Project Overview
GS16-159
Project Type: Graduate Student
Funds awarded in 2016: $10,944.00
Projected End Date: 02/28/2018
Grant Recipient:
University of Georgia
Region: Southern
State: Georgia
Graduate Student:
Major Professor:
Dr. Elizabeth Little
University of Georgia
Commodities
- Vegetables: cucurbits
Practices
- Pest Management: genetic resistance
Proposal abstract:
The purpose of this project is to determine appropriate varieties of winter squash for organic production in the Southeast by evaluating disease resistance, insect damage susceptibility, yield, sugar content, and storage longevity. The hot, humid summers in Georgia result in higher disease and insect pressure but varietal resistance in squash is limited, especially in desirable varieties. Organic systems research is needed to evaluate squash varieties for resistance or tolerance to an array of disease and insect pest problems, as well as adaption to the Georgia climate.
Project objectives from proposal:
- Evaluation of varieties of squash for disease resistance, yield, fruit quality, and insect pest feeding preference.
- Development of a squash bug inoculation method to introduce potential biocontrol organisms into squash.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.