All-Horticulture Field Day

Second Annual All-Horticulture Field Day to be held July 29, 2010

You are invited to the second annual All-Horticulture field day to be held at the Horticulture Research Station on July 29, 2010. This opportunity will showcase research projects being
conducted at the station in all areas of horticulture. Concurrent sessions will allow you to learn more about specific areas of horticulture and to network with others in the "growing" horticulture industry.

Special areas of interest will highlight vegetable production, apple, grape, and small fruit production and wine tasting, lawn and turf management, urban tree development, landscape design and installation, organic horticulture, and farm pond and surface water management.

Pre-registration is $20.00 for full day attendance, on-site registration is $25. Look for further details and registration information to be coming out soon via e-mail and on the
All Horticulture Field Day website at: www.hort.iastate.edu/news/docs/2ndAllHortFieldDay.pdf.

Additional information is also attached to the June INLA
newsletter.

Topics to include:

Airblast Spraying: Airblast sprayers offer an effective and economical means for applying fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators and foliar nutrients in orchards and vineyards. Compared to conventional sprayers, air blast systems allow growers to concentrate spray where less liquid is applied per acre, and at higher concentrations, less pesticide is
needed to attain effective coverage. Dr. Paul Domoto will be explaining how this is accomplished, and an air blast sprayer will be demonstrated.

Aquaculture/Fisheries: Fish production and current research at the Aquatic Research Facility (ARF) with an emphasis on this year’s Bluegill project.

Computer Applications in Horticulture: A hands-on session covering the latest in software development for the landscape industry. His presentation will include traditional computer applications as well as iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad applications.

Crabapples: Since 1985, the Iowa State University Department of Horticulture has participated in the National Crabapple Evaluation Program, and during this tour stop we will feature some of the best crabapples for the Iowa landscape. Join us as we traverse this impressive collection in search of that perfect crabapple.

EarthKind Rose Trial: EarthKind is an innovative new program that addresses environmental landscape management. We will discuss the northern EarthKind rose trial planted at
the Horticulture Research Farm as well as the newly established EarthKind Hydrangea trial. These two plantings are part of the nationwide trialing program of rose and hydrangea
cultivars being evaluated for their suitability for inclusion in EarthKind landscapes.

High Tunnels: High tunnels extend the growing season and produce greater yields of high quality fruits and vegetables. See both fruits and vegetables growing in different sized high
tunnels.

Orchard: Influence of rootstocks and crop load ratios on‘Gibson Golden Delicious’ apple yield, fruit quality and return bloom. Rootstocks and crop-load management are important factors that influence the profitability of apple orchards. The rootstock can influence tree vigor, precocity, sustained productivity, fruit size, and tree tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Crop load can affect fruit maturity, size and grade and return bloom in the subsequent year. Because modern high-density systems require careful selection of rootstocks and managing croploads to optimize yields and return on a relatively high investment, Dennis has undertaken this study to evaluate the performance of five dwarfing apple rootstocks subjected to under different cropping levels. Treatments are being monitored for differences in fruit growth rate, maturity, yield, fruit size and quality, and the ability to produce blossoms for next season’s crop.

Forestry: Portable sawmill demonstration with an emphasis on saw safety followed by a demonstration of how maple syrup is made using a portable sugarhouse.

Student Organic Farm: The Student Organic Farm (SOF) demonstrates organic practices for vegetable and fruit production, including cover crops, trap crops, organic fertilization and mulches. New this year is a demonstration site for double-cropped organic vegetables in rotation with cover crops, and a description of integrating SOF crops into the ISU Dining Service

Turf Demonstrations: Will include information on lawn mower safety, maintenance, and selection. A walking tour to identify weeds, insects, diseases, and their control and a turf research plot tour.

Vineyard: Field day attendees will tour research vineyards that include wine grape cultivars, cropping and canopy management studies, and weed control and soil quality management projects. Iowa State University faculty and graduate students will provide tours and answer viticultural questions.

Wine Lab: The Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute will discuss wine grape harvest parameters and their importance to winemaking. The measurements of pH, Titratable Acidity, and Brix will be demonstrated.