What's Killing My Kale?

In Season 3, episode 13 of "What's Killing My Kale," Annie talked with Seth Wannmeuhler, a graduate research assistant at University of Minnesota, about kiwiberries. Seth has become an expert on kiwiberries through is research the last several years in which he seeks to develop a new hardy kiwiberry variety that produces well in Minnesota. In addition to his breeding work, he is al

In Season 3 Episode 12 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with Inga Meadows, Extension plant pathologist at NC State University, about disease management in organic tomatoes.  It's nearly impossible to avoid disease issues in tomatoes, but there are ways to preventatively manage them, even in organic systems. In this episode, Natalie and Inga discussed:&n

In Season 3 Episode 10 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with Dr. Brent Loy, emeritus professor of plant genetics and cucurbit breeder extraordinaire at the University of New Hampshire.  Every year we hear about fruiting in flowering issues in cucurbit crops towards the middle of the summer. Many of the strategies to prevent this from happening should be

In Season 3, episode 9 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked to Dr. Paulo Pagliari, an associate professor of soil science at the University of Minnesota, about nutrient management in wet soils.  Though this spring has been relatively dry, our climate is becoming wetter overall, and we may still see heavy rainfall and flooding this season. In preparation, we interview

In Season 3, episode 8 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked to Local Extension Educators Claire LaCanne (Rice & Steele Counties) and Shane Bugeja (Le Sueur and Blue Earth Counties) about their recent trials to measure soil biological activity.  Photo: Claire LaCanne With increasing interest in soil health over the years, at-home trials such as the soiled undies test a

Spotted wing drosophila damage on tart cherry. Photo: Annie Klodd In Season 3 Episode 5 of What's Killing My Kale, Annie talked with Gigi Digiacomo, a research fellow in the Department of Applied Economics. They discussed Digiacomo's recent findings about how spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) has impacted the Minnesota berry industry, and weighed the economics of SWD man

Spotted wing Drosophila on a raspberry. Photo: Charlie Rohwer, UMN In Season 3 Episode 6 of What's Killing My Kale, Annie talked with Dr. Mary Rogers, an Assistant Professor studying organic food production systems in the Department of Horticulture. They discussed recent research findings from Dr. Rogers team, as well as other farms and researchers around the country

In Season 3 Episode 4 of What's Killing My Kale, Annie talked with Aaron Wills from Little Hill Berry Farm. They discussed how climate change is impacting fruit production, and strategies for adaptation. This is the fourth and final episode in a mini series about how climate change is impacting our ability to grow fruits and vegetables in MN. You can listen to a

In Season 3 Episode 3 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with Erin Johnson and Ben Doherty from Open Hands Farm. They discussed the ways that they have noticed the impacts of climate change on their farm, and strategies they're using for adaptation.  This is the third episode in a mini series about how climate change is impacting our ability to grow fruits and

We are back with another season of What's Killing My Kale! In Season 3 Episode 2, Annie talked with farmer Laura Frerichs from Loon Organics farm about how climate change is affecting their ability to grow vegetables, and adaptation strategies. This is the second episode in a mini series about how climate change is impacting our ability to grow fruits and vegetables