Alternative production systems for high-value horticultural crops

As concern about the adverse effects of pesticides grows, interest in alternative production methods for horticultural crops is increasing. In this project, strawberries and tomatoes, two important fruit and vegetable crops in Iowa, were studied under several alternative production approaches to determine how yields, quality, and income for growers could be maintained in comparison with conventional growing practices. One approach used integrated crop management strategies; another employed organic practices. A third used corn gluten meal, a natural fertilizer and weed control material. Results indicate that alternative production systems can provide acceptable June-beaming strawberry and tomato crop yields, quality, and income for Iowa growers. If biological controls for tarnished plant bug can be developed, everbearing strawberries may have acceptable yields as well