Organic Brussels Sprouts in the Northeast: Variety, Pest Control and Storage Trials

Organic Brussels Sprouts in the Northeast: Variety, Pest Control and Storage Trials

Summary

The goal of this project is twofold: to conduct variety and storage trials on 6 different Brussels sprouts cultivars, and to perform pest control using two different OMRI approved materials, comparing their efficacy. The six varieties compared are Diablo, Dmitri, Falstaff, Franklin, Gustus, and Nautic. The hope is that this information will help growers in the northeast get better yields and avoid the many frustrations growing this challenging but potentially profitable fall crop.

In 2013, I was attempting only to perform pest control trials, not having had any pest infestation in the previous year. The plots were planted and scouting was performed, but again no aphids were present. The reason for their disappearance is a happy mystery, but it foiled my attempt at comparing control methods.

I was able to evaluate 3 favorite variety’s performance for another year. This was helpful because conditions were very different in 2013 than in 2012. Because of the wet summer of 2013, we experienced tip burn, a new problem for us in Brussels sprouts cultivation. One variety, Gustus, was clearly less susceptible than the others, adding useful information for growers.

Collaborators: