Thomas G. Chastain
Dry conditions are normal for the Willamette Valley in July and August. This is an important period for flowering and seed development in red clover seed crops. While much of the region’s red clover seed crop is not irrigated, would the crop benefit from additional water during this dry period? That is one of the questions that the seed production research and extension team has addressed.
OSU is presenting two seed production field day offerings on the same day where the public can visit research farms and learn more about a variety of seed crops. The field days provide a convenient choice for those located in either the western or eastern parts of the state.
May 28 – Hyslop Farm Field Day – Plant growth regulators and irrigation management in red clover seed crops, establishment and tillage systems in annual ryegrass, nitrogen effects on seed yield in yellow mustard, and more. Starts at 8 AM and ends with lunch provided by the OSU Crops Club.
Located at Hyslop Crop Science Field Research Laboratory just off Highway 20 between Corvallis and Albany at 3455 NE Granger Corvallis, OR 97330. Phone (541) 737-6067. Hyslop Farm location
May 28 – Grass Seed Field Day – Various topics focused on grass seed production practices and pests including ergot, powdery mildew and stripe rust control, ammonia volatilization, and more. Starts at 8:30 AM and ends at noon.
Located at OSU’s Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 2121 S. First Street, Hermiston, OR 97838. Phone (541) 567-6337.
Thomas G. Chastain
Research conducted at Hyslop Farm has shown that spring irrigation in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass can increase seed yield. The soil at Hyslop Farm is a medium textured soil (Woodburn silt loam) that is typical of many places in the valley where tall fescue and perennial ryegrass seed crops are grown. This soil is deep and has good water holding capacity.
Tall fescue seed yield responses to spring irrigation varied among the cultivars tested. Increased number of seed in tall fescue was most responsible for the seed yield improvement observed with spring irrigation. Strategic timing of spring irrigation to support seed filling was more important for increasing seed yield than season-long irrigation. Spring irrigation increased seed yield up to 39%. First years stands of stands of tall fescue averaged 28% increase in seed yield with spring irrigation while second year stands averaged 11% increased yield. Continue reading
Thomas G. Chastain
The late summer and early fall period has long been thought to be critical for regrowth of the perennial ryegrass and tall fescue seed crops after harvest and for the following year’s seed yield. Extremely dry conditions during this period in the Willamette Valley can reduce stands and crop regrowth in both seed crops. There is good evidence from our research that irrigation improves the appearance of the stand (number of tillers and stand cover) going into the winter. But what about the impact of fall irrigation on seed yield in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue?
Oregon State University has recently released the 31st annual Seed Production Research Report in both hard copy and an online version. This publication has long been a forum for reports from a variety of seed production researchers, not only from OSU but also from affiliated institutions and agencies. For much of the Report’s existence, the publication has been edited and produced by Bill Young – now retired professor and extension agronomist in seed production. This year’s installment was edited by OSU Extension staff members Andrew Hulting, Nicole Anderson, Darren Walenta, and Michael Flowers.
The report is home to articles on a wide range of topics concerning the production of seed from species found in Oregon. Topics in this year’s edition include weed, insect and disease management; plant growth regulators; irrigation management; and seed testing. Here’s a link to the online version of the Seed Production Research Report:
2012 Seed Production Research Report
Articles at the linked site can be accessed by clicking on the title of the article.
Here’s a new article on spring irrigation of tall fescue seed crops published in Field Crops Research. This work was led by Krista Huettig, a former graduate student and member of my research team.
The study reports several important findings and was the first study to demonstrate that spring irrigation increases seed yield in tall fescue. Tall fescue seed yield responses to spring irrigation varied among the cultivars tested. Increased number of seed in tall fescue was most responsible for the seed yield improvement observed with spring irrigation. Strategic timing of spring irrigation to support seed filling was more important for increasing seed yield than season-long irrigation.
Click on the citation below to go to the article: