The device nondestructively tests fruit ripeness, maturity and quality. Hundreds of people visit it every week. Grower outreach is an important component of the Center for New Crops and Plant Products. In particular, the center provides support to the Indiana mint industry. Mint studies examine crop management and culture issues and the relationship between plant growth, plant stress and essential oil production.
Information gleaned from the studies directly benefits the growers.
Indiana ranks fourth in the nation in peppermint production and fifth in spearmint. We started 14 years ago, before these plants hit mainstream America. We hope to open opportunities for growers to raise botanicals for companies. Botanicals are plants believed to have health-promoting properties. He explained that with consumers becoming more interested in botanicals, it could create a new market niche for savvy growers.