The latest fruit research and information...

image of researchers working on low tunnel strawberries

Consumer curiosity and the case of the kiwiberry

August 17, 2020
various berries and comment form set up for consumer survey

How do you market a new fruit that most people have never tried? Read more to find out how kiwiberries are piquing consumer interest.

by Seth Wannemuehler


Vineyard cover crops, part 2: Buckwheat

August 10, 2020
buckwheat cover crop growing under grapevines

This week we’re taking a look at buckwheat, and how its use as an under-vine cover crop affects various aspects of a vineyard.

by Jayden Corliss


Vineyard cover crops, part 1: An overview

August 3, 2020
clover growing as an undervine cover crop

In this 4-part series, we evaluate common cover crop species for use under the vines in Minnesota vineyards.

by Jayden Corliss


Tropical flavors and a polar vortex: How kiwiberry buds survive frigid temperatures

July 15, 2020
kiwiberry bud

Take a closer look at the cellular structures of kiwiberry buds to discover how they survive the sub-freezing temperatures of Minnesota winters.

by Molly Bergum


New research evaluating cider apple cultivars

April 6, 2020
red apple hanging on tree

Which old world hard cider apple varieties will survive in Minnesota? Do our common Minnesota-hardy apple varieties have characteristics well-suited for making hard cider? Our research and extension team aims to find out.

by Emily Tepe


Exploring the invasiveness potential of kiwiberry

February 12, 2020
kiwiberries growing on vine

Kiwiberry is an exciting new fruit crop for Minnesota. Our researchers are working on the many aspects of growing kiwiberry, which includes evaluating the plant for invasive potential.

by Emily Tepe


The Minnesota berry variety scene

January 14, 2020
jim luby standing in blueberry variety trial field

Get a glimpse into the newest berry varieties being tested at the University of Minnesota.

by Jim Luby


Get to know the kiwiberry

December 16, 2019
kiwiberries in open plastic clamshell package

Our research on kiwiberry has been getting a lot of press. Find out what they're saying, and check out our video, Meet the Kiwiberry.

by Emily Tepe


Battling weeds in strawberry fields with living mulch - what we've learned

November 25, 2019
test plot with flat of harvested cabrillo strawberries

We experimented with living mulches for weed control and soil building between rows of annual strawberries. Here’s what we found out.

by Nathan Dalman, Emily Tepe


Living mulch and annual strawberries - about our research

November 5, 2019
strawberries harvested from research plots

Living mulches may give strawberry growers a new tool for weed control and soil-building.

by Emily Tepe


About us

We are faculty, researchers, and students in the Department of Horticultural Science fruit research program. We partner with Extension educators, community organizations, and farmer-cooperators to solve problems faced by fruit growers across Minnesota.


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