CCD-CP-131: Eggplant

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Jan. 22, 2018 (Reviewed)

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a heat-loving member of the Solanaceous family. While it is generally grown as an annual in North America, eggplant is actually an herbaceous perennial. Long a popular vegetable in Asian, Middle Eastern, Greek and Italian cuisine, the eggplant is thought to have been introduced to America by Thomas Jefferson.

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CCD-CP-118: Snap Beans

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Oct. 24, 2017 (Minor Revision)

The snap bean or green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a warm-season crop harvested for its immature seed pods. Prior to the development of the stringless bean in the 1890s, snap beans were referred to as "string beans" because of the fiber or "string" running along the pod seam. While stringless beans are more common today, many consumers still prefer the flavor of the stringed types.

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CCD-FS-7: Risk Management in Specialty Crops: Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Oct. 24, 2017 (New)

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) is a financial assistance program provided through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). The program provides producers of crops not eligible for crop insurance with some level of risk management when natural disasters cause crop low yields, crop losses or prevent crop planting.

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CCD-CP-116: Romaine Lettuce

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Oct. 10, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Romaine (Lactuca sativa), also known as cos, is a lettuce that produces elongated heads. Romaine is considered more nutritious and has more volume than iceberg. Because it is slower to bolt than other head lettuces, romaine can be grown commercially in Kentucky.

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CCD-CP-117: Root Crops

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Oct. 4, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Root crops include a number of vegetables grown for their enlarged, edible storage roots. The root crops discussed here are all hardy, cool-season crops with a long storage life. While they belong to several unrelated plant families, these crops have similar cultural requirements. This profile will overview several root crops grown in Kentucky.

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CCD-CP-120: Specialty Melons

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 20, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Specialty melons (Cucumis melo) have cultural requirements similar to the more familiar muskmelon (cantaloupe). These melons offer consumers outstanding eating quality and a range of flesh colors, textures, and flavors. With one exception, cultivars of the specialty types listed below have performed well in University of Kentucky research trials. Consult the Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers (ID-36) for the latest variety recommendations.

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CCD-CP-55: Stevia

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 5, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a small, herbaceous plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is a perennial in its native South America, but is grown as an annual in all but the warmest areas of the United States. Stevia is commonly called "sweetleaf" or "sugarleaf."

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CCD-CP-62: High Tunnel Tomatoes

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 5, 2017 (Minor Revision)

High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are simple polyethylene-covered unheated structures that typically do not use fans for ventilation. Tunnels can be covered with one or two sheets of plastic; those covered with two have an air layer in between, thus offering better insulation and, consequently, more cold protection (and wind protection). High tunnels are used to extend the growing season earlier into spring and later into fall. Determinate and indeterminate tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) can be successfully grown in this production system, yielding a potentially profitable "out of season."

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CCD-CP-90: Cabbage

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Aug. 25, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Cabbage is a cool-season crop with a high cold tolerance; however, heads may bolt (flower prematurely) in warm temperatures.

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CCD-CP-76: Woody Cuts

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Aug. 22, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Woody cuts are portions of woody ornamentals used for floral or decorative purposes. These include foliage, flowering branches, fruit and seeds, as well as bare stems and branches. Numerous shrubs, trees, and woody vines can be grown commercially for these purposes. Cut flower growers may want to add woody cuts to their production line to diversify their products, expand their markets, and extend the floral season. Growers will need to be familiar with the different production and harvest requirements of a diverse group of plant material.