Technology: “Powerful Tool” for Extension Programming During Pandemic
Dr. Reza Rafie, horticulture Cooperative Extension specialist at Virginia State University (VSU), first realized in 2012 the potential technology held for delivering Extension programming when he and a videographer created a 12-minute video on growing ginger. It’s been viewed more than 86,000 times since.
Downy Mildew and Garden Diseases On the Rise
Downy mildews caused by different water molds are thriving at this time and damaging crops. If you see cucumber or butternut squash leaves quickly turning into a yellow, angular shape from the top, you may suspect a downy mildew caused by one of these pathogens belonging to water molds.
Planting a Garden in a Pandemic
With more people sheltering in place at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, many people are turning to or considering growing gardens, whether it’s to provide food or just peace of mind during these troubled times.
Temperatures Expected to Dip to Near Freezing, Berry Crops Could Suffer
Weather forecasters are calling for a cold night on Saturday, May 9, with temperatures expected to dip to 35 °F in Central Virginia and 30°F in the Shenandoah area.
Extension Specialist’s Passion For Berry Production is Unyielding
It’s an understatement to say that Dr. Reza Rafie is passionate about growing berries in Virginia. Rafie, a horticulture Extension specialist with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) at Virginia State University (VSU), has devoted nearly 15 years to researching and promoting berry production.
Cold Weather Could Leave Blueberry Growers in a Jam
Weather forecasters are calling for freezing temperatures over the next few days. Homeowners with container-grown blueberry plants need to protect them from freezing temperatures, if the flower buds are opening up.
High Tunnel Single Stem Container Grown Raspberry
Virginia State University is conducting trials of growing raspberry in containers on a single stem under high tunnel conditions. Dr. Reza Rafie, horticulture Extension specialist at VSU believes this system of raspberry production can be a good fit for Virginia’s small-scale farmers and even homeowners. This video briefly describes the potential of container-grown single-stem raspberries.
Cucumber Downy Mildew Confirmed in Southern Virginia
Cucurbit Downy Mildew (CDM) caused by the water mold, also known as oomycetous organism Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a devastating foliar disease of cucurbits which may wipeout crops in a short window span if humid and wet weather prevails for a long time. The disease was confirmed on cucumber plants that were grown on Sentinel plots located at Randolph Farm in Southern Chesterfield County, Virginia.