Campus Area Farms

The Industrial Hemp Research Project evaluates hemp varieties grown either for grain, fiber, or both, for traits such as pest and disease resistance, yield, fertility needs, and their overall performance in New York state. They are also exploring how hemp would fit into cropping rotations in the Northeast. A breeding program is working on establishing local seed production, to make it easier for New York farmers to obtain seeds within the state. Researcher: Virginia Moore

The Small Fruit Research Project is focused on developing sustainable production methods for berry crops. Unheated high and low tunnels are used to produce tender crops, such as blackberries, in colder climates, and to extend the season for strawberries and raspberries. This program also develops and tests agricultural practices that reduce damage from pests and manage weeds without the use of pesticides or herbicides. Researcher: Marvin Pritts

Cornell’s Weed Science Teaching Garden features more than 100 of the Northeast’s most tenacious, and often frustrating plants know to farmers and gardeners, some reducing yields or spreading crop diseases. But sometimes weeds can also help restore depleted soil. While some are poisonous to humans or animals, others are not only safe to eat, but tasty and nutritious. The weed garden serves Cornell’s students from several majors, scientists, and agricultural professionals alike. It is open to the public. Researcher: Antonio DiTommaso

As part of the New York State Hemlock Initiative researchers are testing new biocontrol strategies on a plantation at Campus Area Farms with hundreds of young hemlock trees, for their effectiveness to combat hemlock woolly adelgid – an invasive insect pest now killing hemlocks all over New York state. Hemlocks are a foundation species that creates a unique habitat for a myriad of species, and protects gorges and watersheds. Finding effective biocontrol methods fast is essential for the survival of these giant trees and the species that depend on them. Researcher: Mark Whitmore

The Small Grains Breeding & Genetics Research Program identifies superior genetic information in small grains such as oats, wheat, rye and barley. It aims to improve yield, nutritional quality, disease resistance, and other characteristics that increase the crop value and production efficiency. Researcher: Mark Sorrells

The cucurbit breeding project produces cucumber, melon and squash varieties, as well as peppers for disease resistance, superior flavor and adaptation to the Northeaster US. This project is working with the Northern Organic Vegetable Improvement Collaborative, which aims to develop and deliver improved vegetables varieties selected for superior performance in organic growing systems. Researcher: Michael Mazourek

Another breeding project develops new potato varieties adapted to the Northeast that meet the ever-changing needs of the regional potato industry. Releases include 'Marcy', a high-yielding cultivar designed for making potato chips, 'Adirondack Red', a red-skinned, red-fleshed specialty variety, and 'Lehigh', a widely-adapted, scab-resistant, yellow-flesh line. Researcher: Walter De Jong