This project will develop and evaluate automated pulsed and microdrip irrigation systems for improved water use efficiency in Kentucky fruit and vegetable production systems. The specific objectives are:

To compare current drip irrigation practices to pulsed and microdrip irrigation schedules supplying 20 percent less water for fruit (blackberry, blueberry) and vegetable crops (cucumber, tomato and potato). Soil moisture parameters as well as fruit and vegetable yield and quality characteristics will be measured.

To estimate benefit/cost ratios, partial production budget estimates and investment life horizons for each irrigation scheme and develop a Net Present Value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) for the small fruit (perennial) crops in each irrigation system.

To employ pan lysimeters as part of our evaluation of automated pulsed drip irrigation systems that are being analyzed currently for tomato and blackberry production. The pan lysimeters will be used to determine nutrient leaching potential from irrigation treatments/plots. We propose that the pulsed irrigation treatments will have less nutrient leaching as compared to traditional irrigation systems.

To screen natural spray materials in the laboratory for activity against a variety of fungi that cause economically important diseases of foliage and fruit of organic vegetable crops. Materials will be tested alone as well as in combinations to evaluate for synergism.

To test the most promising materials and combinations on inoculated plants in the greenhouse. Experiments also will be conducted with selected materials to evaluate for induction of host resistance, weathering on leaf surfaces, and other important aspects of efficacy.

To test the most promising materials in field tests over a three-year period.

To determine appropriate plant spacing and irrigation strategies for conventionally and organically grown fresh market onions grown using drip irrigation with and without plastic mulch.

To evaluate suitable fresh market yellow and red onion cultivars for Kentucky to determine yield characteristics, pathogen resistance, and storage potential.

To determine the potential for Kentucky farmers to produce a mild sweet onion for fresh consumption.