This is an integrated project. Vegetable plasticulture with its numerous benefits, including higher yields, improved irrigation, and extended growing seasons is expensive due to costs of materials and…

The University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc., received a $622,715 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Integrated Programs (CFDA 10.303) program, effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028. This integrated research, education, and extension project, titled "From Challenges to Opportunities: Enhancing Vegetable Production via Integrated Weed & Nematode Management in 3-Season Plasticulture," develops plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) and weed management recommendations specifically tailored for single-plastic 3-season vegetable production systems in Georgia and Florida. The primary deliverables include the establishment of optimal crop rotation regimes, identification of ideal seasons for initiating rotation protocols, and integration of fumigant and non-fumigant nematicides with pre- and post-emergence herbicides to address persistent pest issues such as root-knot nematodes and nutsedges while substituting the broad-spectrum efficacy previously provided by methyl bromide.

The project execution includes concurrent 3-season vegetable plasticulture trials initiated in spring and fall conducted across both Georgia and Florida, complemented by economic analysis to ensure cost-effectiveness of the optimized management system. Findings will be disseminated through extension outreach activities targeting increased adoption among vegetable growers. The University of Florida's Division of Sponsored Research serves as a sub-awardee on this project (awarded December 22, 2025), contributing collaborative research efforts. The integrated approach is designed to enhance grower profitability through improved yields and reduced input costs while generating environmental benefits including decreased agricultural plastic pollution.

This is an integrated project. Vegetable plasticulture with its numerous benefits, including higher yields, improved irrigation, and extended growing seasons is expensive due to costs of materials and labor. To maintain cost-effectiveness, southeastern U.S. Growers often cultivate multiple crops on the same plastic mulch, typically starting with a high-value crop like tomatoes or peppers, followed by two more crops including cucumbers and brassicas such as broccoli or cabbage. However, this practice seriously exacerbates weed and plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) problems, particularly with persistent pests such as root-knot nematodes and nutsedges. The proposed integrated project will develop PPN and weed management recommendations specifically tailored for single plastic 3-season vegetable production in georgia and florida. The project's core objectives include developing a crop rotation regime, identification of the optimal season for initiating this regime, and integration of fumigant and non-fumigant nematicides as well as pre- and post-emergence herbicides. The integration of these strategies intended to substitute the broad-spectrum efficacy once provided by methyl bromide. To accomplish these objectives, concurrent 3-season vegetable plasticulture trials initiated in spring and fall will be conducted in georgia and florida. An economic analysis will be conducted to ensure the cost-effectiveness of the optimized system. The findings will be disseminated through extension outreach, targeting increased adoption among vegetable growers. This project presents a significant opportunity to enhance vegetable production through integrated pest management. As a result, grower profitability will increase through improved yield and reduced input costs, alongside environmental benefits such as decreased agricultural plastic pollution.