Fact Sheets

Growing Mushrooms to Remediate Contaminated Soil

Mushrooms can bio-remediate certain contaminated soils, although it's not a simple or foolproof process. But for someone interested in mushrooms or already growing them, it can be work the effort.

Solar Energy Training Program

Fact sheets/bulletins on the fundamentals of solar photovoltaic energy systems. 

A Sunn Hemp Cover Crop for Soil Health and Nematode Management

These University of Hawaii fact sheets and virtual field day explain how to use sunn hemp as a cover crop to control weeds, nematodes and other pests, add soil nutrients, prevent erosion, and contribute to a more robust and complex community of beneficial nematodes. Available fact sheets include:

Large Raspberry Aphid

Large raspberry aphid is notable as a vector of viruses in Rubus, including Raspberry leaf mottle virus (RLMV, semi-persistent) and Raspberry latent virus (RpLV, persistent) in red raspberry, and Black raspberry necrosis virus (BRNV, non-persistent) in black raspberry. These viruses are to blame for decreased cane vigor and field decline requiring frequent replanting, as well […]

Common NRCS Practices Related to Pest Management on Organic Farms

This document demonstrates how certain NRCS practices that have primary resource protection benefits can also have significant Integrated Pest Management benefits to organic producers.

Earwigs Found to be Beneficial in Apple Orchards

Sustainable Agriculture Fact Sheet                                           April 2020 Crop: Apples                            Need: Discovering whether earwigs are pest, neutral or beneficial insects in apple orchards States: Washington                                                                                                                                    Background: Woolly apple aphids are a serious pest in apple orchards and are difficult to control with current insecticides. However, beneficial insect predators can […]

Helping Farmers Profit with Winter Squash

Sustainable Agriculture Fact Sheet                            June 2020   State: Oregon                    Commodity: Squash Need: Squash varieties that store well (and taste good) for winter sales Background: Winter squash is a delicious and nutritious vegetable. Pacific Northwest retail winter squash sales peak in October/November and decline through April when almost all the squash sold in Oregon is […]

Increasing Professional Knowledge of High Tunnels in Alaska

Sustainable Agriculture Fact Sheet                           July 2020 State: Alaska                      Commodity: Many Need: Increased knowledge of agriculture professionals about the construction and production in high tunnels in Alaska, so they can better assist growers. Background: High tunnels are regionally important in Alaska for season extension and provide a growing environment that allows for production of crops […]

Improving Breadfruit Production in Hawai‘i

Sustainable Agriculture Fact Sheet                       June 2020   Background: Breadfruit has an array of potential ecological, social and economic benefits for Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i’s long history with breadfruit is founded on a body of unique local knowledge, where most cultivation has traditionally taken place in diversified agroforestry settings. The Problem: Breadfruit production is changing in Hawai‘i, […]

Using Beneficial Insects to Combat Pests and Engage Growers

Sustainable Agriculture Fact Sheet                     July 2020 State: California                                Commodity: Wine grapes Need: An economical way to control leafroll virus, which is spread by vine mealybugs Summary: Leafroll virus is infecting California grapevines at an alarming rate due to an aggressive insect vector, the vine mealybug.  Leafroll virus infections reduce crop yield and quality, decrease a […]

Adapting Cut Flower Production for Utah’s Climate and Soils

Sustainable Agriculture Fact Sheet                              July 2020 State: Utah                                                                                                                         Commodity: Cut Flowers Need: Science-based fertilizer and production recommendations for a new and growing industry Summary: Growing cut flowers as a high-value crop has recently become popular across Utah because of the crop’s unmatched profitability and small space requirements, yet minimal research and cultivation information […]

Supporting Agriculture in the Pacific Islands

Western SARE's 2019 Extension Project