Evaluation of Raspberry Cultivars in Soilless Production in High Tunnels

Goal of the Project

The primary goal of this project is to evaluate the performance of multiple raspberry cultivars grown in soilless production systems under high tunnel conditions. Specifically, the project aims to identify cultivars best suited for enhanced productivity, fruit quality, and resource use efficiency in controlled environments, while also examining their response to key factors such as substrate type, nutrient management, and seasonal variations.

This research is particularly relevant to addressing the challenges faced by raspberry growers in regions with variable climates like Massachusetts, where high tunnels and soilless systems provide opportunities for season extension and consistent yields.

Approaches and Techniques

To achieve the project goals, the following approaches and techniques will be utilized:

High Tunnel Production Management:
- Installation and maintenance of high tunnels for environmental control.
- Monitoring temperature, light, and humidity variations inside the tunnels.
Soilless Cultivation Systems:
- Use of different substrate types (e.g., coco coir, perlite, peat) for plant growth.
- Designing and maintaining irrigation systems, including drip and fertigation setups.
Cultivar Evaluation:
- Comparing growth performance (e.g., biomass, canopy development).
- Assessing yield, fruit quality (size, flavor, firmness, Brix content), and shelf life.
- Monitoring disease resistance and overall plant health.
Data Collection and Analysis:
- Measuring key variables such as plant growth rates, fruit yield, and quality.
- Utilizing statistical techniques (e.g., ANOVA, multivariate analysis) to interpret findings.

Role of the Student

Students will play an integral role in all aspects of the project, including:

Experimental Setup: Assisting with planting, substrate preparation, and high tunnel maintenance.
Data Collection: Measuring growth parameters, yield, and fruit quality metrics.
Nutrient Management: Preparing and applying fertigation solutions, monitoring pH and EC levels.
Problem Solving: Identifying and addressing plant health issues such as pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies.
Data Analysis: Organizing and analyzing experimental data using statistical tools.
Presentation: Preparing a research summary for dissemination at meetings or reports.

Through their participation, students will gain hands-on experience in sustainable horticultural practices, high tunnel production, and applied research techniques.

Essay Prompt for Applicants

"Describe your interest in sustainable horticulture and how participating in this project will support your career goals. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain, and how would you apply them to advance sustainable agricultural practices or controlled environment systems in the future?"

Name of research group, project, or lab

Sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Production

Website

https://websites.umass.edu/jianyuli/

Why participate in this opportunity?

This project provides students with the chance to engage in cutting-edge agricultural research, specifically in soilless production and high tunnel systems—areas that are rapidly gaining importance in sustainable and climate-resilient farming. As growers increasingly turn to controlled environment systems to mitigate challenges like unpredictable weather, pests, and resource scarcity, the skills and knowledge gained from this project are highly marketable and relevant. Students will directly contribute to solving practical problems faced by raspberry growers, such as improving yield, fruit quality, and resource efficiency. This hands-on involvement connects academic research to tangible impacts in the agricultural sector, fostering a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of agricultural systems.

Interdisciplinary Learning

This opportunity integrates multiple disciplines:

Horticulture: Understanding plant growth, fruit development, and cultivar selection.
Environmental Science: Managing water and nutrient use in sustainable systems.
Data Analysis: Applying statistical and computational methods to evaluate experimental outcomes.

Value of This Opportunity

Practical Skill Development: Students will acquire technical expertise in:
- Managing high tunnel and soilless systems.
- Conducting scientific research and analyzing data.
- Monitoring and improving fruit quality parameters.
These are critical skills for careers in agricultural research, extension services, or agribusiness.
Networking and Mentorship:
- Working closely with experienced researchers and leading conducting research independently.
- Building relationships that could lead to internships, recommendations, or collaborations.
Preparation for Advanced Opportunities:
- A strong foundation for graduate studies or specialized roles in horticulture or controlled environment agriculture.
- The project’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability is appealing to employers and academic programs alike.

Pathways to Other Opportunities

Research Publications and Conferences:
- Students may co-author papers or present findings at scientific conferences, building a professional portfolio.
Career Advancement:
- Experience in controlled environment systems is in demand in industries such as vertical farming, agritech, and greenhouse management.
Entrepreneurial Ventures:
- Insights gained from this project could inspire students to explore innovations in sustainable crop production or launch their own agri-business ventures.
Graduate and Professional Programs:
- The project’s interdisciplinary nature and focus on applied research provide a strong foundation for pursuing advanced degrees in horticulture, plant science, or sustainability studies.

Logistics Information:

Ecology and Environmental Sustainability

Food Science

Horticultural Science

Plant and Soil Science

Sustainable Food & Farming

Student ranks applicable

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Student qualifications

Skills

Basic Horticultural Knowledge:
- A foundational understanding of plant biology, growth stages, and cultivation techniques will be useful for understanding the research focus on raspberry cultivars and their growth in high tunnel systems.
Technical and Practical Skills:
- Soilless Culture: Familiarity with or willingness to learn about hydroponics, substrates, and fertigation systems.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Proficiency or a willingness to learn how to collect and analyze data (e.g., yield measurements, fruit quality assessments). Experience with tools like spreadsheets or statistical software (e.g., Excel, R, SPSS) is helpful.
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: The ability to identify issues with plant health, system management, or data trends and work with the team to find solutions.
Communication Skills:
- Reporting and Presentations: Students will need to document their findings and communicate them clearly through reports and presentations, so strong writing and presentation skills are important.
Attention to Detail:
- Close monitoring of plant health, growth, and environmental conditions is critical for successful data collection and ensuring quality results.
Teamwork and Collaboration:
- Ability to work effectively in a team, as this project will involve collaborating with other students, researchers, and possibly external stakeholders.

Academic Background

Plant Science, Horticulture, Agriculture, or Related Fields:
- Students with a background in plant biology, agricultural science, or environmental science will be best equipped to understand the biological and environmental principles behind the project.
Interest in Controlled Environment Agriculture:
- While prior experience in soilless systems or high tunnels isn’t mandatory, a demonstrated interest in controlled environment farming, sustainable agriculture, or similar topics will be advantageous.

Physical Qualifications

Outdoor Work and Environmental Conditions:
- Working in High Tunnels: While high tunnels provide some protection from the elements, students may still be required to work in variable conditions such as heat, humidity, or rain. Comfortable outdoor work attire is necessary.
- Working in Various Temperatures: In summer, high tunnels can get quite hot, while in winter they may be colder. Students must be prepared for temperature fluctuations.
Physical Endurance:
- Standing and Walking for Long Periods: Some tasks, such as monitoring plant health, setting up irrigation systems, or collecting data, may require standing or walking for extended periods.
- Manual Labor: Tasks may include planting, pruning, adjusting equipment, or setting up experimental treatments, which could involve bending, lifting, or handling heavy objects (e.g., irrigation components or plant trays).
Attention to Safety:
- The ability to follow safety guidelines when handling equipment, fertilizers, or dealing with plant disease control will be essential. Safe driving record is also preferred.

8-10 h/wk

Position Types and Compensation

Research - Ind. Study Credit

Techniques learned

By participating in this project, students will acquire a comprehensive skill set in experimental design, soilless agriculture, cultivar evaluation, data analysis, and sustainable farming practices, all of which are essential in modern agriculture and controlled environment systems.

Soilless Cultivation

Substrate Selection and Preparation:
- Selecting and preparing substrates such as coco coir, perlite, peat, and other hydroponic mediums for raspberry cultivation.
- Understanding substrate properties like drainage, air porosity, and nutrient retention.
Fertigation:
- Designing and managing fertigation systems that deliver water and nutrients to plants.
- Monitoring nutrient solution pH and electrical conductivity (EC) to ensure proper plant nutrition.
Water Management:
- Using drip irrigation and hydroponic systems to efficiently manage water usage.
- Ensuring uniform distribution of nutrients and water across plants.

Cultivar Evaluation and Plant Growth Monitoring

Selection of Raspberry Cultivars:
- Understanding how to select raspberry cultivars based on traits like yield potential, disease resistance, and fruit quality.
- Observing and recording plant growth characteristics, including size, vigor, and leaf area.
Growth Monitoring:
- Measuring plant height, biomass, and root development.
- Tracking vegetative growth over the course of the season, assessing the effect of environmental variables and cultivation methods.

Yield and Quality Assessment

Fruit Yield Measurements:
- Evaluating raspberry fruit yield based on weight, number of berries, and fruit size.
Fruit Quality Assessment:
- Assessing fruit attributes such as firmness, color, Brix (sugar content), pH, and overall taste.
- Evaluating fruit shelf life and postharvest handling practices to assess marketability.

Data Collection and Statistical Analysis

Experimental Design:
- Setting up experiments with appropriate controls, randomization, and replication.
- Understanding the principles of experimental design to ensure reliable results.
Data Collection:
- Measuring key variables like plant growth, nutrient concentration, water usage, and yield.
- Documenting environmental conditions and treatments during the experiment.
Statistical Analysis:
- Analyzing data using statistical tools such as ANOVA, regression analysis, and descriptive statistics.
- Using software like Excel, R to interpret results and draw conclusions from experimental data.

Plant Disease and Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
- Identifying pests and diseases that affect raspberry plants.
- Using sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management strategies, including the use of beneficial insects or organic pesticides.
Disease Resistance:
- Observing and documenting disease resistance in different cultivars.
- Learning about common raspberry diseases (e.g., powdery mildew, root rot) and prevention strategies.

Sustainability and Resource Management

Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
- Understanding sustainable farming practices such as reducing water and nutrient waste, recycling substrates, and minimizing environmental impact.
- Exploring the economic feasibility of soilless raspberry production and understanding cost-benefit analysis for growers.
Energy Use and Efficiency:
- Analyzing the energy needs of high tunnel systems and exploring ways to optimize energy use.

Writing and Reporting

Research Documentation:
- Writing detailed reports on experimental design, methods, results, and conclusions.
- Preparing manuscripts or presentations for research dissemination.
Scientific Communication:
- Communicating research findings clearly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
- Presenting results in oral presentations, posters, or publications.

Project start

Spring

Contact Information:

Mentor

Jianyu Li

jianyuli@umass.edu

Principal Investigator

Name of project director or principal investigator