Project Name : NCDA&CS Castle Hayne Horticultural Crops Research Station

Description : The Castle Hayne Horticultural Crops Research Station in North Carolina focuses on enhancing the quality and yield of horticultural crops, including blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and ornamentals, through programs that evaluate cultivars, assess pest and disease resistance, and address weed control. The region’s climate challenges include humidity, rainfall, and coastal weather conditions that influence disease development and crop management, supported by extensive facilities such as greenhouses, cold storage, and weather monitoring systems that have been collecting data for over 50 years. Infrastructure includes laboratories, greenhouses, equipment storage, mechanical harvesters, and a blueberry pack shed, all designed to support both research and grower education, as well as community outreach through field days and public tours.