Horticulture and Pest Management

Overview

‍ Fresh vegetables and fruit keep people well-nourished and healthy with their rich vitamin, mineral and fiber contents. Vegetable and small fruit production is highly profitable for small-scale farmers due to low acreage requirements, quick crop rotations, and surging local market demands.

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The cut flower industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in diversified agriculture. For small-scale farmers, urban growers, and market gardeners, cut flowers also offer exceptionally high returns.

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At VSU Extension, we conduct demonstrations and applied research, and provide technical support in small-scale fruit and vegetable production such as crop selection, sustainable practices including integrated pest management, infrastructure, and market strategies. We are also re-establishing the cut flower program that includes small-scale production of cut flowers at the open field, high tunnel and greenhouse hydroponic/aquaponic settings.