High tunnels are low-cost, covered, passively heated and cooled semi-permanent structures used to extend the growing season for high-value specialty crops. They also help small farms increase their resiliency and can provide added diversity and income to these farms. High tunnels allow growers to moderate the environment with respect to precipitation and temperature, which can translate to increased income due to increased marketable yields and improved produce quality. As of 2022, there are more than 1,500 high tunnels in Kentucky. Tomatoes are the most commonly produced high tunnel crop and the most profitable crop per square foot. However, high tunnel production is nuanced and although it can be profitable, it is not free from challenges. Soil quality issues can become an increasing issue as high tunnels age. Although different from open field production, disease and pest issues persist in high tunnel production and can be difficult to manage. Extension Specialists Rachel Rudolph, Nicole Gauthier, and Ric Bessin collaborated with Extension Associate Kim Leonberger to provide a two-hour webinar focused on high tunnel tomato production and disease and insect pest management.

A total of 26 individuals participated in the live webinar. Surveys conducted during the program found that 50% of participants were commercial growers and that 77% of attendees had one or more high tunnels. Sixty-two percent of participants have been growing tomatoes in high tunnels for a few years. Attendees indicated that plant fertility/nutrition and disease pressure (43% of respondents each) presented the greatest challenge for their high tunnel tomato production. A post-presentation survey found that growers were likely to implement the following disease management practices: more accurate diagnosis, scouting (46%), manage environment/moisture/humidity (46%), utilize fungicides/preventative sprays (38%), utilize more fungicides (31%), rotate to other crops (23%), and utilize resistant cultivars (15%). In addition, 80% of participants indicated that they would either use or possibly would use biological controls for insect management. In order to extend the reach of this webinar session, and to provide a future resource for attendees to reference as needed, all presentations were recorded, formatted, and posted to YouTube. To date, these three videos have been viewed a combined total of 299 times.