Lab Happenings

Lab Happenings

TKS a Valuable Source of Natural Rubber
 
Natural rubber is a strategic resource, given its use in hundreds of medical, military, transportation and other products and narrow supply base. Synthetic rubber lacks key properties. And, supplies from plantations of the current source of natural rubber, Hevea brasiliensis, are increasingly unsteady. Since 2005, the VPSL has been pleased to partner in efforts to develop Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) as a domestic source of natural rubber, as outlined at http://www.oardc.osu.edu/penra/index.html.
 
TKS can be grown from seed and root cuttings. And, it is winter-tolerant when grown outdoors or in semi-protected settings. Moreover, to facilitate development efforts, the TKS plant inventory must always be as large as possible. With these facts in mind, the VPSL recently established plantings using many seed, seedlings and cuttings in high and medium-high tunnels at the OARDC in processes depicted here. These new plantings complement others in field and greenhouse settings at OARDC and elsewhere.
Potato Chipping and Advanced Season Extension and Techniques Workshop
 
The VPSL contributes to multistate, multidisciplinary efforts to develop improved potato varieties for commercial use in the Eastern U.S. On November 9, we took a major step in the 2011 evaluation: the specific gravity and chipping quality of nearly ninety standard and experimental genotypes were assessed in a process depicted here and at our Facebook.
 
Participating in the OEFFA-Countryside Conservancy Advanced Season Extension and Techniques Workshop on November 7 was a very positive experience for the VPSL. Farmers and others from Ohio and nearby states gathered to trade observations and questions about all aspects of season extension, especially using low and high tunnels. Tunnel design, setup and management, production tools and equipment, crops and varieties, planting and harvesting schedules, soil and water management, marketing and other topics were discussed. We welcomed the opportunity to learn from others, especially Eliot Coleman, the featured speaker, and to provide an overview of the season extension options available to growers in the region.
Brief Summaries of Selected VPSL Activities
 
Attending the Michigan Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference on October 27 provided the VPSL with a valuable opportunity to learn more about sustainability in practice. Comments made during formal presentations and conversation by experts representing business, industry, government, and academia demonstrated that many share a high commitment to “new and better approaches to business” and that progress in this area is steady. The VPSL was pleased to summarize the effort to convert Taraxacum kok-saghyz into a domestic source of natural rubber click here for more information.
 
Participating in the International Society for Horticultural Science High Tunnel Horticultural Crop Production Symposium October 17-19 was a terrific experience for the VPSL. We welcomed the opportunity to learn from others representing multiple continents, countries and crops and to share some of our high tunnel-related experiences.
 
On October 15, the VPSL is pleased to have installed 12, 120-sq. ft., outdoor, permanent raised beds near one of its high tunnel facilities. These raised beds will help the VPSL accomplish its mission. Check here for photos.
 
OEFFA Advanced Sustainable Tomato Production Workshop
 
More than 35 farmers and members of the industry from throughout Ohio contributed to the OEFFA Advanced Sustainable Tomato Production Workshop on October 14, 2011 in Wooster . The program offered in-depth discussions and chances to network on topics including seedling production, pest and disease management, cover cropping, soil amendment and management, nutrient management, grafting, and high tunnel systems.
International Vegetable Grafting Symposium in Italy

Tomato grafting work completed by the VPSL and its collaborators was recently presented at the International Vegetable Grafting Symposium in Italy. More than 180 people representing industry and academia, 22 countries and numerous areas of expertise participated in the Symposium Oct. 3-5, 2011. The program was excellent and much was learned; we only wish more time had been available to enjoy the host country. Grazie, Italia.
USAID HORT CRSP Workshop and Training in Kenya

The USAID HORT CRSP "Tomato Grafting and Low/High Tunnels Workshop and Training" held in Thika and Mwea Kenya September 12-13, 2011 was highly successful. The VPSL was pleased to continue its partnership with the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and Kangai Tisa Horticultural Farmers Association in offering this program. Classroom instruction, hands-on training and a technical tour gave all many opportunities to learn. Asante sana, Kenya.
Upper Midwest Food, Fuel and Fiber Network Tour

The VPSL appreciated the opportunity to outline the Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) domestication-commercialization project for participants in the Upper Midwest Food, Fuel and Fiber Network Tour on August 24, 2011, in Wooster. OARDC and TKS plots hosted 40 extension educators and specialists from six states in the North Central region in this program organized by Alan Sundermeier of OSUE. Proof positive of Alan's organizational prowess: the tour was held on one of the few days of nice weather in north-central Ohio in August!