What do Farmers and Researchers Think About Mesotunnels and Biological Controls for Cucurbit Crops? Responses from 2020 surveys

What do farmers and researchers in Iowa, Kentucky, and New York think about using new approaches for organic cucurbit-crop production – specifically, mesotunnel production systems and biological controls? Getting this feedback could help other growers who have some interest in trying out these technologies.

Do’s and don’ts when using mesotunnels in commercial organic acorn squash production

Mesotunnels are a new strategy for producing organic cucurbit crops in the Midwest. These fabric-covered tunnels protect the cucurbit crops from damage caused by pest insects and the diseases they spread.

Reflecting on University of Kentucky’s 2020 mesotunnel experiments

If you’ve been reading the last few blog posts, you will see that Cornell, Iowa State and the University of Kentucky have been collaborating on a project to optimize the efficiency of using a new barrier strategy called “mesotunnels” to help organic growers protect cucurbit crops from pests and diseases. Cucurbit crops can suffer from the severe feeding damage from cucumber beetles, squash bugs and squash vine borer, as well as the diseases that those insects transmit: bacterial wilt and cucurbit yellow vine disease (CYVD).

Looking back at Iowa field trials in 2020

Before we launch into the second field season in our 3-year project¹, let’s look back to the 2020 season and reflect on what we learned. This blog post focuses on the 2020 trials in Iowa; later posts will summarize the 2020 field trials in Kentucky and New York...

What are growers saying about mesotunnel systems for organic cucurbits?

Recently, we surveyed some of these cooperators via virtual interviews to learn their experiences and perceptions of mesotunnels for cucurbit crops...

Reflecting on the 2020 Preliminary Results of the Mesotunnel System in NY

We want to find ways to help growers produce the best quality produce and stress less about crop protection. That is why the EVADE lab at Cornell AgriTech was excited to test out the mesotunnel system in 2020 and understand the benefits for organic cucurbit growers in NY.

Crop Diversification as a Risk Management Strategy

Unexpected shifts in weather patterns and unpredictable market prices are risks and opportunities that cucurbit growers face in every growing season...

A look at 2020 muskmelon trial results from Iowa State University (ISU)

Organic growers of muskmelon and other cucurbit crops in the US lose millions of dollars every year due to bacterial wilt...

Optimizing weed control under mesotunnel systems: Iowa State’s 2020 experience with acorn squash

Weed control under mesotunnels is challenging, especially in organic systems because the use of synthetic chemical herbicides is not allowed...

Balancing pollination and pest control in mesotunnel cucurbit systems

The idea is simple. Cover your crops with a fine-mesh netting that limits pests and you will reduce insect damage to your crops...

How do we assess the economic efficiency of mesotunnels? An economist’s take

When hearing about a new agricultural technology, you may wonder whether it makes economic sense and whether it could fit into your farming operation...

Planning for success: IPM approaches in organic cucurbit production

Mesotunnels: Next Best Tool for Organic Cucurbit Growers in the Northeastern US?

Let’s talk about crop protection! 

What’s a mesotunnel, and what’s it good for?

If you’re a vegetable grower, you’re probably familiar with high tunnels and low tunnels. But what are mesotunnels?