Last week, researchers at the UNH Woodman Horticultural Research Farm harvested the first strawberries of the research season—a sure sign that another summer of science in New England is just around the corner. It was also a wonderful reminder of how long-term Station strawberry research efforts have continued to support New Hampshire food growers, for whom this crop is key to ensuring early-season financial sustainability and helping attract agritourists who, in turn, support nearby economies. In addition to the many ongoing projects, a few projects beginning at the Woodman Horticultural Research Farm this year include a tomato management experiment, testing alternative landscaping strategies for honeybee habitats, broomcorn production, and manure-based heating systems to extend and/or develop sustainable year-round agricultural production in high-tunnels.

Honeybee management research, led by scientist Fikirte Erda, began this spring at the Woodman Horticultural Research Farm.

I want to also provide one more mention of our recently published Inspired publication. This issue provides a round-up of research that seeks to assess and improve the quality of our state's and region's freshwater systems.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to improve the lives and landscapes of our state and region!

Anton Bekkerman

Director, NH Agricultural Experiment Station

The INSPIRED Water Quality & Management Research Report is Here!

Download the digital version today!

New Hampshire’s freshwater bodies play a vital role in supporting the state’s hydroelectric power, ecosystems, tourism, and recreation, contributing over $200 million from recreational fishing alone. As climate change and urbanization impact these natural water systems, NHAES researchers are pioneering methods to assess water quality and develop sustainable management solutions. By leveraging new technologies and extensive data, their discoveries aim to keep New Hampshire’s waters resilient. Read more about these advancements in the 2024 Water Quality & Management Report.

Aquatic Plants Could Help Reduce Water Pollution

Station scientist Anna O'Brien's research shows that duckweed, a small aquatic plant, can help reduce water pollution by absorbing harmful chemicals like benzotriazole from urban runoff. This study suggests that integrating duckweed into stormwater management systems could enhance water quality and sustainability. O'Brien's findings highlight the potential of using natural plant-microbiome systems to combat pollution in freshwater ecosystems. Read more about how duckweed can improve water quality and sustainability in New Hampshire.

William McDowell Named a Fellow of the Society for Freshwater Science

UNH Professor Emeritus of Environmental Science and NH Agricultural Experiment Station scientist William H. McDowell was recently named a 2024 Fellow of the international Society for Freshwater Science (SFS) for his research contributions to aquatic science. McDowell, whose teaching and research career spans more than four decades, serves as the director of the New Hampshire Hampshire Water Resources Research Center. His research examines the impacts of land-use changes, hydrological flows, droughts and extreme weather events on stream chemistry and other ecological processes. Learn more about McDowell's global research on stream chemistry and his long-term New Hampshire studies.

Kiwiberry Breeder Is UNH’s 2024 Innovator of the Year

Iago Hale, associate professor of specialty crop improvement, has been named UNH’s 2024 J. Brent Loy Innovator of the Year, recognizing his pioneering work in the kiwiberry research and breeding program. The Innovator of the Year award, presented annually by UNHInnovation, celebrates the commercialization of innovative ideas originating from UNH research that have substantial social and economic impact. Hale has been instrumental in developing these cold-hardy, grape-sized fruits into a promising horticultural crop for the Northeast. Learn more about this well-deserved recognition and Hale's specialty crop research.

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