By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota State University Department of Plant Sciences will host a fruit, vegetable, and woody plant field day on September 10. The event will take place at the NDSU Horticulture Research Farm and Arboretum near Amenia and Absaraka, North Dakota, and will begin at 4:30 p.m.
Horticulture research can help people better understand how fruits, vegetables, and woody plants grow under local conditions. Field days also allow participants to see research projects directly rather than only learning about them through written information.
The NDSU field day focuses on several areas of plant production and research. Presentations cover grapes, high tunnel onions and leeks, apples, raspberries, hydromulches in horticulture and woody plant breeding research.
Grapes are one of the fruit crops included in the program. Research and education about grape production can help growers understand how these plants perform and what practices may support successful growth.
The program also highlights onions and leeks grown in high tunnels. High tunnels can provide a protected growing space for vegetables and may help growers manage environmental conditions. Learning about research in these structures can help producers and gardeners consider whether similar methods could work in their own growing areas.
Apples and raspberries are also part of the field day. These crops are important for home gardens, orchards, and small farm operations. Research can provide useful information about plant growth, production methods, and varieties that may perform well in a region.
Another topic is hydromulches in horticulture. Hydromulch is a material applied to growing areas to help manage soil and plant conditions. Studying different approaches can provide information that may be useful for horticultural production.
Woody plant breeding research is another major part of the event. Plant breeding involves developing and studying plants with useful characteristics. Research in this area can help support the development and selection of plants that are better suited to local growing conditions.
People interested in attending should plan to arrive before the 4:30 p.m. start time. For registration visit ndsu.ag/fruitveg-FD-26. Turn-by-turn driving directions and additional information about the event are available through the NDSU Department of Plant Sciences.
The September 10, field day provides a broad look at horticulture research in North Dakota. By covering fruits, vegetables, growing methods and woody plants, the event offers information for a wide range of people interested in plant production.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables