Controlled Environment

Specialty Melons as a Rotation Option for High Tunnels

Ajay Nair, Iowa State University
[Handout: None]

Given the challenging weather conditions in the Midwest, season extension strategy using high tunnels is valuable to all vegetable farms. A large number of growers grow tomatoes in their high tunnels without rotating crops and run the risk of diseases build up and deteriorating soil health. This presentation will focus on specialty melons (aromatic, enhanced flavors, 1-3 lbs. fruits) production in high tunnels and highlight cultivars, types, and management practices that can lead to a successful crop rotation option in high tunnels.

Biological Control in High Tunnels: Lessons from Our First Field Season

Kacie Athey, University of Illinois
[Handout: Biological Control in High Tunnels]

High tunnels have unique pest pressures with pest immigration (i.e. caterpillars, stink bugs) from adjacent open fields being common and greenhouse insect pests (e.g. aphids, thrips, spider mites) thriving in them. Many of the greenhouse insect pests are difficult to control through conventional insecticides, as secondary outbreaks are common, and many spray guides recommend conserving or releasing natural enemies as a means of control and growers may be looking for more sustainable, non-chemical control methods of insect control. In the first year of this project, we released several natural enemies into high tunnels to control spider mites, thrips, and aphids. This talk will examine the successes and failures of the first year and discuss future directions for the project.

Cultivar and Plant Density Influences on Specialty Lettuce Production in High Tunnels

Alan Walters, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
[Handout: None]

Specialty head lettuces are a high-value crop that can easily be grown in late winter to spring high tunnels in Illinois, although a shade covering will probably need to be utilized at some point to reduce inside temperatures and light. A study was conducted at SIUC during the late winter to spring growing season in 2021 to evaluate four butterhead lettuce cultivars and four planting densities to maximize productivity in a high tunnel environment. Our results indicated that about 1000 heads can be effectively grown in a standard 26’ wide by 48’ long high tunnel, but markets must be ready to accept the product once they reach marketable size. We have found that his type of high-quality lettuce can be sold anywhere from $3 to $5 per head in local markets.

High Tunnel Winter Greens Research Update

Bronwyn Aly, University of Illinois Extension
[Handout: None]

Results of research on high tunnel winter greens production practices from the Dixon Springs Ag Center will be shared during this presentation.