Agricultural Sciences

Penn State Establishes Center For Plasticulture

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Scientists from Penn State's colleges of Agricultural Sciences and Earth and Mineral Sciences are collaborating with researchers from three other major universities to establish the Center for Plasticulture, which will fund and initiate research on the use of plastic films and other plastic products in agriculture.

"The use of plastic materials in agriculture has increased dramatically," says Michael Orzolek, professor of vegetable crops and director of the center. "Plastic products have allowed Pennsylvania farmers and producers to reduce pesticide use, extend the growing season for certain crops, increase crop yields and harvest more efficiently."

Orzolek says the Center for Plasticulture will focus on three areas: developing technology for the use of plastics in agriculture, developing production guides and information related to specific crop applications, and research on recovering plastics for use as energy sources or recycled products. In addition to scientists from the College of Agricultural Sciences, the center will include researchers from the Penn State Combustion Laboratory in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, the University of New Hampshire, McGill University and Rutgers University.

Orzolek says the center will generate research and educational outreach programs centering on all types of plastics used in agriculture. Plastic agricultural materials include silage covers, hay bale wraps, greenhouse covers, plastic mulch, drip irrigation tape and tubing, row covers, nursery house coverings, plastic pots, and plastic containers and trays.

"The center also will work with food processors to study plastic packaging of agricultural products," Orzolek says.

Orzolek says the plastics research program is crucial to the development of Pennsylvania's agricultural economy as the state faces competition from major production areas where weather conditions are more favorable.

"Pennsylvania has a short growing season that includes substantial periods of temperature and moisture extremes," Orzolek explains. "These factors limit crop productivity and encourage insect and disease infestations.

"Plastic use in agriculture offers several advantages to growers," Orzolek says. "It reduces temperature and moisture fluctuations, acts as a management tool for control of insects and disease, and allows more precise irrigation and nutrient application."

Members of the Center for Plasticulture on the College of Agricultural Sciences faculty include Orzolek; William Lamont, associate professor of vegetable crops; David Beattie, associate professor of ornamental horticulture; Dennis Decoteau, professor and head of the horticulture department; and James Garthe, instructor in agricultural and biological engineering.

Other members of the center include Sarma Pisupati, assistant professor of fuel science in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences; Brent Loy, professor of vegetable crops at the University of New Hampshire; Otho Wells, professor of vegetable crops at the University of New Hampshire; Katrine Stewart, professor and head of the horticulture department at McGill University; and Gene Giacomelli, professor of bioresource engineering at Rutgers University.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Michael Orzolek at 814-863-2251.

Contacts: John Wall jtw3@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax

Last Updated March 19, 2009