Recent News
Gonthier lab seeds the first crop of the season
BIG NEWS! The Gonthier lab at University of Kentucky seeded bok choy last Friday in preparation for the 2025 research season. But here's the coolest part... rather than planting by hand, they used a vacuum seeder. This efficient tool uses suction to pick up 72+ seeds at once. When you flip the seeder over and release the suction, the seeds drop directly into the center of each cell. This ensures even spacing, allowing all the plants to grow uniformly in the greenhouse. Take a look!
New updates from Iowa State
✨️The glow up is real!✨️ Our colleagues at Iowa State University show us how big a difference pest-protective row covers can make for a crop that pests love: Chinese cabbage. Under the net, this crop is healthy and thriving! The uncovered ones? Well... you can see the difference for yourself!
Current Updates
March 2025
On March 10, the Crops Under Cover team will be convening with the Advisory Panel to share research updates including statistical analyses, economic analyses, details from the OREI National Survey, and social media metrics. Navigate to our Research Results section for updated graphs from the researchers at University of Kentucky, Cornell University, and Iowa State University.
Link: https://cropsundercover.ca.uky.edu/resources/research-results
Crops Under Cover colleague Elaine Losekamp will be presenting a poster at the annual Kentucky State Extension Conference in Louisville, KY on March 4. Elaine will discuss important details about our research as well as our overall goals. This 3-day conference aims to connect, cultivate, and celebrate, with opportunities for networking, concurrent sessions, and a closing general session.
Learn more here: https://extension.ca.uky.edu/state-extension-conference
Dr. Katie Pulliam will also be presenting on March 4 in Greensboro, North Carolina at the Southeast Organic Agriculture Research Symposium. Her talk will discuss current outreach initiatives as well as how to better meet research needs in the Southern U.S. This is an invitation-only gathering of over 40 institutions, researchers, and extension professionals advancing the field of organic agriculture.
Learn more here: https://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/southeast-organic-agriculture-research-symposium/
On March 3, Dr. Katie Pulliam will be presenting research updates from Crops Under Cover in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Organic Commodities and Livestock Conference (OCLC) is an annual event focused on certified organic commodities, commercial-scale specialty crops, and pasture-based livestock. It features educational sessions, research updates, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for commercial-scale growers, educators, extension agents, and agronomists.
Learn more here: https://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/organic-commodities-and-livestock-conference/
Past Updates
February 2025
Dr. Katie Pulliam and Elaine Losekamp will be presenting at this year's Grow Appalachia All Hands Gathering in Berea, Kentucky on February 10, 2025. Here, Katie and Elaine will discuss the observable benefits of protective row covers including pest exclusion and increased yield. As the season ramps up, we'll continue looking for opportunities to share our findings with the community! Make sure to follow our social media for more updates.
Learn more about Grow Appalachia: https://growappalachia.berea.edu/
The Crops Under Cover team is meeting in-person February 7-9 at University of Kentucky's South Farm to share data updates from 2024 and collaborate on goals for 2025. We'll be recording our sessions and posting interesting tidbits on YouTube in the following months. For now, check out live updates on our Instagram by clicking the link below. Stay tuned!
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/crops_under_cover/
January 2025
Mark your calendars: On January 24-25, Crops Under Cover will have a table at the 2025 OAK Conference. Register today with the link below to visit us there! We'd love to discuss our field results as well as our goals for the upcoming year. Additionally, Dr. Katie Pulliam and Elaine Losekamp will be presenting a session on Saturday afternoon alongside a panel of local farmers. We've got answers for all your row cover questions!
Learn more here: https://www.oak-ky.org/annual-conference
We regret to inform you that the 2025 Kentucky Fruit & Vegetable Conference that was to be held on Jan. 5 – Jan. 7, 2025, at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort and Spa has been cancelled due to safety concerns. Governor Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of the incoming winter storm. This cancellation includes the Farm Food Safety Plan Workshop that had been scheduled to be held virtually tonight.
Article link: https://kyhortcouncil.org/kentucky-fruit-and-vegetable-conference/
Research colleagues Dr. Katie Pulliam and Elaine Losekamp will be presenting a session at the 2025 Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference. The session is entitled "Crops Under Cover: Tips and Tricks for Using Row Covers" and will be held Tuesday, January 7 at 8:30 am EST. Register today to attend for updates about our research and future plans!
Register here: https://kentuckyhorticulturecouncil.ticketspice.com/2025-kentucky-fruit-vegetable-conference-attendee-tickets
Video Resources
From plants to pests, we've got you covered! Browse our video library and get inside info on row covers.
Learn to repair tears in netting
Row covers face a lot in the field: sun, storms, and field machinery. Sometimes they can develop small tears or snags. But don't worry... you've got this! You can easily repair them with fishing line. Ryan is here to show you how.
Flea Beetles vs. Bok Choy: A Bluegrass Battle
Flea beetles are pesky creatures. They're especially annoying on brassica crops! 🥬 Researchers in the Gonthier lab looked at row covers as a possible solution for these pests.
Weed control under row covers
Our research explores solutions that balance sustainability, cost, and labor for organic fruit and vegetable production. By testing methods like living mulch beneath row covers, we’re working to help farmers tackle weed management while maximizing yields.
A day in the life of a data collector
When it comes to research, the results are often the main focus. BUT... let's not forget, the process is where the real magic happens! Check out this day in the life of a data collector in the Gonthier lab at University of Kentucky.
Pattypan Squash Pilot Trial
🌟Squash goals achieved!🌟 Last summer, our pattypan squash pilot trial revealed just how big a difference row covers can make for this crop's growth and quality. Curious about what we discovered? Check out this behind-the-scenes look with UK's Gonthier lab.
