Missouri State University’s Darr College of Agriculture is a hub for research and discovery. Its faculty and students conduct experiments to improve agricultural practices.

Three projects received grants, totaling $79,356, from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant program.

The program enhances competitiveness of specialty crops. These crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.

All three projects will be carried out at MSU’s Mountain Grove campus, which also serves as the State Fruit Experiment Station.

“I’m confident these projects will provide valuable information for producers raising these crops in Missouri and beyond,” said Dr. Ronald Del Vecchio, dean of the Darr College of Agriculture.

The projects

·        Primocane raspberries

Marilyn Odneal, clinical instructor of agriculture, received $13,200. She is experimenting with several varieties of primocane raspberries in grow bags that are rotated in and out of high tunnel greenhouses.

“We are investigating a potentially profitable crop for farmers,” said Odneal. “The project will allow farmers to maximize profit by planting and harvesting multiple crops in the same space.”

The trial is in its fourth year, and it will conclude in 2019.

·        Black walnuts

Jennifer Morganthaler, clinical instructor of agriculture, will investigate the effect of irrigation in increasing tree growth and production of black walnuts in upland soil. The project received $16,568, and it is co-led by Dr. Martin Kaps and Dr. Michael Goerndt, both agriculture faculty.

This long-term study, which began in November, will provide more data on black walnut production so it can grow better in locations it is not native.

·        Norton grapes

This project, aimed at genetically enhancing grapes to survive colder climates, received $49,588. It is led by Dr. Chin-Feng Hwang, professor of agriculture, and Li-Ling Chen, agriculture research specialist.

Researchers will test DNA from cold-weather Norton grapes in grape hybrids to create adapted crops that grow better in cold climates.

“The project will also strengthen the current partnership with the Missouri grape and wine industry by training a skilled and motivated workforce, and releasing new grape cultivars,” Hwang said.

Learn more about Hwang’s research