Specialty crop growers benefit from land-grant university research

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Arkansas, Cornell University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Systems, New Hampshire, New York, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Arkansas, University of New Hampshire, Western

Scientists at land-grant universities are responding to local grower needs to strengthen specialty crop quality and economics.

Here are a few examples of that work:

Researchers in New York are studying a new threat to vineyards. Research on how the disease is spread through hoppers led to recommendations on management practices to manage the virus spread.
Cornell AgriTech. See full statement.
Two-thirds of the white button mushrooms consumed in the U.S. come from Pennsylvania farms. Their cultivation relies on the presence of a range of microorganisms to grow. Scientists analyzed the bacterial DNA at different stages to understand what is needed for mushroom growth and then recommended crop management strategies.
Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station; Hatch. See full statement.
In Oregon, researchers responded to berry grower concerns about optimal fertilization strategies. A recent study found that fertilizer timing and rates vary by crop type, enabling growers to optimize fertilizer use and improve overall crop quality.
Oregon State University Extension Service; State Appropriations. See full statement.
More than 40 specialty crop farmers across New England and four other states are piloting kiwiberries as a new commercial crop. Led by New Hampshire scientists, the project aims to establish a farmer network and assess the adaptability and consumer acceptance of the kiwiberry.
New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station; Hatch Multistate, Other USDA competitive. See full statement.
Arkansas researchers studied traditional blackberry trellis systems to understand potential effects on pest control. The study found one trellis system needed less water and pesticide, reducing costs for growers and improving sustainability.
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station; Other USDA Capacity – research, State Appropriations. See full statement.