UMN Student Organic Farm
Research Spotlight: Day-neutral Strawberries
Sustainable and Organic Resources
Awards/Honors:
Congratulations to Associate Professor Mary Rogers! We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our leader, Associate Professor Mary Rogers, for being selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA). This recognition is a testament to her exceptional contributions, leadership, and dedication to the field of plant sciences.
Mary Rogers (with co-directors Anup Kollanoor Johny and Julie Grossman) have been awarded curriculum-development support to design holistic organic agriculture curriculum emphasizing financial management and marketing in organic agriculture education. From Field to Market: Expanding Experiential Learning for Undergraduates in Organic Agriculture, Emphasizing Diversification, Finances, and Marketing is funded through USDA NIFA's Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) curriculum development program (2024-51300-43048).
Out in the Field:
The 2024 growing season is wrapping up for the year. Stay tuned for data summaries and publications regarding our latest research findings.
Gullickson, M., DiGiacomo, G., and Rogers, M.A. (2024). Efficacy and Economic Viability of Organic Control Methods for Spotted-wing Drosophila in Day-neutral Strawberry Production in the Upper Midwest. HortTech, 34(5): 618-628.
Gullickson, M., Flavin Hodge, C., Burkness, E., Hutchison, W. D., and Rogers, M. (2023). Spotted-wing Drosophila Host Preference and Quality Vary among Half-high Blueberry Cultivars. HortScience, 58(6):677-682.
Tong, C.B.S., Gullickson, M. G., Rogers, M. A., Burkness, E., and W. D., Hutchison. (2023). Detection of Spotted-wing drosophila infestations in blueberry fruits. Journal of Entomological Science, 58(3), 370-374.
The demand for high quality fruits and vegetables is increasing as human population increases. Concurrently diminishing resources, climate change and invasive species pressure production. Sustainable production practices are necessary in order to conserve natural resources, enhance our environment and provide economic opportunities as we meet of food and fiber needs.
My program integrates teaching and applied research in organic horticultural production systems. My teaching mission is to create life-long learners, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competence in horticultural science and food systems. My research program focuses on ecological strategies to improve production of vegetables and fruit and collaborating with local growers and community members to build a sustainable food system.
We welcome individuals who are interested in pursuing positions as M.S. or Ph.D. graduate students as well as post-doctoral fellow positions, junior scientists, and undergraduate research assistants, or through the undergraduate research opportunities program (UROP). We highly recommend contacting Dr. Rogers to discuss current opportunities available, and we invite you to join events and seminars offered through the Department of Horticultural Science. See our current lab members on our About Us page.