Horticultural Science

While Midwest specialty crop growers recognize the value of pollinators, they often struggle to find practical, region-specific management guidance. A recent study of over 1,000 resources reveals a "pollinator information paradox": scientific articles offer high-quality data but are often paywalled, while more accessible non-profit and government resources frequently lack the metadata needed to be easily discovered. The research calls for improved metadata standards and more geographically targeted, crop-specific resources to ensure growers have the information they need. Read the full study!

For golf course superintendents balancing labor shortages with maintenance demands, the question of whether to roll greens immediately after a fungicide application is common. New research confirms that rolling putting greens within 10 minutes of applying Secure Action (fluazinam with acibenzolar-S-methyl) does not reduce disease control. Field trials across multiple locations showed no significant difference in dollar spot or Rhizoctonia suppression between rolled and unrolled treatments, offering a data-backed green light to streamline your maintenance schedule. Read more on this study here.

Could dwarf pomegranates be the next must-have addition to the indoor garden? Research has evaluated these plants as a promising new crop that breaks the mold of traditional ornamental houseplants. Beyond their evergreen foliage and year-round flowering, these pomegranates produce edible fruit and thrive on an accelerated production cycle—flowering in under one year. This combination of rapid growth, aesthetic appeal, and utility makes them an ideal candidate for year-round production and holiday market demand. You can read the official publication here.