About Us

We listen to farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders and partners to identify issues which can be addressed through enhanced combinations of crop genetics and cultural management.

We document the performance of these combinations in a range of conditions, using scientific methods and many criteria. We often work with partners to choose research subjects and complete research experiments. We synthesize information and guide stakeholders in applying it. This guidance is delivered in different formats.

We work in multiple settings to develop information and products that are useful to commercial stakeholders and fellow scientists. Our efforts include large-scale experiments conducted in open fields and smaller-scale studies conducted under tightly controlled environmental conditions in growth chambers. High tunnels and greenhouses offer intermediate levels of scale and control. Regardless, sample analysis in the laboratory yields important insights. Data management, report development, and extension product development are completed in our offices.

The Vegetable Production Systems Lab conducts research in fields managed by OSU and Laboratory personnel in Wooster, Celeryville, and Fremont, OH. Other studies are conducted on the farms of grower-cooperators located throughout the state. These fields are managed using conventional, sustainable and certifiable-organic approaches.

 
 
 
 

High Tunnel
The Vegetable Production Systems Lab employs nine high tunnels in its work. All of the high tunnels are located on the OARDC campus in Wooster, OH. Six of the high tunnels measure 21 ft wide x 48 ft long and three measure 30 ft wide x 80 ft long. Four of the six small high tunnels were built by Laboratory personnel in Spring 2003, the remaining two were built by a local contractor in Fall 2009 and all six are managed using certifiable-organic methods. All three large high tunnels were raised by a local contractor in Fall 2009 and one is managed using certifiable-organic methods. All high tunnels have been indispensable in related research and extension activities.

 

Greenhouse
The Vegetable Production Systems Lab regularly employs up to two thousand square feet of climate-controlled greenhouse space (all located on the OARDC campus in Wooster, OH) in its work. Greenhouse space is used in routine activities such as seed, cutting, and transplant production and in research requiring the unique combination of scale and environmental control available only in a greenhouse. Conventional and certifiable-organic methods are used in the management of these greenhouse spaces.
 
 
 
 
 

Growth Chamber
The Vegetable Production Systems Lab employs reach or walk-in Conviron Growth Chambers located at the OARDC in Wooster, OH when required. The scale of growth chamber studies is typically small but much can be learned through them. In our experience, growth chamber activities spark follow-up work completed in greenhouses, high tunnels, and open fields (including on farms). Growth chamber studies also help answer questions left open in research conducted in less-controlled settings.
 
 
 

Laboratory
Laboratory-based benchtop analysis of samples collected in all other research settings is key to the Vegetable Production Systems Lab. This analysis allows us to describe the influence of pre-harvest management on crop physiology and quality, especially chemical makeup. We utilize a wide range of standard and advanced equipment and instrumentation in our laboratory and at other OARDC facilities in Wooster, OH.
 
 
 
 
 

Office
The Vegetable Production Systems Lab is located in Gourley Hall on the OARDC campus in Wooster, OH.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Partners and Sponsors

Commercial vegetable and industrial crop production offers many opportunities. However, paths to obtaining the full benefits of the process are often blocked by complex barriers. A multifaceted, team approach that integrates the talents and knowledge of many people is required to shrink these barriers. With each improvement in commercial cropping systems, farmers, many other people and the environment profit. The VPSL is pleased to collaborate with individuals, groups, businesses and organizations near and far to meet that overall goal.