Research

The University of Minnesota is teaming up with the University of Wisconsin on a multi-disciplinary project to implement a systems approach to overcome challenges faced by growers transitioning to organic strawberry production, aiming to increase and sustain organic day-neutral strawberry production in the Upper Midwest. 

UMN collaborators: Mary Rogers, Emily Hoover, Gigi DiGiacomo, Annie Klodd, and Eric Burkness

A USDA Organic Transitions grant (2021-2024).

Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) is a devastating pest of berries and stone fruits throughout the United States, causing significant losses in crop yield and quality. This is estimated to have an economic impact of $718 million annually, with associated effects on farm profitability, jobs, rural communities, and the environment. Management of SWD is achieved largely by toxic and environmentally damaging insecticide applications and is particularly challenging for organic growers due to the few effective OMRI-approved insecticides. 

We are continuing our work with multi-state team to integrate compatible organic management approaches with biological control, monitoring, non-chemical controls, and conservation practices. This approach will enhance adoption of integrated pest management, maintain crop quality, and support profitable berry production while developing opportunities to reduce dependence on insecticides. We will pair these short term goals to address immediate needs, with outreach and training to build an organic literate extension workforce. 

Funding provided by USDA NIFA’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), led by Dr. Phil Fanning (UMaine). For more information about this research visit UMaine News. 

Management of Spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii, SWD) is largely based on repeat applications of broad-spectrum insecticides, which may have deleterious ecological impacts on non-target species, soil, and water quality, and contribute to insecticide resistance. Currently there is little understanding of the management or economic impact of SWD on day neutral (DN) strawberries, a crop with high statewide economic value. Although there has been an increase in research on SWD management, little research has focused on strawberry specifically, despite the high consumer demand. Therefore, the objectives of this research and outreach project are: 1) test cultural and behavioral-based management strategies (field sanitation, botanical-based repellants, and weekly rotation of OMRI microbial-based insecticides) for SWD control and cost effectiveness; 2) facilitate strawberry demonstrations and learning opportunities  for growers alongside the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA); 3) develop case studies with individual farmers to gather information about strawberry production, pest control and profitability. 

A North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) 2021 awarded grant project.  

The University of Minnesota will investigate the extent of swede midge spread in Minnesota; find sustainable, non-pesticidal methods to prevent swede midge damage to broccoli crops; and prepare commercial growers to respond to this emerging pest. 

UMN Collaborators: Cindy Tong, Mary Rogers, Marissa Schuh, Christina Perez, and Eric Burkness

A MDA Specialty Crop Block Grant (2021-2024). 

Cut flowers are a high-value horticultural crop and consumer interest in local, sustainably grown bouquets is increasing. Cut flowers also have the potential to diversify habitat and enhance revenue for vegetable farms and may also provide forage resources for pollinators and beneficial insects. Although there is interest in integrating flowers into their production systems, urban and small-scale vegetables farmers are often space-limited and many lack resources to trial new crops while simultaneously maintaining food production. Currently, little to no Extension resources exist to guide decisions for cut flower production in Minnesota. Our proposal will address this knowledge gap by identifying cut flowers that are suitable for low-input small-scale vegetable production systems and produce high quality stems and blooms for local markets; assess ecosystem services and/or disservices associated with cut flower production based on pollinator and beneficial insect visitation and insect pest pressure; and create educational activities and resources targeted to small-scale vegetable growers on how to effectively integrate cut flowers into an annual production system. We expect that this information will be used to expand cut flower production on urban and small-scale vegetable farms. 

UMN collaborators: Mary Rogers, Tori Dahl, Lia Spaniolo, Robin Trott

Funded by a AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant (SustAg) (March 2024 - February 2026).