Research in the Klamath Basin 2004 Annual Report in cooperation with Klamath County

Transcription

1 S 105.E55 no cop.2 special Report 1063 August 2005 Research in the Klamath Basin 2004 Annual Report in cooperation with Klamath County Oregon State I Agricultural UNIVERSITY Experiment Station DOES NOT CIRCULATE Oregon State University Received on: Special report?inn lytics

2 For additional copies of this publication Ron Hathaway, Superintendent Klamath Experiment Station 6941 Washburn Way Klamath Falls, OR Front cover photo Senior Faculty Research Assistant, Brian Charlton, swathing first cutting of teff hay, 2003.

3 Agricultural Experiment Station Oregon State University Special Report 1063 August 2005 Research in the Klamath Basin 2004 Annual Report in cooperation with Klamath County Trade-name products and services are mentioned as illustrations only. This does not mean that the Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station either endorses these products and services or intends to discriminate against products and services not mentioned.

4 2004 Annua Report Contents Note from the Superintendent Major Cooperators in KES Research Programs Advisory Board and Staff iii iv Weather and Crop Summary, Russet-skinned 2004 Potato Variety Evaluation Trials 9 Red-skinned and Specialty Potato Variety Screening and Evaluation, Evaluation of Alternative Carriers for Potato Seed Treatment Fungicides 31 Effects of Prenuclear Minituber Seed Size on Production of Wallowa Russet Seed 38 Effects of Telone II and Metam Sodium on Control of Root-knot Nematode in the Klamath Basin 44 Effects of Vydate on Control of Root-knot Nematode and Corky Ringspot in the Klamath Basin 51 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin 64 Irrigated Alfalfa Variety Trials 79 Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trails 89 Cereal Forage Trial, Seed Coat Effect on Alfalfa Production, Hybrid Poplar Production in the Rogue Valley, Klamath Experiment Station 2004

5 2004 u t ta Report Note from the Superintendent T he 2004 season continued our major transitions in staffing and programs at the Klamath Experiment Station (KES). Dr. Richard Roseberg has joined us full time from the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center. Dr. Kenneth Rykbost retired May 31, 2003 and is continuing on a half-time appointment through Major new forage research projects initiated in 2002 were continued in 2004, including an alfalfa variety trial, an orchardgrass variety trial, a mixed alfalfa/orchardgrass trial, and an alfalfa seed treatment trial. Tests of selenium (Se) fertilizer were continued in both a pasture and alfalfa hay setting in 2004, but results were incomplete due to miscommunication with the cooperator, and thus the limited results we did obtain are not reported here. A new test of Se fertilizer in a grass and an alfalfa hay setting will be started at the KES site in 2005 under more controlled conditions. A demonstration of teff (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter), a warm-season annual bunch grass from Africa, was repeated in Once again, as in 2003, the teff produced excellent yields (a total of about 6 tons/acre in two cuttings) and forage quality. Interest in this potential new forage crop resulted in an article in the Hay & Forage Grower magazine (Feb. 2005), which in turn resulted in over 300 inquiries from 41 states. Based on this interest, a local seed dealer has been packaging and selling teff seed, and more detailed agronomic studies and demonstrations are planned for 2005 at several locations across Oregon. Cereal research was expanded in 2004 compared to 2003, with regional spring barley and wheat variety trials grown at KES as well as at a Lower Klamath Lake site. The Oregon Statewide spring wheat variety trial and the Oregon State University (OSU) Elite spring wheat variety trial were grown at the KES site only in Moisture availability was good in 2004, and growing conditions were excellent, resulting in outstanding grain yields, especially at the KES site. Other small-scale trials of potential new crops at KES included hybrid poplar, milkthistle, and potential root or tuber crops. Poplar growth results are included in this report, whereas other studies were simple adaptation tests that did not result in meaningful yield data. Our 2004 potato variety screening program evaluated material from Prosser, Washington and OSU breeding programs. Approximately 10,000 single-hill, firstgeneration selections were screened and over 200 second-, third- and fourthgeneration breeding lines of specialty potato selections were evaluated. Many of these selections have pigmented flesh, are high in antioxidant compounds, and are of interest to producers for niche marketing. Potato studies in 2004 continued to evaluate nematode control in cooperation with OSU and industry personnel, and the response of Russet Norkotah to seedborne potato virus Y infection. The local Klamath County Master Gardener and Rotary First Harvest continue to harvest apples from the orchard. Frost injury reduced the orchard production to about 2,500 lb of fruit for distribution through the Klamath/Lake Food Bank. Monitoring and control of coddling moth were continued in Monitoring and reporting of insect incidence assists local orchard owners in planning control measures. Klamath Experiment Station 2004 i

6 With the retirement of Ken Rykbost as Superintendent, OSU is beginning to move forward in implementing a Research and Extension Center. Rodney Todd, Agronomist, Department of Crop and Soil Science, retired in June of Two other Extension colleagues are retiring in This will provide an opportunity for OSU to move in a new direction at KES with input and advisement from local producers. This is the 18 th consecutive annual report of research activities at KES. Copies of most of these reports can be obtained by request from Klamath Experiment Station, 6941 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603, (541) Reports for and additional information on Klamath Basin agriculture and KES programs are posted on our Internet Web page at htp t :// We welcome comments and suggestions for improving the delivery of our research findings to our colleagues and clientele. We extend our appreciation to our colleagues who cooperate in research activities, to industry and the organizations that provide financial support for research projects, to members of our station Advisory Board for their counsel, and to Klamath County for continuing financial support for staffing, facilities, and equipment. Where appropriate, cooperators and financial support are acknowledged in project reports. Congratulations to Brian Charlton for attaining 10 years of service with OSU and to Richard Roseberg for 15 years of service. Thank you to both for 25 years of work to improve and diversify Klamath and Oregon agriculture. Ronald L. Hathaway Superintendent Extension Chair Klamath Experiment Station 2004 Ai rr al Report Klamath Experiment Station 2004

7 2004 A;inu Report Major Cooperators in KES Research Programs Oregon State University Mr. Mylen Bohle, Crook County Cooperative Extension Service Mr. Nick David, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology Mr. Phil Hamm, Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center Dr. Dan Hane, Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center Dr. Patrick Hayes, Department of Crop and Soil Science Dr. Russell Ingham, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology Mr. Steve James, Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center Dr. Russ Karow, Department of Crop and Soil Science Dr. Kerry Locke, Klamath County Cooperative Extension Service Dr. Alvin Mosley, Department of Crop and Soil Science Dr. James Petersen, Department of Crop and Soil Science Dr. Clinton Shock, Malheur Experiment Station Mr. Rodney Todd, Klamath County Cooperative Extension Service Mr. Phil VanBuskirk, Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center University of California Dr. Harry Carlson, Intermountain Research and Extension Center Mr. Donald Kirby, Intermountain Research and Extension Center Mr. Herb Philips, Department of Vegetable Crops Dr. Ron Voss, Department of Vegetable Crops Dr. Lee Jackson, Department of Agronomy and Range Science Others Dr. John Bamberg, United States Potato Genebank, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Dr. Chuck Brown, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Prosser, Washington Mr. Jim Dahm, Whiskey Creek Timber Company, Klamath Falls, Oregon Dr. Steve Fransen, Washington State University Dr. David Holm, Colorado State University Mr. Lucas Schmidt, Dow AgroSciences Dr. Stephen Love, University of Idaho Mr. Norm McKinley, Dupont Corporation, Salem, Oregon Dr. J. Creighton Miller, Jr., Texas A&M University Dr. Richard Novy, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Aberdeen, Idaho Dr. Mark Pavek, Washington State University Mr. Harvey Yoshida, Dow AgroSciences Dr. Darrell Wesenberg, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Aberdeen, Idaho We deeply appreciate their involvement and contributions to KES research efforts. Klamath Experiment Station 2004

8 2004 itetx is Report Advisory Board and Staff KES Advisory Board Members Mr. Rod Blackman, Chairman Mr. Rocky Liskey, Vice-chairman Mr. Sam Henzel Mr. Steve Kandra Mr. Kirk Kirkpatrick Mr. John Kite Mr. Ron McGill Ex-Officio Members Dr. Kenneth A. Rykbost, Secretary, Superintendent KES Dr. Ron Hathaway, Chairman, Klamath County Cooperative Extension Service Mr. Bill Brown, Klamath County Board of Commissioners KES Staff Dr. Ronald L. Hathaway, Superintendent- Extension Chair, Professor of Animal Science Dr. Kenneth A. Rykbost, Professor of Crop and Soil Science, Emeritus Dr. Richard Roseberg, Associate Professor of Crop and Soil Science Mr. Brian A. Charlton, Senior Faculty Research Assistant Mrs. Jewel Haskins, Office Specialist II Mr. Lawrence Johnson, Facility Maintenance Leadworker (Klamath County) Mr. Jim E. Smith, Faculty Research Assistant Mr. Efren Valencia, Farm Worker (Klamath County) Mr. Robert Wright, Farm Worker (Klamath County) Klamath Experiment Station 2004 iv

9 2004 Annual Report Weather and Crop Summary, 2004 Kenneth A. Rykbost and Brian A. Charlton' L ong-term (climatic) and shortterm (weather) conditions are major factors in the crops produced in the Klamath Basin and in the yield and quality achieved in these crops. Moderate day time high temperatures and cool night time temperatures during the growing season are important factors leading to unique crop qualities for this area. Locally produced alfalfa achieves premium quality with short stem internodes and a high ratio of leaves to stems. Cereal crops typically achieve test weights well above standard values. High specific gravity in potatoes and high sugar content in locally produced sugar beets are additional quality advantages enjoyed by crops in the region. All of these quality attributes are enhanced by the combination of moderate day time temperatures and cool daily minimum temperatures that favor high production of carbohydrates during the day and minimum respiration losses at night. Alternatively, the potential for frost at any time during the growing season and a typical frost-free period of less than 100 days limits crops to those suitable to short-season and cool weather conditions. Late spring frosts resulted in frequent stand losses in sugar beet crops grown during the 1990's. In the final year of sugar beet production in 2000, killing spring frosts reduced the initial planting from 8,000 acres to about 4,000 acres for harvest. Cereals are dominated by spring-planted crops because late spring frosts have severely affected winter cereal yields in some years. For potatoes, the use of solid-set irrigation systems has been universally adopted to reduce the potential for mid-season frost damage. Yields of first cuttings of alfalfa are often reduced by late May or early June frosts. The Klamath Basin of southern Klamath County, Oregon and northern Siskiyou and Modoc counties, California lies in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains. It experiences a semi-arid climate with annual precipitation of approximately 13 inches and a mean annual temperature of about 47 F at Klamath Falls, Oregon. Nearly continuous weather records at Klamath Falls dating to 1884 document a range in annual precipitation from about 7 to 20 inches. At an elevation of about 4,100 ft above sea level, the valley floor is susceptible to frost every day of the year. The region frequently experiences diurnal temperature fluctuations of F during summer months. During the 1990's, frosts were recorded at Klamath Falls each month in 3 years. Frost-prone areas south of Klamath Falls typically experience minimum summer temperatures 5-7 F lower than temperatures recorded at Klamath Falls. From 1884 through 1948, the U.S. Weather Bureau maintained a weather station at Klamath Falls. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established a station at Kingsley Field in The Kingsley Field site is located at 42 44' N latitude, ' W longitude, at an Superintendent/Professor Emeritus and Senior Faculty Research Assistant, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Klamath Experiment Station

10 2004 An na IReport elevation of 4,092 ft above sea level. A standard mechanical weather station was established at the Klamath Experiment Station (KES) in 1984 at a site approximately one-fourth mile west of the Kingsley Field site. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) recently established four additional weather stations in the region as part of the Agricultural Meteorological (AgriMet) network that includes about 150 stations throughout the Pacific Northwest. These stations include KES (1999), Lower Klamath Lake (2000), Agency Lake Ranch (2001), and Langell Valley (2001). Official codes for the stations in the BOR AgriMet network are KFLO, WRDO, AGKO, and LORO, respectively, and data can be accessed at the website: The KES AgriMet station is immediately adjacent to the standard mechanical weather station established at KES in A comparison of data from both KES stations from 2000 through 2003 shows close agreement in air temperatures, wind speed, and precipitation. The main differences observed were minimum air temperatures averaged 1 F lower and maximum temperatures averaged 3 F higher in the standard station. The KES standard station was abandoned in January, Data for 2004 in this report are from the AgriMet station at KES. Annual precipitation recorded at Klamath Falls by the U.S. Weather Bureau, NOAA, and KES stations from 1884 through 2004 is presented in Table 1. Total precipitation for 2004 was 97 percent of the mean for the previous 20 years observed at KES. Mean monthly air temperatures and monthly total precipitation for 2004 and the mean for 1984 through 2003 are compared in Table 2. Given the temperature differences noted above for the two KES stations, and the fact that the data were derived from the standard station, temperatures recorded in 2004 were typical with the exception of warmer conditions in March and December, Precipitation distribution varied from long-term averages; two major storm events in June and October accounted for about 30 percent of total 2004 precipitation. Growing season weather conditions at Klamath Falls are summarized for the past 35 years in Table 3. April through September mean air temperatures and May through October mean soil temperatures at flinch depth in 2004 were very similar to long-term means. Weekly mean air temperatures from April through October for 2004 and the 25-year period from 1979 through 2003 are presented in Table 4. Most of April was warmer in 2004 than long-term averages, but temperature differences from long-term means during the rest of the season were minor. In 2004, a 99-day frost-free season extended from June 12 through September 19 (Table 5). Weekly minimum temperatures remained well above lowest recorded temperatures for throughout the season. In 19 out of 30 weeks, minimum temperatures were at least 10 F above the low recorded for the week in the previous 25 years. Total precipitation during the 30- week growing season was slightly above the long-term trend, but was dominated by two storm events in June and October that accounted for two-thirds of total growing-season precipitation. The 2004 growing season was among the most favorable for local crops 2 Weather and Crop Summary 2004

11 in the past 25 years. Yields of forages and potatoes in KES trials were very high. Test weights in spring wheat varieties from KES trials were over 65 lb/bu in many cases, above the ability of the test weight equipment to measure. Four cuttings of KES alfalfa variety trials resulted in total yields of 7.5 tons/acre in several varieties, compared to long-term averages of about 6.5 tons/acre. Winter wheat grown on high organic matter lakebed soils in the Tulelake, California area achieved yields in excess of 6 tons/acre in several cases. The relatively new peppermint crop in the region also reported excellent production with several fields achieving yields in excess of 100 lb/acre of distilled oil. Air temperatures recorded at KES only exceeded 90 F on 6 days in 2004, with a maximum of 95 F on August 12. In contrast, during 2003 temperatures exceeded 90 F on 25 days, with a high of 100 F and 9 days with temperatures of 95 F or higher. In 2004, late May and early June frosts at KES were mild and did not affect alfalfa crops. The last significant spring frost was recorded on May 12. The low temperature was 25 F, while all subsequent spring frosts recorded lows of F. A planting of the frostsusceptible warm-season grass Teff within 200 ft of the KES AgriMet station was unaffected by late May and early June frosts. Overall, the 2004 growing season was very favorable for all local crops Annua Rayon Klamath Experiment Station

12 2004 n a Report Table 1. Annual precipitation at Klamath Falls, OR, recorded by the U.S. Weather Bureau ( ), National Weather Service (NOAA) ( ), and Klamath Experiment Station (KES) ( ). Precipitation Year in Year in Year in Year in in U.S. Weather Bureau NOAA KES IN' NA NA NA IN' Means U.S. Weather Bureau NOAA NOAA KES KES 'IN: datum incomplete. 2 NA: datum unavailable. 4 Weather and Crop Summary 2004

13 2 04 An rr a Report Table 2. Mean monthly air temperatures and total monthly precipitation recorded at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR for 2004 and for Month Mean monthly temperature Total max min mean precipitation F in 2004 January February March April May June July August September October November December Mean/Total January February March April May June July August September October November December Mean/Total Klamath Experiment Station

14 2004 An al Report Table 3. Mean air temperatures for April through September, mean 4-inch soil temperatures for May through October, and total precipitation for April through September and annually from 1970 to 2004 at Klamath Falls, OR. Year Air temperature Apr-Sep 4-in soil temperature May-Oct Total precipitation max min mean max min mean Apr-Sep annual F in Mean Weather and Crop Summary 2004

15 2004 Aizutia1 Report Table 4. Weekly average maximum, minimum, and mean air temperatures for the 2004 growing season and at Klamath Falls, OR. Weekly period Weekly average Weekly average max min mean max min mean April May June July August September October Mean Klamath Experiment Station

16 2004.true Report Table 5. Weekly minimum air temperatures, frost days, and precipitation for the 2004 growing season and at Klamath Falls, OR. Weekly period Weekly min. Frost days/week Weekly precip. Accum. precip % - in April May June July August September October Weather and Crop Summary 2004

17 2004 Au -1 a Report Russet-skinned 2004 Potato Variety Evaluation Trials Kenneth A. Rykbost and Brian A. Charltonl -I ntroduction The tri-state potato variety development program in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho marked a 20-year milestone in Initiated in 1985, this cooperative effort has produced 21 new varieties. Four 2004 releases from the program were sponsored by Idaho and include Defender (A ), GemStar Russet (A9014-2), Summit Russet (A ), and Western Russet (A7961-1). Oregon has been the lead state in the release of nine varieties in the past decade. The emphasis for the program has expanded from a primary focus on development of processing or dual-purpose russets to include redskinned and specialty selections with unique skin and/or flesh colors and nutritional qualities including enhanced antioxidant and vitamin C content. Additional recent emphasis has been aimed at improved resistance to diseases and pests. Extensive late blight resistance screening and breeding crosses at Corvallis, Oregon have produced parental material virtually immune to late blight. The new release Defender has excellent resistance to foliar and tuber late blight infection. The long season and high insect and disease pressure experienced in the Columbia Basin is being exploited at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC) to screen for resistance to potato virus Y (PVY), potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), net necrosis caused by PLRV, and early die syndrome. Screening for resistance to nematodes and related diseases is being accomplished at several locations. Cooperators in Idaho and Washington also contribute to the disease and pest resistance efforts. Future tri-state releases will offer the industry reduced production costs through genetic control of economically important diseases and pests. This report will only summarize trials involving the more traditional breeding lines aimed at russet selections for processing and fresh markets. Redskinned and specialty variety development will be reported separately. The Klamath Experiment Station (KES) participation in the russet evaluation component of tri-state efforts includes trials of Oregon preliminary and advanced material as well as trialing lateseason Western Regional selections. Materials in the Preliminary Yield Trial are typically clones selected from singlehills 2 or 3 years earlier. Clones selected at this stage advance to the Statewide Trial the following year and may reach the regional trial level in year 7 or 8 of field evaluations. Oregon selections remain in the Oregon Statewide Trial I Superintendent/Professor Emeritus and Senior Faculty Research Assistant, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Acknowledgements: Partial financial support for this program from the Oregon Potato Commission; the Cooperative State Research, Extension, and Education Service (CSREES); and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is gratefully recognized. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. Klamath Experiment Station

18 2004 Ani a Report until they complete regional evaluation or are discarded. Most tri-state releases have occurred about 12 or 13 years following the breeding cross that produced them. Procedures Trials were conducted on a Poe fine sandy loam soil at KES. The soil has a ph of about 6.0 and an organic matter content of 1.5 percent in the plow layer. The trial site was planted to spring cereals in each of the previous 3 years. Potatoes were last grown at the site in Field preparation included ripping to 18-inch depth in fall of 2003, shanked applications of Telone TM H (dichloropropene, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) at 20 gallons per acre (gpa) and Vapam HL (sodium methyldithiocarbamate, Amvac Chemical Corp.) at 30 gpa on April 9, 2004, and moldboard plowing on May 12. Seed for all trials was hand cut to approximately oz/seedpiece on May 10 and 11, treated with Tops MZ (thiophanate methyl-mancozeb, Gustafson), and suberized for 10 days at 55 F and approximately 95 percent relative humidity. Potatoes were planted at 9-inch spacing in 32-inch rows with an assisted-feed, 2-row planter on May 24 (Statewide) and May 25 (Preliminary and Western Regional trials). Fertilizer was banded on both sides of rows at planting at 160 lb N, 80 lb P 205, 80 lb K20, and 140 lb S/acre. The insecticide Admire 2R (imidacloprid, Bayer Crop Sciences) at 0.17 lb active ingredient (a.i.)/acre and the fungicide Quadris (azoxystrobin, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) at 0.10 lb a.i./acre were applied in-furrow at planting. Weeds were adequately 174 controlled with Dual II Magnum (metolachlor, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) and Prowl 3.3 EC Herbicide (pendimethalin, BASF Ag Products) applied with a ground sprayer at 1.75 pt/acre, each on June 7. Herbicides were incorporated immediately following application with a rolling cultivator in two passes. Approximately 20 inches of irrigation was applied during the growing season with solid-set sprinklers arranged in a 40- by 48-ft pattern. All trials were arranged in a randomized complete block design. The Preliminary Yield Trial included 2 replications of 20-hill plots. Entries included standard varieties Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Shepody, Russet Norkotah, and Umatilla Russet, and 126 numbered selections. The Statewide Trial included 5 replications of 25-hill plots. Entries included standard varieties Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Russet Norkotah, and Umatilla, 18 numbered selections, 4 Umatilla Russet strain selections, and 3 Russet Norkotah strain selections. The Western Regional Trial included 4 replications of 25-hill plots, standard varieties Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, and Russet Norkotah, and 16 numbered selections. Plant stands were monitored on June 21 and July 7. Fungicides applied aerially on July 2 and July 18 included Bravo Ultrex (chlorothalonil, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) and Ridomil Gold Bravo (mefenoxam plus chlorothalonil, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) at labeled rates. Vines were desiccated with Reglone desiccant (diquat dibromide, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) applied with a ground sprayer at 1.5 pt/acre on September 9. The fungicide Dithane M-45 (mancozeb, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) was tank-mixed with Reglone in this application. Tubers were harvested with a 1- row digger-bagger on September Russet-skinned Potato Variety Evaluation Trials 2004

19 2004 Ai a Report (Western Regional), October 1 (Statewide Trial), and October 2 (Preliminary Yield Trial). All tubers from each plot were saved and stored at about 55 F until they were graded between October 18 and October 25. USDA grade standards were used to separate U.S. No.ls, No.2s, and culls. Tubers under 4 oz were classified as Bs. U.S. No.ls were separated by weight to 4- to 8-oz, 8- to 12-oz, and over 12-oz groupings. Subsamples of approximately 10 lb from the 8- to 12-oz fraction were used to determine specific gravity by the weight-in-air, weight-in-water method. Ten large tubers from each plot were cut lengthwise to inspect for internal defects including hollow-heart, brown center, internal brown spot, vascular discoloration, stem end discoloration, corky ringspot, and black spot bruising. External characteristics were noted on the total sample for each replication. Yields of U.S. No.ls were not adjusted to account for external blemishes such as rhizoctonia or silver scurf or internal defects such as hollow heart, brown center and others. External defects including growth cracks, knobs, and misshapen tubers were downgraded to U.S. No.2s or culls depending on the severity of the defect. A subsample of tubers from the U.S. No.1 8- to 12-oz fraction was collected from one replication of each trial for evaluation of processing quality (fry color) on November 8. Except for the Preliminary Yield Trial, which included only two replications, data were statistically analyzed with SAS for Linear Models, Fourth Edition (SAS Institute Inc.) software. Least significant differences (LSDs) are based on Student's t at the 5 percent probability level. Only a portion of the data obtained is reported here. Data from all trial locations were summarized and reports were reviewed by all cooperators on January 6, 2005 as the basis for decisions on disposition of trial entries. Results and Discussion Growing season conditions were quite favorable and resulted in relatively high yields and good quality. No frosts were recorded from June 11 through September 20. Maximum temperatures exceeded 90 F on only 6 days, with the highest temperature on August 12 at 95 F. In contrast, temperatures exceeded 90 F on 25 days and 95 F on 9 days at KES in The incidence of external and internal defects associated with weather-related physiological stress was considerably lower in the 2004 crop than in 2003 trials. Yields of U.S. No.ls for Russet Burbank and Russet Norkotah averaged about 100 cwt/acre higher in these trials in 2004 than in Emergence and early season growth was excellent in all trials. With very few exceptions, final plant stands exceeded 95 percent. A number of selections remained vegetatively vigorous until vines were desiccated on September 9. Several selections, particularly in the Preliminary Yield Trial, achieved exceptionally high yields but had immature skins and experienced skinning injury at harvest. Specific gravity values were somewhat higher than normally observed and standard varieties produced fewer off-type tubers and a higher percentage of U.S. No is than is common in these trials at KES. This indicates good growing season conditions with limited stress. Preliminary Yield Trial The five standard varieties averaged 473 cwt/acre of U.S. No. is at KES in 2004 compared to 381 cwt/acre in the 2003 trial. This represents a mean Klamath Experiment Station

20 20'04 Ant a Report of 75 percent U.S. No. ls in 2004 versus a mean of 57 percent in The difference in grades was largely due to the much lower incidence of U.S. No. 2s and culls in Mean specific gravity for the standards was in 2004 and in Eleven numbered selections out of 126 were retained for further evaluation (Table 1). Clones saved included four of the five highest-yielding clones for U.S. No. is at KES. Each of these ranked in the top 11 clones across locations. A ranked highest at HAREC where it produced 1,151 cwt/acre of U.S. No. ls, and third at KES with 613 cwt/acre U.S. No. ls. A ranked second at KES and sixth across locations. A and A ranked 4th and 5th at KES and 8th and 11 th across locations. Yield ranking across locations was highly influenced by performance at HAREC, where yields were very high. For example, A ranked 93 rd at KES, but 2nd at HAREC, and 39 th overall. Four of the entries retained for further evaluation were not superior to the standard varieties in yields observed at KES. A produced high yields at Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, Oregon (MES) and excellent processing quality at all locations. It may be useful as a parent based on higher dry matter and low sugar content. Performance in the stress-prone conditions at MES was the primary reason for retention of this clone. A also produced low yields at KES but exhibited good processing quality at all locations and an attractive appearance at Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Madras, Oregon (COARC). A and A produced mediocre yields but outstanding processing quality. Statewide Yield Trial All entries in this trial achieved excellent stands (Table 2). Most of the numbered selections were later maturing than Russet Burbank. All of the Umatilla Russet strains were later maturing than the standard Umatilla clone, while one Russet Norkotah strain was slightly later maturing than the Norkotah standard at KES and all were rated later at COARC. A high incidence of hollow heart was noted in one clone and a serious vascular discoloration was observed in one clone. Average hollow heart and vascular discoloration incidences of 5 and 1 percent, respectively, were less than the 14 and 4 percent incidences observed at KES in this trial in Cooling tuber samples below 50 F prior to conducting fry tests resulted in several clones exhibiting a relatively dark fry color. As in the Preliminary Yield Trial, the four standard varieties produced about 75 percent U.S. No. is (Table 3). Yields of U.S. No. is for standard varieties were about cwt/acre lower than in the Preliminary Yield Trial. A was included in the 2004 Western Regional Trial. This selection ranked third in yield of U.S. No. is in the Statewide Trial in 2002 and It has consistently produced a high percentage of U.S. No. is with few No. 2s or culls. Specific gravity and fry color data indicate good processing quality. The only internal defect noted in Oregon trials is a tendency for vascular discoloration. It will be retained in the Western Regional Trial in A was included in the Tri-state Trial in It has consistently produced a high percentage of U.S. No. ls and better than average yields. Processing quality of this selection is inferior to that of A Misshapen tubers have been observed each year at KES. Susceptibility to 12 Russet-skinned Potato Variety Evaluation Trials 2004

21 2004 Ai a Report shatter bruise has also been noted in each year of trials. This selection will be advanced to the 2005 Western Regional Trial if its performance in the Tri-state Trial warrants. A was included in this trial for the second year in It ranked fifth in yield of U.S. No. is both years at KES. Yields have not been as high at the other Oregon locations. Shape uniformity has been a deficiency noted at all locations. Good fry color and specific gravity may be offset by a tendency for hollow heart and vascular discoloration. Performance should be evaluated for one more year in the Statewide Trial. Three additional clones were retained for further evaluation in the Statewide Yield Trial. The best of these at KES was A High yields of very large tubers have been observed in each of 3 years. Over all locations in 2 years of Statewide Yield Trials, A averaged 63 percent of over 12-oz U.S. No. ls. Very little hollow heart has been observed at KES even though many of the tubers inspected weighed over 2 lb. This selection has good processing quality and few internal or external defects. It needs to be planted at a higher population to prevent excessive size. Plant population response will be evaluated at KES in Low yields were observed for A at KES in both years. It ranked 75th out of 99 entries in the 2003 Preliminary Yield Trial and 28 th of 29 entries in this trial. Good processing quality was noted at all locations both years. A very high yield at HAREC in 2004 (987 cwt/acre U.S. No. 1s) was the determining factor for retaining this selection for one more year. A also produced a very high yield at HAREC but poor yields at KES and COARC. It ranked first among 99 entries at HAREC in the 2003 Preliminary Yield Trial and first among 29 entries in this trial at HAREC. The 1,182 cwt/acre yield of U.S. No. ls at HAREC boosted this selection to the highest ranking entry over all locations. Its processing quality was not as good as that of A in either year. Umatilla Russet and Russet Norkotah strain selections failed to demonstrate significant improvement over the performance of the standard lines when averaged over locations. All of the Norkotah strains produced higher U.S. No. 1 yields than the standard at KES. Norkotah 206 was the highest yielding clone at KES but it yielded less than the standard clone at the other locations. Poor appearance and a tendency for pear-shaped tubers were noted for all Umatilla clones at all locations. None of these selections were retained for further evaluation. Western Regional Trial Excellent stands were achieved by all entries in the trial. All but two entries were earlier in maturity than Russet Burbank (Table 4). A relatively high incidence of hollow heart was observed in A , A LS, and C Ru. As in the Statewide and Preliminary Yield trials, high dry matter contents were observed in most selections. Standard varieties produced yields similar to those observed in the Statewide Trial (Table 5). Five selections have been included in the trial for 3 years and have graduated. The disposition of these selections will be determined by the sponsoring states. A and A are Idaho selections, AC and TC1675-1Ru are Colorado lines, and Texas sponsored ATX Ru. Release decisions have not been made on any of these selections to date. Four selections dropped for Klamath Experiment Station

22 various reasons included A , AC Ru, C Ru, and PA95A Selections producing the highest yields of U.S. No.ls at KES included A , A , and A , in that order. A had a high yield of tubers over 12 oz. A and A produced high yields of smaller tubers and relatively low yields of No.2s and culls. Over eight locations in the late harvest regional trials, A ranked second in total yield of U.S. No.ls and third in merit scores for both fresh market and processing Annual Rep 14 Russet-skinned Potato Variety Evaluation Trials 2004

23 2004 Annual Report Table 1. Tuber yield and specific gravity of potato entries selected from the Preliminary Yield Trial for further evaluation, Klamath Falls, OR, Variety or selection Yield U.S. No. ls Yield Specific 4-12 oz >12 oz total Bs No. 2s culls total gravity cwt/acre Russet Burbank Ranger Russet Shepody Russet Norkotah Umatilla Russet A A A A A A A A A A A Mean' 'Mean for standard varieties and selected clones only. Klamath Experiment Station

24 2004 Annual Report Table 2. Characteristics of potato entries in the Oregon Statewide Trial, Klamath Falls, OR, Variety or Percent Vine Specific Hollow Vascular Fry selection stand maturity' gravity heart2 discoloration color3 % Russet Burbank Ranger Russet Russet Norkotah Umatilla Russet A * A * A * A A * A A A A A A * A A A A A A A * Umatilla Umatilla Umatilla Umatilla Norkotah Norkotah Norkotah Mean CV (%) LSD (0.05) NS NS 'Vine maturity: 1 = early; 5 = late. 2Hollow heart and vascular discoloration in 10 tubers >12 oz per sample. 3 Fry color: 0.00 = light; 4.0 = dark. * Retained for further evaluation. 16 Russet-skinned Potato Variety Evaluation Trials 2004

25 2004 Annual Report Table 3. Tuber yield by grade for potato entries in the Oregon Statewide Trial, Klamath Falls, OR, Variety or selection Yield U.S. No. is Yield 4-8 oz 8-12 oz >12 oz total Bs No. 2s culls total rank' cwt/acre Russet Burbank /23 Ranger Russet /10 Russet Norkotah /26 Umatilla Russet /18 A * /7 A * /4 A * /5 A /6 A * /9 A /11 A /13 A /8 A /27 A /15 A * /12 A /2 A /21 A /19 A /16 A /14 A /3 A * /1 Umatilla /28 Umatilla /24 Umatilla /22 Umatilla /17 Norkotah /25 Norkotah /20 Norkotah /29 Mean CV (%) LSD (0.05) 'Rank: ranking in total U.S. No. 1 yield for KES/4 location mean. *Retained for further evaluation. Klamath Experiment Station

26 2004 Annual Report Table 4. Characteristics of potato entries in the Western Regional Trial, Klamath Falls, OR, Variety or Percent Vine Specific Hollow Vascular Fry selection stand vigorl gravity heart 2 discoloration 2 color3 Russet Burbank Ranger Russet Russet Norkotah A A A A A L A A AC RU AC RU A ATX RU ATX RU C RU CO RU PA95A TC1675-1RU Mean CV (%) LSD (0.05) 'Vine vigor: 1 = small, weak; 5 = large, robust plants. 2 Hollow heart and vascular discoloration in 10 tubers >12 oz per sample. 3 Fry color: 0.00 = light; 4.0 = dark. 18 Russet-skinned Potato Variety Evaluation Trials 2004

27 2004 An ua Rayon Table 5. Tuber yield by grade for potato entries in the Western Regional Trial, Klamath Falls, OR, Variety or selection Yield U.S. No. is Yield 4-8 oz 8-12 oz >12 oz total Bs No. 2s culls total cwt/acre Russet Burbank Ranger Russet Russet Norkotah A A A A A L A A AC R1J AC RU A ATX RU ATX RU CO RU C RU PA95A TC1675-1RU Mean CV (%) LSD (0.05) Klamath Experiment Station

28 2004 A a Report Red-skinned and Specialty Potato Variety Screening and Evaluation, 2004 Kenneth A. Rykbost and Brian A. Charltonl Introduction Potato variety development in the Pacific Northwest continues to emphasize russet-skinned selections for processing and fresh market use. However, breeding programs have increased efforts in recent years to improve disease and pest resistance and nutritional quality in progeny. Several new red-skinned, white-fleshed varieties have been released from the tri-state program in the past 5 years, including three Oregon releases (Rykbost et al. 2001a, b; 2003) Most recently, efforts have included crosses with pigmented flesh. Carotenoids, anthocyanins, other sources of antioxidants, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are usually found in higher concentrations in pigmented flesh compared to white-fleshed cultivars. Several processing firms have expressed interest in colored-flesh selections for novel new products. Progeny supplied by breeding programs at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility at Prosser, Washington and Oregon State University (OSU) Crop Science Department at Corvallis are currently being evaluated at several stages. The Klamath Experiment Station (KES) serves as the site for initial field screening of first-generation selections, second-year evaluation of four-hill plantings, and third-year evaluation at the Preliminary Yield Trial level. Procedures Single-hill Screening The screening site was 25 miles east of Klamath Falls at the Inland Fiber Tree Nursery Farm in the Yonna Valley. The soil at the site is Fordney loamy fine sand. The field was used for coniferous tree seedling production in 2002 and The field was treated with Dowfume TM MC-2 (methylbromide, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) at 235 gallons per acre (gpa) and TeloneTM C-17 (chloropicrin, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) at 115 gpa in the spring of The soil has approximately 1 percent organic matter in the top foot and a ph of 7.0. Approximately 11,000 greenhouse produced seedling tubers included 108 crosses from Prosser, Washington and 39 from Corvallis, Oregon. All Washington crosses included at least one parent with pigmented flesh color. Several Corvallis crosses included one parent selected from frost-tolerant genetic material derived from the NRSP-6 United States Potato Genebank at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and screened at Copic Bay, California in 2002 (Charlton and 'Superintendent/Professor Emeritus and Senior Faculty Research Assistant, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Acknowledgements: Partial financial support for this program from the Oregon Potato Commission; the Cooperative State Research, Extension, and Education Service (CSREES); and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is gratefully recognized. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. 20 Red-skinned and Specialty Potato Variety Screening and Evaluation 2004

29 2004 An, a Report Bamberg 2002). Other Corvallis crosses included primarily red-skinned female parents with white- or yellow-fleshed male parents. Seedling tubers were planted on May 20 with a 2-row, assisted-feed planter at 3-ft in-row spacing in 32-inch rows. Fertilizer was banded at planting on both sides of rows at lb/acre of N, P 205, K20, and S, respectively. The insecticide Admire 2R (imidacloprid, Bayer Crop Sciences) at 0.17 lb active ingredient (a.i.)/acre and the fungicide Quadris (azoxystrobin, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) at 0.10 lb a.i./acre were applied in furrow at planting. A mild infestation of Russian thistle (Salsola iberica), prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats.) and redroot pigweed (A. retroflexus L.) were controlled with Matrix herbicide (rimsulfuron, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.) applied with a conventional ground sprayer at labeled rate on July 1. Three aerial applications of fungicides adequately controlled foliar fungal diseases common to the area. Irrigation was applied as needed with solid-set sprinklers arranged in a 40- by 42-ft diamond pattern. Vines were desiccated with Reglone desiccant (diquat dibromide, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) applied with a ground sprayer at 1.5 pt/acre on September 13. Vines were shredded with a rotobeater on October 7. Tuber families were lifted with a two-row, level-bed digger on October 12. A team of 14 research, extension, and industry personnel observed the crop and selected tubers from desirable clones, based primarily on visual appearance. Lines with pigmented flesh were cut to observe flesh color. Selected material was transported to Powell Butte, Oregon for storage in the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center (COARC) potato storage facility. Second-year Four-hill Screening Clones selected from 2003 single hills were planted in 4-hill observational plots at KES and in 12- hill seed increase plots at Powell Butte. The site was a Poe fine sandy loam soil with a ph of about 6.0 and an organic matter content of approximately 1.5 percent in the plow layer. Potatoes were last grown at the site in Spring cereals were produced at the site in each of the previous 3 years. Field preparation included ripping to a depth of 18 inches in fall of 2003, shanked applications of Telone TM II (dichloropropene, Dow AgroSciences LLC) at 20 gpa and Vapam i? HL (sodium methyldithiocarbamate, Amvac Chemical Corporation) at 30 gpa on April 9, 2004, and moldboard plowing on May 12. Seed was hand cut and treated with Tops MZ (thiophanate methylmancozeb, Gustafson) on May 11 and suberized at approximately 55 F and 95 percent relative humidity until planting on May 25. Potatoes were planted at 9- inch spacing in 32-inch rows with a g -row, assisted-feed planter, leaving a 3-ft void between clones. Fertilizer was banded on both sides of rows at lb/acre of N, P205, K20, and S, respectively. Admire 2R and Quadris were applied in-furrow at planting as indicated above. Weeds were adequately fll controlled with Dual II Magnum (metolachlor, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) and Prowl 3.3 EC Herbicide (pendimethalin, BASF Ag Products) applied with a ground sprayer at 1.75 pt/acre each on June 7. Herbicides were immediately incorporated with two Klamath Experiment Station

30 2004 An Report passes using a rolling cultivator. Approximately 18 inches of irrigation was applied during the growing season with solid-set sprinklers arranged in a 40- by 48-ft diamond pattern. Fungicides applied aerially on July 2 and July 18 included Bravo Ultrex (chlorothalonil, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) and Ridomil Golde/Bravoe (mefenoxam plus chlorothalonil, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) at labeled rates. Vines were desiccated with Reglone applied with a ground sprayer at 1.5 pt/acre on September 9. The fungicide Dithane M- 45 (mancozeb, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) was tank mixed with Reglone in this application. Tubers were lifted with a 2-row, level bed digger on October 13. Because of a mix-up in the planting order, and uncertainty about the identity of some of the clones, no selections were made at KES. Selections were subsequently made at the COARC seed increase plantings of these clones at Powell Butte. Preliminary Yield Trial All Blue and 70 numbered selections with pigmented skin and flesh colors were included in this trial with 2 replications of 20 hills. Seed was hand cut to 1.5- to 2.0-oz seed pieces on May 11, treated with Tops MZ and suberized as described above. Seed was planted at 9-inch spacing in 32-inch rows on May 25. All cultural practices were as described for the four-hill trial. One replication was harvested with a 1-row digger-bagger on October 6. All tubers were saved for grading in late October. The second replication was harvested on October 13 with the selection screening team for single-hill and four-hill clones participating in the evaluation. Notes were taken in the field at harvest on external and internal characteristics. Tubers were stored until grading was completed in late October. USDA grade standards were used to separate U.S. No. ls and culls. Tubers less than 4 oz were classified as Bs. U.S. No. is were separated by weight to 4- to 6-oz, 6- to 10-oz, and over 10-oz groupings. Subsamples of approximately 10 lbs were used to determine specific gravity by the weight-in-air, weight-in-water method. Ten large tubers from each plot were cut lengthwise to inspect for internal defects and assess flesh color and other internal characteristics. External characteristics were noted on the total sample for each replication. U.S. No. 1 yields were not adjusted to account for external blemishes such as rhizoctonia or silver scurf or internal defects such as hollow heart or brown center. Subsamples of several tubers were saved from selections thought to be suited for further evaluation and were chipped at a laboratory operated by Baley-Trotman Farms in Malin, Oregon on October 29. Regional Red-skinned/Specialty Trial Dark Red Norland, Red LaSoda, All Blue, and Yukon Gold standard varieties and 15 numbered selections were compared in a trial of advanced red-skinned and specialty clones with unique skin and/or flesh pigmentation. Plots were 25 hills with 4 replicates, arranged in a completely randomized block design. Seed was cut as described above and suberized until planting on May 24. All cultural practices were as described for the Preliminary Yield Trial above. Potatoes were harvested with a 1-row digger-bagger on September 28. All tubers were saved for grading in late October. 22 Red-skinned and Specialty Potato Variety Screening and Evaluation 2004

31 2004 Ai n al Report USDA grade standards were used to separate U.S. No. is in less than 4-oz, 4- to 6-oz, 6- to 10-oz and over 10-oz fractions and culls. All tubers >16 oz were graded as culls. External appearance ratings were made on the bulk sample from each plot. Ten large tubers from each plot were cut to inspect for internal defects and flesh color. Specific gravity was determined as described above. Data were analyzed using SAS for Linear Models, Fourth Edition (SAS Institute, Inc.) software. Least significant differences (LSDs) were based on Student's t at the 5 percent probability level. Data from 10 regional cooperators were compiled and summarized at KES and reviewed at the Western Regional Potato Variety Development Committee annual meeting in January Disposition of trial entries was determined primarily by the sponsoring organization. Results and Discussion Single-hill Screening Approximately 75 percent of the clones produced relatively vigorous plants and good tuber yields. Maturity varied widely and many late-maturing clones produced large vines that were not completely desiccated at harvest. The selection team retained 162 clones, mostly with pigmented flesh, from 65 Prosser, Washington crosses. An additional 50 clones retained from OSU crosses included 19 selections from redskinned parents and 31 clones from crosses with frost-tolerant parentage. About 180 of these clones will be grown and evaluated in 4-hill plots at KES in Second-year Four-hill Screening Although a number of the selections at KES produced very attractive tubers with interesting flesh pigmentation, uncertainty about the accuracy of selection identity prevented making selections at KES. Seed increase plots of these clones at Powell Butte were harvested on October 14. A team of about 15 research and industry personnel selected 50 clones for further evaluation. This material will be evaluated in 2005 in a Preliminary Yield Trial conducted at KES and possibly other locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Preliminary Yield Trial A partial summary of characteristics of the clones selected for further evaluation based on performance at KES is presented in Table 1. Five clones from this group will be subjected to virus eradication processes and subsequent seed increase by the OSU Foundation Seed Potato Program. Several additional clones were selected from the seed increase plots by interested parties at COARC and will be included in 2005 trials. Most of these additional clones performed poorly in the KES trial. The 2005 trial will include All Blue and Yukon Gold as standards and 26 numbered selections. Yield is not as important in the selection of specialty lines as it is in traditional clones for processing or fresh market use. Yields and tuber size distribution observed in the material selected at KES ranged widely (Table 2). Several clones produced high yields of tubers under 6 oz. Selection PORO2PG10-1 produced 475 cwt/acre of tubers under 6 oz and very few larger tubers. This selection has an attractive burgundy skin color with mottled dark yellow flesh color. A high yield of small tubers is a desirable trait for fresh market specialty sales. Interest in Klamath Experiment Station

32 2004 A a I Report processing for chips with selections having unique flesh color patterns would require higher yields of larger tubers. OR has an attractive purple flesh color with a white center that makes a very attractive chip. It also has high specific gravity, a desirable trait for processing. Cultural management practices, including plant population, seed management, and vine desiccation timing, can be manipulated to alter tuber size distribution, depending on intended markets. Regional Red-skinned/Specialty Trial All entries achieved excellent stands (Table 3). Vine vigor in early July and tuber external and internal quality parameters at time of grading are characterized in Tables 3 and 4. Yields and tuber size distribution data are presented in Table 5. Entries are grouped by skin/flesh color. As in other 2004 KES trials, high yields were achieved by most of the trial entries. The trial mean total yield of 631 cwt/acre was 111 cwt/acre higher than the mean observed in the 2003 trial, which included many of the same entries. Three red-skinned, white-fleshed selections were included in the trial for the third year and graduate from the trial. C R is a high-yielding, darkred-skinned, late-maturing selection that ranked second highest in total yield at KES in This Colorado selection is being considered for release. NDTX4304-1R is medium in maturity, lighter in skin color, and moderately high in yield. However, at KES, skin color was no better than Dark Red Norland, high incidences of growth cracks and shatter bruising were observed, and a high percentage of tubers over 10 oz contributed to high cullage. It also had a very low specific gravity. Texas will determine the fate of this selection. A R is an early maturing, moderate-yielding selection that had a serious skinning problem at KES in This selection will be discarded as it is inferior to recent Oregon redskinned releases. A R, A R, and VC1075-1R will all continue in this trial in A R was the best of these at KES with a high yield of small tubers and good appearance. Two red-skinned, yellow-fleshed entries produced high yields. VC1015-7R/Y had excessive size at KES. Tubers over 10 oz and culls accounted for 55 percent of total yield. Both entries had light red skin color and light yellow flesh color. Tuber shape was irregular in both clones at KES; however, sponsoring organizations have requested continued evaluation in The Colorado clones CO R/R and C P/P had very attractive skin and flesh color. CO P/P will be released as Purple Majesty. It has darker flesh color, smoother skin, shallower eyes, and a more uniform oblong shape compared to All Blue; maturity is also much earlier. The red-fleshed clone C R/R produced lower yields and a larger size profile than CO P/P. Small plantings of both clones at KES were very well received in retail market channels. Both clones will be included in the 2005 trial for their third year of evaluation. VC1002-3W/Y was the most promising of five yellow-fleshed entries in the KES trial. It produced a good size profile with few oversized tubers, had the most intense flesh color of all yellow-fleshed clones, and had a smooth, attractive skin. With a high specific gravity, VC1002-3W/Y would 24 Red-skinned and Specialty Potato Variety Screening and Evaluation 2004

33 2004 Ant jai Report be a good candidate for processing into fries or chips. By managing plant populations, this selection could produce high yields of creamer or B size tubers, or a higher percentage of 6- to 10-oz tubers for processing. All of the clones in the yellow-fleshed group will be included in the 2005 trial. A is a late-maturing, lowyielding russet-skinned selection with light yellow flesh. It was among the lowest yielding clones in the trial at KES and across all locations. Poor shape and numerous growth cracks detracted from its appearance at KES. More attractive yellow-fleshed russets have been discarded from the Oregon program in the past. However, it will be reevaluated in Summary All levels of clonal screening and evaluation included lines that appeared to have outstanding appearance with unique characteristics. Currently available redand purple-fleshed varieties have less intense flesh color than many of the clones evaluated in the 2004 trials. Pigmented clones from the Colorado program, C P/P and CO R/R, are clearly superior to similar cultivars currently available. A number of clones have been identified in early generation screening material that have distinct patterns with mottled coloring, white centers in star patterns, and other unique and attractive flesh colors. In addition to the Colorado clones mentioned above, yellow-fleshed VC1002-3W/Y appears to be a promising line for fresh market or processing use. These selections are likely to be released in the near future. References Charlton, B. A. and J. Bamberg Evaluation of frost-hardy potato germplasm in the absence of frost protection measures. Pages in Research in the Klamath Basin, 2002 Annual Report. Special Report Agricultural Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. Rykbost, K.A., S.R. James, A.R. Mosley, B.A. Charlton, D.C. Hane, E. Eldredge, R. Voss, R.H. Johansen, S.L. Love, and R.E. Thornton Modoc: A potato variety with bright redskin and early maturity for fresh market. Am. J. Potato Res. 880: Rykbost, K.A., R. Voss, S.R. James, A.R. Mosley, B.A. Charlton, D.C. Hane, R.H. Johansen, S.L. Love, and R.E. Thornton. 2001a. Mazama: an early maturing, bright red-skinned cultivar for fresh market use. Am. J. Potato Res. 78: Rykbost, K.A., R. Voss, S.R. James, A.R. Mosley, B.A. Charlton, D.C. Hane, R.H. Johansen, S.L. Love, and R.E. Thornton b. Winema: an early maturing, redskinned cultivar for fresh market use. Am. J. Potato Res. 78: Klamath Experiment Station

34 2004 An Report Table 1. Characteristics of potato clones selected from the 2004 Specialty Preliminary Yield Trial grown at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Selection Skin color Flesh color Flesh intensity' Shape Vine maturity2 Specific gravity Size/shape uniformity3 All Blue Purple Purple 4.0 Long POROOPG4-1 * Red/yellow Yellow 4.3 Oblong PORO1PG10-1 Purple Purple/white 4.3 Fingerling PORO1PG16-1 Purple Purple 5.0 Oblong PORO1PG22-1 * Dark red Mottled burgundy 3.8 Fingerling PORO1PG45-2 Purple White/purple 3.0 Oblong PORO1PG45-5 Purple Yellow 2.0 Round PA96RR1-193 Red Red/white center 3.0 Round OR * Dark purple Purple/white center 4.0 Round OR Dark purple Dark purple 5.0 Long PORO2PG4-1 Yellow Dark yellow 5.0 Round PORO2PG10-1* Burgundy Mottled yellow 4.5 Round PORO2PG12-1 White White 1.8 Oblong PORO2PG26-4 Yellow/red eyes Yellow 4.0 Round PORO2PG26-5 Yellow/red eyes Yellow 2.8 Round PORO2PG26-11* White/red eyes Yellow 2.3 Oblong PORO2PG37-2 Yellow/red eyes Yellow 3.3 Round PORO2PG37-4 White/red eyes Yellow 3.5 Oblong 'Flesh intensity: 1 = light; 2 = dark. 2Vine maturity: 1 = early; 5 = late. 3Size/shape uniformity: 1 = poor; 5 = excellent. *These clones will be entered in the meristem propagation program in Red-skinned and Specialty Potato Variety Screening and Evaluation 2004

35 2004 An- u a Report Table 2. Yield and grade of potato clones selected from the 2004 Speciality Preliminary Yield Trial grown at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Selection Yield U.S. No. is Yield 4-6 oz 6-10 oz >10 oz total <4 oz culls total cwt/acre All Blue POROOPG4-1* PORO1PG PORO I PG PORO1PG22-1* PORO1PG PORO1PG PA96RR OR * R PORO2PG PORO2PG10-1* PORO2PG PORO2PG PORO2PG PORO2PG26-11* PORO2PG PORO2PG Mean' 'Mean for All Blue and selected clones only. *These clones will be entered in the meristem propagation program in Klamath Experiment Station

36 2004 nn a Report Table 3. Plant and tuber characteristics of advanced red-skinned and specialty-type potato selections grown at Klamath Falls, OR, Variety or Percent Vine Tuber characteristics2 selection stand vigor' Skin color Flesh color Eyes Shape Skinning % HH Red/white flesh Dk. Red Norland Red LaSoda A R A R A R C R NDTX4304-1R VC1075-1R Red/yellow flesh VC0967-2R/Y VC1015-7R/Y Red/red flesh C R/R Purple/purple flesh All Blue C P/P Yellow/yellow flesh Yukon Gold BTX1544-2W/Y NDA5507-3YF VC1002-3W/Y VC1009-1W/Y Russet/yellow flesh A Mean 'Vine vigor rating: 1 = small, weak; 5 = large, robust. 2Skin color: 1 = light; 5 = dark. Flesh color: 1 = light; 5 = dark Eyes: 1 = deep; 5 = shallow. Shape: 1 = round; 2 = oval; 3 = oblong. Skinning: 1 = severe; 5 = none. % HH: percent hollow heart. 28 Red-skinned and Specialty Potato Variety Screening and Evaluation 2004

37 2004 Anl real Report Table 4. Tuber characteristics of advanced red-skinned and specialty-type potato selections grown at Klamath Falls, OR, Variety or Size/shape Growth Shatter Common selection uniformity' Greening2 cracks bruise scab Comments Red/white flesh Dk. Red Norland Red LaSoda A R A R A R C R NDTX R VC1075-1R pale color pale, big, lumpy nice, attractive, keep flat, fair, drop fair, keep fair, sticky stolons, keep SB, GC, skinning, junk, drop flat, fair Red/yellow flesh VC0967-2R/Y VC1015-7R/Y poor shape, fair rough, big Red/red flesh C R/R GC, nice color, keep Purple/purple flesh All Blue C P/P sticky stolons nice shape, keep Yellow/yellow flesh Yukon Gold BTX1544-2W/Y NDA5507-3YF VC1002-3W/Y VC1009-1W/Y big, MS' MS x 4, rough skin fair, poor skin, drop nice, smooth, uniform size MS x4 Russet/yellow flesh A skinning, rough, MS, junk Mean 'Size/shape uniformity: 1 = poor; 5 = excellent. 2Greening, growth cracks, shatter bruise, scab: 1 = severe; 5 = none. 3 MS = misshaped. Klamath Experiment Station

38 2004 nn u a Report Table 5. Yield, grade, tuber size distribution, and specific gravity of advanced red-skinned and specialty-type potato selections grown at Klamath Falls, OR, Variety or Yield U.S. No. is Yield Specific selection 4-6 oz 6-10 oz >10 oz total <4 oz <10 oz iculls total cwt/acre gravity Red/white flesh Dk. Red Norland Red LaSoda A R A R A R C R NDTX4304-1R VC1075-1R Red/yellow flesh VC0967-2R/Y VC1015-7R/Y Red/red flesh C R/R Purple/purple flesh All Blue C P/P Yellow/yellow flesh Yukon Gold BTX1544-2W/Y NDA5507-3YF VC1002-3W/Y VC1009-1W/Y Russet/yellow flesh A Mean CV (%) LSD (0.05) 'High-value size profiles <4 oz to 10 oz U.S. No. Is. 30 Red-skinned and Specialty Potato Variety Screening and Evaluation 2004

39 2004 Ai 'a 1 Report Evaluation of Alternative Carriers for Potato Seed Treatment Fungicides Kenneth A. Rykbost l, Steve James 2, Clinton Shock3, Eric Eldredge4, Brian A. Charlton, and Paul Kresge6 Introduction Potato seed treatment product formulations typically include a blend of red alder (Alnus rubra) or Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) bark, talc, and zeolite as the diluent material or carrier that provides acceptable physical properties such as adhering to moist surfaces of cut seed and avoiding coagulation or clumping that would plug application equipment. The availability and cost of these ingredients vary. Actual relative composition of these materials in commercial seed treatment products is proprietary information and unavailable. Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) is a native tree that has become a nuisance, invading millions of acres in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Extensive efforts are underway to develop markets for products from this species. This study was initiated to determine whether wood flour from western juniper could be a suitable alternative to alder or fir bark as a diluent for potato seed treatment products. A secondary objective was to evaluate altered ratios of the ingredients. Three locations were included to expose the formulations to a range of soil and climatic conditions with potentially differing disease pressures. Procedures Four experimental formulations based on juniper wood flour and one on alder bark were compared with different treatments at each experimental site. At the Klamath Experiment Station (KES) at Klamath Falls, seed treatment fungicide products Tops MZ (thiophanate methyl-mancozeb, Gustafson) and Maxim MZ (fludioxonil-mancozeb, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) were included as standards. At the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center (COARC) at Madras, Evolve (thiophanatemethyl-mancozeb-cymoxonil, Gustafson) served as a standard. The Malheur Experiment Station (MES) at Ontario included an untreated check and a Tops MZ/Gaucho (thiophanate methyl-mancozeb, Gustafson, and imidacloprid, Bayer CropScience LP) treatment as a standard. Experimental formulations evaluated included: F 1) alder bark, talc, and zeolite at 31 percent each and I Superintendent/Professor Emeritus, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. 2 Senior Faculty Research Assistant, Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Madras, OR. 3 Superintendent/Professor, Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR. 4 Faculty Research Assistant, Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR. 5 Senior Faculty Research Assistant, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. 6 Agronomist, Kresge Consulting, Inc., Forest Lake, MN. Acknowledgement: Funding for the study from Kresge Consulting, Inc. is gratefully recognized. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. Klamath Experiment Station

40 2004 An a Report:- Dithane (mancozeb, Dow Agro Sciences, LLC) at 7 percent; F2) juniper flour, talc, and zeolite at 31 percent each and Dithane at 7 percent; F3) juniper flour, talc, and zeolite at 33.3 percent each; F4) juniper flour at 31 percent, talc at 47 percent, zeolite at 15 percent, and Dithane at 7 percent; and F5) juniper flour and talc at 31 percent each, Zeolite and beet pulp at 15.3 percent each, and Dithane at 7 percent. KES The seed lot used at KES was generation IV class Russet Norkotah that had a clean virus reading in the winter greenhouse test at Corvallis, Oregon. Tubers were sorted to obtain 50 tubers of approximately 8 oz for each of 7 treatments. A range of oz/tuber was allowed. On May 12, each batch of 50 tubers was hand-cut into 4 seed pieces per tuber. The total weight of cut seed pieces was determined. Seed treatment materials were preweighed into Styrofoam cups at 56 g (equivalent to 0.5 lb/cwt) into approximately 25 lb of cut seed. For each batch, seed pieces were slowly transferred from one clean and dry 5-gal plastic bucket to a second bucket while seed treatment dust was sprinkled onto the seed during the transfer. Approximately one-half of the product was applied during each of two transfers between buckets. After all product was applied, the seed was again poured from one to another bucket for complete mixing. The cut and treated seed was then transferred to mesh bags for storage under suberization conditions (55 F at percent relative humidity). Mesh bags were held over the second bucket during this transfer to collect any seed treatment dust lost during this transfer. Both buckets were wiped down with cleancaper towels to gather any remaining product, which was then poured back to the Styrofoam cups and weighed. Cups of residue product were heated in a microwave oven for 1 minute to remove any moisture that might have adhered to the product. Dried residue samples were weighed again. The experimental site was planted to spring cereals in each of the previous 3 years and was last used for potato production in Telone TM II (dichloropropene, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) and Vapam HL (sodium methyldithiocarbamate, Amvac Chemical Corp.) were shanked in at 20 and 30 gal/acre, respectively, on April 9 to control nematodes and related diseases and early die. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with 6 replications of single-row, 30-hill plots. Seed was planted on May 25 with a 2-row, assisted feed planter at 9-inch seed spacing in 32-inch rows. Fertilizer was applied in bands on both sides of rows at 160 lb N, 80 lb P 205, 80 lb K20, and 140 lb S/acre at planting. The insecticide Admire 2R (imidacloprid, Bayer Crop Sciences) was applied at 0.17 lb active ingredient (a.i.)/acre infurrow at planting. Weeds were adequately controlled with Dual II Magnum (metolachlor, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) and Prowl 3.3 EC herbicide (pendimethalin, BASF Ag Products) applied with a ground sprayer at 1.75 pt/acre, each on June 7. Herbicides were incorporated immediately following application with a rolling cultivator in two passes. Approximately 20 inches of irrigation was applied during the growing season with solid-set sprinklers arranged in a 40- by 48-ft pattern. 32 Evaluation of Alternative Carriers for Potato Seed Treatment Fungicides 2004

41 2004 A Report Plant stands were measured on June 18, June 21, June 28, and July 7. Fungicides applied aerially on July 2 and July 18 included Bravo Ultrex (mancozeb, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) and Ridomil Gold`'Bravo (mefenoxam plus chlorothalonil, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) at labeled rates. Vines were desiccated with Reglone desiccant (diquat dibromide, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) applied with a ground sprayer at 1.5 pt/acre on September 9. The fungicide Dithane M- 45 (mancozeb, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) was tank-mixed with Reglone in this application. Tubers were harvested with a 1- row digger-bagger on September 27. All tubers were saved and graded on October 21. Grades included USDA No. ls, 4-8 oz, 8-12 oz, and over 12 oz, Bs (under 4 oz), U.S. No.2s, and culls. Data were statistically analyzed with SAS" for Linear Models, Fourth Edition (SAS Institute Inc.) software. Least significant differences (LSD) were calculated based on Student's t at the 5 percent probability level when the F test indicated significant treatment effects (P<0.05). COARC Certified Russet Norkotah seed was sorted into 6- to 8-oz tubers and cut into 4 pieces per tuber on May 10. One hundred twenty seedpieces (30 per replicate) were weighed and placed into a clean, dry bucket. Treatment materials were weighed and about 500 g of material added to each respective bucket. Seed pieces and treatment material were mixed and transferred several times between two buckets. Seed pieces were allowed to air-dry and any remaining treatment material was collected and weighed. The experiment included 4 replications of single-row, 30-hill plots arranged in a randomized complete block design. Seed was spaced at 9 inches in 36-inch rows. Fertilizer was banded at planting on May 13 at 166 lb N, P 205, and K20/acre, and 73 lb S/acre. Admire 2R (imidicloprid, Bayer Crop Sciences) was applied at 0.27 lbs (a.i.)/acre at planting to control insects. Eptam 7-E (s-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate, Gowen) and Matrix `'' Herbicide (rimsulfuron, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.) were applied at 5 pt/acre and 1.5 oz/acre, respectively, to control weeds. The experiment was irrigated with solid-set sprinklers based on AgriMet crop water use calculations. Emergence data were collected on June 23. Stem counts were taken on October 20 prior to harvest. Vines were rolled on September 15 and tubers were harvested on October 20. All tubers were graded to USDA standards in late October. MES Russet Burbank seed was cut and treated on April 16. As at other locations, seed was cut into four pieces to provide uniform cut surfaces. Seed was suberized in paper bags for 3 days at 43 F and planted on April 19. Plots of 25 hills arranged in a randomized complete block design were replicated 6 times. Seed was spaced at 9 inches in 36-inch rows. Standard cultural practices were followed for weed, pest, and disease control. Vines were senescent in mid-august and tubers were harvested on October 6. All tubers were saved and graded to USDA standards in mid-october. Klamath Experiment Station

42 2004 Ann a l Re ort Results and Discussion KES The recovery of seed treatment dust following batch treatments was similar for all products, ranging from 7.6 g for Maxim to 10.7 g for Tops MZ. Residual product for experimental formulations ranged from 8.6 to 10.2 g, which represents 15 to 18 percent of applied product. One problem reported by growers is that seed treatment products will sometimes clump in applicator hoppers, requiring frequent cleaning for consistent application. This tendency was evaluated when product was emptied out of Styrofoam cups. Clumping was not observed in either standard product, treatment F 1, the alder bark formulation, or F5, the formulation with beet pulp. Minor clumping was observed in the other juniper flour formulations. A second complaint occasionally mentioned with use of seed treatment products when seed is suberized for several days prior to planting is a tendency for shrinking of seed pieces due to hydroscopic moisture depletion. This tendency was not observed at KES during the 13-day suberization period for any of the treatment products. Plant emergence data indicated no significant effects of treatments on rate of emergence. Mean percent emergence was 66, 90, 98, and 99 percent at 24, 27, 34, and 44 days after planting. Uniform plant vigor among treatments was observed throughout the growing season. There was no evidence of rhizoctonia damage to plant foliage and tubers did not exhibit significant rhizoctonia or silver scurf infection during grading. As a result, data were not obtained to rate disease control response to seed treatment formulation. Data failed to document significant yield or grade responses to products or formulations evaluated (Table 1). Yields were unusually high at KES in 2004 compared to yields from with numerous studies with Russet Norkotah over more than 10 years. A small nonsignificant yield increase in total U.S. No.ls was observed for the Tops MZ treatment over all other treatments. Yields were very uniform among all other treatments. High yields were probably the result of nearly ideal growing conditions throughout the season. No frost occurred between emergence and vine desiccation. Maximum air temperatures only exceeded 90 F on 6 days with a maximum temperature of 95 F recorded on August 12. Temperatures were quite consistent through the season with no major periods of rapid fluctuations. In adjacent studies using a wide range of genetic material, both internal and external defects were much less prevalent than in the previous year, when environmental stress was common. COARC The amount of product that adhered to cut seed was greatest for the Fl treatment at 0.71 lb/cwt of seed. Treatment F5, which included beet pulp, retained 0.41 lb of product/cwt. All other treatments were within a narrow range of lb of product/cwt of seed. Emergence at Madras 40 days after planting ranged from 90 to 100 percent with the standard product and treatment F3 at 100 percent and treatments Fl, F2, F4, and F5 at 97, 90, 93, and 93 percent respectively. Stem counts showed a very uniform canopy with all treatments at 1.7 stems per plant 34 Evaluation of Alternative Carriers for Potato Seed Treatment Fungicides 2004

43 2004 An n Report except treatment F5, which had 1.6 stems per plant. High yields were observed with a high percentage of large tubers (Table 2). Excessive tuber size contributed to relatively high cullage in all treatments. Total yield of U.S. No. is was significantly higher for the standard treatment of Evolve than all other treatments except F3. The trend in yield of U.S. No. is was consistent with emergence data, suggesting that missing plants may have been at least partially responsible for yield differences observed. Treatment F3 had significantly fewer culls than all other treatments except the Evolve standard. As at the other locations, data were not obtained on disease due to minimal incidence levels. prior years with a range of seed treatment products. During a 13-day suberization period at KES, excessive dehydration of seed pieces was not observed in any of the formulations. At KES and MES, emergence was uniform and there were no significant differences in yield between treatments, including standard products. Yield differences were observed at COARC. Trends in yields corresponded to emergence data, suggesting at least part of the yield differences may have been the result of plant stand differences between treatments. Effects on plant disease could not be determined due to low disease incidence at all locations MES Uniform stands and stem counts were observed for all treatments. Stem counts ranged from 2.1 to 2.3 stems/plant. Yields were much lower for Russet Burbank at this site than for Russet Norkotah at KES and COARC (Table 3). No yield differences were observed between treatments for any of the yield parameters. A much smaller size profile for the Russet Burbank variety is consistent with the experience from many years of trials at all sites. The untreated check produced comparable yields, indicating a lack of disease incidence in the seed lot used. Summary Data from two sites indicated relatively uniform amounts of product adhered to cut surfaces. In most treatments, approximately 0.5 lb of product/cwt of cut seed was retained on the seed. That is consistent with the results from similar studies at KES in Klamath Experiment Station

44 2 04 An a Report Table 1. Effect of seed treatment product or formulation on performance of Russet Norkotah at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR, Yield U.S. No. is Yield Treatment 4-8 oz 8-12 oz >12 oz Total Bs No. 2s Culls Total cwt/acre Tops MZ Maxim Fl F F F F Mean CV (%) LSD (0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS Table 2. Effect of seed treatment product or formulation on performance of Russet Norkotah at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Madras, OR, Yield U.S. No. is Yield Treatment 4-6 oz 6-12 oz >12 oz Total Bs No. 2s Culls Total cwt/acre Evolve F F F F F Mean LSD (0.05) NS NS NS Evaluation of Alternative Carriers for Potato Seed Treatment Fungicides 2004

45 2004 An t a Rayon Table 3. Effect of seed treatment product or formulation on performance of Russet Burbank at the Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR, Yield U.S. No. is Yield Treatment 4-6 oz 6-12 oz >12 oz Total Bs No. 2s Culls Total cwt/acre Untreated Tops MZ G F F F F F Mean CV (%) LSD (0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS Klamath Experiment Station

46 2004 A 11 it p ort Effects of Prenuclear Minituber Seed Size on Production of Wallowa Russet Seed Kenneth A. Rykbost and Brian A. Charltonl Introduction Potato seed lots in Oregon originate from greenhouse-produced minitubers derived from tissue-cultured plantlets. These prenuclear seed lots typically include tubers ranging in size from 1 to 20 g. High production costs for seed produced in greenhouse culture is passed on to growers using the material. Information on the relative performance of wide ranging minituber size would help seed growers plan cultural practices and those producing the minitubers determine pricing to reflect performance. Over 3 years, research at the Klamath Experiment Station (KES) demonstrated varietal differences in response to seed-piece size for commercial production of Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah, and Century Russet (Rykbost and Locke 1999). Seed sizes evaluated ranged from approximately 20 to 80 g; a typical size range used in commercial production. Optimum performance was observed for seed pieces in the 40- to 60-g range. Extrapolating these findings to minitubers approximately one-twentieth this size is not possible. Experience in production of single-hill, first generation, seedling screening material in the variety development program has shown that minitubers as small as 1-2 g can produce viable and productive plants. However, screening plant populations are usually about 20 percent of populations used in commercial culture. Widely spaced plants allow better separation at harvest to isolate tubers from individual hills. The low population provides individual plants an advantage in access to moisture, nutrients, and sunlight. To optimize production from prenuclear minitubers, plant populations should closely mirror populations typically used for seed production. An initial investigation was established at KES in 2004 to determine the production potential of Wallowa Russet minitubers in size groupings ranging from about 1 to 14 g. Additional studies are needed to further refine optimum cultural management practices for expensive production of nuclear seed produced from minitubers. Procedures Prenuclear minitubers of Wallowa Russet were obtained from the Oregon State University Foundation Seed Potato program at Corvallis, Oregon. Tubers were sorted by size into seven groups and weighed to determine the average weight for each group containing 120 tubers. Seed was planted 'Superintendent/Professor Emeritus and Senior Faculty Research Assistant, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Acknowledgements: Partial financial support for this project from Cooperative State Research, Extension, and Education Service (CSREES); the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS); and the Oregon Potato Commission is gratefully recognized. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. 38 Effects of Prenuclear Minituber Seed Size on Production of Wallowa Russet Seed 2004

47 2004 Anna 1 Rayon in single-row plots of 30 hills at 9-inch spacing in 32-inch rows on May 25 with a 2-row, assisted feed planter. Individual plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Border rows on both sides of plot rows were planted with GemStar Russet for uniform border conditions. The trial site was planted to spring cereals in each of the previous 3 years. Field preparation included ripping to 18-inch depth in fall of 2003, shanked applications of TeloneTM (dichloropropene, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) at 20 gallons per acre (gpa) and Vapam HL (sodium methyldithiocarbamate, Amvac Chemical Corp.) at 30 gpa on April 9, 2004, and moldboard plowing on May 12. Fertilizer was applied in bands at planting at 160 lb N, 80 lb P 205, 80 lb 1(20, and 140 lb S/acre. The insecticide Admire 2R (imidacloprid, Bayer Crop Sciences) at 0.17 lb active ingredient (a.i.)/acre and the fungicide Quadris (azoxystrobin, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) at 0.10 lb a.i./acre were applied in-furrow at planting. Weeds were adequately controlled with Dual II Magnum (metolachlor, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) and Prowl 3.3 EC herbicide (pendimethalin, BASF Ag Products) applied with a ground sprayer at 1.75 pt/acre each on June 7. Herbicides were incorporated immediately following application with a rolling cultivator in two passes. Approximately 20 inches of irrigation was applied during the growing season with solid-set sprinklers arranged in a 40- by 48-ft pattern. Plant stands were monitored on June 21 and July 7. Fungicides applied aerially on July 2 and July 18 included Bravo Ultrex (mancozeb, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) and Ridomil Gole/Bravo (mefenoxam plus chlorothalonil, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) at labeled rates. Vines were desiccated with Reglone desiccant (diquat dibromide, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.) applied with a ground sprayer at 1.5 pt/acre on September 9. The fungicide Dithane M-45 (mancozeb, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) was tank-mixed with Reglone in this application. Tubers were harvested with a onl-row digger-bagger on September 27. Small tubers that fell through the digger chain were picked up by hand from each plot to ensure complete recovery of the crop. All tubers were saved and graded on October 21. Grades included USDA No. ls, 4-8 oz, 8-12 oz, and over 12 oz, Bs (under 4 oz) and culls. All tubers were counted to determine mean tuber weight for each grade. Data were statistically analyzed with SAS for Linear Models, Fourth Edition (SAS Institute Inc.) software. Least significant differences (LSD) are based on Student's t at the 5 percent probability level when the F test showed significant treatment effects (P<0.05). Results and Discussion Minituber size clearly affected rate of emergence and canopy vigor (Table 1). At 27 days after planting, emergence ranged from 21 percent for the smallest minitubers to 82 percent for the largest size. The 1.2-g seeds were significantly lower in emergence than all other sizes, while differences among the four largest sizes were not significant. At 43 days after planting all seed sizes except the smallest had 91 percent or higher emergence. Differences between treatments were not significant. Final plant stands were nearly the same as observed on July 7. Canopy vigor Klamath Experiment Station

48 2004 Art a Rayon differences between seed sizes were statistically significant for all sizes except the two largest sizes. Differences in canopy vigor between treatments were evident throughout the season. Lower leaf area index and radiation interception in small seed treatments undoubtedly reduced production of assimilates. Total yields ranged from 183 cwt/acre for 1.2-g seed size to over 400 cwt/acre for the 2 largest seed sizes (Table 2). Yields were dominated by tubers under 8 oz in all treatments. Increasing seed size resulted in significant increases in yield of 4- to B- and 8- to 12-oz U.S. No. ls. Yield of Bs (tubers under 4 oz) did not significantly differ among treatments. We observed a tendency for larger tubers within the Bs for each increase in minituber size. In the smallest seed sizes, many of the Bs were less than 2 oz. Very few culls or tubers larger than 12 oz were produced in any treatment. Effects of increasing minituber size on yield are attributed to a combination of increases in both number and size of daughter tubers (Table 3). Increasing seed size from 1.2 to 13.6 g, which represents an 11-fold increase, resulted in a 40 percent increase in average tuber size and a 60 percent increase in tuber number. The increase ratio, a common measure of seed productivity, is the ratio of production per unit of seed planted. In Canada and the northeastern United States, where yields seldom exceed 300 cwt/acre, a typical seed increase expectation is 15 or 20 to 1. In irrigated production in the northwest, where yields are 400 to 500 cwt/acre, the increase ratio is likely to be 20 or 25 to 1. Results observed in this trial demonstrated extremely high increase ratios and a large reduction in this ratio as minituber size increased. Production potential can also be measured as the acreage that can be planted from the production obtained from 1 acre of seed. Seed potential was calculated assuming a seed-piece size of 2 oz and plant population based on 10- inch spacing in 36-inch rows. On that basis, 1 acre of seed using 1.2-g minitubers produced sufficient seed to plant 8.4 acres in a subsequent crop. Increasing seed size 11-fold to 13.6 g only increased the seed potential 233 percent. With a significant portion of the 1.2-g production being tubers less than 2 oz, the seed potential was probably considerably higher than 8.4 acres. The results suggest that the greatest economic returns would occur for the smallest minitubers if price/lb of the minitubers is uniform for all seed sizes. Pricing compensation for larger seed sizes would need to be large to offset the much lower production potential for minitubers 5-10 times larger than the 1.2-g material. Commercial production of nuclear seed from minitubers of Mazama and Klamath Russet at a field in Hildebrand, Oregon in 2004 provided an opportunity to compare production observed at KES with actual commercial seed production from prenuclear minitubers. The site is 25 miles east of Klamath Falls. The seed lots included a range in size similar to the Wallowa Russet seed. However, for commercial production most of the larger size fraction was cut into two pieces. For Mazama, 55 lbs of minitubers planted 0.42 acres, while 39 lbs of Klamath Russet planted 0.21 acres. Both lots were planted at 12-inch seed spacing in 34- inch rows. The average seed sizes were 3.8 g for Mazama and 5.4 g for Klamath Russet. Both varieties were planted on May 21, vines were desiccated on 40 Effects of Prenuclear Minituber Seed Size on Production of Wallowa Russet Seed 2004

49 2004 A ir s a Report September 1, and crops were harvested on October 10. Total yields of 388 cwt/acre for Mazama and 390 cwt/acre for Klamath Russet were well within the range observed in the KES experiment. Based on observations of plant stands and canopy vigor in the KES experiment and the known ability of healthy plants to compensate with greater production when adjacent plants are weak or missing, it seems likely that blending seed sizes would optimize production if seed size is varied. It would be useful to conduct further studies to evaluate effects of blended seed sizes and plant productivity response. Production of nuclear seed from minitubers is very costly. The Oregon Foundation Seed Potato program typically sells prenuclear minitubers for $25/lb. Thus seed costs alone in the commercial lots grown at Hildebrand would be about $3,200 and $4,600/acre, respectively, for Mazama and Klamath Russet. Determining optimum seed management practices is vital to economical production of nuclear seed stocks. Literature Cited Rykbost, K.A., and K.A. Locke Effects of seed piece size on performance of three potato varieties in the Klamath Basin of Oregon. Am. J. Potato Res. 75: Klamath Experiment Station

50 2004.nn a Report Table 1. Effect of minituber size on plant emergence and early season canopy vigor of Wallowa Russet potatoes grown at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR, Minituber Emergence Canopy vigor' size June 21 July 7 g % July 7 ratings Mean LSD (0.05) 5 NS 0.5 CV (%) 'Canopy vigor rating: 1 = small, weak; 5 = large, robust. Table 2. Effect of minituber size on yield and grade of Wallowa Russet grown at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR, Minituber size Yield U.S. No. is Yield 4-8 oz 8-12 oz >12 oz Bs Culls Total g cwt/acre Mean LSD (0.05) NS NS NS 64 CV (%) Effects of Prenuclear Minituber Seed Size on Production of Wallowa Russet Seed 2004

51 2004 An ual Rsport Table 3. Effect of minituber size on average tuber weight, number of tubers per acre, increase ratio and seed potential for Wallowa Russet grown at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR, Minituber Average Tuber Increase Seed size tuber weight number ratio' potential2 g oz tubers/acre lb/lb acres , , , , , , , Mean , LSD (0.05) , CV (%) 'Increase ratio: lbs produced/lb seed planted. 2 Seed potential: acres of nuclear seed that would be planted from production from 1 acre of prenuclear seed. Klamath Experiment Station

52 2004 nut a Report Effects of Telone n II and Metam Sodium on Control of Root-knot Nematode in the Klamath Basin Russell E. Ingham', Brian A. Charlton, Lucas Schmidt 3, and Harvey Yoshida4 Introduction Root-knot (Meliodogyne spp.), stubby-root (Paratrichodorus spp.) and root-lesion (Pratylenchus spp.) nematodes remain some of the most costly pests for potato production in the Klamath Basin and other areas of the Pacific Northwest. External tuber symptoms range from general swelling to pimple-like galls, depending on the particular species of root-knot nematode. Plants affected by root-lesion nematodes generally experience less vigor and poor growth, which often reduces tuber yield. Root-lesion nematodes are thought to contribute to the early die syndrome associated with Verticillium wilt. Stubby-root nematodes, which vector tobacco rattle virus, often cause necrotic rings, arcs, or diffuse brown spots that extend deep into tuber flesh. Numerous studies have been conducted on mineral and organic soils in the Klamath Basin over many years to refine nematode control strategies. Research results have led to significant improvements in nematode control, especially through better product placement and incorporation practices. The objectives of this study were to determine product efficacy using commercial application equipment in the Klamath Basin. Procedures The trial site was a 40-acre field in the Henley area near Klamath Falls, Oregon. The previous crop was alfalfa. An initial soil sample of 25 cores taken in October of 2003 recovered 780 rootknot, 40 stubby-root, 10 lesion, and 130 pin nematodes per 500 cc soil. Four prospective areas in which the trial could be placed were sampled on March 31, 2004 and an area with 390 root-knot nematodes/250 g soil was selected as the study area. Species identification determined that 26 percent of the rootknot nematode population was M chitwoodi and 74 percent was M hapla. The following treatments were applied in a randomized complete block design with five replications: untreated control (control); metam sodium at 38 gallons per acre (gpa) (Metam 38); Telone II (dichloropropene, Dow AgroSciences LLC) at 20 gpa (Telone 20); Telone II at 13 gpa plus metam sodium at 25 gpa (Tel 13 + MS 25); and Telone II at 15 gpa plus metam sodium at 30 gpa (Tel 15 + MS 30). Professor, Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. 2 Senior Faculty Research Assistant, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. 3 Telone Sales Specialist, Dow AgroSciences. 4 Product Technology Specialist, Dow AgroSciences. Acknowledgements: Partial financial support of the research from the Oregon Potato Commission, Basin Fertilizer and Chemical, cooperating growers, and Dow AgroSciences is gratefully recognized. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. 44 Effects of Telone II and Metam Sodium on Control of Root-knot Nematode in the Klamath Basin 2004

53 2004 An Report Plots were fumigated on April 9, Treatments were applied using commercial equipment to 70-ft strips 15 ft (5 rows) wide. All data were collected from the middle row in the center 30 ft of treated areas. Telone II was injected 24 inches deep with shanks containing flinch sweeps set 24 inches apart. Metam sodium was applied immediately after the Telone II at 4-, 8- and 12-inch depths with shanks set 7 inches apart. Russet Norkotah potatoes were planted in the field on May 22. A Spectrum Watchdog Model 110 datalogger (Spectrum Technologies, Inc., Plainfield, IL) was buried at seed depth to record soil temperature throughout the season. Nematode Evaluations Soil samples were collected from 0 to 12 inches by taking 10 1-inch diameter cores from each plot before fumigation (April 6), after fumigation and planting (June 3), after vine-kill (September 8), and at harvest (September 21). Additional samples (5 cores/plot) were taken from 12- to 24- inch depth before fumigation. Soil samples were sieved and mixed, and nematodes were extracted from a 250-g sample by wet sieving-sucrose centrifugation. Total plant-pathogenic nematodes were counted on each date. On the post-fumigation sample date (June 3), the percent live nematodes was determined by counting moving nematodes as alive and by prodding nonmoving nematodes to determine if they would move. Free-living nematodes were also counted on this date. Tuber Evaluations Potatoes were harvested from 30 ft of the middle row of each plot with a single-row digger-bagger on September 21. Tubers were sorted according to USDA grade standards to determine yield. Random samples of to 12-oz tubers were collected from each plot for corky ringspot (CRS) and root-knot analysis. Tuber surfaces were examined for external blemish due to Columbia root-knot nematode (CRKN, M chitwoodi). Tubers were then peeled and root-knot nematode infection sites were counted under a magnifying lamp. Data were summarized as percent tubers with external symptoms, percent tuber infection (1+ infection sites), percent culled tubers (6+ infection sites) and infection index (0 = 0, 1 = 1-3, 2 = 4-5, 3 = 6-9, 4 = 10-49, 5 = 50-99, 6 = 100+ infection sites) as a measure of infection intensity. Each tuber was then inspected for symptoms of CRS by cutting it into 0.5-inch transverse slices; however, no CRS was found. Data Analyses All percent root-knot infection data were transformed to arcsin square root (x) and examined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Nematode densities were adjusted for soil moisture and transformed to log(x+1) before analysis (ANOVA). Means of transformed values were back transformed before reporting and Duncan's multiple range test was used to separate means only when ANOVA was significant at P All differences reported are at P 0.05 unless otherwise stated. Results and Discussion Root-knot Nematodes A randomly selected sample of 150 root-knot nematodes recovered from untreated control plots on the June 3 sample date were identified to species. The percent of the population identified as M chitwoodi ranged from 12 to 91 Klamath Experiment Station

54 2004 An a Report percent across the five control plots and averaged 54 percent. Before fumigation, populations of root-knot nematodes averaged 269 and 62/250 g dry soil in the first and second foot of soil, respectively. After fumigation and planting, total root-knot nematodes in the top 12 inches were significantly lower in all fumigated treatments than in the untreated control (Table 1). Populations from 12 to 24 inches also appeared to be reduced by treatment, but too few replicates were sampled to allow statistical analysis (Table 2). However, there was a trend for less reduction in the low rate combination (Tel 13 + MS 25). Live root-knot nematodes from 0 to 12 inches were fewer in the Metam 38 plots than in the control. All treatments that received Telone had fewer live root-knot nematodes than in Metam 38 (Table 1). This trend continued for the rest of the season with the exception that on September 8 the low rate combination treatment did not differ from Metam 38. At harvest, root-knot nematode populations in the three treatments receiving Telone averaged 34/250 g dry soil compared to 597 and 7,705/250 g dry soil in Metam 38 and control plots, respectively. Stubby-root Nematodes Before fumigation, populations of stubby-root nematodes averaged 34 and 4/250 g dry soil in the first and second foot of soil, respectively. Populations declined to 6/250 g dry soil by planting; however, populations never increased during the season. Densities in the treatments never exceeded 1/250 g soil and were significantly lower in all treatments (except for the low combination on June 3) compared to the control on June 3 and September 8 (data not shown). Root-lesion Nematodes Before fumigation, populations of root-lesion nematodes averaged 10 and 26/250 g dry soil in the first and second foot of soil, respectively. Populations remained low throughout the season and there was no significant difference between treatments and the control (data not shown). Free-living Nematodes Total free-living nematodes averaged 2,300 and 865/250 g dry soil after fumigation in the control plots and averaged over all fumigation treatments, respectively. No fumigation treatment affected free-living nematode populations more than another and no treatment was significantly different than the control. Effects of Treatment on Tuber Damage Plots that had not been fumigated developed a thick, mixed stand of flixweed (Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb. Ex Prantl) and tumble mustard (Sisymbrium altissimin L.). Weed vegetation at planting prevented seedpieces from being placed at the proper depth in the hill; therefore, seedpieces were not in direct contact with soil moisture until the first irrigation. As expected, emergence occurred about 10 days later in control plots than in treated plots. Delayed emergence in the control plots also delayed tuber initiation and subsequent infection of tubers by root-knot nematodes (see below). A hail storm on August 6 caused severe loss of foliage to the entire plot area. Only 1,505 soildegree days (DD 5 ) (2,710 DD4IF) had accumulated at harvest as a result of early crop death. Consequently, it appeared likely that nematodes infected 46 Effects of Telone II and Metam Sodium on Control of Root-knot Nematode in the Klamath Basin 2004

55 2004 Ann. a Report tubers but had not experienced sufficient heat units (DD) to cause symptoms. Therefore, tubers collected for nematode damage assessments were placed at ambient potato storage temperatures at the Klamath Experiment Station until transport to Oregon State University campus, where they were stored at 20 C (68 F) until they had accumulated an additional 645 DD5 (1,160 DD41F) after harvest. External tuber damage was low and all treatments would have been acceptable for fresh market sale (Table 3). Only Telone 20 and the high rate combination (Tel 15 + MS 30) had significantly less damage than the untreated control. Due to high variability in internal infection between different replicates, treatment differences were only significant at P 5_ Plots treated with Telone had a lower percent tuber infection than plots treated with metam sodium and had fewer percent culled tubers than both untreated and metam sodium treated plots. Although not significant, there was a trend for lower percent culls with higher rates of Telone. Effects of Treatment on Yield The hail storm and subsequent foliage loss severely reduced photosynthate capacity and dry matter partitioning; therefore, yields in all treatments were very low. Delayed emergence and early weed competition in control plots resulted in significantly lower total yield, U.S. No. 1 yield, and tubers in 8- to 12-oz and over 12-oz grades compared to all treated plots (Table 4). Plots that received metam, either with or without Telone, did not have higher yields than plots that received Telone only. However, early death of the field due to hail damage probably negated any yield-reducing disease that metam may have controlled from affecting yield. Summary Although shanked-in metam sodium significantly reduced root-knot populations, a sufficient number survived treatment and increased during the season to cause unacceptable internal infection at harvest. Delayed tuber initiation and early crop death coupled with low external symptom expression during incubation suggest external damage may have been acceptable as it was uncharacteristically low for the population level in this field. Although variability prevented differences in infection from being statistically significant, the level of internal infection in treatments with Telone alone at 20 gpa and Telone at 15 gpa + metam sodium at 30 gpa would have been acceptable, whereas the treatment with 13 gpa Telone + metam sodium at 25 gpa may have been borderline. These results suggest that it may be risky for growers with high rootknot nematode populations to reduce Telone rates even slightly below the labeled rate of 20 gpa when used alone or 15 gpa when used in combination with metam sodium. The lack of more significant differences between treatments may be due to the unusual conditions experienced by the untreated control plots in this study. Since weeds in the untreated plots delayed emergence, nematodes may have been delayed in entering roots and subsequently the second generation would have been delayed in hatching from roots and invading tubers. At about this time the field was damaged by hail, which hastened early crop death, and moisture conditions remained relatively dry until Klamath Experiment Station

56 harvest. Thus, there was only a short period after nematodes were available to invade tubers in control plots before conditions occurred that would have impeded nematode infection. The high populations of root-knot nematodes at harvest may have been in part due to accumulations of nematodes in the soil that may have ordinarily infected roots and tubers. Under normal conditions, more infection and expression of symptoms would have been expected in the untreated plots than was observed in this study nn Report 48 Effects of Telone II and Metam Sodium on Control of Root-knot Nematode in the Klamath Basin 2004

57 2004 Ai 1 Report Table 1. Effects of fumigation on populations (No./250 g dry soil) of root-knot nematodes from 0- to 12-inch depth in treatments tested for nematode control, Klamath Basin, OR, Treatment' Before fumigation2 After fumigation3 Late season 4 Harvests Live Total Untreated control a6 127 a 2752 a 7705 a Metam b 26 b 176 b 597 b Telone c 8 b 7 c 23 cd Tel 13 + MS c 13 b 50 b 71 c Te115 + MS c 15b 8c 8d 'See text for full treatment descriptions. 2 April 6. 3 June 3. 4 September 8. 5 September Means within the same column that are followed by the same letter are not significantly different. (P < 0.05). Columns with no letters had no significant differences between means. Table 2. Effects of fumigation on populations (No./250 g dry soil) of root-knot nematodes from 12- to 24-inch depth in treatments tested for nematode control, Klamath Basin, OR, Treatment' Before fumigation2 After Late fumigation3 season 4 Harvests Live Total Untreated control Metam Telone Tel 13 + MS Tel 15 + MS 'See text for full treatment descriptions. 2April 6, n = 5. 3 June 3, n = 2. 4 September 8. 5 September nly some replicates sampled, no analysis performed. Klamath Experiment Station

58 2004 Annual Report Table 3. Effects of fumigation on symptoms of external surface damage and internal infection by root-knot nematode in Russet Norkotah planted May 22, harvested September 21, and incubated (2,150 DD 5c, 3,870 Dan F), Klamath Basin, OR, Percent Percent Percent external internal internal Infection Treatment' damage2 infection3 culls4 index5 Untreated control 14 a6 39 ab 20 a 1.08 Metam 38 6 ab 49 ab 21 a 1.38 Telone 20 0 b 5b <1 b 0.14 Tel 13 + MS 25 3 ab 24 ab 8 ab 0.70 Tel 15 + MS 30 <1 b 7 ab 3 ab 0.37 P < 0.05 P < 0.11 P <0.10 'See text for full treatment descriptions. 2 Percent of tubers with galling on tuber surface. 3 Percent of tubers with one or more M chitwoodi infection sites. 4 Percent of tubers with six or more M chitwoodi infection sites. 5 Measure of intensity of infection (ranges from 0 to 6). 6 Means within the same column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P ). Infection index was not statistically evaluated but is generally the same as internal culls. Table 4. Tuber yield by grade of Russet Norkotah planted May 22 and harvested September 21 (1,505 DD5c; 3,865 DD41F), Klamath Basin, OR, Yield U.S. No. is Yield Treatment' 4-8 oz 8-12 oz >12 oz Total Bs No. 2s Culls Total cwt/acre Untreated control Metam Telone Tel 13 + MS Tel 15 + MS Mean CV (%) LSD 0.05) NS NS NS 8 44 See text for full treatment descriptions. 50 Effects of Telone II and Metam Sodium on Control of Root-knot Nematode in the Klamath Basin 2004

59 2004 An it y ep Effects of Vydate on Control of Root-knot Nematode and Corky Ringspot in the Klamath Basin Russell E. Ingham', Brian A. Charlton, Nick David 3, and Norman McKinley4 Introduction Columbia root-knot nematode (CRKN) (Meloidogyne chitwoodi) and corky ringspot disease (CRS) represent significant threats to potato quality in the Klamath Basin and other production areas in the Pacific Northwest. CRKN infects tubers to cause external surface galling and spots of internal brown discoloration around infection sites. Both symptoms are considered quality defects by fresh market and processing industries. If 5-15 percent of the tubers in a field become infected, the crop may be rejected from fresh market or processing sales. Seed potatoes cannot be used if found to be infested and some countries cannot import tubers with CRKN infection. CRS is caused by tobacco rattle virus (TRV), which is vectored by stubby-root nematodes (Paratrichodorus spp. and Trichodorus spp.). TRV causes brown necrotic rings, arcs, and diffuse spots which are also considered quality defects and that can result in devaluation or rejection of potato crops. Fumigation with TeloneTM II (dichloropropene, Dow Agro Sciences LLC) is currently the best choice for control of CRKN in long-season cultivars or crops with high nematode populations; however, growers have been using Vydate C-LV (oxamyl, E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., Inc.) as a less expensive option for short-season cultivars and low population levels of CRKN. Vydate C-LV also controls stubby-root nematodes and CRS but this product has not been tested experimentally in the Klamath Basin. Our hypothesis is multiple applications of Vydate C-LV will be required to control both CRKN and CRS. More information is needed on timing and method of application to attain maximum performance from Vydate C- LV and to define the limits in which Vydate may be a suitable and effective management tool for CRKN and CRS. Our objectives were to determine the optimum times and methods to apply Vydate for control of CRKN and CRS; determine the effects of storage on damage from CRKN and how this may influence protection with Vydate; and to compare nematode population dynamics in the Klamath Basin with those from the Columbia Basin. I Professor, Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. 2 Senior Faculty Research Assistant, Klamath Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Klamath Falls, OR. 3 Graduate student, Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. 4 Territory Manager, E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., Inc. Acknowledgements: Partial financial support of the research from the Oregon Potato Commission and E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., Inc. is gratefully recognized. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. Klamath Experiment Station

60 2004 Att al Report Procedures, 2003 Trial In 2002, acceptable control of CRKN was attained with 3-5 applications of Vydate at 2.1 pt/acre. The experiment in 2003 was designed to determine if control could be achieved with three or fewer applications, to evaluate application timing to coincide with the hatch of the second CRKN generation, to evaluate in-furrow application at two rates, and to evaluate an application at crop emergence. Experimental Design This experiment was conducted in the north end of Range 5-A at the Klamath Experiment Station (KES). The trial area was divided into plots 11 ft by 25 ft and sampled for nematodes on April 22, Replications of the assigned treatments were blocked in a randomized design based on density of CRKN. Each plot was resampled before planting and before in-furrow applications on May 22. Russet Norkotah was planted in 32-inch rows with 9-inch seed spacing. Other cultural methods were consistent with commercial practices in the Klamath Basin. A Watchdog TM Model 125 datalogger (Spectrum Technologies, Inc. Plainfield, IL) was installed at 6 inches and recorded temperature at 30-min intervals to measure accumulated degree-days (DD) calculated from the base temperature of 5 C (DD 5c) or 41 F (DD41F) for CRKN. Application Procedures Treatments listed below were established in 4-row plots, 25 ft long, and all data were collected from the center 15 ft of the center 2 rows. Infurrow applications of Vydate C-LV were made on May 22 by leaving the furrow open after planting, applying Vydate over the seed in appropriate plots, and then closing the furrow. The 2.1- and 4.2-pt/acre broadcast rates were delivered in a 4-inch band in-furrow and were equivalent to 11.2 and 22.4 pt/acre (5.3 and 10.6 lb active ingredient (a.i.)/acre) rates in the areas treated. The application was made with a singlenozzle, hand-held boom on a CO2 backpack sprayer using an 8002 nozzle at 35 psi. Spray volume for the in-furrow application was 69 gallons/acre (gpa) of treated area and spray solutions were buffered with 5 ml Hystop buffer/2 liters of spray solution to achieve a ph near 5. The postemergence Vydate application was made on June 23, 32 days after planting (DAP), when DD accumulation since planting was approximately 500 DD 5c or 900 DD41F, and when canopy foliage was less than 6 inches tall. Spray was banded over the row using a 3-nozzle boom with the center nozzle directly over the row and drop nozzles on each side positioned at a 45-degree angle so that the plant top, sides, and top one-third of the hill were treated. Total band application width was approximately 10 inches. The 2.1- pt/acre broadcast rate used was applied in 35-gpa spray solution and delivered an effective rate of 6.7 pt (3.2 lb a.i.)/acre in the treated area. Vydate was incorporated by 5 hours of irrigation on June 25 that delivered 0.62 inches of water. The chemigation application of 2.1 pt (1 lb a.i.)/acre was made on July 17 (56 DAP, 870 DD 5c, 1,565 DD41F), 2 days before the field reached the 900 DD 5c target. The application program consisted of 2.5 hours of water, 4.25 hours of Vydate injection and 2 hours of water without Vydate. The total amount of water applied over the 8.75-hour set was approximately 1.08 inches. The injection rate consisted of 30 gal of 52 Effects of Vydate on Control of Root-knot Nematode and Corky Ringspot in the Klamath Basin 2004

61 2004 An a I Report Vydate solution buffered to a ph of approximately 5.0 and injected into the irrigation system at 150 psi using a John Blue Piston Pump calibrated to deliver approximately 7 gal of spray solution per hour. To prevent control plots from receiving the chemigation application, hoop frames were constructed of PVC and plastic tarps were placed over these frames during the injection period (i.e., plots received water for 2.5 hours, were covered for the 4-hour injection, and then were uncovered for the final 2 hours of irrigation). Tuber Evaluations Plots were harvested with a single-row digger-bagger on September 22 (123 DAP; 1,745 DD5C; 3,140 DD41F) and 2 samples of 25 randomly chosen 4- to 12-oz tubers were selected for evaluation. One sample (Harvest) was stored in the lab and cold room (40 F) and evaluated on November 6 (total DD accumulation = 1,950 DD5C, 3,510 DD41F). Another sample (Storage) was placed in the storage cellar at KES until May 20, 2004, when samples were moved to the cold room in Corvallis and evaluated on July 15 (total DD accumulation = 2,250 DD5C, 4,050 DD41F). Treatment List Tl. Untreated control (Control) T2. Vydate C-LV at 2.1 pt/acre chemigated at 870 DD 5c (870 DD5c) T3. Vydate C-LV at 2.1 pt/acre in-furrow at planting, + chemigated at 870 DD5c (IF (2.1), 870 DD5c) T4. Vydate C-LV at 2.1 pt/acre in-furrow at planting + side-dressed after emergence + chemigated at 870 DD5c (IF (2.1), H, 870 DD5c) T5. Vydate C-LV at 4.2 pt/acre in-furrow at planting, + chemigated at 870 DD5c (IF (4.2), 870 DD5c) Results and Discussion, 2003 Trial Effects of Treatment on Nematode Populations There was no significant difference in population densities between any of the treatments on any sample date for root-knot, root-lesion (Pratylenchus spp.), or stubby-root nematodes (Table 1). However, when averaged over all Vydate treatments, root-knot nematode populations averaged 72 percent and 62 percent less than untreated plots at mid-season and harvest, respectively. Effects of Treatment on Tuber Damage Harvest Evaluations All Vydate treatments had significantly fewer external and internal symptoms of root-knot infection than the untreated control (Table 2). A single chemigation application of 2.1 pt Vydate C-LV/acre at 870 DD 5c (1,565 DD41F) reduced culls by 75 percent. Additional applications of 2.1 pt/acre in-furrow and side-dressed at hilling did not further reduce nematode damage. Increasing the in-furrow rate to 4.2 pt/acre significantly reduced damage compared to the same treatment with 2.1 pt/acre in-furrow and was the only treatment considered commercially acceptable for this evaluation date. Storage Evaluations Tubers from samples to be stored were evaluated externally at harvest and percent damage for the various treatments were nearly identical to those reported in Table 2 (data not presented). Unfortunately, tuber sprouting and subsequent shrinkage created difficulties in making comparable external Klamath Experiment Station

62 2004 At tia Report evaluations after storage. The percentage of internal symptoms did not increase during storage and tended to be lower in treated plots than in samples evaluated after harvest (Table 3). Relative effects of the different treatments were more evident in the samples evaluated after storage. The single chemigation at 870 DD5c reduced culls by 64 percent. Adding an in-furrow application of 2.1 pt/acre reduced culls an additional 22 percent and adding the post-emergence treatment to these 2 applications reduced culls an additional 7 percent. Again, increasing the in-furrow rate to 4.2 pt/acre significantly reduced culls (less than 1 percent) compared to the same treatment (T3) with an in-furrow rate of 2.1 pt/acre (12 percent). Effects of Treatment on Yield There were no significant differences between Vydate treatments for yield or grade (Table 4). However, all Vydate treatments had a significantly higher yield of over 12-oz tubers, total U.S No. ls, and total yield compared to the untreated control. It is unclear why the relative effect of treatments appeared to be different between the post-harvest and storage samples, considering tubers were randomly selected for the two evaluation dates from the same portion of the harvested row. In any event, since there was no evidence of any increase in symptom expression during storage, data from the two evaluation dates could be averaged together. Doing so would result in the same pattern of treatment performance we observed more clearly in the evaluation after storage. The best treatment over all was T5 which consisted of 4.2 pt/acre applied infurrow at planting followed by 2.1 pt/acre through chemigation at 870 DD5c (1,565 DD41F) for a total of 3 lb a.i./acre. This treatment was significantly more effective than T3, which consisted of an in-furrow rate of 2.1 pt/acre. Doubling the rate in-furrow (T5) was not significantly better than T4, which consisted of 2.1 pt/acre in-furrow pt/acre at emergence pt/acre at 870 DD5c (both treatments had a total of 3 lb a.i./acre). However, T5 would have been commercially acceptable, whereas T4 may not have been. Population dynamics studies at KES suggest that control of CRKN with Vydate C-LV could be further improved by making the chemigation treatment for the hatch of the second generation much earlier, perhaps at DD 5c. The hatch of the second generation has been estimated to occur (indicated by rapid increase in nematode density) between 950 and 1,000 DD5c, based on population dynamics studies conducted in Prosser, Washington in 1985 (Fig. 1). Therefore, a chemigation application is recommended at 900 DD 5c to have Vydate in the soil before the hatch occurs. However, the hatch of CRKN appears to occur earlier in the Klamath Basin, between 825 and 940 DD 5c in 2002 and between 735 and 840 DD5c in In 2003, the chemigation application occurred earlier (870 DD5c) than the 900 DD5c target. However, it appears the second generation hatch had already begun (Fig. 1) and tubers were likely to have been infected before the application was made. Therefore, less nematode damage may occur if an application is made at DD5c than at 900 DD5c Procedures, 2004 Trial Experimental Design This experiment was conducted in the north end of Range 2 at KES. Soil 54 Effects of Vydate on Control of Root-knot Nematode and Corky Ringspot in the Klamath Basin 2004

63 2004 Ai at Report samples taken October 17, 2003 confirmed the presence of CRKN, stubby-root nematodes and TRV, the causal agent of CRS in this area. The trial area was divided into 4-row plots, 11 ft by 25 ft, and treatments were assigned in a randomized block design. Potatoes were planted in 32-inch rows with 9-inch seed spacing and other cultural methods were consistent with commercial practices in the Klamath Basin. One of the center rows was planted to Yukon Gold as an indicator cultivar for CRS while the other three rows were planted to Russet Norkotah for CRKN damage and yield assessments. All data were collected from the middle 15 ft of the 2 center rows of each plot. A Watchdog Model 125 datalogger was installed at 6 inches and recorded temperature at 30-min intervals to measure accumulated DD calculated from the base temperature of 5 C (DD5c) or 41 F (DD41F) for CRKN. Application Procedures In-furrow applications of Vydate C-LV were made at planting on May 26 by leaving the furrow open after planting, applying Vydate at 2.1 pt/acre (equivalent to 11.2 pt/acre (5.3 lb a.i./acre) in the treated area) in a 4-inch band over the seed and then closing the furrow. The application was made with a single-nozzle hand-held boom on a CO2 backpack sprayer using an 8003 nozzle at 30 psi. Spray volume for the in-furrow application of treated area was 74 gpa and spray solutions were buffered with 5 ml Hystop buffer/2 liters of spray solution to achieve a ph near 5. All applications after the in-furrow treatment were made at 2.1 pt/acre delivered by chemigation as previously described. Water was applied for 2 hours and Vydate was injected for 4 hours followed by 2 hours of water. The postemergence application was intended to be made at 30 DAP, but 1.66 inch of rain fell the night before the application date, which delayed the application until 41 DAP (July 6; 600 DD5c; 1,080 DatiF) Plants were nearly 12 inches tall at the time of application. Other chemigation applications were made on July 20; (55 DAP; 815 DD 5c; 1,465 DD41F), August 3 (69 DAP; 1,015 DD5c; 1,825 DD41F), and August 17 (83 DAP; 1,200 DD5c; 2,160 DD410 As in 2003, to prevent control plots from receiving the chemigation application, hoop frames constructed of PVC and covered with plastic tarps were used during the injection period (i.e., plots received water for 2 hours, were covered for the 4-hour injection, and then were uncovered for the final 2 hours of irrigation). Tuber Evaluations Plots were harvested with a single-row digger-bagger on October 7 (134 DAP; 1,730 DD5C; 3,115 DD41F) with the center Russet Norkotah row and the Yukon Gold row harvested separately. Samples of 25 randomly chosen 4- to 12-oz tubers were selected from each cultivar for evaluation. Yukon Gold tubers were evaluated the last week of October and nontreated tubers had extensive symptoms of CRS but no symptoms of CRKN. Therefore, the Russet Norkotah tuber samples were incubated at room temperature for an additional 860 DD5C, (1,545 DD41F) to encourage development of symptoms from CRKN that may have infested tubers late in the season. Following storage, tubers were examined for external symptoms of CRKN, peeled by hand, and the number of root-knot nematode infection sites Klamath Experiment Station

64 2004 An Report was counted under a magnifying lamp. Data were summarized as percent external damage, percent tuber infection (1+ infection sites), percent culled tubers (6+ infection sites), and infection index (0 = 0, 1 =1-3, 2 = 4-5, 3 = 6-9, 4 = 10-49, 5 = 50-99, 6 = 100+ infection sites) as a measure of infection intensity. Each tuber was then cut into 0.5 inch (2 oz) transverse slices for inspection of symptoms of CRS. Only spots or arcs exceeding 1/8 inch diameter were counted. Tubers were placed into categories of "acceptable damage," 1-5 percent waste (e.g., up to 1 spot or arc per 2 oz of tuber); "serious damage," 6-10 percent waste (1-2 spots or arcs per 2 oz of tuber); and "culls," over 10 percent waste. Tubers with up to 5 percent waste may be considered as U.S. No. is and tubers with 5-10 percent may be considered U.S. No. 2s according to USDA grading standards. Data Analysis All percent root-knot infection and CRS data were transformed to arcsin square root (x) and examined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Nematode densities were adjusted for soil moisture and transformed to log(x+1) before analysis (ANOVA). Yield was analyzed without transformation. Means of transformed values were back transformed before reporting and Duncan's multiple range test was used to separate means only when ANOVA was significant at P 0.05 unless otherwise stated. Results and Discussion, 2004 Trial Effects of Treatment on Nematode Populations Root-knot nematode populations were very low at planting, averaging 2/250 g dry soil across the study site in plots of both cultivars. Since root-knot nematodes and tuber damage were present in Russet Norkotah in three of the five blocks, only these three blocks were evaluated for each treatment in Russet Norkotah. All five replications were used for other nematodes and for all nematodes in Yukon Gold. Root-knot nematode populations remained low throughout the study and there was no significant treatment effect on final populations (Tables 5 and 7). However, plots that had received an in-furrow application of Vydate tended to have lower populations at harvest in both cultivars. Pretreatment populations of lesion nematodes averaged 307 and 160/250 g dry soil across the study site in Russet Norkotah and Yukon Gold, respectively. Final densities were comparable and the only significant differences between treatments at harvest were that two treatments (41, 55, 68, and 83 DAP and 0, 55, 69, and 83 DAP) had lower populations in Russet Norkotah than in the control and the other two treatments. However, since populations were not lower in Yukon Gold or in the comparable treatment that also included one additional application (0, 41, 55, 69, and 83 DAP), these differences were most likely due to chance rather than to a treatment response. Stubby-root nematodes before treatment averaged 23 and 12/250 g dry soil before treatment in Russet Norkotah and Yukon Gold, respectively. One treatment in Russet Norkotah had higher populations at the start of the study, but this did not appear to affect results. There were no treatment effects on final populations at harvest, but the lowest densities in both cultivars were observed in the in-furrow treatments. 56 Effects of Vydate on Control of Root-knot Nematode and Corky Ringspot in the Klamath Basin 2004

65 2004 A al Report Effects of Treatment on Symptoms of CRKN Very few tubers had any external symptoms of CRKN after incubation and symptoms were observed only in nontreated plots (Table 6). This is consistent with other observations that low populations of CRKN cause little external blemish and that external blemish does not appear to increase once tubers are removed from the soil. All treatments eliminated nearly all trace of internal infection from CRKN as well. Of 575 peeled tubers from the 4 Vydate treatments, only 2 contained CRKN and they had fewer than 6 nematodes/tuber. Two extra plots treated with Vydate on 0, 41, 55, 69, and 83 DAP that had initial nematode densities of 55 and 144/250 g dry soil and final densities of 874 and 556/250 g dry soil, respectively, were also free of any internal nematode symptoms after incubation. Effects of Treatment on Symptoms of Corky Ringspot Yukon Gold was used as a CRSsensitive cultivar for evaluation of treatment effects on CRS, and many tubers expressed the classic necrotic arc, ring, and diffuse brown spot symptoms attributed to CRS. In contrast, no Russet Norkotah tuber expressed symptoms of CRS. Effect of treatment on CRS is summarized in Table 8. As has been observed in other trials, tubers usually have abundant symptoms or none to just a few symptoms. Therefore, symptomatic tubers are usually graded as culls rather than U.S. No. 2s. The treatment that began at 55 DAP did not control CRS. All other treatments would have been acceptable and the in-furrow treatment with applications at 41, 55, 69, and 83 DAP had no U.S. No 2s or culls due to CRS. These results suggest that Vydate applications must be made early in the season to be effective for control of CRS. It is likely that applications made at 55 DAP and after had little impact on CRS and that most of the control was due to applications made infurrow and early postemergence. Control might have been improved if the emergence application had not been delayed by heavy rain since some symptoms were already present in tubers at 44 DAP. Effects of Treatment on Yield Only Russet Norkotah was graded for yield and there was no effect of treatment on any size class, total U.S. No. ls or total yield (Table 9). Summary In the 2003 trial, there was no evidence that internal symptoms in tubers caused by Columbia root-knot nematode (CRKN) increased during storage. In a site with an average of 23 CRKN/250 g dry soil at planting, a single chemigation of 2.1 pt/acre Vydate C-LV at 870 DD 5c (1,565 DD41F) reduced internal culls in tubers evaluated after storage by 64 percent. Adding an in-furrow application of 2.1 pt/acre reduced culls an additional 22 percent and adding a postemergence treatment to these two applications reduced culls an additional 7 percent. The best treatment overall was 4.2 pt/acre applied in-furrow at planting followed by 2.1 pt/acre chemigated at 870 DD 5c. This treatment reduced internal culls to less than 1 percent compared to 83 percent in untreated plots. External culls at harvest in this treatment were reduced to 1 percent compared to 65 percent in untreated plots. Population dynamics studies at KES suggested that hatching of the Klamath Experiment Station

66 2004 Ain a R port second generation of CRKN occurs much earlier than previously believed from studies conducted in the Columbia Basin. Therefore, control of CRKN may be further improved by making the chemigation treatment for hatch of the second generation at DD5c rather than at 900 DD5c. In the 2004 trial, plots with CRKN populations near 2/250 g dry soil at planting had no external or internal damage from CRKN when treated with chemigation applications of Vydate C- LV at 815 DDsc (1,465 DD41F) plus 2 and 4 weeks later. Chemigation applications of Vydate C-LV made at 55 DAP plus 2 and 4 weeks later did not reduce the percentage of Yukon Gold tubers culled due to CRS compared to the untreated control. Adding an in-furrow application or adding an earlier chemigation at 41 DAP reduced the percentage of CRS culls from 15 percent to 1 and 4 percent, respectively. Adding both the in-furrow and the early chemigation application reduced the percentage of tubers culled from CRS to zero. Some form of Vydate application early in the season appears necessary for adequate control of CRKN and CRS and may be more important than applications late in the season. Successful control of nematodes and related diseases with Vydate would provide significant economic benefits to regional potato growers. Current (May 2005) prices for alternative products at a local supplier (Basin Fertilizer and Chemicals) are: Telone II, $11.15/gal; Vapam (sodium methyldithiocarbamate, Amvac Chemical Corp.), $3.50/gal; and Vydate, $75.25/gal. At typical application rates of 20 gal/acre (Telone II), 38 gal/acre (Vapam), and 6.3 pt/acre (Vydate), product costs would be $223, $133, or $60/acre, respectively. Application costs would also be greater for Telone II and Vapam than for Vydate. In situations where nematode populations are relatively high, combinations of Telone II and Vapam are being used. Results of studies during the past 3 years at KES offer promise of very significant cost savings from use of Vydate for control of CRKN and CRS. 58 Effects of Vydate on Control of Root-knot Nematode and Corky Ringspot in the Klamath Basin 2004

67 2004 Annua Report Table 1. Populations (No./250 g dry soil) of Columbia root-knot (Meloidogyne chitwoodi), root-lesion (Pratylenchus neglectus), and stubby-root (Paratrichodorus allius) nematodes at planting (May 22), midseason (August 8, root-knot only), and harvest (September 22; 1,745 DD 5c; 3,140 DD4IF) in potato cv Russet Norkotah treated with Vydate C-LV, Klamath Falls, OR, Treatments' Root-knot Root-lesion Stubby-root May 22 Aug 8 Sep 22 May 22 Sep 22 May 22 Sep 22 Control DDsc IF (2.1), 870 DDsc IF (2.1), H, 870 DD5c IF (4.2), 870 DDsc ns 2 ns ns ns ns ns ns 'See text for full description of treatments. No significant difference between treatments (P < 0.05). Table 2. Effects of Vydate C-LV on external surface damage and internal infection by Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi), Klamath Falls, OR, 2003 (harvest evaluation 1,950 DD 5c; 3,510 DD4IF). Percent external Percent external Percent internal Percent internal Infection Treatment) damage2 culls3 infection4 culls5 index6 Control 81 a7 65 a 99 a 87 a DDsc 32 bc 16 be 66 b 22 be 1.44 IF (2.1), 870 DD5c 38 b 21 b 59 be 26 b 1.34 IF (2.1), H, 870 DD5c 20 bc 11 bc 50 be 21 be 1.22 IF (4.2), 870 DD5c 5c 1c 31 c 5c 0.55 'See text for full treatment descriptions. 2 Percent of tubers with galling on tuber surface. P<_ P P P Percent of tubers with more than 10 percent of external surface galled. 4 Percent of tubers with 1 or more M chitwoodi infection sites. 5 Percent of tubers with 6 or more M chitwoodi infection sites. 6 Measure of intensity of infection (ranges from 0 to 6). 7 Means within the same column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P 0.05). Infection index was not statistically evaluated but is generally the same as internal culls. Klamath Experiment Station

68 2004 Ann al Report Table 3. Effects of Vydate C-LV on external surface damage and internal infection of Russet Norkotah by Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi), Klamath Falls, OR, 2003 (storage evaluation 2,250 DD5c; 4,050 DD 41F). Percent external Percent external Percent internal Percent internal Infection Treatment) damage2 culls3 infection culls5 index6 Control 95 a7 83 a DD5c 51 b 30 b 1.47 IF (2.1), 870 DD5c Not Not 35 bc 12 bc 0.94 IF (2.1), H, 870 DD 5c evaluated evaluated 30 bc 6 cd 0.56 IF (4.2), 870 DD5c 8 c <1 d 0.14 'See text for full treatment descriptions. 2 Percent of tubers with galling on tuber surface. 3 Percent of tubers with more than 10 percent of external surface galled. P P Percent of tubers with 1 or more M. chitwoodi infection sites. 5 Percent of tubers with 6 or more M chitwoodi infection sites. 6 Measure of intensity of infection (ranges from 0 to 6). 7 Means within the same column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P 0.05). Infection index was not statistically evaluated but is generally the same as internal culls. Table 4. Tuber yield (cwt/acre) by grade of Russet Norkotah planted May 22 and harvested September 22, 2003, Klamath Falls, OR. Treatment' 4-8 oz 8-12 oz >12 oz Total U.S. No. is <4 oz U.S. No. 2s Culls Total yield cwt/acre Control b2 268 b b 870 DD5c a 367 a a IF (2.1), 870 DD5c a 286 a a IF (2.1), H, 870 DD5c a 375 a a IF (4.2), 870 DD5c a 388 a a ns 3 ns P P ns ns ns P 'See text for full treatment descriptions. 2 Means within the same column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P 0.05). 3ns indicates no significant differences between any of the treatments. 60 Effects of Vydate on Control of Root-knot Nematode and Corky Ringspot in the Klamath Basin 2004

69 2004 Ault lla Report Table 5. Populations (No./250 g dry soil) of Columbia root-knot (Meloidogyne chitwoodi), root-lesion (Pratylenchus neglectus), and stubby-root (Paratrichodorus allius) nematodes at planting and harvest (1,730 DD5C; 3,225 DD4IF) in potato cv Russet Norkotah treated with Vydate C-LV, Klamath Falls, OR, Treatments' Root-knot (n = 3) Root-lesion (n = 5) Stubby-root (n = 5) May 26 Oct 7 May 26 Oct 7 May 26 Oct 7 Control a2 13 b 27 55, 69, a 19 ab 47 41, 55, 69, b 10 b 19 0, 55, 69, b 47 a 14 0, 41, 55, 69, a 24 ab 10 ns 3 ns ns ns See text for full description of treatments. Application dates in days after planting (DAP): 0 indicates in-furrow application; 41 DAP was postemergence; 55 DAP was at 815 DD 5c; 69 and 83 DAP were at 14-day intervals thereafter. 2Means within the same column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P ). ns indicates no significant differences between any of the treatments. Table 6. Effects of Vydate C-LV on external surface damage and internal infection in Russet Norkotah by Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi ), Klamath Falls, OR, 2004 (incubated before evaluation; 2,590 DD 5c; 4,660 DD 4,F) total degree day accumulation, n = 3. Percent external Percent internal Percent internal Infection Treatment' damage2 infection3 culls4 index5 Control 9 a6 37 a 22 a 1.21 a 55, 69, 83 0 b 0 b 0 b 0.00 b 41, 55, 69, 83 0 b 0 b 0 b 0.00 b 0, 55, 69, 83 0 b 0 b 0 b 0.04 b 0, 41, 55, 69, 83 0 b 0 b 0 b 0.00 b P 0.10 'See text for full treatment descriptions. Application dates in days after planting (DAP): 0 indicates in-furrow application; 41 DAP was postemergence; 55 DAP was at 815 DD 5c; 69 and 83 DAP were at 14-day intervals thereafter. 2 Percent of tubers with any galling on tuber surface. 'Percent of tubers with 1 or more M. chitwoodi infection sites. 4 Percent of tubers with 6 or more M chitwoodi infection sites. ' Measure of intensity of infection (ranges from 0 to 6). 6 Means within the same column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P 0.05) unless stated otherwise. Klamath Experiment Station

70 2 04 Annual Annu al Report Table 7. Populations (No./250 g dry soil) of Columbia root-knot (Meloidogyne chitwoodi ), root-lesion (Pratylenchus neglectus), and stubby-root (Paratrichodorus allius) nematodes at planting and harvest (1,730 DD5c; 3,225 DD4IF) in potato cv Yukon Gold treated with Vydate C-LV, Klamath Falls, OR, Treatments' Root-knot (n = 5) Root-lesion (n = 5) Stubby root (n = 5) May 26 Oct 7 May 26 Oct 7 May 26 Oct 7 Control , 69, , 55, 69, , 55, 69, , 41, 55, 69, ns 2 ns ns ns ns ns 'See text for full description of treatments. Application dates in days after planting (DAP): 0 indicates in-furrow application; 41 DAP was postemergence; 55 DAP was at 815 DD 5c; 69 and 83 DAP were at 14-day intervals thereafter. ns indicates no significant differences between any of the treatments. Table 8. Effects of Vydate C-LV on percentage of Yukon Gold tubers expressing symptoms of corky ringspot (CRS), Klamath Falls, OR, Treatment ) 1-5% damage2 6-10% damage3 >10% damage4 >5% damages Control 12 7 a6 25 a 33 a 55, 69, ab 15 ab 18 ab 41, 55, 69, ab 4 be 7 be 0, 55, 69, a 1c 5 bc 0, 41, 55, 69, b 0 c 0 c ns 7 'See text for full treatment descriptions. Application dates in days after planting (DAP): 0 indicates in furrow application; 41 DAP was postemergence; 55 DAP was at 815 DD 5c; 69 and 83 DAP were at 14-day intervals thereafter. 2 Percent of tubers with 1 to 5 percent damage from CRS; these would still be U.S. No. I s. 3 Percent of tubers with 6 to 10 percent damage from CRS; these would be considered U.S. No. 2s. 4 Percent of tubers with over 10 percent damage from CRS; these would be considered culls. 5 Percent of tubers with over 5 percent damage from CRS. A more rigorous evaluation that includes the percentage of all devalued tubers. 6 Means within the same column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P 0.05). 7 ns indicates no significant differences between any of the treatments. 62 Effects of Vydate on Control of Root-knot Nematode and Corky Ringspot in the Klamath Basin 2004

71 2004 An tra Report Table 9. Tuber yield (cwt/acre) by grade of Russet Norkotah planted May 26 and harvested October 7, 2004, Klamath Falls, OR. Treatment' 4-8 oz 8-12 oz >12 oz Total U.S. No. is <4 oz U.S. No. 2s Culls Total yield cwt/acre Control , 69, , 55, 69, , 55, 69, , 41, 55, 69, I See text for full treatment descriptions. Application dates in days after planting (DAP), 0 indicates in-furrow application; 41 DAP was postemergence; 55 DAP was at 815 DD 5c; 69 and 83 DAP were at 14-day intervals thereafter MON KES KES 2003 z, WA 1985 En it) N 2000 / / -a p co E 1000 as t) o A IA it 3* Degree-days (base 5 C) Figure 1. Population dynamics of Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi) from the Columbia Basin (WA) and Klamath Basin (KES). Klamath Experiment Station

72 2004 Annual al Report Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin Richard J. Roseberg and Jim E. Smith' Introduction Grain is produced on about 100,000 acres in the Klamath Basin and 60,000 acres within the Klamath Reclamation Project. Susceptibility to late spring frosts has historically limited winter cereal production and spring cereals have accounted for the majority of production. Starting in 2003, we observed a significant shift to production of hard red winter wheat. With few late spring frosts and a frost-free summer in 2004, most of the winter wheat crops produced excellent yields and quality. Klamath Experiment Station (KES) cereal variety evaluation efforts have focused on spring cereal varieties, although a small winter wheat variety test was planted in fall 2004 for harvest in summer In 2004, small grain variety trials were conducted on-site at KES on a mineral soil, and at a Lower Klamath Lake (LKL) site on a silty clay loam muck (high organic matter) soil. The Western Regional (WR) Spring Barley Trial, WR Soft Spring Wheat Trial, and WR Hard Spring Wheat trial were planted at both the KES and LIU, sites. The Oregon State University (OSU) Statewide Spring Wheat Variety Trial and the OSU Elite Spring Wheat Variety Trial were planted only at the KES site. Procedures KES Site KES spring grain variety trials were conducted on a Poe fine sandy loam soil following 2003 potato experiments. All trials were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications, except for the OSU Elite Spring Wheat Trial and the OSU Statewide Spring Wheat Variety Trial, which had three replications each. Seed was planted 1 inch deep at 30 seeds/ft2, with a Kincaid (Kincaid Equipment Manufacturing) plot planter on April 28 and 29. Plots were 20 by 4.5 ft wide, (9 rows at 6-in spacing), with a harvested area of 14.5 by 4.5 ft. All plots were fertilized with 50 lb/acre N, 63 lb/acre P20 5, and 41 lb/acre S banded at planting (applying fertilizer at 310 lb/acre). An additional 50 lb/acre N was applied as solution 32 in a tank mix with the broadleaf herbicide Rhomene (MCPA, Aventis) at 1.0 pt/acre (0.5 lb a.i./acre) on June 7 with a conventional ground sprayer. Irrigation was applied with solid-set sprinklers arranged in a 30- by 40-ft pattern. Irrigation was applied to meet crop needs based on Agricultural Meteorological (AgriMet) crop water use estimates from the KES AgriMet weather station. Irrigation was applied on 11 occasions during the season, for a total of 9.5 inches. In addition to irrigation, rainfall totaled 0.96 inch in 'Associate Professor and Faculty Research Assistant, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. 64 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin 2004

73 2004 Ai a Report May, 1.66 inch in June (from one storm event), none in July, and only 0.15 inch in August. Grain was harvested with a Hege (Hans-Ulrich Hege) plot harvester with a 4.5-ft-wide header on September 2 and 3. LKL Site LKL spring grain variety trials were conducted on Algoma silt loam soil in a continuous grain rotation. The field was flooded during the winter to replenish moisture to the entire soil profile. All trials at LKL were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Trial plots were planted with a Kincaid plot planter as was done at KES (above) on May 3. All plots were fertilized with 50 lb/acre N shanked in before planting as anhydrous ammonia, followed by 50 lb/acre N, 63 lb/acre P 205, and 41 lb/acre S banded at planting ( fertilizer applied at 320 lb/acre). Herbicides applied included a tank mix of Buctril (bromoxynil, Aventis) at 1.5 pt/acre (0.5 lb a.i./acre) and Rhomene (MCPA, Aventis) at 1.0 pt/acre (0.5 lb a.i./acre) on June 10 with a conventional ground sprayer. The field received three irrigations during the growing season with an overhead linear move system. Grain was harvested on August 31 with a Hege plot combine as was done at the KES site. KES and LKL Sites For both sites, data collected included grain yield, test weight, lodging percentage, plant height, and maturity (Julian date at 50 percent heading). Percent plumps (percent above 6/64 and 5.5/64 sieves) and thins (pan) were also measured for the barley trials. For all trials, grain moisture was measured and used to adjust yield to industry standards (12 percent moisture by weight). Measured parameters were analyzed using SAS for Windows, Release 8.02 (SAS Institute, Inc.) statistical software. Treatment significance was based on the F test at the P = 0.05 level. If this analysis indicated significant treatment effects, least significant difference (LSD) values were calculated based on the student's t test at the 5 percent level. Results and Discussion Soil moisture was good during seedbed preparation, and resulting germination and stand density were very good. A planter malfunction prevented the outside two rows from planting correctly, and so yield data were adjusted to account for the missing rows. Good availability of irrigation water, lack of frost, few hot days during the season, and good weed control all contributed to a generally outstanding yield in Western Regional Spring Barley Variety Trial Thirty-nine entries were included in the 2004 trial. This trial included 11 feed varieties, 12 malting varieties (or selections), and 13 varieties that could be used for both feed and malting. In addition, three varieties of interest to local growers (Sara, Meltan, and ) were included with the regional trial entries. At the KES site, yields ranged from 4,780 to 11,450 lb/acre with a mean of 9,730 lb/acre (Table 1). At the LKL site, yields ranged from 3,240 to 5,870 lb/acre with a mean of 4,320 lb/acre (Table 2). The superior yields at the KES site were attributed to nearideal moisture, soil, and growing conditions throughout the season, whereas the LKL site appeared to suffer some moisture stress late in the season, Klamath Experiment Station

74 2004 Ai Report and entries there might have benefited from a fourth irrigation. Comparing results for the two sites clearly demonstrated how some varieties are better suited for more specific growing conditions, while others are more widely adapted to various environments. For example, Baronesse yielded very well at both sites, and Harrington had low yields at both sites. Many varieties, however, did much better at one site or the other, such as Samish23, which had the second-highest yield at KES, but had the lowest yield at LKL. There was no lodging for any entry at the LKL site. At KES, two varieties (MT and WA ) exhibited significant lodging, which probably contributed to their significantly lower yield compared to all other entries. Bushel (bu) weights were greater than the 48 lb/bu standard for all entries at the LKL site, and for all but two entries at the KES site, again demonstrating the overall good growing conditions in This was also reflected in the percent of seed retained on the 6/64 screen. In 2004, a mean of 97.1 percent was retained above the largest screen, whereas in 2003, 92.0 percent was retained above the 6/64 screen at the KES site. At the LKL site in 2004, 91.1 percent of seed was retained above the 6/64 screen. This is certainly an acceptable plumpness value, but does indicate less seed filling at that site compared to KES. Multiple-year yield means for all entries that were planted in the 2002, 2003, and 2004 trials at KES were calculated (Table 3). The yield variation from year to year was dramatic, with 2003 yields clearly depressed compared to normal (see 2003 annual report for more details about 2003 results). Despite this variation, Baronesse demonstrated outstanding performance and had the highest 2-year and 3-year mean yield. Of the malting varieties, 2B did well for both the 2-year and 3-year periods. Western Regional Soft White Spring Wheat Variety Trial Three standard named varieties and 10 numbered selections were included in the 2004 trial at both the KES and LKL sites. Twelve of the entries were soft white spring types, and one was a club type. Yields ranged from 6,050 to 10,200 lb/acre at KES, with a mean of 8,660 lb/acre, and from 5,560 to 9,080 lb/acre at LKL, with a mean of 7,380 lb/acre (Tables 4 and 5). There was no lodging for any entry at either site. There were significant differences in yield, bushel weight, plant height, and maturity (day of the year when heading reached 50 percent) at both sites. As was the case for the Western Regional Barley Variety Trials, yields in 2004 were much better than those observed in 2003 overall. Varieties that performed well at both sites included ID0599, ID0610, and Penawawa. Federation, WA007952, and ML4R exhibited fairly poor yield at both sites. The club wheat WA had the second-highest yield at KES, but was only about average at LKL. Bushel weights were above the industry standard of 60 lb/bu for all entries at KES and for all but one entry at LKL (Tables 4 and 5). Bushel weights overall were greater in 2004 compared to 2003, with a mean of 63.6 at KES and 61.6 at LKL. Variation between varieties was not large in most cases. Variety ID0610 had the highest bushel weight of all entries at both sites. This variety was also among the top yielding entries at 66 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin 2004

75 2004 A p t 1 Report both sites, suggesting it is a well-adapted variety to both soil types in this area. As in the Western Regional Barley Trial, we calculated multiple-year yield means for all soft white spring wheat entries that were planted in the 2002, 2003, and 2004 trials at KES (Table 6). ID0610 was not planted prior to 2004, and so multiple-year comparisons of its apparent strength cannot be made yet. Penawawa had a consistently high yield for both multiyear comparisons, but the number of entries included in multiple years is probably too few to make broad generalizations. Penawawa also yielded well in the other 2004 trials reported here, but other OSU researchers have recommended that growers not plant Penawawa due to poor quality. Western Regional Hard Spring Wheat Variety Trial This trial evaluated both hard white spring (HWS) and hard red spring (HRS) wheat experimental lines and named varieties at both the KES and LKL sites. The trial included 11 HRS and 13 HWS entries. At the KES site, there were significant differences in yield, bushel weight, plant height, and maturity (Table 7). At the LKL site there were significant differences in bushel weight and maturity, but not in yield or height (Table 8). No lodging was observed for any entry at either site. Grain yield ranged from 8,380 to 11,250 lb/acre at KES, with a mean of 9,710 lb/acre. At LKL, grain yield ranged from 4,370 to 6,360 lb/acre with a mean of 5,400 lb/acre. Entries that had high yield at both locations included ID0377S, UC1396, and 0R Entries with relatively low yield at both locations included Klasic, UC1361, 0R , and 0R Entries with high yield at one location, but low yield at the other included WPB926, WA007931, and ID0592. Bushel weights were above 60 lb/bu for all entries at KES, and for all but two entries at LKL. The mean at KES was very high at 64.2 lb/bu, while the LKL mean was an acceptable 61.9 lb/bu. Entries with high bushel weights at both locations included ID0377S, OR , KW960175, and UC R had a very high bushel weight at KES but was below the mean at LKL. WA7930 had a high bushel weight at LKL but was near the mean at KES. In the multiyear rankings, ID0377S had the highest grain yield for both the 2-year and 3-year means (Table 9). WPB926 and Klasic had among the lowest yields for both the 2-year and 3- year means, although the small number of entries included in the trials for all 3 years makes additional multiyear generalizations difficult. OSU Elite Spring Wheat Variety Trial Four named varieties and 30 experimental lines were included in the trial. Significant differences were found for yield, bushel weight, height, and maturity (Table 10). Yields ranged from 6,320 to 11,510 lb/acre with a mean of 9,270 lb/acre. As in the other trials conducted at KES in 2004, the grain yield was excellent overall in this trial. No entries exhibited any observable lodging. Test weights were also excellent overall, ranging from 61.0 to 65.0 lb/bu, with a mean of 63.4 lb/bu. The variety ID0377S had both the highest yield and bushel weight of all entries in this trial, and was among the earliest to mature. 0R also had a very good combination of high yield Klamath Experiment Station

76 2004 At ttc Report and test weight, although it was among the latest to mature. OSU Statewide Spring Wheat Variety Trial This trial had 26 entries, most of which were hard white, hard red, and soft white wheat named varieties. Significant differences were found between entries for yield, test weight, height, and maturity (Table 11). No lodging was observed for any entry. As in the other trials in 2004, yields overall were very good, ranging from 7,670 to 12,360 lb/acre. Test weights were excellent, with all entries above 60 lb/bu, and all but one were greater than 62 lb/bu. It is interesting to note that the variety ID0377S was only slightly above the mean in this trial, even though it had the highest yield in the OSU Elite Spring Wheat Variety Trial (Table 10), and was among the highest in yield in the Western Regional Hard Spring Wheat Variety Trial planted nearby (Table 7). Whereas ID0377S had a slightly lower yield in this trial compared to the OSU Elite trial, other varieties (i.e. Winsome, Jefferson) planted in both trials had slightly higher yields in the OSU Statewide trial. Thus, the relative performance of the leading varieties in the statewide trial demonstrated several that are well adapted to this area, and that significant improvement in experimental lines will be necessary before these existing varieties will need to be replaced. conditions throughout the growing season, resulting in superior yields. Production at the LKL site was also very good compared to previous years, but yield there was somewhat lower overall than at KES. Conditions in 2004 allowed the different varieties to fully express their growth potential and yield under excellent conditions, and it is valuable to compare variety differences under such conditions. Relative and absolute differences between varieties could vary dramatically under other conditions, such as those in 2003 when growing conditions were more stressful, resulting in very poor growth and overall yield. Summary Trial results for 2004 exhibited excellent grain yield and grain size characteristics compared to 2003 and 2002 results. In 2004, the KES site had nearly ideal moisture, soil, and weather 68 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin 2004

77 2004 Anna Report Table Western Regional Spring Barley Nursery, planted in mineral soil (ranked by yield), Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Row Use Yield lb/ac Bu wt lb/bu 6/64 % 5.5/64 % Pan % Lodge % 50% Heading Height day of the inch year YU row feed Samish 23 2 row feed/malting B row malting Radiant (98-NZ 223) 2 row feed/malting MT row feed/malting PB1-97-2R row feed/malting B row malting Baronesse 2 row feed Stander 6 row malting Sara 6 row feed/forage B row malting NZ772 2 row feed/malting row feed BZ row feed Ab row malting WA row feed/malting YU row feed,semi-dwarf WA row feed/malting B row malting ND row feed Meltan 2 row malting UT97B row feed WA row feed/malting PB1-95-2R row feed Steptoe 6 row feed NZIO2 6 row feed/malting Ab row malting B row malting WA row feed/malting D251 2 row feed I UTO0B row feed Ab row malting Morex 6 row malting ND row malting Harrington 2 row malting MT row feed/malting UTO0B row feed MT row feed/malting WA row feed/malting Mean LSD (0.05) NS CV (%) P value <0.001 < <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Russian wheat aphid-resistant. Klamath Experiment Station

78 2004 An Report Table Western Regional Spring Barley Nursery, planted in organic soil (ranked by yield), Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Row Use Yield lb/ac Bu wt lb/bu 6/64 % 5.5/64 % Pan % Lodge % 50% Heading Height day of the inch year Baronesse 2 row feed Morex 6 row malting WA row feed/malting NZ772 2 row feed/malting PB1-95-2R row feed B row malting Ab row malting BZ row feed Ab row malting WA row feed/malting Meltan 2 row malting NZ102 6 row feed/malting UTO0B row feed Steptoe 6 row feed UTO0B row feed WA row feed/malting ND row feed MT row feed/malting B row malting B row malting YU row feed,semi-dwarf MT row feed/malting WA row feed/malting WA row feed/malting PB1-97-2R row feed/malting Radiant (98-NZ 223) 2 row feed/malting B row malting Stander 6 row malting MT row feed/malting Sara 6 row feed/forage UT97B row feed D251 2 row feed' ND row malting Harrington 2 row malting B row malting YU row feed row feed Ab row malting Samish 23 2 row feed/malting Mean LSD (0.05) CV (%) P value <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Russian wheat aphid-resistant. 70 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin 2004

79 2004 At I a Report Table 3. Three-year yield summary, Western Regional Spring Barley Nursery, planted in mineral soil, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR, Yield 2-yr mean 3-yr mean Variety Row Yield Rank Yield Rank lb/acre lb/acre Malting Varieties Morex Stander Harrington B Ab Ab Feed Varieties Steptoe Baronesse PB1-95-2R WA UT97B WA YU MT Samish Mean Klamath Experiment Station

80 2004 AnnualReport Table Western Regional Soft Spring Wheat Nursery, planted in mineral soil (ranked by yield), Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Type' Yield lb/acre Bu wt lb/bu Lodge Height inch 50% Heading day of the year 1D0599 SWS WA CLUB ID0610 SWS D0607 SWS Penawawa SWS D0609 SWS D0629 SWS Alpowa SWS WA SWS ML4R SWS ML SWS Federation SWS WA SWS ' Mean LSD (0.05) CV (%) P value <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 SWS = soft white spring. 72 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin 2004

81 2004 An ua Report Table Western Regional Soft Spring Wheat Nursery, planted in organic soil (ranked by yield), Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Type' Yield lb/acre Bu wt lb/bu Lodge Height inch 50% Heading day of the year Penawawa SWS Alpowa SWS D0599 SWS D0610 SWS ML SWS D0607 SWS D0609 SWS WA CLUB WA SWS WA SWS Federation SWS ML4R SWS D0629 SWS Mean LSD (0.05) CV (%) P value <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 'SWS = soft white spring. Table 6. Three-year yield summary, Western Regional Soft Spring Wheat Nursery, planted in mineral soil, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR, Yield 2-yr mean 3-yr mean Variety Type' Yield Rank Yield Rank lb/acre lb/acre Penawawa SWS Alpowa SWS Federation SWS D0599 SWS WA SWS Mean 'SWS = soft white spring. Klamath Experiment Station

82 2004 nnuaa Report Table Western Regional Hard Spring Wheat Nursery, planted in mineral soil (ranked by yield), Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Type' Yield lb/acre Bu wt ib/bu Lodge Height inch 50% Heading day of the year 1D0592 HRS WA HRS OR HRS D0377S HRS UC1396 HWS D0597 HWS OR HWS OR HWS OR HRS OR HRS D0593 HRS UC1395 HWS OR HRS KW HRS WA7930 HWS UC1419 HWS ML HWS OR HWS OR HWS UC1361 HWS D0596 HWS Klasic HRS WPB926 HRS WA HWS Mean LSD (0.05) CV (%) P value <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 'HRS = hard red spring; HWS = hard white spring. 74 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin 2004

83 2004 uaa Report Table Western Regional Hard Spring Wheat Nursery, planted in organic soil (ranked by yield), Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Type' Yield lb/acre Bu wt lb/bu Lodge Height inch 50% Heading day of the year ID0377S HRS OR HRS UC1396 HWS KW HRS WPB926 HRS WA HWS OR HRS WA7930 HWS ID0596 HWS OR HWS UC1395 HWS ID0597 HWS OR HWS UC1419 HWS WA HRS ID0592 HRS ID0593 HRS OR HWS UC1361 HWS OR HRS Klasic HRS ML HWS OR HRS OR HWS Mean LSD (0.05) NS 2.1 NS 4 CV (%) P value < <0.001 'HRS = hard red spring; HWS = hard white spring. Klamath Experiment Station

84 2004 An u s Report Table 9. Three-year yield summary, Western Regional Hard Spring Wheat Nursery, planted in mineral soil, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR, Yield 2-yr mean 3-yr mean Variety Type s Yield Rank Yield Rank lb/acre lb/acre 1D0377S HRS KW HRS WPB926 HRS Klasic HRS D0592 HRS WA HRS UC1396 HWS D0597 HWS OR HWS D0593 HRS UC1395 HWS OR HWS WA HWS Mean 'HRS = hard red spring; HWS = hard white spring. 76 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin 2004

85 2004 Annua Report Table OSU Elite Spring Wheat Nursery, planted in mineral soil, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Typel Yield lb/acre Bu wt lb/bu Lodge Height inch 50% Heading day of the year 1D03775 HR OR R OR W OR W OR W OR W WINSOME HW OR W OR W OR W WPB936 HR OR W OR W OR R OR W OR HR OR R OR W OR W OR HR OR W OR HR OR W OR HR OR W Jefferson HR OR W OR W OR R OR W OR W OR R OR H OR W Mean LSD (0.05) CV (%) P value < < < < 'H = hard; W = white; R = red. Klamath Experiment Station

86 2004 An a Report Table OSU Statewide Spring Wheat Nursery, planted in mineral soil (ranked by yield), Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Typel Yield lb/acre Bu wt lb/bu Lodge Height inch 50% Heading day of the year WA 7930 HW Lolo HW Alpowa SW IDO 599 SW IDO 592 HR IDO 597 HW Challis SW Alturas SW IDO 593 HR Winsome HW ID 377S HW Nick SW Penawawa SW MLSel SW Hank HR MLSel HW WA 7921 SW Jefferson HR WA 7925 HR Macon HW WA 7931 HW OR HR MLSel SW OR HW Jerome HR MLSel HW Mean LSD (0.05) CV (%) P value < < < < 'HW = hard white; SW = soft white; HR = hard red. 78 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Screening in the Klamath Basin 2004

87 20Q4 An a Report Irrigated Alfalfa Variety Trials Richard J. Roseberg and Jim E. Smith' Introduction Alfalfa accounts for more than 51,000 acres within the Klamath Irrigation Project, and close to 40,000 acres are in Klamath County. Major markets in Oregon and California include dairies, cattle ranches, and horse ranches. A portion of local production is compressed for export markets. In the Klamath Basin, alfalfa yields and quality are typically highest in the first few full production years, but over time both yield and quality tend to decrease due to diseases, pests, and soil compaction and crown damage from equipment traffic that reduce the stand density, resulting in increased acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber, and a decline in crude protein. Fields are generally rotated out of alfalfa after 5-7 years. However, based on past experience, varieties differ in their ability to withstand this reduction in yield and quality over time. Production of high yields of high-quality alfalfa is difficult in the Klamath Basin due to extreme daily and seasonal changes in weather. Although mild days and cool night-time temperatures slow growth, and thus increase potential quality of locally grown alfalfa, these conditions also reduce yield potential. Cold winters stress plants, resulting in reduced stand persistence, and can dramatically reduce the survival of fall-seeded stands, especially if they are seeded after about September 1. Sometimes, severe latespring frosts reduce first cutting yields, and spring rains can reduce quality in the first cutting. In addition, water availability in the Klamath Basin is uncertain, and performance of alfalfa grown without irrigation is not well documented. Alfalfa breeding programs are striving for improved quality and are marketing varieties reported to have superior quality due to increased leafiness and finer stems. Breeders are also increasing drought tolerance in dryland-adapted varieties. Variety trials were established at the Klamath Experiment Station (KES) in 2002 to evaluate performance of 50 varieties under both irrigated and dryland management regimes. Most entries in the trials were released varieties and experimental lines with fall dormancy (FD) ratings ranging from 2 to 5, along with a single FD 1 and FD 6 entry. About one-half of the entries were standard trifoliate selections adapted to irrigation management while the rest were described as being more adapted to dryland management. However, the unexpected presence of subsurface moisture under parts of the dryland trial area in 2003 rendered those results meaningless, and thus that trial was not continued in The objective of the remaining study was to compare the yield and quality performance of a representative number of released and experimental varieties over several years in a high- Associate Professor and Faculty Research Assistant, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. Klamath Experiment Station

88 2004 An 1 Report input production system in the Klamath Basin. Procedures The irrigated trial was established on Fordney loamy fine sand at KES in the spring of 2002 by Dr. Don Clark, the previous KES agronomist. A total of 50 released varieties and experimental alfalfa lines were included in the trial. Entries were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. In 2002, fertilizer was applied prior to planting according to recommendations based on analysis of soil samples from the field. Preplant fertilizer included 300 lb/acre popcorn sulfur and 150 lb/acre P205 from liquid. In addition, 310 lb/acre of fertilizer (50 lb/acre N, 63 lb/acre P205, and 41 lb/acre S) was applied at planting. Seed was drilled to a depth of 0.25 inch at 20 lb/acre using a modified Kincaid (Kincaid Equipment Manufacturing) planter, which planted 9 rows at a 6-inch row spacing. Individual plots were 4.5 by 20 ft, with 3 by 15.5 ft harvested. Sprinkler irrigation was applied with a solid-set system according to crop needs during the establishment year, and to meet crop needs in 2003 and 2004 using crop evapotranspiration (ET) for irrigation scheduling. Soil moisture content was monitored with watermark soil moisture sensors (Irrometer Corp., Inc.). In 2004, irrigation water was consistently available and crop water needs were met for the full season. Irrigation was applied to meet crop needs based on Agricultural Meteorological (AgriMet) crop water use estimates from the KES AgriMet weather station. Precipitation totaled 2.92 inches from May through September, with 1.66 inches recorded in one storm event in June. No rain fell in July or September, and only 0.15 inch fell in August, resulting in excellent harvest and hay curing weather, especially for the second and third cuttings. Overall, the 2004 growing season was cool and sunny, providing excellent forage growing and harvest conditions (see the Weather and Crop Summary section of this annual report for further weather details). In 2004, when the alfalfa was observed to reach bud stage, plots were harvested with a tractor-mounted Carter (Carter Manufacturing Co., Inc.) flail harvester with a 3-ft-wide header. Harvest dates were June 11, July 13, August 18, and September 22. Border areas were then cut with a Mathews (Mathews Co.) flail mower. Harvested material from each plot was immediately weighed, followed by a random grab sampling of about 1 lb from each plot for oven drying to calculate dry matter yield. After drying and weighing, samples were ground to 2-mm-sieve size in a Wiley Mill (Arthur H. Thomas Co.) and to 1-mm-sieve size in an Udy Mill (UDY Corp.) before being analyzed in a near infrared spectrophotometer (NIRS) (NIRSystems) to determine forage quality. Quality testing at KES is accomplished with NIRS, using equations developed by the NIRS Consortium, Madison, WI. KES also uses equations developed in-house, equation updates to our commercial (FOSS, NA) equations, and with data collected from analytical chemistry in partnership with the Oregon Hay and Forage Association's Oregon State Hay King Contest. Oregon State University's KES Forage Quality Laboratory was able to join the consortium due to substantial support by the Oregon Hay 80 Irrigated Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

89 2004 Al nna Re ort and Forage Association. The NIRS system generates several forage quality parameters, but for simplicity this report includes only relative feed value (RFV), and a new parameter, relative forage quality (RFQ). Statistics on all yield and quality data were calculated using SAS for Windows, Release 8.02 (SAS Institute, Inc.) software. Treatment significance was based on the F test at the P = 0.05 level. If this analysis indicated significant treatment effects, least significant difference (LSD) values were calculated based on the student's t test at the 5 percent level. Results and Discussion Yield Four cuttings were made in 2004 due to a long, warm fall growing season and adequate irrigation water. The fourth cutting was immature (prebud stage) at harvest. Forage quality was evaluated using NIRS on the first three cuttings, but could not be completed on the fourth cutting due to a dryer malfunction that caused mold and degradation of the samples, rendering them useless. First-cutting yields ranged from 2.2 to 2.9 ton/acre with a mean of 2.6 ton/acre, very similar to 2003 results (Table 1). Second-cutting yields ranged from 1.7 to 2.3 ton/acre with a mean yield of 2.0 ton/acre, slightly less than in Third-cutting yields ranged from 1.2 to 1.8 ton/acre, with a mean yield of 1.6 ton/acre, slightly better than in Fourth-cutting yields ranged from 0.6 to 1.1 ton/acre with a mean of 0.8 ton/acre, very similar to Total yield ranged from 6.3 to 7.5 ton/acre with a mean of 6.9 ton/acre. This result was similar to 2003, except the lowest yielding varieties did somewhat better in 2004 than There were no significant differences in yield for the annual total or the first, second, or third cuttings. There was a significant difference in yield for the fourth cutting. In comparing the change in yield ranking for individual varieties, some varieties did much better or much worse in 2004 compared to Varieties that improved dramatically relative to the other entries included Select, Runner212, Shaw, Leafmaster, and Forager Plus. Varieties that were dramatically poorer in 2004 included Dura512, Hybriforce-400, Lahontan, Rambler, DK127, Rampage, and Renovator. Entries with consistently high yield both years included WL342, Reliance, CW74013, Geneva, and 54Q25. In fact, WL342 had the highest annual yield in both 2003 and 2004, an unusual feat in a large variety trial such as this. Entries with consistently poor yield both years included Nomad, Ladak65, and Wrangler. Nomad had the unusual and dubious distinction of producing the lowest yield in both 2003 and Evaluating Forage Quality In Oregon's hay market, alfalfa marketing classes are based on RFV. In the California hay market, alfalfa marketing classes are based on level of acid detergent fiber (ADF) or total digestible nutrients (TDN) at 90 percent dry matter. In Oregon, TDN is reported at 100 percent dry matter. This classification system is important to Klamath Basin producers since much of their hay is sold in California. For reference, the USDA Quality Guidelines for alfalfa hay are shown in Table 2, using the following parameters: RFV, ADF, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), TDN, and crude protein (CP). Klamath Experiment Station

90 20 04 An al Report Calculation and Use of RFQ RFQ is a new quality parameter in development by the University of Wisconsin and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service Forage Quality Laboratory at Madison, Wisconsin, in conjunction with an association of forage laboratories including universities, alfalfa breeders, and the NIRS Consortium. Whereas RFV is a relatively simple calculation derived from ADF and NDF, RFQ is a more complicated calculation derived from nonfibrous carbohydrate, crude protein, fatty acids, nitrogen-free NDF, 48-hour in vitro digestibility, and NDF (Undersander and Moore 2002). Thus, the RFQ calculation attempts to estimate animal intake more accurately than RFV by including additional important nutritive qualities in the equation. RFV and RFQ calculations are both designed to differentiate between hay of different quality grades, and in most cases RFV and RFQ will provide similar predictions of forage quality. However, in cases where they do not, it is helpful to remember how the two values are calculated and therefore how they might best be used by hay growers and buyers, depending on the planned end-use of the forage. Because RFQ uses additional factors representing animal assimilation, it is thought by some to be the more accurate predictor of actual animal performance on a particular forage (Undersander 2003). At this point, RFQ has not been officially adopted as a legal parameter to determine alfalfa quality, but it may become a useful new standard in the near future. We have included RFQ along with the more traditional parameters to aid interpretation and application of these results. There were significant differences between entries for RFV and RFQ values for the first cutting only (Tables 3 and 4). In general, forage quality for a particular variety declined during the season, with many entries reaching "Supreme" status for the first cutting, but most grading either "Fair" or "Low" by the third cutting. Varieties tended to have relatively higher or lower RFV at one or two cuttings, but not all three, presumably due to differences in maturity expressed under the regrowth period that was equal for all entries. The results were slightly different for RFQ, however, as Dura512, WL327, DS9809 HYB, C-316, and Lahontan all had lower than average RFQ on all three dates, whereas CW74013, Wrangler, DK127, and Runner 211 all had better than average RFQ on all three dates. The difference in RFV and RFQ calculations should be kept in mind when deciding which parameter is best to use when grading hay for a particular situation. Annual and cumulative yield totals for 2003 and 2004 were also analyzed (Table 5). There was a significant difference between entries for annual yield in 2003, but not in The 2-year cumulative total also exhibited significant differences between entries. As the stand matures and persistence factors come into play, differences between varieties should become more obvious. The change in rankings as time goes by illustrates why single-year data are not as useful as multiyear results, especially if results for a particular variety hold true at multiple locations. This trial will continue at least through the 2005 season. In addition, ongoing concerns about water availability suggest that a new trial with limited or no irrigation should be planted in the future to evaluate variety 82 Irrigated Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

91 performance under limited moisture conditions. References Undersander, D RFQ- A new way to rank forage quality for buying and selling. geday/rfq.pdf Undersander, D., and J.E. Moore Relative forage quality. Focus on Forage, Vol. 4, No. 5. University of Wisconsin Extension, Madison. 2 pp. 2Q04 AnnualReport Klamath Experiment Station

92 2004 AnnualReport Table yield results for the irrigated alfalfa variety trial, planted spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Seed source Fall Cut 1 Cut 2 Cut 3 Cut 4 % dormancy June 11 July 13 Aug. 18 Sept. 22 Total Vemal 2004 Rank Rank change from 2003 tons/acre WL 342 W-L Research Plumas Eureka Seeds Reliance Allied Seed, L. L. C Macon Allied Seed, L. L. C Select Forage Genetics Intemational CW74013 D & D Seed (Cal West) Runner 212 Geertson Seeds Geneva Croplan Genetics Shaw Montana State University Leafmaster Highland Seed Q25 Pioneer Hi-Bred Intemational Blazer XL Croplan Genetics Forager Plus Ray Brothers Seed DS9809 HYB Dairyland Research International DKA42-15 Monsanto Ladak L. Hankins Seed and Sales Setter D & D Seed C-316 Lohse Mill, Inc A135 Forage Genetics International D & D Seed (Cal West) WL 319HQ W-L Research WL 327 W-L Research Accord Highland Seed Reno Croplan Genetics Cooper Montana State University Vitro Eureka Seeds AL-355 UAP Spredor GT Croplan Genetics Eureka Seeds LM459 Lohse Mill, Inc Dura 512 Farm Valley Goliath Allied Seed, L. L. C Max 85 L. Hankins Seed and Sales Maxigraze GT Croplan Genetics Runner 211 Geertson Seeds Magnum V Dairyland Research International Ladak Plus Landmark Seed Company Vernal L. Hankins Seed and Sales Mariner II Allied Seed, L. L. C Hybriforce-400 Dairyland Research International Lahontan L. Hankins Seed and Sales Rebel Target Seed Rambler L. Hankins Seed and Sales DK127 Monsanto Wrangler Highland Seed Rampage Gooding Seed Co Ranger Gooding Seed Co Ladak 65 Gooding Seed Co Renovator Croplan Genetics Nomad L. Hankins Seed and Sales = Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS NS NS 0.2 NS CV (%) Irrigated Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

93 Table 2. USDA quality guidelines for alfalfa hay Am a Report Quality grade RFV? ADF % NDF % TDN2-100% TDN-90% Crude protein % Supreme >185 <27 <34 >62 >55.9 >22 Premium Good Fair Low <130 >35 >44 <56 <50.5 <16 Hay quality designation--physical description: Supreme Very early maturity, prebloom, soft fine stemmed, extra leafy. Factors indicative of very high nutritive content. Hay is excellent color and free of damage. Premium Early maturity, prebloom, extra leafy and fine stemmed. Factors indicative of high nutritive content. Hay is green and free of damage. Good Early to average maturity, early to mid-bloom, leafy, fine to medium stemmed, free of damage other than slight discoloration. Fair Late maturity, mid- to late-bloom, moderate or below leaf content, generally coarse stemmed. Hay may show light damage. Utility Hay in very late maturity, mature seed pods, coarse stemmed. Includes hay with excessive damage and heavy weed content or mold. Defects will be identified in market reports when using this category. 'RFV calculated using the AFGC formula. 2 TDN calculated using the western formula. Klamath Experiment Station

94 2004 Anna Report Table relative feed value summary for the irrigated alfalfa variety trial, planted spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Seed source Fall Cut 1 dormancy June 11 Rank Cut 2 July 13 Cut 3 Rank Aug. 18 Rank Relative feed value Dura 512 Farm Valley WL 319HQ W-L Research WL 327 W-L Research WL 342 W-L Research Magnum V Dairyland Research International Hybriforce-400 Dairyland Research International DS9809 HYB Dairyland Research International C-316 Lohse Mill, Inc LM459 Lohse Mill, Inc AL-355 UAP Goliath Allied Seed, L. L. C Macon Allied Seed, L. L. C Reliance Allied Seed, L. L. C Mariner II Allied Seed, L. L. C Rebel Target Seed A135 Forage Genetics International Select Forage Genetics International Reno Croplan Genetics Geneva Croplan Genetics DKA42-15 Monsanto CW74013 D & D Seed (Cal West) D & D Seed (Cal West) Plumas Eureka Seeds Vitro Eureka Seeds Eureka Seeds Q25 Pioneer Hi-Bred International Blazer XL Croplan Genetics Accord Highland Seed Leafmaster Highland Seed Wrangler Highland Seed Setter D & D Seed Vernal L. Hankins Seed and Sales Lahontan L. Hankins Seed and Sales Ladak Plus Landmark Seed Company Maxigraze GT Croplan Genetics Spredor GT Croplan Genetics Renovator Croplan Genetics DK127 Monsanto Max 85 L. Hankins Seed and Sales Ranger Gooding Seed Co Ladak L. Hankins Seed and Sales Nomad L. Hankins Seed and Sales Rambler L. Hankins Seed and Sales Runner 211 Geertson Seeds Runner 212 Geertson Seeds Ladak 65 Gooding Seed Co Rampage Gooding Seed Co Forager Plus Ray Brothers Seed Shaw Montana State University Cooper Montana State University Mean P value LSD (0.05) 18 NS NS CV (%) Irrigated Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

95 2004 Annua Report Table relative forage quality summary for the irrigated alfalfa variety trial, planted spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Seed source Fall Cut 1 dormancy June 11 Cut 2 Rank July 13 Rank Cut 3 Aug. 18 Rank Relative forage quality Dura 512 Farm Valley WL 319HQ W-L Research WL 327 W-L Research WL 342 W-L Research Magnum V Dairyland Research International Hybriforce-400 Dairyland Research International DS9809 HYB Dairyland Research International C-316 Lohse Mill, Inc LM459 Lohse Mill, Inc AL-355 UAP Goliath Allied Seed, L. L. C Macon Allied Seed, L. L. C Reliance Allied Seed, L. L. C Mariner II Allied Seed, L. L. C Rebel Target Seed A135 Forage Genetics International Select Forage Genetics International Reno Croplan Genetics Geneva Croplan Genetics DKA42-15 Monsanto CW74013 D & D Seed (Cal West) D & D Seed (Cal West) Plumas Eureka Seeds Vitro Eureka Seeds Eureka Seeds Q25 Pioneer Hi-Bred International Blazer XL Croplan Genetics Accord Highland Seed Leafmaster Highland Seed Wrangler Highland Seed Setter D & D Seed Vernal L. Hankins Seed and Sales Lahontan L. Hankins Seed and Sales Ladak Plus Landmark Seed Company Maxigraze GT Croplan Genetics Spredor GT Croplan Genetics Renovator Croplan Genetics DK127 Monsanto Max 85 L. Hankins Seed and Sales Ranger Gooding Seed Co Ladak L. Hankins Seed and Sales Nomad L. Hankins Seed and Sales Rambler L. Hankins Seed and Sales Runner 211 Geertson Seeds Runner 212 Geertson Seeds Ladak 65 Gooding Seed Co Rampage Gooding Seed Co Forager Plus Ray Brothers Seed Shaw Montana State University Cooper Montana State University Mean P value LSD (0.05) 19 NS NS CV (%) Klamath Experiment Station

96 2004 Ant ra Report Table annual yield summaries for the irrigated alfalfa variety trial, planted spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Fall dormancy Yield ton/acre Total Rank Yield ton/acre Rank Yield ton/acre Rank WL CW Reliance C DKA DS9809 HYB Plumas Geneva Q Dura Macon Blazer XL A Hybriforce WL 319HQ Spredor GT Select Reno WL Vitro Forager Plus LM Max Lahontan Setter Accord Leafmaster AL Renovator Goliath Shaw DK Mariner II Cooper Rambler Rebel Ladak Runner Magnum V Vernal Runner Maxigraze GT Rampage Ranger Wrangler Ladak Plus Ladak Nomad Mean P value LSD (0.05) 0.8 NS 1.1 CV (%) Irrigated Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

97 2004 Al Report Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials Richard J. Roseberg and Jim E. Smiths Introduction The production of grass and mixed grass/alfalfa hay is increasing in the Klamath Basin to meet increasing demand from horse owners and export markets willing to pay higher prices for these products. This hay consists of cool-season grasses or cool-season grass and alfalfa mixtures (grass/alfalfa). Most of this hay is baled in two- or threestring bales (less than 100 lb each) that are easier to handle than the 0.5-ton or 1.0-ton round or square bales commonly used in alfalfa hay production. The predominant grass species in grass/alfalfa mixtures is orchardgrass. However, grass/alfalfa and pure grass stands of quackgrass, endophyte-free tall fescue, annual and perennial ryegrass, or timothy are also common because each of these cool-season grasses is well adapted to Klamath Basin climatic conditions. Timothy and orchardgrass are the most desired grass species for the horse industry due to higher palatability and perceived value. Timothy has the least acreage and lowest yields, but sometimes commands the highest price, even though orchardgrass generally produces higher quality forage. Orchardgrass-alfalfa mixtures are also important. Maturity differences between particular orchardgrass and alfalfa varieties can greatly affect the resulting hay quality when grass is grown in mixtures with alfalfa. Thus, the selection of an orchardgrass variety that would be in the early heading stage when the alfalfa is in early bloom would presumably allow maximum yields with high quality from both species without compromising stand persistence. To learn more about these forages and to determine adapted pure grass and grass/alfalfa variety mixes for the Klamath Basin, trials were established by Dr. Don Clark, the previous agronomist at the Klamath Experiment Station (KES), in the spring of 2002 to evaluate 16 orchardgrass varieties in pure stands and also in mixed stands with 2 alfalfa varieties. The objective of the latter trial was to determine whether any of the orchardgrass varieties were closely matched in maturity with either of two selected alfalfa varieties, with the goal of identifying superior alfalfa/orchardgrass combinations. Methods and Procedures Orchardgrass and mixed orchardgrass-alfalfa variety trials were established in June 2002 at the KES on a Fordney loamy fine sand soil. The 2 alfalfa varieties chosen to compare in mixed stands with the 16 orchardgrass varieties included a typical fall dormancy (FD) 4 alfalfa variety (329), and a more drought resistant, spreader type, FD2 alfalfa variety (Renovator). The field was ripped to a depth of inches, followed by moldboard plowing, disking, and harrowing. A brillion packer was pulled behind the 'Associate Professor and Faculty Research Assistant, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. Klamath Experiment Station

98 2004 An ua Report harrow on the last pass to form a smooth, firm seedbed. As part of field preparation, the trial area received preplant incorporated additions of elemental (popcorn) sulfur at 300 lb/acre S, and liquid at 400 lb/acre (40 lb/acre N plus 136 lb/acre P 205). At planting, the area also received 310 lb/acre of , (supplying 50 lb/acre N, 62.5 lb/acre P 205, and 41 lb/acre S). In 2002 and 2003, additional N and S applications were made following each harvest on the pure orchardgrass trial area only. All plots were 4.5 ft wide and 20 ft long. Seed was planted at to 0.5- inch depth, at a seeding rate of 12 lb/acre for the pure orchardgrass plots and 5 lb/acre orchardgrass seed plus 15 lb/acre alfalfa seed in the grass/alfalfa trial. All plots were seeded with a Kincaid (Kincaid Equipment Manufacturing) experimental plot drill, which planted 9 rows at a 6-inch spacing per row. The pure orchardgrass variety trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The grass/alfalfa trial was arranged as a complete factorial design with four replications of each orchardgrass-alfalfa variety combination. The orchardgrass and grass/alfalfa variety trial areas did not receive any herbicide prior to or during the 2004 season. The grass/alfalfa trial area did not receive any fertilizer prior to or during the 2004 season. The orchardgrass variety trial area received 80 lb/acre N as ammonium sulphate at 390 degree days (March 22, about when the grass started to actively grow). The same fertilizer rate and material was applied again just after both the first and second cutting dates. Irrigation water deliveries to KES were not interrupted for any significant time periods in All forage trials were irrigated with solid-set sprinklers to meet crop needs based upon crop evapotranspiration (ET), and were monitored with Watermark (Irrometer Co, Inc.) moisture sensors at 6-, 12-, and 24-inch soil depth. Water was applied when tensiometer readings were at 50 kpa for the 12-inch depth sensor. This generally coincided with ET requirements for irrigation. Irrigation rate for all forage trials was based upon alfalfa needs since most of the field was devoted to alfalfa test plots, and there was no practical way to irrigate the alfalfa trials separate from the grass or grass/alfalfa plantings. In addition, a total of 3.35 inches of precipitation fell during the April-September growing season, with half of that amount occurring in June. No rain fell in July or September, and only 0.15 inches fell in August, resulting in excellent harvest and hay curing weather, especially for the second and third cuttings. Overall, the 2004 growing season was cool and sunny, providing excellent forage growing and harvest conditions (see the Weather and Crop Summary section of this annual report for further weather details). The orchardgrass variety trial was harvested three times, on June 10, July 14, and August 30. The grass/alfalfa variety trial was harvested four times, on June 11, July 14, August 18, and September 23. Prior to each harvest, 5.5- ft strips were cut between plot rows for separation. Forages were harvested with a Carter (Carter Manufacturing Co., Inc.) power take-off powered flail harvester with a 3-ft-wide cutting width. Residue in border areas was removed with a Mathews (Mathews Co.) flail chopper after plot harvests. After weighing the cut material from each plot, random 90 Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

99 2004 An Report samples were collected from the chopped plot material, weighed, and then oven dried to determine dry matter content and calculate dry matter yield. Dried samples were ground to pass a 2-mm sieve in a Wiley Mill (Arthur H. Thomas Co.) and then to pass a 1-mmsieve size in a Udy Mill (Udy Corp.). The ground samples were then analyzed in a near infrared spectrophotometer (NIRS, NIRSystems) to determine forage quality expressed as crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), relative feed value (RFV), and relative forage quality (RFQ), with equations developed by FOSS, NA, Minneapolis, Minnesota, the NIRS Consortium, Madison, Wisconsin, or by KES. Due to dryer malfunction, quality samples from the fourth cutting were not dried properly and could not be used for quality determinations. Statistics on all other yield and quality data were calculated using SAS for Windows, Release 8.02 (SAS Institute, Inc.) software. Treatment significance was based on the F test at the P = 0.05 level. If this analysis indicated significant treatment effects, least significant difference (LSD) values were calculated based on the student's t test at the 5 percent level. To assist interpretation of forage quality data, the USDA grass hay quality guidelines are included in this report (Table 1). KES grass hay quality ratings are reported on 100 percent dry matter and are based upon USDA guidelines. Ratings for total digestible nutrients (TDN), ADF, NDF, etc., are not included in USDA grass hay quality grading guidelines at this time. Grass/alfalfa quality guidelines follow either grass or alfalfa ratings. Alfalfa USDA grading guidelines use additional parameters for quality judgments, including ADF, NDF, CP, TDN at both 90 and 100 percent dry matter (DM), and RFV (Table 2). Relative forage quality is a newer parameter used in some regions to rate forage quality, but is not yet included in the official USDA guidelines. RFQ values were calculated for these trials as another quality comparison that some growers and companies may find useful. Results and Discussion Orchardgrass Variety Trial There were significant differences in yield among the 16 orchardgrass varieties for the second cutting, and the P value for the first cutting was only slightly above 0.05 (Table 3). Differences in total yield were also significant. First-cutting yields ranged from 2.5 to 3.2 ton/acre, with a mean of 3.0 ton/acre. Second-cutting yields ranged from 1.4 to 1.7 ton/acre, with a mean of 1.5 ton/acre, and thirdcutting yields ranged from 1.5 to 1.9 ton/acre, with a mean of 1.7 ton/acre. Total yields ranged from 5.5 to 6.6 ton/acre, with a mean of 6.2 ton/acre. Yields for the first and third cutting were dramatically higher than in 2003, and the second-cutting yield was slightly higher in 2004 compared to For reasons described above, growth and yield were excellent overall in It was interesting that the seven lowest yielding entries were all latematuring types, whereas early and medium types finished in the top four spots (and included six of the seven highest yielding entries). It was also interesting to see how some varieties exhibited dramatic rank changes in relative yield performance in 2004 compared to 2003 (Table 3). Varieties such as Icon, Hallmark, and Satin had much higher relative yield in 2004 Klamath Experiment Station

100 2004 An ne a Report compared to Other varieties, such as Quantum and Latar, did relatively well in 2003, but performed poorly in 2004, resulting in a large negative rank change. Some varieties did well both years (i.e., Mammoth, Potomac, Pennlate), while others did poorly both years relative to the other entries (i.e., Pizza, Sparta). Significant variety differences were observed in CP for the third cutting but not in the first two cuttings, although the P values for those cuttings were only slightly above 0.05 (Table 4). CP values were less for the first cutting compared to the second and third cutting. Due to maturity and other variety differences, it is unusual for a particular variety to have a higher CP than the others for all three cuttings. The relative ranking values indicate Bandana was the only variety to rank relatively high in CP for all three cuttings. At the other extreme, Pennlate and Athos had below-average CP for all three cuttings. In 2003, all cuttings exhibited a below-premium grade (all were less than 13 percent CP). By contrast, in 2004 all varieties were above 13 percent CP for all cuttings, and all were well above 13 percent for the second and third cuttings. This difference was partly due to better timing for nutrient and irrigation applications in 2004, partly due to excellent growing and curing conditions, and partly due to harvest management. Unlike 2003, in 2004 orchardgrass plots were harvested at a more optimum time based on their maturity, and were not necessarily harvested the same week as the adjacent alfalfa variety trial plots. Variety means were not significantly different from each other for ADF, NDF, and RFV for the first and second cutting, but there were significant differences between varieties for the third cutting (Tables 5-7). Unlike the RFV results, RFQ results did show a significant difference between varieties for both the first and third cuttings (Table 8). Although RFV and RFQ calculations are both designed to differentiate between hay of different quality grades, they do not use the same factors in the calculation. RFV is derived from ADF and NDF, whereas RFQ is a more complicated calculation derived from nonfibrous carbohydrate, crude protein, fatty acids, nitrogen-free NDF, 48-hour in vitro digestibility, and NDF (Undersander and Moore 2002). Because RFQ uses additional factors representing animal assimilation (e.g., digestible fiber and nonfibrous carbohydrate), it is thought by some to be a more accurate predictor of actual animal performance on a particular forage. Thus, in most cases RFV and RFQ will provide similar predictions of forage quality, but when they do not, it is helpful to remember how the two values are calculated and therefore how they might best be used by hay growers and buyers, depending on the planned end-use of the forage. As was true for CP, most varieties had relatively high ADF, NDF, RFV, and RFQ values for one or two cuttings, but not all three. Exceptions to that pattern included Amba (consistently high RFV), Athos (consistently high RFQ), and both Quantum and Pizza (both with consistently poor RFQ). Because stand persistence and yield can vary with stand age, annual yields will be monitored over time. A comparison of the annual yield of each entry for all years of the study thus far is shown in Table Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

101 2004 Al 1 Report Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trial In 2004, overall yields ranged from 6.5 to 7.8 ton/acre, with a mean of 7.2 ton/acre (Table 10). These yields were about 0.5 ton/acre higher than those observed in 2003, and are indicative of the excellent growing conditions in Significant yield differences between alfalfa varieties were observed for the second cutting only, although the P value for the fourth cutting was only slightly greater than No significant differences between orchardgrass varieties were observed for any cutting or for the total annual yield, although the P value was only slightly greater than 0.05 for the third cutting and annual total yield values. There was no significant interaction between alfalfa and orchardgrass variety for any cutting, indicating that orchardgrass varieties did not perform differently when mixed with one alfalfa variety compared to the other. Change in total yield rank compared to 2003 illustrated the relative change in performance in 2004 (second full production year) compared to 2003 (first full production year) (Table 10). Entries with large yield increases (large positive rank change) included Pizza + 329, Latar + 329, Pennlate + 329, and Pizza + Renovator. Entries that performed poorly in 2004 compared to 2003 (large negative rank change) included Quantum + Renovator, Icon + Renovator, Sparta + Renovator, and Amba It was interesting to note that most of the entries that made a large relative improvement had 329 alfalfa, whereas most of those that yielded poorly in 2004 compared to 2003 included Renovator alfalfa. Results in 2005 should indicate whether this is an important trend. The entry Mammoth did very well both years, whereas the entries Comet + Renovator and Orion had relatively poor yields both years. Quality measurements (CP, ADF, NDF, RFV, and RFQ) are presented in Tables No significant differences between alfalfa varieties were found for all cuttings for ADF, RFV, and RFQ, although the P value for third cutting RFV was only slightly greater than There were significant differences between alfalfa varieties for CP and NDF at third cutting only. Significant differences between orchardgrass varieties were found for CP for the second and third cuttings only. Significant differences between orchardgrass varieties were found for ADF, NDF, RFV, and RFQ for the first and second cuttings only. There was no significant interaction between alfalfa and orchardgrass varieties for any of the quality parameters at any cutting date, indicating that orchardgrass varieties did not exhibit different quality characteristics when mixed with one alfalfa variety compared to the other. Using alfalfa standards, most entries were rated "Low" based on RFV, although some made it into the "Fair" grade, especially for the second and third cuttings. The same pattern of quality also held true using ADF and NDF values and the alfalfa standards. Considering that this trial involved mixtures of lower quality grass with higher quality alfalfa, the pattern of relatively low quality evaluated using standards developed for pure alfalfa is not too surprising. On the basis of CP standards for alfalfa, entries ranged from "Low" to "Premium", but when using the rating scale developed for grasses, all entries were rated as "Premium" for the second and third cuttings, and nearly all Klamath Experiment Station

102 2004 An a Report entries were rated as "Premium" for the first cutting as well. As was seen in the orchardgrass variety trial, most entries exhibited high quality relative to the other entries at one or two cuttings, but not for all three cuttings. There were a few exceptions to this pattern, however. The Quantum and Athos + Renovator entries had consistently high CP on all three cutting dates (Table 11). The Mammoth and Hallmark + Renovator entries had consistently low CP on all three cutting dates. The Athos + 329, Quantum + 329, and Potomac entries had consistently low ADF and NDF values, whereas the Hallmark + Renovator entry had consistently high ADF and NDF on all three cutting dates (Tables 12 and 13). Two entries exhibited high RFV values compared to other entries in all three cuttings, including Potomac and Quantum (Table 14). Low RFV values were consistently observed at all cuttings for the Latar and Hallmark + Renovator entries. Using RFQ values, Pennlate and Hallmark + Renovator were consistently low, and no entry was consistently high for all three cuttings (Table 15). As noted, RFV and RFQ do not always give the same relative results since they are two distinct calculations using different formulas. An examination of the RFV and RFQ rankings for this study demonstrates how certain entries can have a relatively high RFV score, but not RFQ, and vice versa. It is important for growers and purchasers of hay to understand the parameters that are important for their particular uses, and to base their growing, purchasing, and feeding decisions on those characteristics. The alfalfa portion of mixed grass/alfalfa stands usually contributes greatly towards yield and quality in a stand's early years, but we typically expect the orchardgrass portion to contribute progressively more towards the total production over time, especially if N fertilizer is applied. In these trials, it is interesting to note that the overall mean yields in 2004 were 6.2 tons/acre in the orchardgrass variety trial (where N fertilizer was applied) compared to 7.2 tons/acre in the mixed grass/alfalfa study (where no fertilizer was applied in 2004) (Tables 3 and 10). Although the orchardgrass variety trial was cut only three times compared to four for the grass/alfalfa trial, these results suggest that the financial gain of producing mixed grass/alfalfa stands compared to pure grass hay stands could be significant. Continued monitoring of this trial will provide important information on yield and quality trends in mixed hay. A comparison of the annual yield of each entry for all years of the study thus far is shown in Table 16. Based on 2 years' results for the grass and alfalfa varieties included in this study, it appears that no one single orchardgrass/alfalfa combination resulted in consistently superior yield and quality. Thus, growers should choose variety mixes based on their goals of high yield or high quality, and further determine if they want their best yield and/or quality performance from earlier or later in the growing season. References Undersander, D., and J.E. Moore Relative forage quality. Focus on Forage, Vol. 4, No. 5. University of Wisconsin Extension, Madison. 2 pp. 94 Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

103 2004 An uai Report Table 1. USDA quality guidelines for grass hay'. Quality grade Crude protein % Premium >13 Good 9-13 Fair 5-9 Low <5 Hay quality designation--physical description: Supreme Very early maturity, prebloom, soft fine stemmed, extra leafy. Factors indicative of high nutritive content. Hay is excellent color and free of damage. Premium Early maturity, preheading, extra leafy and fine stemmed. Factors indicative of very high nutritive content. Hay is green and free of damage. Good Early to average maturity, early head, leafy, fine to medium stemmed, free of damage other than slight discoloration. Fair Late maturity, head, moderate or below leaf content, generally coarse stemmed. Hay may show light damage. Utility Hay in very late maturity, mature head, coarse stemmed. Includes hay with excessive damage and heavy weed content or mold. Defects will be identified in market reports when using this category. 'For the latest hay market report contact: USDA Livestock and Grain Market News, 1498 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837; Phone: ; Fax: Table 2. USDA quality guidelines for alfalfa hay'. Quality grade RFV2 ADF % NDF % TDN3-100% TDN-90% Crude protein % Supreme >185 <27 <34 >62 >55.9 >22 Premium Good Fair Low <130 >35 >44 <56 <50.5 <16 Hay quality designation--physical description: Supreme Very early maturity, prebloom, soft fine stemmed, extra leafy. Factors indicative of very high nutritive content. Hay is excellent color and free of damage. Premium Early maturity, prebloom, extra leafy and fine stemmed. Factors indicative of high nutritive content. Hay is green and free of damage. Good Early to average maturity, early to mid-bloom, leafy, fine to medium stemmed, free of damage other than slight discoloration. Fair Late maturity, mid- to late-bloom, moderate or below leaf content, generally coarse stemmed. Hay may show light damage. Utility Hay in very late maturity, mature seed pods, coarse stemmed. Includes hay with excessive damage and heavy weed content or mold. Defects will be identified in market reports when using this category. 'For the latest hay market report contact: USDA Livestock and Grain Market News, 1498 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837; Phone: ; Fax: RFV calculated using the AFGC formula. 3TDN calculated using the western formula. Klamath Experiment Station

104 2004 An r a Report Table yield results for the orchardgrass variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Maturity rating Cut 1 yield Cut 2 yield Cut 3 yield Total yield 2004 rank Rank change from 2003 ton/acre Icon medium Hallmark early Mammoth early Potomac early = Pennlate late Comet medium Stampede early/med Orion late Amba early Satin late Baridana late Athos late Pizza late Quantum late Latar late Sparta late Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS 0.5 CV (%) Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

105 20Q4 Anl ua Re ort Table crude protein results for the orchardgrass variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Maturity rating Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Crude protein % Comet medium Hallmark early Orion late Potomac early Icon medium Pizza late Latar late Pennlate late Satin late Sparta late Athos late Amba early Mammoth early Quantum late Stampede early/med Bandana late Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS NS 1.3 CV (%) Klamath Experiment Station

106 2004 Annu a Report Table acid detergent fiber results for the orchardgrass variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Maturity rating Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Acid detergent fiber % Comet medium Hallmark early Orion late Potomac early Icon medium Pizza late Latar late Pennlate late Satin late Sparta late Athos late Amba early Mammoth early Quantum late Stampede early/med Baridana late Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS NS 1.3 CV (%) Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

107 2004 Annual Report Table neutral detergent fiber results for the orchardgrass variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Maturity rating Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Neutral detergent fiber % Comet medium Hallmark early Orion late Potomac early Icon medium Pizza late Latar late Pennlate late Satin late Sparta late Athos late Amba early Mammoth early Quantum late Stampede early/med Baridana late Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS NS 1.8 CV (%) Klamath Experiment Station

108 2004 Al a Report Table relative feed value results for the orchardgrass variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Maturity rating Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Relative feed value Comet medium Hallmark early Orion late Potomac early Icon medium Pizza late Latar late Pennlate late Satin late Sparta late Athos late Amba early Mammoth early Quantum late Stampede early/med Baridana late Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS NS 5.0 CV (%) Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

109 2004 An u s Rayon Table relative forage quality results for the orchardgrass variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Maturity rating Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Relative forage quality Comet medium Hallmark early Orion late Potomac early Icon medium Pizza late Latar late Pennlate late Satin late Sparta late Athos late Amba early Mammoth early Quantum late Stampede early/med Bandana late Mean P value <.0001 LSD (0.05) 7.0 NS 9.2 CV (%) Klamath Experiment Station

110 2004 A nnie Re ort Table , 2004, and cumulative yield totals for the orchardgrass variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Maturity rating Total Yield ton/acre Rank Yield ton/acre Rank Yield ton/acre Rank Mammoth early Hallmark early Potomac early Pennlate late Icon medium Quantum late Comet medium Amba early Baridana late Athos late Stampede early/med Latar late Orion late Pizza late Satin late Sparta late Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS 0.5 NS CV (%) Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

111 2004 An la Report Table yield results for the mixed orchardgrass/alfalfa variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Orchardgrass variety Alfalfa variety Cut 1 yield Cut 2 yield Cut 3 yield Cut 4 yield Total yield Rank Rank change from 2003 ton/acre Latar Hallmark Stampede Renovator Icon Mammoth Pizza Pennlate Pizza Renovator Potomac Renovator Comet Athos Amba Renovator Potomac Orion Renovator Satin Athos Renovator Baridana Renovator Baridana Hallmark Renovator Stampede Pennlate Renovator Latar Renovator Mammoth Renovator Amba Satin Renovator Comet Renovator Sparta Orion = Quantum Renovator Icon Renovator Sparta Renovator Quantum Mean CV (%) P (alfalfa) LSD (0.05) alfalfa NS 0.1 NS NS NS P (orchardgrass) LSD (0.05) orchardgrass NS NS NS NS NS P (alfalfa X orchardgrass interaction) Klamath Experiment Station

112 2i 4 Aunu Report Table crude protein results for the mixed orchardgrass/alfalfa variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Orchardgrass variety Alfalfa variety Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Crude protein % Comet Hallmark Orion Potomac Icon Pizza Latar Pennlate Satin Sparta Athos Amba Mammoth Quantum Stampede Baridana Comet Renovator Hallmark Renovator Orion Renovator Potomac Renovator Icon Renovator Pizza Renovator Latar Renovator Pennlate Renovator Satin Renovator Sparta Renovator Athos Renovator Amba Renovator Mammoth Renovator Quantum Renovator Stampede Renovator Baridana Renovator Mean CV (%) P (alfalfa) LSD (0.05) alfalfa NS NS 0.6 P (orchardgrass) LSD (0.05) orchardgrass NS P (alfalfa X orchardgrass interaction) Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

113 2004 Ai nrca Report Table acid detergent fiber results for the mixed orchardgrass/alfalfa variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Orchardgrass variety Alfalfa variety Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Acid detergent fiber % Comet Hallmark Orion Potomac Icon Pizza Latar Pennlate Satin Sparta Athos Amba Mammoth Quantum Stampede Baridana Comet Renovator Hallmark Renovator Orion Renovator Potomac Renovator Icon Renovator Pizza Renovator Latar Renovator Pennlate Renovator Satin Renovator Sparta Renovator Athos Renovator Amba Renovator Mammoth Renovator Quantum Renovator Stampede Renovator Baridana Renovator Mean CV (%) P (alfalfa) LSD (0.05) alfalfa NS NS NS P (orchardgrass) LSD (0.05) orchardgrass NS P (alfalfa X orchardgrass interaction) Klamath Experiment Station

114 2004 uaa I Report Table neutral detergent fiber results for the mixed orchardgrass/alfalfa variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Orchardgrass variety Alfalfa variety Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Neutral detergent fiber % Comet Hallmark Orion Potomac Icon Pizza Latar Pennlate Satin Sparta Athos Amba Mammoth Quantum Stampede Bandana Comet Renovator Hallmark Renovator Orion Renovator Potomac Renovator Icon Renovator Pizza Renovator Latar Renovator Pennlate Renovator Satin Renovator Sparta Renovator Athos Renovator Amba Renovator Mammoth Renovator Quantum Renovator Stampede Renovator Bandana Renovator Mean CV (%) P (alfalfa) LSD (0.05) alfalfa NS NS 1.2 P (orchardgrass) LSD (0.05) orchardgrass NS P (alfalfa X orchardgrass interaction) Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

115 2004 Ai I Rayon Table relative feed value results for the mixed orchardgrass/alfalfa variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Orchardgrass variety Alfalfa variety Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Relative feed value Comet Hallmark Orion Potomac Icon Pizza Latar Pennlate Satin Sparta Athos Amba Mammoth Quantum Stampede Baridana Comet Renovator Hallmark Renovator Orion Renovator Potomac Renovator Icon Renovator Pizza Renovator Latar Renovator Pennlate Renovator Satin Renovator Sparta Renovator Athos Renovator Amba Renovator Mammoth Renovator Quantum Renovator Stampede Renovator Baridana Renovator Mean CV (%) P (alfalfa) LSD (0.05) alfalfa NS NS NS P (orchardgrass) LSD (0.05) orchardgrass NS P (alfalfa X orchardgrass interaction) Klamath Experiment Station

116 2004 Au a Report Table relative forage quality results for the mixed orchardgrass/alfalfa variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Orchardgrass variety Alfalfa variety Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Relative forage quality Comet Hallmark Orion Potomac Icon Pizza Latar Pennlate Satin Sparta Athos Amba Mammoth Quantum Stampede Baridana Comet Renovator Hallmark Renovator Orion Renovator Potomac Renovator Icon Renovator Pizza Renovator Latar Renovator Pennlate Renovator Satin Renovator Sparta Renovator Athos Renovator Amba Renovator Mammoth Renovator Quantum Renovator Stampede Renovator Baridana Renovator Mean CV (%) P (alfalfa) LSD (0.05) alfalfa NS NS NS P (orchardgrass) LSD (0.05) orchardgrass NS P (alfalfa X orchardgrass interaction) Grass and Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Variety Trials 2004

117 2004 AnnualReport Table , 2004, and cumulative yield totals for the mixed orchardgrass/alfalfa variety trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Orchardgrass variety Alfalfa variety Yield ton/acre Total Rank Yield ton/acre Rank Yield ton/acre Rank Comet Hallmark Orion Potomac Icon Pizza Latar Pennlate Satin Sparta Athos Amba Mammoth Quantum Stampede Baridana Comet Renovator Hallmark Renovator Orion Renovator Potomac Renovator Icon Renovator Pizza Renovator Latar Renovator Pennlate Renovator Satin Renovator Sparta Renovator Athos Renovator Amba Renovator Mammoth Renovator Quantum Renovator Stampede Renovator Baridana Renovator Mean CV (%) P (alfalfa) LSD (0.05) alfalfa NS NS NS P (orchardgrass) LSD (0.05) orchardgrass NS NS NS P (alfalfa X orchardgrass interaction) Klamath Experiment Station

118 Cereal Forage Trial, 2004 Richard J. Roseberg and Jim E. Smiths 2004 An gat Report -I ntroduction In the Klamath Basin, annual cereal forages produce one cutting and typically result in a high biomass yield of hay suitable for feeding many types of livestock. Cereal hay prices are generally lower than those of higher quality hay such as alfalfa, perennial grass, and grass/alfalfa mixtures. Cereal forages are useful because they can fill a crop rotation need (e.g., coming out of alfalfa, grow one cereal crop for forage or grain, then rotate back into alfalfa). In addition, cereal crops are commonly planted following potatoes and are harvested for either grain or forage, thus utilizing some of the nutrients that may remain in the soil following potatoes. To test the yield and quality potential of several cereal hay species and varieties, a trial was planted at the Klamath Experiment Station (KES) in 2004 in cooperation with Winema Elevators, Tulelake, California, and included two beardless barley varieties, two beardless wheat varieties, one triticale variety, and three oat varieties. The entries were very similar to those included in a trial conducted at KES in Procedures The trial was planted at KES on a Fordney loamy fine sand soil at KES following potatoes grown the previous season. Seedbed preparation included plowing, disking, spring-tooth cultivating, and rolling. The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Due to the field dimension and small number of entries, some entries were repeated twice. For most entries, seed was drilled at a rate of 30 seeds/ft2 (ranging from 73 to 130 lb/acre, depending on species), using a modified Kincaid (Kincaid Equipment Manufacturing) planter on April 29. Because of local interest in the beardless barley variety Sara it was also planted at a medium rate (45 seeds/ft2 ) and a high rate (60 seeds/ft2 ). Individual plots were 4.5 by 20 ft, with 3 by 15.5 ft harvested. All plots were fertilized with 50 lb/acre N, 63 lb/acre P 205, and 41 lb/acre S ( at 310 lb/acre) banded at planting. In addition, 50 lb/acre N was sprayed on as UN-32 on June 7. Irrigation was applied with a solid-set sprinkler system on a 40- by 40-foot pattern according to crop needs as calculated by the nearby Agrimet automated weather station. As a check, soil moisture was monitored with Watermark moisture sensors (Irrometer Corp., Inc.). Irrigation was applied on 11 occasions during the season for a total of 9.5 inches. In addition to irrigation, rainfall totaled 0.96 inch in May, 1.66 inch in June (from one storm event), and none in July. Weeds were controlled with Rhomene (MCPA, Aventis) at 1.5 pt/acre (0.75 lb a.i./acre), applied with a ground sprayer on June 9, when the crop was about 8 inches tall. The crop was harvested on July 20 (all but triticale) and August 8 (triticale) when heads were in the milk 'Associate Professor and Faculty Research Assistant, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. 110 Cereal Forage Trial 2004

119 2004 An utii Rayon or soft dough stages. Plots were harvested with a Carter (Carter Manufacturing Co., Inc.) tractormounted flail harvester with a 3-ft-wide header. A sample of about 1.0 lb of chopped forage was taken from each plot and oven dried to determine dry matter yield. Dried samples were ground to 2- mm-sieve size in a Wiley Mill (Arthur H. Thomas Co.) and to 1-mm-sieve size in a Udy Mill (UDY Corp.) before being analyzed in a near infrared spectrophotometer (NIRS) (NIRSystems) to determine forage quality. Statistics on all yield and quality data were calculated using SAS for Windows, Release 8.02 (SAS Institute, Inc.) software. Treatment significance was based on the F test at the P = 0.05 level. If this analysis indicated significant treatment effects, least significant difference (LSD) values were calculated based on the student's t test at the 5 percent level. low-yielding wheat varieties had relatively higher quality. The oats varieties were lower in quality with only moderate yield. The best combination of relatively high yield and high quality was exhibited by the two barley varieties. Sara barley was planted at three seeding rates, and it is interesting to note that while yields decreased as seeding rate decreased, the forage quality tended to increase. Results and Discussion Yields across varieties in this spring-planted cereal forage trial ranged from 3.7 to 8.2 tons/acre, with a mean of 5.3 tons/acre (Table 1). Yields were dramatically higher in 2004 than in 2003, which was a poor year compared to previous trial results at KES. In 2004, the triticale variety 2700 had a significantly higher yield than all other entries, while the two wheat varieties (Twin and Dirkwin) had the lowest yields. There were significant differences in quality between entries as measured by acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), relative feed value (RFV), and relative forage quality (RFQ) (Table 1). Overall, the high-yielding triticale had relatively low quality, whereas the Klamath Experiment Station

120 2004 Ann a Report Table yield and quality results for the cereal forage variety trial planted at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Grain type Head type Seeding rate Yield ton/acre CP ADF NDF RFV RFQ Yield rank Oven dry 2700 Triticale Bearded Triticale Bearded Sara Barley Beardless High Belford Barley Beardless Sara Barley Beardless Medium Monida Oat Hulled Same Monida Oat Hulled Same Charisma Oat Hulled Cayuse Oat Hulled Sara Barley Beardless Low Twin Wheat Beardless Dirkwin Wheat Beardless Mean CV (%) P < < < < LSD (0.05) Cereal Forage Trial 2004

121 2004 An al Report Seed Coat Effect on Alfalfa Production, 2004 Richard J. Roseberg and Jim E. Smith' Introduction Alfalfa accounts for more than 51,000 acres within Klamath Irrigation Project lands, and close to 40,000 acres are produced in Klamath County. Major markets are in Oregon and California, including dairies, cattle, and horse ranches. In addition to traditional breeding programs, private companies are also trying to develop improved management technologies, such as seed coatings to improve microand macro-nutritional status at germination, fungicides for disease prevention, mycorrhizae inoculums, and soil amendments that ameliorate high and low soil ph and high salts around the germinating seed. This trial was established by Dr. Don Clark, the previous Klamath Experiment Station (KES) agronomist in 2002, in cooperation with Gooding Seed Company, Gooding, Idaho. The trial objective was to evaluate potential benefits of seven seed coatings, using two Gooding Seed alfalfa varieties, in an irrigated situation. Procedures This trial was planted on a Fordney loamy fine sand soil at KES in the spring of The seven proprietary seed coating treatments were applied to each of two alfalfa varieties, Rampage and Rebel. Treatment designations are shown in the data summaries (Tables 1, 2 and 3), but information about the specific materials or ingredients for the treatments was not provided to us by the company. Entries were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications, including a nontreated control for each alfalfa variety. Soil ph was 6.2 at planting, and preplant fertilizer was applied according to soil test values. Seed was drilled to a 0.25 inch depth at a rate of 20 lb/acre using a modified Kincaid planter (Kincaid Equipment Manufacturing) that planted 9 rows at a 6-inch row spacing. Adjustments were made for seed coatings so that planted seed number was equal for all entries. Individual plots were 4.5 by 20 ft, with 3 by 15.5 ft harvested. Plants were cut twice in the establishment year (2002), but no yield or quality data were collected. Data were collected from four cuttings in 2003 due to adequate irrigation water and a long, warm growing period in the fall. Those results were presented in the Klamath Experiment Station 2003 annual report. Sprinkler irrigation was applied with a solid-set system according to crop needs based on Agricultural Meteorological (AgriMet) crop water use estimates from the KES AgriMet weather station during the establishment year 2002, and in 2003 and Soil moisture was monitored with Watermark (Irrometer Corp., Inc.) soil moisture sensors at 6, 12, and 24 inches deep to verify weather-based water use calculations. In 2004, irrigation water was consistently available to meet crop needs. Also, after the final harvest a 'Associate Professor and Faculty Research Assistant, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. Klamath Experiment Station

122 2004 Anna Report single irrigation was applied prior to dormancy. A total of 2.92 inches of precipitation fell from May through September, with 1.66 inches recorded in one storm event in June. No rain fell in July or September, and only 0.15 inches fell in August, resulting in excellent harvest and hay curing weather, especially for the second and third cuttings. Overall, the 2004 growing season was cool and sunny, providing excellent forage growing and harvest conditions (see the Weather and Crop Summary section of this annual report for further weather details). Because water was available for the full 2004 season, and warm fall temperatures persisted, a fourth cutting was possible as in The four harvest dates in 2004 were June 11, July 13, August 18, and September 22. On each cutting date, the crop was harvested with a Carter (Carter Manufacturing Co. Inc.) tractor-mounted flail harvester with a 3-ft-wide header. Remaining plot border areas were then cut with a tractormounted Mathews (Mathews Co.) flail mower. Random samples of about 1 lb from each plot were oven dried to determine dry matter yield. Dried samples were ground to 2-mm-sieve size in a Wiley Mill (Arthur H. Thomas Co.) and to 1-mm-sieve size in a Udy Mill (UDY Corp.) before being analyzed in a near infrared spectrophotometer (NIRS) (NIRSystems) to determine forage quality. Statistics on all yield and quality data were calculated using SAS for Windows, Release 8.02 (SAS Institute, Inc.) software. Treatment significance was based on the F test at the P = 0.05 level. If this analysis indicated significant treatment effects, least significant difference (LSD) values were calculated based on the student's t test at the 5 percent level. Results and Discussion Although four cuttings were made in 2004, samples from the fourth cutting were not dried correctly due to dryer malfunction, and became moldy and unusable for quality analysis. There were no significant treatment effects on yield for any cutting or seasonal total (Table 1). First-cutting yield ranged from 2.2 to 2.6 ton/acre, with a mean of 2.3 ton/acre. Yield range was similar to Cut 2 ranged from 1.7 to 2.2 ton/acre, with a mean yield of 2.0 ton/acre, very similar to 2003 results. Cut 3 ranged from 1.6 to 1.8 ton/acre, with a mean yield of 1.7 ton/acre. The low, high, and mean values for the third cutting were all higher in 2004 compared to Cut 4 ranged from 0.7 to 0.9 ton/acre, with a mean of 0.8 ton/acre, similar to 2003 results. Total yield ranged from 6.6 to 7.4 ton/acre, with a mean of 6.8 ton/acre. Total yield in 2004 was higher than 2003, almost completely due to the higher third-cutting values. NIRS quality values were determined for cuts 1-3, but only relative feed value (RFV) and relative forage quality (RFQ) are reported here (Tables 2 and 3). For reference, USDA Quality Guidelines for Alfalfa Hay are presented in Table 4. Significant treatment differences were not observed for any of the three cuttings for either RFV or RFQ. RFV values graded "Premium" or "Supreme" for first cutting, declining to mostly "Good" for second cutting. The third cutting had the widest variation in RFV, ranging from "Low" or "Fair" for 10 entries, and to the upper end of the "Good" range for the remaining 6 entries. RFQ values showed a similar pattern. 114 Seed Coat Effect on Alfalfa Production 2004

123 Because comparisons between coatings showed remarkable similarity, with no significant differences in mean yields by cut or in total yield from untreated controls, and because there were also no significant differences between treatments for RFV or RFQ, it appears that the seed coatings applied to these varieties had no particular effect on yield or quality by the second full production year. In comparison, treatment effects were not significant for yield for any cutting or annual total in 2003, and significant differences in RFV only occurred for the third and fourth cutting that year. As data were not collected during the seedling year, we cannot make any inferences about treatment effects in that year. This trial will not be continued in 2005 or beyond Annual Report Klamath Experiment Station

124 2004 Ann a Report Table yield results for the alfalfa seed coating trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Seed treatment Cut 1 yield Cut 2 yield Cut 3 yield Cut 4 yield Total yield Rank ton/acre Rampage Raw Rampage MR Rampage MR+CUL Rampage MR+CUL Rampage MR+CUL2+AS Rampage MR+CUL4+AS Rampage MR+AMP2+AS Rampage MR+AMP4+AS Rebel Raw Rebel MR Rebel MR+CUL Rebel MR+CUL Rebel MR+CUL4+AS Rebel MR+CUL8+AS Rebel MR+CUL8+AS Rampage MR+AMP4+AS Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS NS NS NS NS CV (%) Seed Coat Effect on Alfalfa Production 2004

125 2004 Annua Report Table relative feed value results for the alfalfa seed coating trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Seed treatment Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Rampage Raw Rampage MR Rampage MR+CUL Rampage MR+CUL Rampage MR+CUL2+AS Rampage MR+CUL4+AS Rampage MR+AMP2+AS Rampage MR+AMP4+AS Rebel Raw Rebel MR Rebel MR+CUL Rebel MR+CUL Rebel MR+CUL4+AS Rebel MR+CUL8+AS Rebel MR+CUL8+AS Rampage MR+AMP4+AS Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS NS NS CV (%) Klamath Experiment Station

126 2004 Ann a Report Table relative forage quality results for the alfalfa seed coating trial planted in spring 2002 at the Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Variety Seed treatment Cut 1 Rank Cut 2 Rank Cut 3 Rank Rampage Raw Rampage MR Rampage MR+CUL Rampage MR+CUL Rampage MR+CUL2+AS Rampage MR+CUL4+AS Rampage MR+AMP2+AS Rampage MR+AMP4+AS Rebel Raw Rebel MR Rebel MR+CUL Rebel MR+CUL Rebel MR+CUL4+AS Rebel MR+CUL8+AS Rebel MR+CUL8+AS Rampage MR+AMP4+AS Mean P value LSD (0.05) NS NS NS CV (%) Seed Coat Effect on Alfalfa Production 2004

127 2004 An ua Report Table 4. USDA quality guidelines for alfalfa hay. Quality grade RFV' ADF % NDF % TDN2-100% TDN-90% Crude protein % Supreme >185 <27 <34 >62 >55.9 >22 Premium Good Fair Low <130 >35 >44 <56 <50.5 <16 Hay quality designation--physical description: Supreme Very early maturity, prebloom, soft fine stemmed, extra leafy. Factors indicative of very high nutritive content. Hay is excellent color and free of damage. Premium Early maturity, prebloom, extra leafy and fine stemmed. Factors indicative of high nutritive content. Hay is green and free of damage. Good Early to average maturity, early to mid-bloom, leafy, fine to medium stemmed, free of damage other than slight discoloration. Fair Late maturity, mid- to late-bloom, moderate or below leaf content, generally coarse stemmed. Hay may show light damage. Utility Hay in very late maturity, mature seed pods, coarse stemmed. Includes hay with excessive damage and heavy weed content or mold. Defects will be identified in market reports when using this category. 1RFV calculated using the AFGC formula. 2 TDN calculated using the western formula. Klamath Experiment Station

128 2004 u t al Report Hybrid Poplar Production in the Rogue Valley, Richard J. Rosebergl Introduction This small-scale research/ demonstration project was initiated in 1996, in cooperation with the City of Medford Water Reclamation Division. Initially, its purpose was to evaluate the potential for disposing of treated sewage effluent by irrigating non-food (fiber) crops instead of discharging it into waterways. If such an agricultural reuse system were developed, it could help to solve three problems (both locally and throughout much of the western US). I. The City of Medford water reclamation facility produces about 10,000 acre-ft of treated effluent from spring through early fall. During the summer, when river flows decrease and more stringent standards are in effect, the treated effluent may have some detrimental effects on water quality. Currently the main concern is temperature elevation, but future regulations may require further nutrient removal before discharge into the river. II. Agriculture in southwestern Oregon is often limited by a lack of water, and reusing the effluent would expand the amount of irrigation water available, while reducing pressure on other uses, such as stream habitat and recreation. Current regulations limit use of Level 2 effluent to non-food crops only, with significant restrictions on use in forage crops. If effluent is to be used to irrigate food crops, additional treatment facilities would be needed to raise effluent quality to Level 4 (contains dissolved nutrients but no pathogens or sediment). III. The recent decrease in availability of inexpensive wood chips (a by-product of lumber and veneer production) has forced local mediumdensity fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard plants to compete for increasingly scarce timber resources for their raw material. This has renewed interest in nontraditional fiber sources to augment conifer wood fiber in a wide range of products. Agricultural fibers can be substituted for conifer trees in most products, and are renewable in a much shorter time period. Most of the world has used nonwood fibers for paper and other fiber-based materials for centuries. Research Approach At the Medford Regional Water Reclamation Facility (sewage treatment plant) we made field-based measurements of root zone and groundwater chemistry, crop growth, water use, and nutrient uptake, in order to evaluate and reduce the risk of ground and surface water pollution while maximizing crop growth. The initial year of 1996 was predominantly an installation year, with 1997 including more installation as well as evaluation and data collection. In 1998 through 2001, we collected soil moisture data, groundwater, and root-zone water 'Associate Professor, Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR. Reference to a product or company is for specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. 120 Hybrid Poplar Production In The Rogue Valley,

129 2004 An Report samples to measure water use and potential movement of nutrients or heavy metals through the soil. Implicit in this experiment was the evaluation of management requirements and production potential of several fiber crops since the growth and management of likely agricultural fiber crops are not well understood in this region. Materials and Methods Crop Selection Three potential fiber crops (hybrid poplar [Populus trichocarpa x P. deltoides], kenaf [Hibiscus cannabinus], and miscanthus [Miscanthus giganteus]) were initially chosen for the study at the reclamation facility. However, recognizing that the Agate-Winlo soil at the treatment plant site was not ideal for crop production due to shallowness and high rock content, we planted a companion experiment at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center (SOREC) Hanley farm, which has Central Point sandy loam soil. The three poplar clones planted at the sewage treatment plant, plus three additional clones, were planted at the Hanley farm in 1997 to provide a better estimate of hybrid poplar production in a good agricultural soil. The Hanley farm site was not irrigated with treated effluent, but with standard irrigation water supplied by the Medford Irrigation District. Further details on the characteristics of these fiber crop species were provided in the Klamath Experiment Station 2003 Annual Report. Irrigation The volume of effluent applied at the sewage treatment plant (STP) was measured using standard in-line water meters, and thus application amounts as volume per unit area (cubic inches per square inch, or simply as inches), could be calculated. Irrigation at the Hanley farm was calculated using the known relationship between irrigation time and volume established over the years using the irrigation equipment available at this site. The amount and number of irrigation events for the two sites are shown in Table 1. Rainfall totals for each growing season (April September) are also included in Table 1. Fertilizer Fertilizer was applied to the Hanley farm site in early summer each year, as shown in Table 2. No fertilizer was applied to the STP site; however, the amount of total N and P applied through the effluent could be calculated given the volume and nutrient concentration, which is measured routinely by the treatment plant staff. These values are also shown in Table 2. Crop Growth Tree height and breast height diameter (DBH) were measured each year in the winter when the trees were dormant. DBH was measured 4.5 ft above the ground surface using calipers. Tree height was initially measured directly with tall ladders, graduated pipes, and hydraulic lifts. Once the trees grew taller than about 40 ft, we used the clinometer method with a base distance of 100 ft. This method is accurate to within about 1 ft for this situation (level ground, distinct planting pattern). The mean for each clone is typically an average of 24 individual trees, but in some cases the number of trees was slightly less due to tree damage through the years. Klamath Experiment Station

130 2004 Ant to Report Results and Discussion Growth and Yield It is clear that the poplar trees grew much better at the Hanley site than at the STP site (Figs. 1 and 2). Even though sufficient water and nutrients were applied at both sites, the conditions at the Hanley site are more ideal for poplar growth. The Central Point sandy loam soil at the Hanley farm is very deep, with about 4 percent organic matter and a permanent water table at 6- to 20-ft depth. It is the native habitat of the related cottonwood tree, which grows prolifically along streambanks in the area. The Agate-Winlo soil at the STP, however, is only about 50 percent soil, with the remaining volume consisting of various sizes of gravel and rocks. The soil fraction has a high clay content, and the whole area is underlain with a permanently cemented hardpan (primarily iron oxides). Although the area was ripped to a depth of about 40 inches before planting, in some areas the hardpan was slightly deeper, and thus not disturbed by the ripping. In its natural state this soil produces mainly annual grasses and weedy broadleaves, and is not considered a productive soil even when irrigated. This site was chosen due to its proximity to the effluent and the likelihood that similar soils would be used if the project was expanded to a commercial scale. In addition to the location difference, it is clear the clone was slightly taller and quite a bit thicker than the other clones at Hanley, although it was similar to the other clones at the STP. This effect was due mainly to the unanticipated tree spacing that occurred for the clone at Hanley. When the Hanley site was planted, virtually all the poplar sticks produced healthy trees for all clones except In that case, only about 20 percent of the clones produced healthy trees. Based on the results of the other clones, it seemed likely that this batch of was damaged somehow in storage before purchase. We replanted a new batch of sticks in mid-summer, but the new saplings never were able to catch up with the first group. Thus, the first group of saplings was able to grow with less competition, and behaved as if sticks were planted at a much wider spacing than was the case. This was most apparent in the diameter data, demonstrating the often-observed situation in forestry where trees at close spacing remain significantly thinner than similar trees planted at a wider spacing. Thus, the growth advantage for at Hanley is probably not a reflection of a superior clone, but rather the different growing conditions this clone experienced compared to the others. Interestingly, the growth at Hanley during years 7 and 8 was only slightly affected by the reduced irrigation. In fact, no irrigation was applied in 2004 (year 8), and precipitation during the growing season was below normal that year as well. Poplars are not very efficient water users; thus, the continued growth of all clones indicates that the tree roots had reached the shallow water table and were accessing sufficient water for transpiration from that source. Insect and Disease Pests At Hanley, disease and insect problems have been minimal, although we began to observe a few spots of damage by the seventh year, similar to damage seen earlier at the STP. These few trees were removed each year and destroyed to reduce further spread. However, trees grown at the STP began 122 Hybrid Poplar Production In The Rogue Valley,