The OSU Vegetable Production Systems Laboratory (VPSL) is pleased to be working with researchers at UC-Davis (A. Van Deynze) and The OSU (L. McHale, K. Mercer) to better understand and breed for yield under water and heat stress in bell pepper. The process will involve producing many seedlings of dozens of experimental lines (beginning with raw, untreated seed) and placing them in well- and minimally-irrigated field plots in CA and OH. A loose, peat-based rooting medium like often used on many Ohio farms and by the VPSL will not be used during seedling production. Instead, stabilized plugs provided by https://ihort.com/q-plug/ will be used. The VPSL is completing initial, small-scale tests with Q Plugs which, we are told, can produce seedlings that are stronger and field-ready in less time, and provide other attributes. Our initial impressions as we learn how to utilize Q Plugs most effectively are encouraging. We have appreciated their uniformity, ease of handling, ability to retain moisture without being wet, and the root growth they appear to facilitate. Q Plugs are available in different shapes and sizes and must be seated in matching prefabricated trays. Rigorous study is needed to verify but our preliminary, early-stage observations suggest that the ratio of root-to-shoot growth will be different and, perhaps, more favorable than when loose medium is used, in our experience. Using a stabilized seedling plug, it MAY be possible to transplant sooner and reduce transplant shock; however, these speculations must be properly tested. Pictures of young pepper seedlings in Q Plugs taken 3/1/25 are below. Please note that greenhouse temperatures were sub-optimal Jan 23 – Feb 6. Please contact https://ihort.com/q-plug/ or Matt Kleinhenz (kleinhenz.1@osu.edu, 330.263.3810) for more information.
