Journal of Horticulture
Open Access

Extension Agent, Mississippi State University, USA

Biography

Stephenson RC is County Coordinator at the Hancock County office of Mississippi State University Extension. His responsibilities include Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, and Community Development. Interests include home and commercial horticulture, community gardens, and support of small-scale farms.

Publications

• Original Research Article   
  Effect of High Tunnels on Populations of Whiteflies, Aphids and Thrips on Tomatoes in Mississippi
  Author(s): Stephenson RC*, Coker CEH, Posadas BC, Bachman GR, Harkess RL and Adamczyk JJ
  
  There is increased interest in production of high-value crops in high tunnels, which have potential to increase productivity by extension of the growing season. Improved conditions in high tunnels may lead to improved yield and earlier maturity as well as additional production time. This can be of particular importance for crops where a premium price may be received for off-season production. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are one of the most important crops produced in high tunnels. Impact of high tunnels on insect pest populations is not well understood. Impact of high tunnels on populations of whiteflies, thrips, and aphids in southern Mississippi were evaluated using a plant washing procedure on ‘Celebrity’ and ‘Early Girl Bush’ tomatoes grown under field and high tunnel conditions for spring and fall seasons of two production years. Data on plant growt.. View More»
  

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