I. Bell Pepper Field Production – Cultivar Evaluation in eastern North Carolina 

In general, when producing bell peppers on a commercial scale, they are planted with white plastic mulch, with a single drip line running down the center of the bed. Rows are on 5-foot-centers with plants spaced on double rows, off-set 12 inches apart, and in-row spacing 12-inches apart.

Her research is evaluating cultivar performance in two separate production systems in eastern North Carolina. In Clinton at the Horticulture Crops Research Station, 12 cultivars will be evaluated under conventional production. In Goldsboro at CEFS Small Farm Unit on Cherry Farms, 10 cultivars will be evaluated under organic production. The following variables will be assessed to meet research objectives: 

• Plant performance
  • Measuring plant height and internode length
  • Biomass collection for dry weight 
• Plant reflectance
  • RGB and multispectral imaging via drone 
• Yield

• Hand harvesting will occur about 90-100 days after transplanting
• 2 or more harvests may be required 
• Classified by USDA Grades and Standards criteria

• Pest incidence and Disease resistance
  • Bi-weekly scouting and documentation
  • Thermometers
  • Leaf wetness sensors
• Soil samples
  • Pre-experiment composite sample taken for physical and chemical analysis 
  • Soil moisture sensor

II. Updating a Pest Management Strategic Plan (PMSP)

 In addition, Lauren is leading a multi-state survey across the southeastern United States (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi) to identify key pest and disease research priorities for bell pepper growers. Her work will contribute to updating the Pest Management Strategic Plan for the Southeast IPM Center and help align future research with grower needs. 

III. Pest Mitigation

Lastly, in collaboration with agricultural research engineer Ryan Babcock with the Plant Science Initiative (PSI), Lauren will be testing a pest vacuum that was specifically designed to be driven over the bell pepper crop using a custom fabricated tractor implement. She will be conducting similar data collection as mentioned in her first focus area. Physical removal of insect and other arthropod pests is likely to reduce crop damage and spread of diseases.