RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Research effort is focused on the effect of shelterbelts (windbreaks) on vegetable production and physiology, documenting yield and quality increases due to wind protection and improved microclimate in the sheltered zone. Computerized microclimate recorders provide quantitative assessment of the soil and air microclimates at canopy height. These data are related through multivariate analysis to specific growth indicators. Growth models are then developed, through which we are gaining a better understanding of the relative importance of specific microclimate variables to plant growth, development, and yield. Coordinated and cooperative projects with researchers in the UNL School of Natural Resource Sciences, the Department of Entomology, and the U. S. Forest Service involve the ecological aspects of windbreak systems and adjacent horticultural crops with particular emphasis on beneficial and pest insects. A new cooperative project involves the use of woody plant materials in agroforestry systems for alternative high-value markets.

A multi-state USDA-IFAFS project was initiated in 2002 to investigate the use of high tunnels (hoophouses) for horticultural production in the Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. The focus in Nebraska is on specialty cut flower production in the high tunnels and on understanding the microclimates created in these unheated, plastic-covered greenhouses. Better understanding of the relationship between the highly variable continental conditions and those found inside the tunnels will facilitate adoption of this technology by growers by reducing the production risks and improving management. Understanding the microclimate will allow growers to plan crop sequences to optimize economic returns from the protected space.

COURSES TAUGHT:

I do not teach a regular course, having primarily an extension appointment (75%). However, I do 4-5 lectures in Hort 351 (Vegetable Production) and one lecture in Hort 130 (Introduction to Horticulture). I provide information and guidance for students doing projects on any aspect of vegetable, herb, or specialty cut flower production or marketing, including organic. At various times I have contributed to Agron 435/835 (Agroecology) and advised undergraduate interns in organic crop production.

MAJOR PROJECT ACTIVITIES:

My current emphasis is on the development and leadership for the Nebraska Farmers' Market Association as growers seek more and better local markets for their products. I am responsible for the evaluation of the USDA funded Nebraska Senior Nutrition Farmers' Market Program, a program initiated in 2001 and successfully funded for the past three years. Support for commercial vegetable growers in Nebraska continues to be a priority, with individual educational outreach plus a monthly newsletter for growers addressing current issues and cultural problems in production. The continued growth of the Great Plains Regional Vegetable Conference to over 400 growers depends on the Steering Committee, of which I am an active participant.

EXTENSION INTERESTS:

In my extension responsibilities in Nebraska, I work with commercial vegetable growers to improve production and marketing practices. I also respond to inquiries regarding commercial herb production and commercial specialty cut flowers. My introduction to commercial agriculture began when I moved to Arkansas to work for the University in weed control research for small fruit and vegetable crops. I did on-farm herbicide research for the university, commercial small fruit and vegetable growers, nursery plant producers, food processors, and several producers of ornamental crops. I also have experience with several agronomic crops. While employed as a technical representative for the vegetable division of a major seed company, I worked closely with large commercial growers throughout the southeastern U.S. to evaluate production and market acceptance of potential new vegetable varieties. Through professional travel, I have visited commercial herb farms across the US Through all this, I have learned how various niche or perishable crop market systems function, which is critical for success in diversified, high-value crop production. There are many opportunities for high-value crop production in Nebraska, with proximity to markets and good natural resources available.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:

• Brandle, James R., Laurie Hodges, and Bruce Wight. 2000. Windbreak Practices pp 79-118 in North American Agroforestry: An Integrated Science and Practice. American Society of Agronomy, 677 Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53711, USA.
  
  
• Hodges, Laurie, James R. Brandle and S. J. Josiah. 2000. Windbreaks for Specialty Cut Flower Production. Cut Flower Quarterly 12(2):10-12.
  
  
• Danielson, S. D., J. R. Brandle, L. Hodges, and P. Sirnivas. 2000. Bean leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) abundance in soybean fields protected and unprotected by shelterbelts. J. Entomological Science 35:385-390.
  
  
• Zhang, Dongsheng, James R. Brandle, Laurie Hodges, Entin Daningsih, Kenneth G. Hubbard. 1999. The response of muskmelon growth and development to microclimate modification by shelterbelts HortScience 34(1): 64-68.
  
  
• Cuppett, Susan, Alma deLeon, Anne Parkhurst, and Laurie Hodges. 1997. Sensory evaluation of green and white asparagus as affected by harvest and refrigerated storage. J. Food Quality 20(2): 127-144.
  
  
• Dix, Mary Ellen, Laurie Hodges, James R. Brandle, Robert J. Wright, Mark O. Harrell. 1997. Effects of shelterbelts on the aerial distribution of insect pests in muskmelon. J. Sustainable Agriculture 9 (2/3): 5-24.
  
  
• Hodges, Laurie and James R. Brandle. 1996. Windbreaks: An important component in a plasticulture system. HortTechnology 6:177-181.
  
  
• Zhang, Hehui, J. R. Brandle, G. E. Meyer, and L. Hodges. 1995. The relationship between open windspeed and windspeed reduction in shelter. Agroforestry Systems 32:297-311.
  
  
• Hodges, Laurie, Douglas C. Sanders, Katharine B. Perry, Kent M. Eskridge, K. M Batal, Darbie M. Granberry, Wayne J. McLaurin, Dennis Decoteau, Robert J. Dufault, J. Thomas Garrett, Russell Nagata. 1995. Adaptability and reliability of yield for four bell pepper cultivars across three southeastern states. HortScience 30:1205-1210.
  
  
• Zhang, H., J. R. Brandle, G. E. Meyer, and L. Hodges. 1995. A model to evaluate windbreak protection efficiency. Agroforestry Systems 29:191-200.
  
  
• Dix, M. E., R. J. Johnson, M. O. Harrell, R. M. Case, R. J. Wright, L. Hodges, J. R. Brandle, M. M. Schoeneberger, N. J. Sunderman, R. L. Fitzmaurice, L. J. Young, and K. G. Hubbard. 1995. Influences of trees on abundance of natural enemies of insects pests: A review. Agroforestry Systems 29:303-311.