Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences

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https://hdl.handle.net/10919/51287

The Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS), http://www.cals.vt.edu/online/, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals. The program offers concentrations in the areas of agribusiness, applied animal behavior and welfare, applied nutrition and physical activity, education, environmental science, food safety and biosecurity, and leadership studies, as well as plant science and pest management. In addition to engaging classes, students benefit from the opportunity to work on-on-one with well-respected faculty in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to complete a rigorous final project, using what they've learned and developing real-world research and communication skills. This collection showcases final projects completed by current and former OMALS students.

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Does Position in Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Affect Seed Quality?
Mueller, Kale E.; Welbaum, Gregory E.; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Lavis, Cathie (Virginia Tech, 2021-05-17)
Effects of the location of seed development inside cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) fruit on seed germination percentage and vigor was compared for two Western Shipper cantaloupe cultivars (‘Ropey King’ and ‘Expedition’). Mean time to germination (MTG), as (NiTi )/ (Ni) where Ni is the number of newly germinated seeds at time Ti after imbibition was calculated as a measure of seed vigor. Fruit was grown in Woodland, CA, in a randomized complete block design, consisting of 4 blocks (i.e., replicates). Melons were harvested at the full slip stage of maturity and were measured and sliced into six equal sections (blossom end top, blossom end bottom, middle top, middle bottom, stem end top, and stem end bottom). Harvested seed was equally divided for germination testing without drying immediately after harvest (no seed storage, NSS), and after 6 months of seed storage (6MSS) of dried seeds. 6MSS was stored in a cold temperature-controlled (3.33°C, 35% relative humidity) refrigerator in sealed containers for six months, so moisture content did not fluctuate. Both cultivars showed improved germination percentage after 6MSS. Moreover, the 6MSS of both cultivars resulted in significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) germination percentages in the stem end and middle sections of both cultivars. In contrast, MTG increased after 6MSS compared to NSS possibly because of differences in hydration. However, after 6MSS seeds from the stem end and middle fruit sections of both cultivars germinated faster (P ≤ 0.05) compared to seed from the blossom end indicating the most vigorous seeds developed in those sections.
Effects of Seed Density and Other Factors on the Yield of Microgreens Grown Hydroponically on Burlap
Nolan, Donielle A. (Virginia Tech, 2019-01-02)
Microgreens are gaining popularity as a new, nutritious salad crop. Growing microgreens in stacked hydroponic channels may improve efficiency and food safety for microgreens. However, differences between soil and hydroponic production methods for microgreens are not well known, especially when it comes to specific factors, like seed density, light exposure and yield for all the crops used as microgreens. This study explored the yield of six types of microgreens grown on burlap during three years of commercial production in a small educational greenhouse. The varieties, or species, tested in this study included basil, arugula, carrot, and blends of brassicas, radish and mustard. Seeds were sown directly on a single layer of burlap in a hydroponic nutrient film technique (NFT) system. Fresh weights (FW) of the microgreens were recorded after harvest to track the influence of seed density, light levels, growth time and season. The mean seed density for arugula was 42.9 g·m-2, and 41.0 g·m-2 for basil, 57.8 g·m-2 for carrot, 55.7 g·m-2 for the mild blend, 51.5 g·m-2 for the mustard blend and 103.1 g·m-2 for the radish blend. Basil yields increased when temperatures were high in the spring and summer. In contrast, the mustard blend and arugula microgreens produced lower yields when grown in the spring and summer months compared to winter. Basil grew significantly better in full sun, and radish grew better on average when grown in the shade. The seed densities did not correlate with yield as expected. Light exposure and season appeared to be more influential to microgreen yields than seed density. When compared to other similar studies the seed densities, yields and growing conditions were diverse. This publication aimed to address a gap in knowledge on microgreen production methods.
An Evaluation of Eight Pumpkin Varieties in Central Virginia
Sharpe, Sarah E.W.; Scoggins, Holly L.; Langston, David B.; Rideout, Steven L. (Virginia Tech, 2019-05-24)
Pumpkin production is on the rise in Virginia. Pumpkins make up 8.4% of the total market value of all vegetables sold in the state and acres in production of pumpkins increased by 5.2% from 2007 to 2012. Types of pumpkin production methods, insect, disease, and weed management, pollination, and harvest and post-harvest management all must be considered by pumpkin producers. Unfortunately, pumpkin cultivar performance in the Mid-Atlantic is not well documented. Thus, a variety study was performed using eight different pumpkin varieties over the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The study took place at JETT Farms, Inc., located in Madison County in the Central Virginia area. At harvest, pumpkins were counted and weighed, and then an average and total fruit weight was calculated for each cultivar.
Guarding the Garden: Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes
Oberschneider, Gabriella; Fox, Laurie; Eick, Matthew; Del-Pozo Valdivia, Alejandro; Kardos, Josh (Virginia Tech, 2023-05-08)
Creating a sustainable and resilient landscape helps users conserve valuable natural resources, manage invasive species, and reduce waste. This allows people to embrace and connect with nature and the landscape to meet aesthetic and functional needs for a prolonged time. Sustainability concepts, practices and design styles are presented to create an understanding of how to accomplish it. The concepts and ideas creating a sustainable and resilient landscape will allow users to exercise the sustainability practices to improve landscapes, construct a productive environment, and enjoy its natural beauty.
Living Soil for a Sustainable Future: Cover Crop Effects on Soil Health and Productivity
Taggart, Samantha P. (Virginia Tech, 2017-08-24)
Agricultural land management practices impact the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil, including the structure of the community of microorganisms present in the soil. The community of soil microorganisms, in turn, directly influences processes such as nutrient cycling and water infiltration and retention, which shape the long-term fertility and productivity of an agricultural landscape. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cover cropping on the soil biological and chemical features that contribute to soil fertility. The study looked at two summer cover crops – cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and sorghum-sundangrass (Sorghum xdrummondii) in comparison with no-cover control – and their effects on soil respiration, soil organic matter and nitrogen availability, and lettuce production. Using soil samples taken from the in-field experiment, a parallel laboratory aerobic incubation study was conducted to examine the effects of the cover crop treatments on the transformation of nitrogen over five weeks. Both cover crops significantly increased soil organic matter, total organic carbon, and extractable potassium and magnesium by over 17% compared to the no-cover crop control. Cowpea significantly increased extractable soil nitrate and respiration rate compared to the no-cover control. Cowpea also resulted in the largest lettuce crop production as measured by both fresh weight and leaf area, but not different from the no-cover control. Sorghum-sudangrass decreased extractable soil nitrate concentration as well as lettuce fresh weight and leaf area compared to the control and cowpea. In conclusion, the study found that sorghum-sudangrass and cowpeas both increased soil organic matter, but only cowpea increased extractable inorganic N and lettuce production for sandy loam soils in the Mid-Atlantic and should be considered for these vegetable cropping systems.
Mapping the Campus Food System: Assessing Consumer Awareness of VT Dining Services Garden at Kentland Farm
Cricenti, Johanna (Virginia Tech, 2013-05)
Student farms and gardens are part of a movement concerning local food systems and direct connections between producers and consumers. Although student farms began decades ago, recently their numbers and impacts have increased. Campuses have integrated student farm and garden projects, offering authentic experiential learning opportunities for students, as successful measures of sustainability. This study explores student perceptions of the campus food systems related to the Virginia Tech (VT) Dining Garden and the Farms & Fields project venue in a main campus dining hall. A twenty question survey was created to assess student-awareness and interest in the VT Dining Garden using mixed quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis. The survey was conducted in two dining halls, over two time periods, lunch and dinner, to ensure a broad range of consumers. Surveys (n=600) were distributed with a total response rate of 50.3%. Results overall showed 55% consumer awareness of the project. Close to this same response level, 51% reported they were more likely to utilize the Farms & Fields campus dining option knowing its connection to the VT Dining Garden. Relatively little importance of organic or local procurement versus nutritional value, portion size and variety of choice was indicated from the survey response. Student motivations for volunteering in the garden were tracked identifying opportunity to work outdoors, gain horticultural skills and participate in local food systems as highly rated factors. Qualitative data showed positive responses toward the community aspect of the project and perceptions of higher quality and healthier options available. Based on these results, continued outreach for student engagement in the project could focus on community and university partnership development at the VT Dining Garden.
Mitigating Pollution from Runoff of Roadway Deicing Salts in Virginia: A Review of Candidate Halophytes, Halophilic Microbes, and Soil Amendments for Future Remediation Efforts
Renshaw, Andrea J. (Virginia Tech, 2021-12-20)
Roadway deicing salt is a major pollutant of Virginia roads, damaging environmental systems, water quality, and human health. Phytoremediation of salt-affected roadside soils using salt accumulating or excreting halophytes is an inexpensive and sustainable approach to mitigating roadway pollution. An obstacle of this approach is that the highest concentrations of saline runoff occur in winter and early spring when plants are dormant. A possible solution to this challenge is adding soil amendments to increase the cation exchange capacity of soil. This would be predicted to hold Na+ and Cl– ions within the rhizosphere until spring when actively growing halophytes would absorb salt ions. Later, halophyte biomass could be harvested to effectively remove salt from a site. This review identifies candidate halophytes suitable for roadside soil desalination in Virginia. I consider potential microbial and fungal aids to support halophyte growth amidst salt stress and potentially increase salt uptake. I also review environmentally friendly soil amendments capable of binding salt for later absorption by halophytes before leached ions become pollutants.
Mitigating Roadway Deicing Salt Runoff: Utilizing Environmental Containment Socks to Sequester Na+ and Cl-
King, Austin (Virginia Tech, 2022-12-31)
Roadway deicing salts are applied annually in Virginia and other states impacted by winter weather on a large scale. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the damage caused by road salt costs approximately $5 billion dollars per year in repairs for cars, trucks, roads, and bridges. Improvements have optimized winter maintenance activities, such as better application equipment and technology, utilization of precise weather forecasting, and the implementation of new highway deicing strategies. Nevertheless, additional methods are necessary to combat the detrimental effects caused by deicing practices if the broader ecological consequences of deicing salts are to be adequately addressed. One such method is phytoremediation; however, the plant species that are able to uptake sodium (Na+) and chloride ( Cl- ) ions from the soil do not grow during the winter when road salt application is most frequent. In addition, implementation is limited as phytoremediation cannot be used on impervious surfaces like parking lots where salt can drain freely into sewers and drains. In these situations, environmental containment socks (ECS) are a novel way to filter pavement runoff before it enters a drainage system and ultimately the environment. In this experiment, multiple ECS filled with various Na+ and Cl- binding materials (biofilters) were exposed to a 100mM solution of NaCl to evaluate the potential of this technology at adsorbing salt runoff. The results demonstrate that both Na+ and Cl- can be retained by biofilters and suggests that they can be prevented from entering into the environment. Further studies are needed with ECS in the field to evaluate their potential for recycling sodium and chloride ions for potential reuse.
Monitoring Deer Preferences on Popular Landscape Plants
Lineberry, Deborah (Virginia Tech, 2012-05)
The following research utilized representative landscape plants to track the tendencies of deer browsing. The project included four test plots and one control plot. Each plot was 1.2m x 1.8m. The plant varieties used were Lantana ‘Confetti’ (Lantana camera), Echinacea ‘Big Sky Sunrise’ (Echinacea hybrid), Zonal Geranium ‘Allure Lilac Chiffon’ (Pelargonium hortorum), Azalea ‘Snow’ (Rhododendron mucronatum), and Golden Euonymus (Ovatus Aureus). The sites were evaluated three times each week, for six months by counting the tips of plants that were eaten. These assessments provided the opportunity to evaluate the severity of browsing on each plant that was eaten and the preference of deer for each plant species. After six months of plots subject to herbivory, Euonymus and Azalea received the greatest amount of foraging activity.
The Nature of Us: A Curriculum that Draws Parallels Between Horticulture and Wellbeing
Scott, Alyssa T. (Virginia Tech, 2020-09-23)
As the global population increases and advances technologically, humans move away from rural living and towards urbanization, resulting in the decline in the amount of green space and connection to nature. American teenagers are faced with surmounting pressure to perform academically in an education system that focuses on a narrow selection of subjects at the expense of their physical, mental, and social health. A growing field of research explores the effects of nature-based interventions on these effects that are defined as Nature-Deficit Disorder. The purpose of the present curriculum is to create links between horticultural topics and biopsychosocial (BPS) concepts for 15-16-year old teens that are preparing to enter the workforce. A panel of four professionals evaluated the curriculum units using a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended questions to provide feedback for improving the lessons. Although the panel concurred that the abstract components relating to the BPS concepts were clear and tangible, the respondents felt that the methodologies and practicality of instruction and assessment required improvement. Despite a range of responses relating to the evaluation questions likely due, in part, to the varied professions and backgrounds of the panel members, feedback confirmed that The Nature of Us curriculum clearly connected the horticultural and BPS principles and could easily be integrated into existing programs.
Perceived Outcomes of a Community-based Urban Agriculture and Nutrition Education Program: A Case Study of Common Good City Farm’s Green Tomorrows Program in Washington, D.C.
Trutko, Alexander (Virginia Tech, 2014-07)
Urban farm education programs can provide opportunities for community members to acquire skills and knowledge related to agriculture, food production, and nutrition. This project proposed a case study focusing on the Common Good City Farm’s Green Tomorrows program, an urban agriculture and nutrition education program for residents of Washington D.C., which aims to increase participant level of food security, ability to grow crops in urban locations, and knowledge of nutrition, food preparation, and food budgeting. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how effectively the Green Tomorrows program accomplished its intended program goals and outcomes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with program staff and recent regular participants to: 1) identify similarities and differences between the staff and participant stated program goals; 2) determine key program impacts on participants; and 3) generate programmatic recommendations. The semi-structured interview guides included questions that revealed staff and program graduates perceptions concerning goals and outcomes of the program. Participants described how the program’s food distribution resulted in increased consumption of produce, which contributed to improved food security. They reported greater knowledge of agricultural methods and healthy eating, and the ability to prepare and shop for healthily food post-program completion. Overall, the Green Tomorrow’s program outcomes aligned with staff and participant expectations, and positively influenced participant’s food security, knowledge of nutrition, food preparation, and food budgeting skills through the community programming activities.
Program Effectiveness of Community Gardens in Nashville, Tennessee for Homeless and Low Income Populations
Anetrella, Sarah (Virginia Tech, 2016-12)
Community gardens can provide many benefits including increased produce consumption, improved mental health, and increased exercise. However, few studies have been done on how participation in community gardens can impact the homeless and low income populations. This study was done as a qualitative case study on the effectiveness of three community garden programs in Nashville, Tennessee: Poverty and the Arts, The Nashville Food Project, and Hands on Nashville. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine individuals to determine 1) if the anticipated benefits (e.g., increased produce consumption, improved mental health) were being experienced by the gardeners and 2) if any identified gaps in benefits could be addressed through programming recommendations. There was only a marginal improvement in amount of produce consumed by participants. While the participants made it clear that they were happy with the programs, they rarely experienced the potential social benefits normally associated with working in a community gardens. Minor additions to programming have potential to increase participant benefits and we recommend that gardens consider how this might be accomplished. Programming that enhances nutrition education and greater opportunities for food preparation could increase produce consumption and simultaneously advance social interaction among participants. We found that the relationship between homeless and low income populations and community gardens is complex and that more studies would help to improve community garden outreach to these groups.
Promoting Patrick County Agriculture by Video: A Case Study
Bunn, Travis (Virginia Tech, 2013-12)
The purpose of this project was to develop a tool to help raise literacy and awareness of the importance of agriculture and natural resources in Patrick County. With many of today’s younger generation being three or more generations removed from agriculture, there is an increase in need to reach out to everyone not directly tied to some type of agriculture enterprise. With the objective of raising awareness and the importance of agriculture to a Patrick county and the supporting industries as a primary economic driver, a promotional video/DVD was designed and developed explaining these linkages and importance of agriculture to this region of Virginia.
Strawberry Cultivar Evaluation on Farms Utilizing Conventional Growing Methods in the Coastal Plain of Virginia
Flanagan, Roy D. III (Virginia Tech, 2017-05-01)
In North America strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) are one of the major high value crops. According to the national agriculture census data, in 2012 there were 313 farms growing strawberries on 290 acres in Virginia (USDA, 2012). In this study we tested ten commercially available June-bearing cultivars (‘Benicia’, ‘Camarosa’, ‘Camino Real’, ‘Chandler’, ‘Festival’, ‘Flavorfest’, ‘Radiance’, ‘Treasure’, ‘Sweet Charlie’, and ‘Winterstar’) and two day-neutral cultivars (‘Albion’ and ‘San Andreas’) for their suitability in Virginia production systems at three on-farm locations for yield performance, fruit quality, sweetness, vegetative growth, and fruit size. The highest total yields averaged across all three locations were ‘Benicia’, ‘Camino Real’, ‘Chandler’, and ‘Camarosa’. ‘San Andreas’ yields for the year may have exceeded the June bearing cultivars if it had been allowed to be carried over into fall season. ‘Flavorfest’, followed by ‘Sweet Charlie’, and ‘Albion’ produced the sweetest berries tested. In Westmoreland ‘Benicia’, ‘Camino Real’, ‘San Andreas’ and ‘Flavorfest’ were the cultivars with the largest average berry size. Based on this 1-year study ‘Camino Real’, ‘Benicia’, ‘Chandler’, and ‘Camarosa’ are the recommended June-bearing cultivars and ‘San Andreas’ the recommended day-neutral cultivar.
Supplemental Foliar Nutrients Effects on Fruit Quality and Yield of Two New Primocane Blackberry Cultivars
Conway, Mikel A. (Virginia Tech, 2018-05-01)
Supplemental foliar nutrient products are applied by some berry growers to improve sugar content, fruit quality and yield; however, there is insufficient evidence that these applications increase fruit quality or yield when applied at the recommended label rates. Virginia growers have limited information on two new thornless, primocane cultivars, ‘PrimeArk® Freedom’ and ‘PrimeArk® Traveler’. These cultivars, studied over two fruiting seasons, beginning in 2016, are considered compatible for hardiness zones 6-9. The study was conducted at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center (USDA, Zone 8a) with thirty-six (36) PrimeArk® Freedom and PrimeArk® Traveler plants, respectively, established using white woven polyethylene ground cover on raised beds and supported by T-post trellises. The objective of the study was to determine if application of supplemental foliar treatments reflected increases in sugar content, yield and overall fruit quality. Three foliar nutrient treatments were applied using recommended label rates of: AgGrand (4-3-3); K-Ace (0-0-25); Sugar Express® (40-10-40). An untreated control that received no supplementary nutrient was included in the study. Six foliar application treatments were applied (April 17, May 5, May 27, June 11, June 25 and July 16 in 2017) at various growth stages from pre-bud to bloom through harvest. There were no significant differences between control and those that received foliar treatments, on plant growth, yield, sugar content or overall fruit quality. This study presents the results of foliar nutrient product effects on thornless, primocane varieties and will be repeated in the 2018 growing season.
Survey Determines Consumer Demand for a Local Farmers Market
Atwell, James (Virginia Tech, 2010-05)
Regional and local farmer’s markets have sprung up across the Commonwealth of Virginia. To the dismay of many, farmer’s markets fail to remain open for much longer than one season. Several reasons can contribute to this including inadequate demand, too few vendors, and poor product selection; just to name a few. A survey was conducted for the town of Wytheville residents to determine their preferences and objectives for their local farmer’s market. In 2009, a 20 question survey was developed and mailed to 1,017 town residents to gather information about the existing farmer’s market and to guide future direction for the development of a more permanent farmer’s market. Two hundred and eighty‐three surveys were returned, all containing usable data. Respondents indicated a strong desire to have a local farmer’s market and felt that local residents benefitted from having one conveniently located within or near to the town of Wytheville. Products they desired were identified and demographic data were collected. Preferences for operational days and hours were clearly evident as well as general location recommendations. The Farmer’s Market Focus Group, the local Chamber of Commerce, and local extension service personnel can use the information from the survey to locate and facilitate a local farmer’s market that will be more likely to be successful and sustainable.
Testing the Potential for an Earth Tube and Water-to-Air Heat Exchanger System for the Cooling and Heating of Greenhouses
Bow, Charles (Virginia Tech, 2011-12)
The efficacy of an earth tube used conjointly with a water-to-air heat exchanger for greenhouse environmental control was tested in Riverside, CA. Greenhouses by their nature with large surface area and minimal insulation to block thermo radiation make temperature maintenance difficult when ambient temperatures are outside the optimum range. The air within the test greenhouse, a small 2.13 m x 2.13 m x 3.66 m (7’ x 7’ x 12’) reinforced nylon mesh vinyl-covered unit, was drawn in through one end of the earth tube and blown out the opposing end, then moved through a water-to-air heat exchanger to aid in greenhouse temperature management. Pumped water from a well went through the water-to-air heat exchanger, delivering the heat transferable charge to reduce/increase the thermal load of the greenhouse. The earth tube placed 2.44 meters (8 ft.) below the surface offered additional heat transfer to further assist with an ideal greenhouse environment. The study demonstrated that an earth tube combined with a water-to-air heat exchanger achieved a temperature drop between air entry and exit points of about -1.1°C (30°F) on an August day with outdoor temperature of 41.1°C (106°F).
Total fatty acid production in golden alga Prymnesium parvum a potential bio-diesel feedstock
Culver, Bruce (Virginia Tech, 2009-05)
Developing renewable and sustainable feedstocks for biodiesel production is one strategy for reducing our dependence on petroleum-based fuel. Microalgae are attractive feedstocks for biodiesel due to their high lipid content and fast growth rate. In addition algae, can be cultured on marginal lands using saline water and thus avoiding competition with arable land. This study investigates the total fatty acid content in Prymnesium parvum, which has the potential as a feedstock for biodiesel production. Prymnesium parvum was cultured in artificial sea water with the salinity adjusted to 14 - 15 (psu) and a pH ranging from 7.8 - 8.5. The culture temperature was 25.7°C under florescent light with a 16:8 (L/D) cycle. Total fatty acids produced had a mean of 11.679 % ± 0.68671 (DW). These percentages were below the 22-38% previously reported by E. W. Becker 1994. Total algal biomass produced had a mean yield of 0.34mg ± 0.07204 (DW) / L. In comparison to other algal species used as feedstocks, P. parvum produced significantly less fatty acids and biomass. Prymnesium parvum also exhibited signs of self toxicity with frequent crash cycles. The self toxicity would have contributed to its inability to produce both lipids and dry biomass. Further studies for increasing fatty acid production in P. parvum may require using a continuous bioreactor system, controlling environmental conditions to relieve self-toxicity and adjusting nutrient concentrations. Exposure to different light/dark regiments along with increasing CO2 concentrations should be explored to possibly increase yields.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Sustainable Vegetable Gardening Series Curriculum
Overby, Katy (Virginia Tech, 2015-11-20)
The purpose of this project is to create a sustainable vegetable gardening curriculum in order for extension agents in Virginia Cooperative Extension to be able to access the information and implement the program in their own counties according to the needs of the communities. On a smaller scale, actually implementing the curriculum as a program in Prince Edward County and evaluating the gardening habits of the participants before, during and after the series is always important. This project will further assist extension agents in the future that have a need for this curriculum in their community to be able to quickly and easily apply this program. A collection of research based information regarding specifically sustainable vegetable gardening practices will be all in one place available for access. The conceptual framework of the project will be based on the Kolb’s experiential learning model which is a learning-by-doing model approach. The results of the project include a detailed learning site for extension agents to have access to that entails a month-by-month curriculum for sustainable vegetable gardening in the Learning Management System of Scholar that is used by extension agents in Virginia. Recommendations for the future of this project include but are not limited to: changing the Scholar site to the new Canvas site that will be available to agents in the future and evaluating the agents as they use the curriculum in their programing and essentially recording the impact the project has made to Virginia Cooperative Extension as a whole.
Winter Hardiness and Spring Regrowth of Four Varieties of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) in Eastern North Carolina
Coggin, Carlette; Welbaum, Gregory E.; Balota, Maria; Thomason, Wade E. (Virginia Tech, 2020-06-04)
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is attracting attention in the United States in response to consumer demand for healthier low-calorie sweeteners. Farmers are looking at stevia as a valuable alternative crop to add to their rotations not only for its high value but because it is perennial and can be repeatedly harvested reducing annual establishment costs. S&W Seed Company is testing stevia varieties across the southeastern United States at locations in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. This study evaluated four stevia varieties grown at two locations near Nashville and Roseboro in North Carolina. S&W is focused on developing cultivars suited to the climate of the southeastern United States. Research was conducted for eight months in fields near Nashville and Roseboro North Carolina to assess winter survival, spring regrowth, and leaf-to-stem ratio of four top performing varieties in plots contracted by S&W with local farmers. All four varieties overwintered without significant winter kill and spring regrowth began from crowns in April and May. Weed interference in the Nashville location negatively affected percentage of regrowth in the spring. In Roseboro with lower weed pressure, regrowth occurred a month earlier with increases of 43% for SW-1005, 50% for SW-2267, and 114% for SW-2647. SW-2427 had no difference in percentage of survival between locations. Plants in Roseboro had greater mean plant heights and leaves per stem count. Stevia can be grown as an alternative perennial crop in coastal Carolina although there was significant winter die back and spring regrowth was slow.

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