Commercial Horticulture

Horticulture and Home Pest News

Vegetable Production

The Sustainable Vegetable Production lab focuses on developing strategies that enhance crop production, soil health, and cropping system profitability in vegetable cropping systems in Iowa. One of the key research area is the use of cover crops in building soil organic matter and improving soil quality. 

Turfgrass

Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic

The Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic provides diagnoses of plant problems (plant diseases and insect damage) and the identification of insects from the field, garden, and home. The PIDC is a joint effort between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, and Agronomy departments.

Pesticide Safety Education

The goal of the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) is to provide educational information throughout Iowa on the safe and effective use of pesticides. PSEP is responsible for Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Courses (CIC’s) in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Other programs that PSEP is involved in include integrated pest management, worker protection, environmental quality, and agricultural health.

Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute

The Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute provides resources, conducts research, and connects grape growers and winemakers to valuable information about enology and viticulture in Iowa and throughout the Midwest. In order to serve the Midwest wine and grape industry, we offer laboratory services and education and outreach programming through publications, workshops, seminars, training, and direct communication.