fungus that causes grey mold disease and destroys millions of crops every year.

    “This was the first example of a host using these vesicles to deliver small RNAs to another organism,” Jin said. “Previously we saw movement of RNA, but didn’t know how the small RNA are selected and transported.”

    Now, she and her colleagues have identified several RNA-binding proteins in Arabidopsis that bind to specific small RNA molecules and load them into extracellular vesicles. This suggests the proteins play an important role in loading and stabilizing small RNAs in the vesicles. The finding can help increase the payload of gene-silencing RNAs that make it into vesicles and enhance the efficiency of disease control.

    Some scientists have taken inspiration from the RNA communication in plant vesicles to design human therapies. For example, some are attempting to load anti-cancer RNAs and drugs into extracellular vesicles in fruits or vegetables, so people can eat or drink them. Jin is hopeful that her lab’s discovery can aid these efforts. — By Jules Bernstein, UC Riverside

  • How do Radishes Work as a Cover Crop?

    Farmers love tools. The prospect of a fully stocked tool shed ranges from badge of honor to true obsession.  Plants, too, can be used as tools. Integrating cover crops into a farmer’s toolbox can offer many benefits – and it’s a tool given to us by nature!

    Getting farmers to adopt cover crops as various tools can be hard. To do that, we need to better understand these different tools and their uses. Cover crops like clover add nitrogen to the soil, while reducing erosion and runoff. And, radishes, a tasty ingredient in salad, can be used to break up soil and other hard jobs.

    Breaking up soil with radishes

    Millennia ago, Greek philosophers presented the Doctrine of Signatures, stating that a plant’s appearance may resemble its practical use. For example, walnuts were linked to brain health and beans to kidneys. In thinking about the radish as a tool, the plant root could be similarly equated to the drill, a type of natural tilling.

    Thick radish roots are an ideal choice for natural drilling into the soil to reduce compaction. When the radish crops are terminated, the radish and roots leave large, open pores in the soil. This increases soil aeration and water infiltration. Along with this comes more earthworm and microbial activity. It’s clear that a tillage radish cover crop certainly lives up to that name. As it turns out, the simple radish can be quite the complex tool when properly utilized.

    Scavenging and cleanup

    There are many varieties of radish. From ‘Daikon’ to ‘Icicle’, knowing the specific cultivar is an important part of deciding if a radish belongs in your field or on your plate! When an agronomist recommends a radish variety for use as a cover crop, they have a job in mind to make use of these unique plant features.

    Farmers turn to “scavenging” to optimize chemical inputs and yield outputs by using cover crops. The cylindrical roots of the radish grow deep and capture soil nutrients that were intended for the preceding cash crop.

    Many varieties are uniquely suited for this task, having been bred specifically for deep taproots that extend several inches or even feet deeper than their thick quintessential core. By scavenging nutrients from soil layers that are the hardest for most crop roots to access, radishes can be used to target critical areas to keep nutrients from the groundwater table. Though picky eaters may leave behind a harvested radish on their plate, the radish itself helps ensure that as little as possible goes to waste in terms of subsoil nutrients.

    A Daikon radish cover crop emerges after being seeded into standing corn. Radishes help break up soil compaction and use up extra nutrients to reduce runoff. Credit: Ivan Dozier

    Biofumigation – natural chemical combatants

    In March 1990, Former President George HW Bush personified picky eaters everywhere when he issued the proclamation: “I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!” The president succeeded in banning the brassica from Air Force One and the White House.

    The same pungent flavor that the former President didn’t like is loved by many. And its special compounds called gluconsinolates that give them their flavor. These compounds contain sulfur (like some medicines) and can also act as natural pesticides in the soil, a method known as “biofumigation.” These compounds can be a powerful deterrent to insects and even some species of fungi.

    The choice depends on the job

    When choosing a radish and/or any other cover crop, the most important consideration is to select the right tool for the job! For example, planting a radish in a poorly drained clay soil can drastically restrict the root growth necessary for several of the benefits. Selecting the wrong cover crop is like trying to tighten a bolt with a hammer instead of a wrench, which may explain why some don’t see convincing results.

    When choosing a radish for cover cropping, agronomists recommend that farmers select the right tool (specie) for the right job. Shown, a selection of cover crop radishes with roots. Credit: T&T Seeds

    Successful cover croppers often strengthen their polyculture by adding the radish into a multi-species mix. For those looking for a natural multi-tool to alleviate compaction, scavenge subsoil nutrients, and ward away pests, I can assure you that radishes will not leave you with a bitter taste! — By Ivan A. Dozier, CCA, Product Manager for Agronomy & Analytics at IntelinAir (American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America)

  • New Cherry Ember Tomato Reveals Stripey Charm, Bright Flavor

    Cherry tomatoes are a staple in home gardens, farm fields and local food markets, but growing them can be a challenging undertaking. Now, a new variety from Cornell AgriTech provides improved yield and shelf-life while enhancing both visual and culinary appeal.

    A cross between heirloom tomato varieties, Cherry Ember was developed by Phillip Griffiths, associate professor of horticulture in the School of Integrative Plant Science, part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The new tomato is now on sale through Fruition Seeds, an organic seed company based in Naples, New York.

    Phillip Griffiths, associate professor of horticulture in the School of Integrative Plant Science

    “One of the problems with cherry tomatoes is that they tend to have thin skins, and so half of them crack on the plant, and the half that you pick crack after a few days,” Griffiths said. “Cherry Ember is a little firmer, with more of the post-harvest characteristics of a grape tomato.”

    Its thicker skin and meatier flesh helps keep the fruit from cracking both in the field and after being harvested — even during high rainfall seasons, which pose problems for thinner skins.

    “The increased shelf-stability is a very important attribute of this variety,” Griffiths said, “especially when combined with high yield, desirable aesthetics and a smaller, single-bite size.”

    When Petra Page-Mann saw Cherry Ember at one of Griffiths’ field trials in 2019, it stood out like a “luminescent gem.” As the co-owner of Fruition Seeds, she has seen increased grower interest in unique color and flavor combinations. With its metallic gold stripes, rich taste and ease to grow, Page-Mann was eager to add the new variety to their sales portfolio, but it still needed a name.

    Last fall, she launched a naming contest on Fruition Seeds’ Instagram account with Griffiths’ support. They sorted through more than a thousand suggestions before holding the final runoff vote, where Cherry Ember emerged as a clear winner.

    Cherry Ember tomatoes dazzle growers with their metallic gold stripes and thick, crack-resistant skin. Photo by Fruition Seeds/Provided.

    “It’s a great introduction to life beyond the red tomato,” Page-Mann said. “It’s like a classic red tomato in terms of flavor, but there are brighter notes, especially if you let it sit on the vine. Then you get bright fruit flavors.”

    Cherry Ember also gives growers something to look forward to as early as mid-July since it ripens just 65 days after being planted and continues to grow until the first frost.

    “We love Griff’s creativity with visuals and flavors, as well as his focus on regional adaptation,” Page-Mann said. “We’ve trialed dozens of his tomatoes over the past few years, and they are a dream to grow and sell in New York.” — By Erin Rodger, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications, Cornell AgriTech

  • CA Utilized Vegetable Production Value Shows Slight Decline

    California leads the nation in vegetable production, accounting for 39% of the U.S. vegetable acreage. The value of California’s 2020 utilized vegetable production dropped 0.9% to $7.68 billion compared to 2019’s value of $7.74 billion according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Field Office.

    Despite the decrease in state’s overall total value of utilized production, crops showing an increase included broccoli, cantaloupe, lettuce of all types, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. California fresh market and processing vegetable growers planted 939,700 acres of principal vegetable crops in 2020, down 3% from 2019. Utilized production totaled 433.8 million hundred weight up slightly from 2019’s 431.7 million hundred weight.

    USDA NASS recently posted the Vegetables 2020 Summary for vegetables grown during the 2020 crop year in California and across the U.S. The report includes survey data collected for acreage, production, marketing year price and value collected on an annual basis for 26 vegetable and melon crops in the U.S. Questionnaire content, survey timetables, and survey administration are state specific. Data are gathered by telephone interviews, mail-out/mail-back, faxed questionnaires, and personal interviews.

    Family favorites grown in California include artichokes, broccoli, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, and more. For a copy of the full report, visit Vegetables 2020 Summary. Just interested in California? Here are comments on 2020 crops where The Golden State is the largest producer. The data reflects U.S. numbers:

    Artichokes: Total production in 2020 totaled 812,000 cwt, down 15% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 5,900 acres, down 11% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 5,800 acres, was down 12% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $62.6 million, 16% below the previous season. Utilized production totaled 792,500 cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, artichokes enjoyed a routine spring with strong supplies and steady demand. The March increase could be attributed to consumers pushing the demand for healthy vegetables. The pandemic temporarily impacted labor availability and elevated production costs, but generally favorable weather resulted in good quality and production.

    Broccoli: Total production in 2020 totaled 15.8 million cwt, down 5% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 100,900 acres, down 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 100,300 acres, was also down 4% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $875 million, 3% more than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 15.8 million cwt, of which 15.3 million cwt was for the fresh market and 25,060 tons for processing. In California, the pandemic caused a variety of changes in the marketplace. Most notably was the decreased demand from the food service industry for broccoli. Growers plowed under broccoli due to limited demand by the hospitality industry.

    Cabbage: Total production in 2020 totaled 23.7 million cwt, up 6% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 60,600 acres, down 3% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 58,600 acres, was down 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $428 million, 16% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 23.6 million cwt, of which 19.1 million cwt was for the fresh market and 224,241 tons for processing. In California, weather during the planting in the fall of 2019 and through head development in 2020 was favorable. No reports of pathogen impact were reported for the crop.

    Cantaloupes: Total production in 2020 totaled 11.3 million cwt, a slight increase from 2019. Planted areas was estimated at 41,000 acres, down 15% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 40,600 acres, down 15% from 2019. The value of the crop total was $296 million, an increase of 24% from previous year. The utilized production was 11.3 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, lack of rainfall during the spring months and high temperatures during the summer months provided ideal growing conditions for cantaloupes compared to last year.

    Carrots: Total production in 2020 totaled 31.1 million cwt, down 6% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 69,900 acres, down 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 69,700 acres, was down 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $716 million, 7% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 31.1 million cwt, of which 22.3 million cwt was for the fresh market and 441,787 tons for processing. In California, the largest producing State, the carrot market was steady through the spring of the year. In the heavily farmed central portion of the Cuyama Valley, where a lot of California’s carrots are grown, the water table continued to drop in 2020.

    Cauliflower: Total production in 2020 totaled 9.0 million cwt, down 11% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 42,500 acres, down 6% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 42,200 acres, was down 7% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $346 million, 25% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 8.9 million cwt, of which 8.8 million cwt was for the fresh market and 2,724 tons for processing. In California, growers have seen dramatic movement of cauliflower during the pandemic. This year has seen generally shrinking volume from the beginning of February, and lower volume than the previous two year since the beginning of March. Pricing is below the prior two years and continues decreasing, although price has not stabilized, the rate of decrease has slowed.

    Celery: Total production in 2020 totaled 16.1 million cwt, up 2% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 29,200 acres, up 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 28,800 acres, increased 2% from the previous year. The value of the crop totaled $359 million, down 24% from previous year. Utilized production for 2020 totaled 16.1 million cwt, up 2% from 2019.
    In California, growers reported higher production but price dropped considerably.

    Garlic: Total production in 2020 totaled 3.46 million cwt, down 10% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 24,700 acres, unchanged from the previous year. Area harvested, at 24,700 acres, was unchanged from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $264 million, 12% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 3.46 million cwt, of which 1.21 million cwt was for the fresh market and 112,385 tons for processing. In California, producers were tempered by soil borne pathogens that reduced yield in some areas, though overall the growing season experienced favorable weather.

    Honeydew: Total production in 2020 totaled 2.36 million cwt, down 9% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 7,600 acres, down 25% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 7,600 acres, was also down 25% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $49.2 million, down 11% from the previous season. Utilized production totaled 2.36 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, lack of rainfall during the spring months and high temperatures during the summer months provided ample growing conditions for honeydew compared to last year.

    Head lettuce: Total production in 2020 totaled 40.7 million cwt, down 3% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 114,000 acres, down 2% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 112,900 acres, was down 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $1.25 billion, 12% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 40.7 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, the largest producing State, higher than normal temperatures in the central valley resulted in substantial losses. In the coastal region, warm weather and wildfires affected supplies later in the year. Significant occurrences of crop disease also contributed to a tight market, prompting concerns of shortages in other parts of the country. Some producers in Arizona and California have allowed some head lettuce to die in the field or to be disced under, due to decreased sales to food service companies.

    Leaf lettuce: Total production in 2020 totaled 15.6 million cwt, up 25% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 62,900 acres, up 9% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 61,700 acres, was also up 8% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $800 million, 23% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 15.6 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, some growers did not harvest their fields during the spring in response to market conditions, but demand improved as the year progressed. There was a small amount of heat damage to the crop, but yields were up significantly from the previous year. Quality was reported to be fair and demand was strong enough to keep prices up. However, some producers in Arizona and California have allowed some leaf lettuce to die in the field or to be disced under, due to decreased sales to food service companies.

    Romaine lettuce: Total production in 2020 totaled 30.3 million cwt, up 11% from the 2019 total. Planted area was estimated at 93,100 acres, up 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 91,500 acres, was up 4% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $948 million, 8% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 30.3 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, there were quality issues in the late summer crop as instances of Sclerotinia and Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus were found in the Central Coast region. In November, there was a voluntary recall of Romaine lettuce due to a potential outbreak of E.coli. Overall, yields were up from a year ago. Some producers in Arizona and California have allowed Romaine lettuce to die in the field or to be disced under, due to decreased sales to food service companies.

    Onions: Total production in 2020 totaled 75.2 million cwt, up 8% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 134,700 acres, up 2% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 132,800 acres, was up 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $878 million, 12% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 73.5 million cwt, of which 49.5 million cwt was for the fresh market and 1.20 million tons were for processing. In California, the largest producing State, growers reported the summer being too hot too early. Later in the summer there wasn’t enough sun when wildfires blanketed the state in smoke for months.

    Bell peppers: Total production in 2020 totaled 11.7 million cwt, up 1% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 38,100 acres, up 1% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 37,100 acres, was up 1% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $479 million, 11% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 11.7 million cwt, of which 8.22 million cwt was for the fresh market and 171,808 tons for processing. In California, the summer turned very hot early, which quickly turned bad as fires ravaged through large portions of the state burning cropland and producing a thick layer of smoke blocking the sun for months. Some producers had to divert peppers intended for fresh market to processors as state lockdowns caused stoppages in the supply chain.

    Spinach: Total production in 2020 totaled 7.23 million cwt, down 24% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 56,800 acres, down 14% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 56,200 acres, was also down 14% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $439 million, 28% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 7.23 million cwt, of which 6.45 million cwt was for the fresh market and 39,204 tons for processing. In California, the largest producing State, the coastal regions experienced damaging cold temperatures in early spring, bringing yields down below last year. Acreage decreased after some growers responded to a drop in demand by plowing under their fields.

    Sweet potatoes: Total production in 2020 totaled 30.7 million cwt, down 4% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 158,000 acres, up 7% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 156,800 acres, was up 7% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $726 million, 10% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 30.6 million cwt, of which 23.9 million cwt was for the fresh market and 331,638 tons for processing.

    Tomatoes: Total production in 2020 totaled 241 million cwt, up 1% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 280,000 acres, down 1% from the previous year. Area harvested, estimated at 272,900 acres, was down slightly from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $1.66 billion, 4% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 239 million cwt, of which 12.6 million cwt was for the fresh market and 11.3 million tons for processing. In California, there were no major issues during planting, but higher than average temperatures in late spring affected early crop yields. Inconsistent weather patterns throughout the growing season prompted short interruptions in the flow of ripe tomatoes. Wildfires that raged through the state in late summer and early fall slowed the processing tomato harvest. Crop quality varied by region and disease pressure was low. Due to a lack of rain, water availability continued to be a concern.

    For more agricultural statistics, visit www.nass.usda.gov.

  • Argentina Lowers Export Taxes on Many Specialty Crops

    The Government of Argentina recently announced adjustments to export taxes on many specialty crops, including apples, pears, citrus fruits, blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, nuts, and alfalfa intended to improve the international competiveness of these products.

    Argentine Government Seeks to Boost Exports of Specialty Crops:

    On Thursday, December 31, 2020 the Government of Argentina published Decree 1060/2020 which made adjustments to the export tax rates for many specialty crops as well as some manufactured goods. After several rounds of export tax changes in recent years the government is attempting to standardize export tax rates for many products at 0%, 3%, 4.5%, and 9% to avoid varying export tax rates among similar products. Previous export tax changes had given some products exchange-rate linked export taxes that had eroded in value as the Argentine peso devalued against the dollar.

    The stated rationale for the policy change is to encourage exports of added-value products and products whose increased production will result in higher levels of employment, and for which increasing exports won’t raise food costs. The government also hopes to encourage investment in these same sectors. Major structural issues such as high fixed operating costs, lack of investment, and currency controls have reduced Argentine competitiveness in many specialty crops over the years, so this measure will be limited in its capacity to boost exports in the short run. Most fruits and vegetables have had export tax rates lowered from 5% to a 0%.

    The list below, by HS Code Chapter, summarizes Annex 1 of Decree 1060/2020 where information on tax rates for specific products can be found. Export tax rates for most major field crops were unchanged, though the decree mentioned the need to adjust rates for certain commodities currently regulated by an expiring decree. Care should be taken to note if a specific HS code is listed in this decree or past decrees.

    Chapter 1 – Live Horses, Cattle, Primates, Dolphins, Pet Birds – 9%;

    Chapter 2 – Beef, Horse, Poultry Meat – 9%; Sheep and Goat Meat – 0%;

    Chapter 3 – Various Fish – 9%; Tilapia, Trout, Carp – 0%;

    Chapter 4 – Fluid Milk – 9%; Ultra High Temperature Milk, Yogurt, Butter, Cheese – 4.5%; Honey – 0%;

    Chapter 5 – Semen & Embryos – 4.5%;

    Chapter 6 – Flowers and bulbs – 4.5%;

    Chapter 7 – Tomatoes, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Cucumbers, Chickpeas, Beans, Asparagus, Eggplant, Celery, Peppers, Spinach, Artichokes, Olives, Pumpkins, Squash, Potatoes, Sweet Corn, Onions, Mushrooms, Garlic, Vegetable Seeds – 0%;

    Chapter 8 – Nuts, Plantains, Pineapples, Avocados, Mangos, Oranges, Mandarins, Clementines, Grapefruit, Lemons, Limes, Watermelon, Papayas, Apples, Pears, Quince, Sour Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Kiwis, Passionfruit, Persimmons – 0%;

    Chapter 9 – Coffee, Pepper, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Mace, Cardamom, Saffron, Turmeric – 4.5%; Tea, Paprika, anise, cumin, coriander – -0%;

    Chapter 10 – “Other” Wheat, Rye, Barley, Corn, Oats, Sorghum – 12%; Grain seeds for planting, Buckwheat, Millet – 4.5%; Quinoa – 0 %

    Chapter 11 – Malt – 9%; Flaked Grains and Germs– 4.5%; Buckwheat flower – 0%

    Chapter 12 – Seeds of Soybeans, Peanuts, and Sunflowerseed for planting, Ginseng, Sugarbeets, Sugarcane – 4.5%; Hops, Alfalfa pellets – 0%

    Chapter 13 – Various Gums, Saps, & Pectins – 4.5%
    Chapter 14     – Bamboo, Vegetable Plaiting Materials – 4.5%
    Chapter 15     – Glycerol 9%; Olive oil – 0%;
    Chapter 16     – Sausages, Hams, Other Prepared & Preserved Meats, Sardines, Tuna – 4.5%

    Chapter 17 – Refined Beet & Cane Sugar, Glucose and Fructose Syrups, Non-Chocolate Confectionary – 4.5%

    Chapter 18 – Chocolate ingredients – 4.5%
    Chapter 19     – Cereals, Pastas, Tapioca, Cuscus – 4.5%

    Chapter 20 – Pickled Cucumbers & Mushrooms, Preserved fruits and vegetables – 4.5%; Preserved Peas, Olives, Tomatoes, Fruit Juices – 0%

    Chapter 21 – Coffee Extracts, Yeasts, Sauces, Food Preparations and Ingredients – 4.5%; Tea & Yerba Mate Extracts – 0%

    Chapter 22 – Mineral Waters, Beer, Champagne, Wine, Liquor, Vinegar – 4.5% Chapter 23 – Livestock Feed 12%; Pet Food – 4.5%
    Chapter 24     – Tobaccos 12%, Cigarettes & Cigars – 4.5%
    Chapter 41     – Hides, skins, and leather – 4.5%

    Chapter 51- Wool – 4.5%, Yarn – 3.0%

    Chapter 52 – Raw Cotton – 12%; Carded Cotton and cotton waste – 4.5%; Cotton thread and yarn – 3.0%

    — By Benjamin Boroughs, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

  • Drink Your Peas, Please!

    USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist and director of the Western Regional Research Center (Albany, CA), Tara McHugh and her team in the Healthy Processed Foods Research Unit are experts at solving food-manufacturing problems. Using cutting-edge processing technologies, they have helped numerous small businesses, such as Ripple Foods, turn ideas into products for the consumer.

    ARS is helping Ripple Foods optimize its current pea protein drying process to make it more efficient and to further improve its products. The company manufactures its own pea protein by processing yellow split peas into a liquid form and then isolating, purifying, and drying the protein. The pea protein is then made into non-dairy milks, protein shakes, half and half, ice cream, and other products.

    The drying step is necessary because producing this clean-tasting plant protein in a wet state comes with challenges: It’s difficult to transport, has a greater risk for microbial spoilage, and has handling issues, McHugh said.

    “It’s also expensive to ship all over the country, so we are working to optimize the drying process—looking at a way to dehydrate it so it can be rehydrated to save expenses,” she said. “The drying process also may even improve the quality and flavor of the final product.”

    Ripple Foods has a cooperative research and development agreement with ARS, which assists the company in data gathering and analysis on different aspects of its pea beverage. “Ripple’s mission is to make plant-based foods delicious,” said Aminah Johnston, a process engineer with the company. “We are always looking for ways to make our protein and products better. Our collaboration with ARS has been extremely helpful.”

    This kind of research not only supports small businesses and U.S. growers, but also reduces waste and increases consumption of healthy foods.—By Sandra Avant, formerly with USDA-ARS Office of Communications.

  • Exploring Alternatives to Plastic Mulch

    In my conversations with growers, plastic mulch has been a leading topic of both interest and concern. There are so many benefits to using it, including moisture retention, weed control, and soil warming, but the environmental impact is hard to ignore. It’s estimated that in the US alone, farmers use around 1 billion pounds of plastic annually. In this article, I’ll review some alternatives and share up-to-date research and grower feedback.

    Alternative Plastic Mulch-like Products

    1. Biodegradable plastic mulch

    If a grower wanted to swap black plastic mulch with something nearly identical, but more environmentally friendly, biodegradable plastic mulch may be the best option. These plastics perform similarly to regular plastic mulch, but rather than removing your mulch at the end of the season, it’s tilled into the soil where it decomposes.

    Many growers have questions about the soil health impacts of biodegradable mulches. Unfortunately at this point, the research is fairly unclear. Some studies show impacts to soil microbial communities, and others do not. There is also substantial variation between products. Overall, biodegradable mulch impacts the soil in two ways. 1. Just like regular plastic mulch, covering the soil surface with a relatively impermeable black plastic changes the dynamics of the soil underneath by reducing light infiltration, increasing heat, and reducing water infiltration, evaporation, and gas exchange. All of these changes impact microbial communities, root development, and nitrogen use efficiency. Impacts vary depending on the soil conditions and climate in which mulches are used. In cool climates, plastic mulches may increase microbial activity by warming the soil, whereas in warm climates, mulches may warm the soil beyond the optimal temperature range for many microbes. In general, the use of plastic mulches increases nitrogen use efficiency (Bandopadhyay et al., 2018). 2. Following incorporation, biodegradable mulches add carbon, microorganisms, and other materials such as adherent chemicals and dyes. While the breakdown products of biodegradable mulches are generally considered non-toxic, there is limited research on the long-term effects of using these materials.

    Since no current models of biodegradable mulch meet the criteria of the national organic program, these mulches can only be used in organic fields if they are removed at the end of the season.

    One of the main reasons growers have not quickly adopted the use of biodegradable mulch is that it can look quite messy when it begins to degrade, and pieces can stick to produce, especially produce that touches the ground such as melons. For growers who have customers on-site, the small pieces of black plastic scattered around the farm may be considered unsightly.

    It is worth noting that some initial research suggests that after tilling biomulch into the soil, the decomposition process may tie up nitrogen in the soil for a period of weeks. As such, it is likely advisable to avoid planting a second crop immediately after tilling your mulch under (just like you would wait a few weeks to plant after you’ve terminated a cover crop).

    Penn State Extension educators published a series of case studies with grower reviews and tips for using biodegradable plastic mulch.

    There are a wide array of biodegradable mulches on the market, and all perform a bit differently. Researchers in multiple states are actively trialing biomulches to compare their efficacy and assess soil impacts (Wortman Research Lab, Nebraska).

    2. Paper mulch

    Paper mulch (Image: Johnnys)

    Paper mulches are made of cellulose-based materials, whereas other biomulches tend to be made of vegetable starches and polymers. Paper mulches can be applied using the same methods (i.e. mulch layers), but there are some reports that the edges are more likely to tear during application if the disks are not set up at the right angle. Some researchers have opted to install paper mulch by hand due to the degree of tearing. Others recommend re-burying the edges at least once or twice during the season, as loose edges can catch in the wind or on equipment and tear. Paper mulches also tend to develop more tears and holes throughout the season than standard plastic mulch. There seem to be fewer studies on paper mulch than on other biodegradable mulches, but many show that it keeps soil consistently cooler than plastic mulch. This is likely in part due to the lighter color of plastic mulches, which tend to be tan to brown, but there are newer black paper mulches entering the market. As such, if you’re considering trying paper mulch, try it first on cooler season crops.

    3. Developments in new technologies

    Researchers in Morris have been working with AURI to develop a bio-based spray-on mulch made from agricultural residues. They are still refining and testing the product, but it’s something to look forward to in the years to come.

    Organic Mulches

    1. Straw

    Sprouting hay bale, a reminder to purchase weed free, high quality straw (Photo by NH)

    Straw is one of the most universally-used organic mulches, and for good reason. It achieves many of the same benefits as plastic mulch: weed suppression, reducing fertilizer leaching, and moisture retention. It also helps to reduce the incidence of splash-dispersed pathogens, and initial research shows that it can help to reduce Alternaria pressure in Brassicas. Straw mulch has also been cited as an Integrated Pest Management strategy for some pests including onion thrips and potato beetles, because it can interfere with pupation, and can support communities of beneficial insects.

    Straw does keep the soil cool, which for some crops, can have negative yield impacts (but for cool season crops is ideal). Fields mulched with straw can also cause problems in squash and pumpkins if a fall frost occurs; we tend to see more damage in straw mulched plots than bare soil.

    Make sure to purchase high quality, weed free straw, or you may end up with more weeds than you started with. Many growers prefer to run at least one cultivation pass before mulching to eliminate the first flush of weeds before laying the straw.

    2. Strip tilling or direct seeding into a rolled cover crop 

    Farmers seeding pumpkins into a terminated rye cover crop. In this case there was limited rye establishment, so the weed control benefit was limited (Photo by Annie Klodd).

    I’m seeing more and more vegetable growers experimenting with strip tilling, or direct planting into a field of rolled winter rye. There’s still a lot to figure out in these systems, but they are promising for a few main reasons. 1. Rather than importing straw and spreading it, you’re essentially creating straw in place with a cover crop. 2. With this system, you’re also able to keep living roots in the soil over the winter. Dr. Ajay Nair’s team is leading a lot of this research in Iowa, and you can read more about some of their trials here. In Minnesota, rolling and crimping a winter cereal often does not successfully terminate it. If conditions are too wet, rolling and crimping may not be sufficient to break the stems, and instead may simply push them over. Some growers who use this system first terminate their cover crop with an herbicide. Others use a mower to cut it down right before the cover crop flowers. There are pumpkin growers who direct seed into mowed or rolled rye – this works best for larger seeded crops. For smaller seeded crops, strip tillage, the practice of tilling the strips where you want to plant and leaving the rows in between untilled, is a good compromise. Read more about strip till trials from Dr. Nair’s lab in the link above. Keep in mind that soil covered in straw does not get as warm as soils covered in plastic; using row cover early in the year can help offset the cooler temperatures.

    3. Deep compost mulch

    Deep compost mulching is simply the practice of adding a thick layer weed-free compost on top of your soil, essentially burying weed seeds. Depending on how much compost you’re able to generate on-site, this system can be prohibitively expensive. This can work well for farmers who connect with local schools, hospitals, or other institutions who compost large quantities of food-waste. Keep in mind that it is possible to add too much compost, especially if it is high in phosphorous. Test your soil regularly to make sure you’re not over-applying certain nutrients.

    4. Woodchips

    Woodchips are an excellent source of organic matter, but they should only be used in rows. Wood chips are best suited to systems with fairly wide bed spacing to avoid ending up with woodchips under your beds. Woodchips have a very high C:N ratio, and so they will pull nitrogen away from your crops if placed too close to the rooting zone. Over time, woodchips can add a substantial amount of organic matter and are excellent for absorbing and retaining moisture. Many growers are able to obtain woodchips for free by working with local arborists. Check with your certifier before using woodchips if you are an organic grower, as you may not be able to trace the source.

    5. Wool mulch (woolch)

    Wool mulch was researched extensively in the early 2000’s. It is based on the byproduct wool from various industries in Minnesota, and showed great promise. Unfortunately, the product was never fully commercialized. You can read more about it here. While this is not a commercially available product at this time, I am mentioning it to spark ideas among growers who may have sheep farmer friends and neighbors.

    There are many other materials that can be used as mulch in small-scale systems – leaf litter, bark, etc. but these materials tend to be less abundantly available for larger-scale farms.  

    Living mulches

    1. Between rows

    White clover has been the go-to between-row cover crop for many growers. It establishes well, can provide habitat for beneficial insects, and fixes nitrogen. There are a few drawbacks to using it, primarily that it tends to spread quickly, and so keeping it out of beds can be a challenge. White clover responds well to mowing and should be mowed prior to flowering in order to keep a well-established stand. Make sure that your rows are wide enough to accommodate a mower if you go this route.

    Cornercopia student farm has been using white clover between rows for years (Photo from their blog)

    In addition to pure white clover stands, many growers choose to incorporate a grass such as winter rye or a fescue. There are many reasons to integrate grasses and legumes, including improved winter hardiness, improved soil coverage, and tolerance to disturbance. Seed when there is rain in the forecast, or provide irrigation for good establishment (frost seeding is also an option).

    While clover is the go-to for this purpose, there are many other options. Researchers in Morris, MN have been exploring alternative living row covers in recent years, with a focus on day neutral strawberries. While they are currently relying on white on black plastic for beds, they have explored a variety of living row covers as a substitute for landscape fabric (or herbicides / cultivation between rows). In 2019, they tested winter camelina, winter canola, and winter rye in both Morris (silty clay loam) and Farmington (sandy loam). Canola and rye both provided good weed suppression, though the canola needed to be mowed (canola is also a Brassica, which is important to consider for crop rotation purposes). All treatments yielded slightly less than plastic landscape fabric between rows. Read more about the trial here.

    2. Within rows

    One of the primary challenges to incorporating cover crops in vegetables is the short window of time between harvesting late summer and fall crops, and the first freeze. One approach to getting a cover crop in early while providing some weed control is to underseed your cover crop directly into your main crop. This practice is more commonly discussed in the context of field crops, but vegetable farmers are beginning to experiment with it more and more. There are a number of caveats to consider with this practice: you need to plant your cover crop late enough for your primary crop to become well established, or the cover crop can out-compete your primary crop. Typically seeding is recommended after your final cultivation pass, or right before the canopy begins to fill in. However, this means that your cover crop could become shaded-out by your primary crop if it forms a dense canopy. Therefore, this approach is likely best suited to upright crops with a fairly slim canopy such as peppers or staked tomatoes, which are less likely to shade out an understory crop than a crop like pumpkins or melons. Keep in mind that a cover crop growing underneath your primary crop will compete for nutrients, so it must be fertilized. This system can also increase the overall canopy humidity, which may impact disease management; if possible, choose a low-growing cover crop.

    While this type of system is attractive for many reasons, it takes trial and error to figure out the best approach for your farm. Projects like this are great candidates for on-farm research grants such as the MDA Sustainable Ag Demonstration Grant or the SARE Farmer Rancher Grant. Our team can provide support and feedback to farmers who want to apply to these programs.

    Plastic Mulch Recycling Services

    For growers who are sticking with plastic, there may be recycling opportunities available in your area. All of the farmers who have attended our farmer to farmer gatherings who also recycle their on-farm plastic use Revolution Plastics.  The Recycling Association of MN also lists a few sites that accept agricultural plastics. — By Natalie Hoidal, University of Minnesota Extension

    Resources

    In our farmer to farmer gatherings so far, we’ve highlighted Racing Heart Farm, Featherstone Farm, and Tiffany LaShae – all of whom are using innovative strategies for improving soil health in their vegetable farming practices. At each event, we’ve asked them to share some resources that have informed their practice. Here are the books they recommended:

    • The no-till organic vegetable farm by Daniel Mays
    • The organic no till farming revolution by Andrew Mefferd
    • No-till intensive vegetable culture by Bryan O’Hara
    • The new harvest by Calestous Juma
    • Original instructions: Indigenous teachings for a sustainable future by Melissa Nelson
    • Managing Cover Crops Profitably – SARE handbook (free online)
    • Google Group: Climate Resilient Vegetable Production. This is a listserv where growers post questions related to reduced tillage and other climate resilience practices. If you’d like to join, you can reach out to Rue Genger at rue.genger@wisc.edu

  • National Cucurbit Project Reupped for $7.1 Million

    The Cucurbit Coordinated Agricultural Project (CucCAP), a multi-institution, nationwide research and outreach initiative led by Michigan State University and dedicated to cucurbit crops — cucumbers, squashes, melons and watermelon — has been awarded $7.1 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Research Initiative.

    The new funding extends the project that began in 2015 for four years. The goals of CucCAP, which is led by Rebecca Grumet, a professor in the MSU Department of Horticulture, are to harness genomic resources for disease resistance and management in cucurbit crops.

    “Producers and processors of cucurbit crops throughout the country consistently identify diseases as one of their most serious and costly problems,” Grumet said. “The diseases cause severe reductions in yield and crop quality, sometime causing total crop loss.

    “Control measures are expensive due to chemical costs, time and labor. The most cost-effective and environmentally desirable solution is disease-resistant varieties in combination with effective integrated disease management strategies.”

    To address these problems, the CucCAP team, with members from 10 institutions around the country combines expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, plant breeding, genetics, plant pathology, outreach and economics.

    The partners are: Boyce-Thompson Institute, Clemson University, Cornell University, North Carolina State University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Puerto Rico, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and West Virginia State University.

    The project’s new phase, CucCAP2, will focus on the development of advanced genomic, bioinformatic and breeding tools; disease resistant materials; disease management strategies and economic analyses for critical diseases threatening cucurbit production.

    Genomics, which helps researchers understand the genetic makeup of cucurbit species and breed disease-resistant varieties, is one CucCAP scientists’ most important approaches. Tools developed through the project have allowed identification of genetic regions associated with resistance to important diseases.

    Grumet has worked with Michigan specialty crop growers for decades on disease management issues. Her research has concentrated on reproductive development and disease resistance in cucurbits — particularly cucumbers.

    This research is especially relevant to Michigan, as the state is home to the nation’s largest pickling cucumber industry, valued at nearly $50 million per year.

    Through CucCAP, researchers have been addressing two devastating diseases threatening cucumbers — downy mildew and Phytophthora fruit rot, caused by a pathogen called Phytophthora capsici. Grumet said these diseases cost U.S. cucumber growers roughly $5 million annually.

    Mary Hausbeck, a University Distinguished Professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is also a part of the CucCAP team. Her work for the project includes development of effective practices and timely extension resources for management of cucurbit diseases and resistance to Phytophthora fruit rot in processing squash. Additionally, researchers at partner institutions are working with a variety of fungal, oomycete and viral pathogens infecting the different cucurbit crops throughout the country.

    CucCAP projects are geared toward the entire production process, from breeding and pathology to economic analysis and outreach. Commodity organizations and seed industry representatives from around the world assist in setting research priorities.

    Getting information to growers about research findings is also a fundamental part of CucCAP. Outreach is conducted through meeting with growers and providing easily accessible online resources, such as disease control information on the CucCAP website. In addition, the team created a cucurbit genomics database website to serve as a central portal for genomics data and research.

    “Using modern genomic tools, we can more efficiently introduce and combine genes for different resistances while maintaining high yield and important fruit quality traits,” Grumet said. “This is critically needed given the tremendous losses that can be caused by these destructive diseases.” – By Cameron Rudolph, Michigan State University

  • New Dry Beans from UC Davis Combine Qualities for Both Farmers & Consumers

    Beans in the UC Davis breeding program, whose varieties have been selected to combine excellent culinary with improved yields and resistance to bean common mosaic virus. Credit: Travis Parker

    Plant breeders are constantly working to develop new bean varieties to meet the needs and desires of the food industry. But not everyone wants the same thing.

    Many consumers desire heirloom-type beans, which have great culinary quality and are visually appealing. On the other hand, farmers desire beans with better disease resistance and higher yield potential.

    The bean varieties that farmers want to grow are sometimes different than the varieties consumers want to purchase. Until now.

    Travis Parker, a plant scientist at University of California, Davis, has worked with a team of researchers to release five new varieties of dry beans that combine the most desirable traits.

    The new varieties, UC Sunrise, UC Southwest Red, UC Tiger’s Eye, UC Rio Zape, and UC Southwest Gold, were recently highlighted in the Journal of Plant Registrations, a publication of the Crop Science Society of America.

    “Our new beans combine the best of both worlds for farmers and consumers,” says Parker. “They combine the better qualities of heirloom-type beans with the better qualities of commercial types.”

    Heirloom-type beans often represent older bean types that are known for culinary qualities and seed patterns. These are highly desired by consumers. Heirloom types often fetch a higher market value than other beans.

    Commercial dry beans often have higher yields, shorter maturity times, and improved disease resistance. While they possess qualities desirable to producers, they don’t command as high of a market price compared to their heirloom counterparts.

    A comparison of the heirloom variety “Tiger’s Eye” (left, with virus symptoms) and the newly released “UC Tiger’s Eye” (right, healthy leaves). These varieties have similar culinary qualities, but UC Tiger’s Eye is resistant to the common mosaic virus and has higher yields. Credit: Travis Parker

    “Our goal was to improve field characteristics of the heirloom beans without losing culinary characteristics,” said Parker. “We have an interest in higher-value varieties and want them to grow well.”

    Farmers growing the heirloom dry beans often sell the beans to health-conscious consumers or high-end restaurants. This sale often leads to a higher price point. However, these beans are prone to disease and don’t perform well in the field.

    “We know that existing heirloom beans don’t usually do well in terms of yield,” said Parker. “Breeding beans for high yields is a major improvement for farmers. The new varieties are high-yielding, heat-tolerant, and are also resistant to bean common mosaic virus.”

    Incorporating disease resistance was essential when developing the new bean varieties. Bean common mosaic virus is a well-known problem that is hard to control in the field.

    “The only really effective means to handle the virus is through genetic resistance,” explains Parker.

    The new varieties, such as UC Sunrise, satisfy the need for farmers to have a bean that is disease resistant while also yielding 50% more than heirloom types. In addition, the beans do not take as long to grow between planting and harvest.

    UC Sunrise seeds Photo Caption: A detailed view of UC Sunrise, one of the new varieties of the heirloom-like dry bean. The colorful pattern is desirable to consumers. Credit: Travis Parker

    Commercial and heirloom beans come from the same species, but they are in different market classes. The heirloom varieties are bred with intimate knowledge of what tastes good and what works well in the kitchen.

    “In recent decades, there has been less attention paid to consumer desires during the bean breeding process,” says Parker. “There are more layers between the breeder and the consumer. We are trying to make sure to keep consumers in mind while incorporating qualities that are beneficial to the farmer.”

    With consumer desires in mind, the research team used cross-pollination to breed plants with key characteristics they selected. As Parker and the team continued the breeding process, they performed taste tests to ensure the beans met the level of culinary quality expected of an heirloom-type bean, in terms of flavor and visual appeal.

    This research was supported by the Clif Bar Family Foundation, Lundberg Family Farms, the United States Department of Agriculture Organic Agriculture Research & Extension Initiative, and the United States Department of Agriculture Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program.

    To learn more about the research behind these new dry bean varieties, watch this video from Travis Parker.

  • Using Satellites to Improve Sustainability, Yield

    Two of the nation’s great agricultural regions are the focus of new research that aims to head off emerging threats and improve sustainability.

    Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are joining colleagues to create and use artificial intelligence to help farmers in the Colorado River Basin and Salinas Valley, CA, improve their management of irrigation, fertilization, and pests. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded the University of California, Riverside-led project with a 5-year, $10 million grant.

    “This project will integrate multiple satellite and meteorological data sets to help farmers in the Southwestern United States,” said Ray Anderson, a research soil scientist with the ARS Agricultural Water Efficiency and Salinity Research Unit in Riverside. Anderson leads the ARS portion of the study, working with ARS scientists Todd Skaggs and Andrew French.

    ARS has three primary roles in the project: To calculate project area crop water use and anomalies with crop water use across the entire region; develop tools that help growers avoid salinity damage while minimizing the leaching of fertilizer; and to gather field data to validate satellite algorithms.

    Researchers will take advantage of advanced satellite technology to provide more frequent, detailed information to farmers than ever before. The plan is to integrate high-resolution commercial satellite data with established government satellite platforms and meteorological data.

    A major advance with this work will be the use of daily, high-resolution (12-foot) satellite imagery, Anderson said. Previously, data have only been available every 1-2 weeks at 60- to 100-foot resolution and were too infrequent or coarse to provide timely and actionable information to farmers.

    “By combining the new satellite data with artificial intelligence, we will be able to discover and create tools that will help farmers pinpoint areas that need better irrigation, nutrient, and pest management,” Anderson said.

    “One of the major advantages to this project is that the outputs – recommendations and highlights on a smartphone app – will be accessible to all farmers,” he said. “Previously, farmers had to pay for aircraft and specialized processing to get this level of imagery and detail. Soon, high resolution satellite imagery, machine learning, and cloud processing will be available to smaller producers in one easy-to-use tool. These algorithms will help farmers with their field scouting so that they can catch problems early, before significant yield reductions occur.”

    Agriculture in the Colorado River Basin and Salinas Valley employs more than 500,000 people and generates roughly $12 billion annually in revenue. Farmers in the regions grow fruits and vegetables that are shipped around the country all year round, particularly in winter.

    Water availability and use top the researchers’ priority list because prolonged drought has reduced agricultural water availability in the southwestern United States.

    “These valleys consume large amounts of irrigation water, but the amount and quality of irrigation water is decreasing,” Anderson said. “It is important to use existing supplies more efficiently and to protect water sources from nutrient and salinity contamination that can come from poor irrigation management.” — By Scott Elliott, USDA-ARS Office of Communications.