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.
Cucurbit Timelines*
CALIFORNIA
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