Stephen Reiners

Currently, my research is focused on several areas. Since 2001, a devastating virus has reduced yield in snap beans causing significant and costly losses. We are looking at existing and new snap bean varieties that exhibit tolerance to the disease and that growers can use to minimize losses. I am also evaluating a preseason nitrogen test currently used in field corn production for its usefulness in vegetable systems, particularly sweet corn. I am also testing cover crops to determine effective types and ways to incorporate them into farming systems in an effort to minimize Phytophthora blight in vine crops and peppers. Finally, our work identifying little utilized but potentially profitable crops in New York (sweet potatoes, seedless watermelons) continues, as does research to determine optimum plant populations and stand establishment for more traditional crops.

Outreach and Extension Focus

I serve as the Cornell liaison to grower organizations and organize annual advisory meetings to gather industry priorities for use by faculty and extension educators for grants and projects. I organize the annual Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo, a 2-day statewide meeting that attracts more than1,000 people. The meeting is designed to communicate the newest innovations in the industry to our stakeholders. I am co-team leader for the Western N.Y. CCE Cornell Vegetable Team and the Capital District Vegetable and Small Fruit Program. As Department Extension Leader, I mentor new hires (faculty and CCE educators) in programs and resources available to them and organize in-service educational activities. I also provide science outreach to local elementary schools which includes a Science Summer Camp for students entering 4th grade.

Journal Publications

• Dunn, A. R., Wyatt, L. E., Mazourek, M., Reiners, S., & Smart, C. D. (2013). Performance and tolerance to Phytophthora blight of bell pepper varieties. HortTechnology. 23:356-363.
• Kikkert, J. R., Reiners, S., & Gugino, B. K. (2010). Row width, population density and harvest date effects on marketable yield of table beets. HortTechnology. 20:560-567.
• Camp, A. R., Lange, S., Reiners, S., Dillard, H. R., & Smart, C. D. (2009). Tolerance of hot and sweet pepper lines to Phytophthora blight. Plant Disease Management Reports. 3:V018.
• Camp, A. R., Lange, H. W., Reiners, S., Dillard, H. R., & Smart, C. D. (2008). Tolerance of summer and winter squash lines to Phytophthora blight. Plant Disease Management Reports. 3:V022.

Book Chapters

• Bihn, E. A., & Reiners, S. (2010). Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices for Vegetable Production. Handbook of Vegetables and Vegetable Processing Wiley-Blackwell Publ Co, Ames, Iowa, USA.

Best Paper (2013) American Society for Horticultural Sciences (ASHS), Northeast Region

Nutrition of vegetable crops and general vegetable culture.

• AGSCI 4960: Internship in Agricultural Sciences
• PLSCI 4925: Plant Sciences Senior Portfolio
• PLHRT 8900: Thesis Research, Master of Science