Kaitlin is on a mission to make melon growing more sustainable. Growing a melon is not as simple as planting a seed and waiting for a sweet summer harvest. From tiny seedlings to the fruit on your picnic table, melons face nonstop pressure from insects, diseases and weeds.
Many growers rely on chemical sprays to protect their crops, but Kaitlin focuses on the farmers who choose a different path. Her research supports sustainable and certified organic melon growers who want effective tools without synthetic chemicals. Instead of reacting to problems after they appear, Kaitlin studies smart, preventative strategies that help farmers stay ahead of pests and diseases while keeping their production systems healthy.
Her work is helping growers protect their crops, strengthen their farms and bring delicious melons to your table in a more sustainable way.