May 15, 2019
Meigs high tunnel field day to help growers boost production
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A July 18 field day will offer a variety of information for producers interested in learning more about high-tunnel production of cantaloupes, cucumbers and tomatoes.
Hosted by Purdue University's departments of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Entomology, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Meigs Farm, part of the Throckmorton Purdue Agricultural Center, at 9101 S. 100 E., Lafayette.
Presentations and tours will feature production of specialty melons in high tunnels; early detection of bacterial wilt; and the impact of crop rotation and rootstock on the resilience of high-tunnel tomatoes. Tours will feature examples of conventional and hydroponic high-tunnel production research.
Featured research will give producers information about yield benefits of growing melons in a high-tunnel environment, an opportunity to see sensors being used to detect bacterial infection in plants prior to any visual wilting symptoms and a variety of work relating to tomato growth. Attendees also will take part in discussions about current challenges and possible future research areas for high-tunnel production systems.
The field day is free, but registration is required by going online to https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0HXQwDluRiOnwAB. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. For additional information, contact Lori Jolly-Brown, Extension events and communications coordinator for the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, at 765-494-1296, ljollybr@purdue.edu.
Media contact: Maureen Manier, Purdue Agricultural Communication, mmanier@purdue.edu
Source: Lori Jolly-Brown, 765-494-1296, ljollybr@purdue.edu
Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;
Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu