RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

Cranberry System Ecology:

The programmatic strengths of the Cranberry Station are focused on the cranberry crop system, its ecology and its interface with the environment. We can separate these programs into two areas: systems ecology and environmental interactions. Our programs emphasize a multidisciplinary team approach to research and the importance of the transfer of information from our research programs to cranberry growers and the community at large.
Systems ecology -

This program includes pest behavior, distribution, and interaction with the crop. Specific research programs within this group include:

• epidemiology of diseases
• insect behavior
• basic biology of cranberry as related to input needs and timing
• plant invasiveness
• biological control
• cultural management manipulations
• comparison of native communities with that of managed communities

Environmental Interactions -

This area of emphasis includes interaction between the crop system and the environment from two points of view -- effect of the crop system on the surrounding environment and the effect of the environment on the crop system:

Effect of environment on crop system

• weather and water availability
• efficiency of water use issues (competition for water resources)
• environmental stress physiology
• nutrition management

Effect of crop system on environment

• minimization of environmental impact
• reduced risk pesticides
• water quality - watershed issues
• nutrition management