PRODUCTION OF SPECIALTY VEGETABLE CROPS AT THE LAND

ISHS Acta Horticulturae 318: II International Symposium on Specialty and Exotic Vegetable Crops

PRODUCTION OF SPECIALTY VEGETABLE CROPS AT THE LAND

Authors:

Mary K. Schon, Sandra J. Gerdes, David L. Forehand

Abstract:
The Land, sponsored by Kraft General Foods, represents agriculture in Future World at EPCOT Center. The Land communicates the excitement of tomorrow's agriculture via ongoing food production and research. A boat ride carries up to 2500 guests per hour through a dynamic educational and production facility. The Land displays the world's most important food and fiber crops, and showcases important agricultural concepts and technologies, including integrated pest management, hydroponics, aquaculture, computer applications, biotechnology, and space agriculture.

Several specialty vegetable crops have been grown at The Land. These crops are all grown hydroponically in greenhouses, either in sand culture fed with drip irrigation or in rockwool substrate.

Specialty vegetables will be featured in a photo display depicting their growth at The Land. Growing conditions and cultural practices associated with each of these vegetables will be highlighted. The crops will include:

Red Shiso (Perilla frutescens) -- an oriental herb grown for its feathery, purple-red leaves and curry-like flavor.
Loofa Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) -- a vining cucurbit that produces long cylindrical gourds. The fibrous interior of the mature gourd can be used as a sponge.
Malabar (Basella rubra) -- a vining perennial widely cultivated in tropical Asia and Africa for its leaves and growing tips, which are eaten either fresh or cooked.
Vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) -- The young leaves and stems of this annual are boiled as greens for a rich source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Some varieties are also used as a colorful herb in the culinary industry.
Cassava (Manihot escuelenta) -- a staple crop of the tropics, valued for its roots, which are high in carbohydrates and vitamin C.
Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) -- Virtually every part of this legume is edible. It is cultivated largely for its young, tender pods.

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