Cucurbit Research Opportunities

Ag Metrics Group operates in three of the top four cucurbit production states in the US: California, Florida, and Michigan. These areas produce a family of similar crops: squash (zucchini, butternut, and pumpkin), cucumber (and pickles), watermelons, and muskmelons (cantaloupe and honeydew). Hence, they share similar production issues and crop nutrition needs among all production districts.

California is the top producer of honeydew and cantaloupes in the U.S., Florida is the leading producer of fresh market cucurbits in the U.S. and is known for its production of fresh market muskmelons, squash, and watermelons. Michigan is the third largest producer of cucumber pickles and fresh cucumbers production in the U.S. and has very distinct pest control and crop nutrition requirements in this more Northern growing district. As an experienced CRO with specialization in high-value crops nationwide, our research stations conduct field trials where pest complexes are reliable and product performance is measured under representative conditions. This includes studies in pest resistance, as well as actual in-situ product performance compared to industry standards.

Cucurbits are also well known for their sensitivity to phytotoxicity under certain environmental conditions. Hence, Cucurbitaceae crop safety data developed on our research stations are fully representative of end-user growing conditions. This includes growing techniques, specialized equipment, light soils and warm climate, proper germplasm, comprehensive trial maintenance program that assures commercial quality test plantings, and post-harvest facilities to measure treatment effects beyond field-gate.

In summary, Ag Metrics Group’s cucurbit research program has both a local focus as well as a nationwide view for any potential cucurbit crop protection or plant health R&D program.

Common Pathology Test Systems
California:
Downy and Powdery Mildew
Florida:
Alternaria, Anthracnose, Downy and Powdery Mildew, Gummy Stem Blight (watermelon)
Michigan:
Downy and Powdery Mildew, Phytophthora

Common Arthropod Species
California:
Whitefly, Aphids, Cucumber Beetles
Florida:
Aphid, Melon/Pickleworm, Two Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus sp), Whitefly
Michigan:
Aphids, Whitefly

Nematode Studies
California:
Root Knot Nematode
Florida:
Sting and Root Knot Nematode, Plant-parasitic Nematodes
Michigan:
Root Knot Nematode

Agronomy Studies
Ag Metrics Group conducts detailed agronomy research on cucurbits across its three regional centers.

Here are some of the research trials that we perform:

Variety Testing: We evaluate different varieties for performance, yield, and quality.
Fertilizer Application: We study optimal fertilizer administration for cucurbits, focusing on improving yield and fruit quality while minimizing environmental impact.
Soil Amendments: Research is conducted on various soil amendments to enhance soil health and melon productivity, particularly in sandy soil.
Nitrogen Management: Given the importance of nitrogen for cucurbit growth, we study nitrogen application methods and timing.
Water Stress Response: In California's Central Valley, our research trials investigate abiotic stress mitigation, which is crucial for hot and drought-prone regions.
Precision Agriculture: We use advanced technologies like LiDAR, multispectral imaging, and aerial imagery with drones to evaluate best management practices for crops.

The company's 40 years of experience as a Contract Research Organization and its presence in multiple U.S. climate zones provide a robust foundation for conducting comprehensive and regionally-specific research on cucurbit and melon crops.