High Tunnels
Objectives(s) of High Tunnel research::
This research explores and identifies new crop, production and marketing opportunities using high tunnel technologies. Cropping systems explored include strawberry, tomato, blackberry, blueberry, red raspberry and cherry. Production practices explored for high tunnel production include cultivar and variety adaptability, disease susceptibility, pollination requirements, irrigation, environmental management and control, production practices for suitability, marketability, growth and production characteristics and irrigation management under a typical south central Ohio growing season to enhance this cropping system in Ohio.
Planned Scope of Research:
Crop performance evaluations were monitored and recorded relative to variety selection and growing practices at the OSU South Centers research farm and on farm research trials conducted on cooperating farms. At each harvest yield data and crop quality attributes were observed and recorded. Plant growth characteristics, insect and disease susceptibility and tolerance are also monitored and recorded.
Potential outcomes & significance of outcomes:
These research trials assist with the identification of new cultivars and crop management options for use in high tunnels that can increase profitability of Ohio growers. Research began in 1999 and new high tunnel research projects continue today.