The Horticulture and Fruits Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Extension works toward increasing food security in Maryland, throughout the region and nation through training opportunities and resources that can improve production, reduce resource waste and help apply modern agricultural techniques for small-scale farmers. 

The program grows multiple varieties of strawberries, raspberries and Asian vegetables, as well as soybean and dahlias, for research, teaching and outreach.  

The UMES orchard, established in 2017, is maintained by the Horticulture and Fruits Program, with varieties of apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines and grapes.

How UMES Extension Can Help

Our program offers in-person and online workshops, hands-on learning opportunities, practical demonstrations and training sessions. Topics include grant writing; crop cultivation; pruning techniques; irrigation; pest, disease and nutrition management; and fertilization. 

With a goal of “rejuvenating the lost fruit industry on the Eastern Shore of Maryland,” Dr. Naveen Kumar Dixit, UMES Extension horticulture specialist and UMES associate professor, promotes fruit and vegetable cultivation for each backyard in Maryland for a healthy lifestyle.

A signature event is the two-day UMES Veterans Ag Conference, supported by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NE-SARE) Professional Development Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Dixit serves as coordinator of NE-SARE.

Our Research

Dixit’s research works to develop postharvest technology, abiotic and biotic stress management, and mineral nutrient management for fruit and vegetable crops; conduct fruit variety testing and evaluation; recommend conventional and organic production systems; and develop nano-technological management and control techniques for soil and foliar-borne pest, diseases, and weeds in fruit, vegetables and row crops.

Strawberries: Our research works to better farmer knowledge to improve nutrient management, ultimately, enhancing strawberry production efficiency, minimize nutrient loss and environmental impact, and reduce yield loss. 

Raspberries: Improving irrigation and pest management, and increasing farmer knowledge of grant opportunities are the goals of our research on raspberries in high tunnels and open beds. This increases farm productivity and longevity. 

Saltwater-tolerant soybean varieties, value-addition opportunities in dahlias, and industrial hemp cultivation collaborations round out our research. 

In the News

Military veterans explore agricultural opportunities at UMES conference

Farmers find cut flower opportunity in dahlias

Dahlias good cut flower option for local growers

Soybean Research Harnesses Plant’s Natural Drought Protection

Soybean researcher looks to fight drought

Want To Grow Something Alternative? Asian Vegetables Are in High Demand

University Studies Cut Flowers As An Alternate Crop

Farmers battle climate change, sea level rise with new assist from UMES research

Contact Us

Dr. Naveen Kumar Dixit
Extension Specialist and Associate Professor, Horticulture
Phone: 410-651-3650
Email: fnaveenkumar@umes.edu