John G. Strang,
Professor

Extension Fruit and Vegetable Specialist John Strang has responsibilities in the areas of fruit, vegetables and farmer-to-consumer marketing. His professional training includes:

B.S. 1972 University of Maryland (Horticulture)
M.S. 1975 University of Minnesota
(Horticulture, cold hardiness)
Ph.D. 1978 Oregon State University (Horticulture, pomology)

A major portion of his program involves supplying county Extension agents and growers with current information and recommendations on the latest in fruit and vegetable production and marketing practices. He works closely with the Kentucky State Horticultural Society, the Kentucky Vineyard Society, the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association, and the Kentucky Nut Growers Association. Extension efforts have been concentrated on the expanding grape and wine industry and fruit and vegetable integrated pest management for the past several years. He makes farm visits, conducts grower meetings, writes Extension publications and produces the Fruit Facts newsletter.

In recent years applied research has focused on highbush, southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberry, matted row and plasticulture strawberry, raspberry, and Chinese chestnut cultivar trials. Thornless blackberry and grape cultivar and training system trials have also been conducted. Vegetable cultivar trials have involved triploid personal-sized watermelons, super sweet and synergistic sweet corn, and winter squash. Over the last five years he has evaluated many specialty melon cultivars for adaptability to Kentucky with the intent of finding several that have outstanding eating characteristics, visual appeal, consistent production from one season to the next, and consumer acceptance for direct marketers.