Institution: University of California
Position: Vegetable Crops/Small Farms Advisor
Research: Farm Advisor for vegetable growers of Riverside County in California. The area has a reputation for earliiness of vegetable crops to market. For example Coachella Valley Sweet Corn is known all over the United States as well as being known as the date capital of the world. The area has a large proportion of small scale hispanic farmers. These growers face many of the same problems that the large growers face, only with fewer resources.
Publications: Past research activities have involved methods to control purple nutsedge. Purple nutsedge continues to be the major weed problem in the Coachella Valley. Recent research has also involved virus resistant squash trials. Yellow cr ookneck squash is the popular type grown and unfortunately all varieties are susceptible to virus diseases. Genetically altered squash was field tested for adaptability to desert production. Current research involves seedless watermelon and bell pepper response to potassium fertilizer. Montly luncheon grower meetings are held in Indio. Write us for a schedule.
Other: Riverside County is composed of 4 agricultural districts. The Coachella Valley is one of the four districts. Please write for a crop report and for more information on the activities of UC Coopoerative Extension Riverside County
Contact: Jose L. Aguiar
University
of California
Cooperative Extension Riverside County 83-612 Ave 45 Suite 7
Indio, Ca 92201
Office: (619) 863-8293
jlaguiar@ucdavis.edu