Plant pathologist Mark Gleason is conducting experiments to control disease, insects and weeds in muskmelons grown at an ISU research farm near Castana. In disease experiments, Gleason uses weather cues to determine the best times to spray. He also experiments with the use of organic products as an alternative to chemical sprays. In a weed study, he is examining the performance of mulch as a biological weed barrier. Gleason said the insect study is the most innovative part of the project.
Cucumber beetles carry a bacteria that causes bacterial wilt in melon plants.
We're applying chemical attractants to influence the beetles' behavior. The Grand Selections label is reserved for products of premium quality sold in Hy-Vee's 185 supermarkets across the Midwest. Grand Selections Low Saturated Soybean Oil tastes and performs the same as traditional vegetable oil with only half the saturated fat, one gram per serving. The oil is available in Michigan grocery stores under the Spartan brand. In Japan, it is distributed by Maruetsu.