2004 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? In cold northern regions of the United States the cropping season is short and errors in the timeliness of management operations are magnified compared to gentler climates. Consequently, producers need information that helps them optimize the extent and timing of management endeavors. Of primary concern to most producers in this vast region is effective, economically and environmentally acceptable crop production. Solutions to these problems primarily involve development of new crops and implementation of new management tools. These tools include new types of crops, new methods of treating crop seeds before planting, and new ways to manage crop pests. Three complimentary approaches are being pursued. (1) Phenological models are being devised for a wide array of crops and weeds. These will be inserted into existing and proposed management-oriented software. Clients have requested these models, which aid managers in planning early-season operations. (2) Planting strategies will be developed that help crops and farmers compensate for cold and wet soil conditions in spring. These developments will extend fieldwork days for managers. (3) Characteristics needed for sustainable production in short growing seasons will be determined through physiological and agronomic investigations of new (e.g., cuphea), alternative, and traditional crops. These results will enable better blueprinting of crops whose phenologies must fit within the timeframes of northern regions. Combined, the three approaches will provide clients with integrated information and resources that increase timeliness and reduce risk for crops grown in short-season environments. The research to be undertaken falls under National Program 305 - Crop Production (70%) and addresses goals I.A, I.B, I.C, and I.D as described in the National Program Action Plan; and National Program 304 - Crop Protection & Quarantine (30%) and addresses goals 7, 8, 9, and 10. Specifically these are: NP305.I.A Models and Decision Aids - Models are to be developed for inclusion into existing and new software. Clients have requested most of the proposed models. NP305.I.B Integrated Pest Management - Tiers of management that are integrated, with the aid of results from Problem A, above, help diversify weed management and promote sustained crop production. NP305.I.C Sustainable Cropping Systems - Crops (new crops), nutrients, soils, weather, pests, and social needs interact to form complex systems that determine whether cropping systems are sustainable. NP305.I.D Economic Evaluation - Costs and risks associated with new practices may not always be apparent initially. Inclusion of an agricultural economist on our team aids in forecasting the socio-economic consequences of the proposed research. NP304.7 Weed Biology and Ecology - Understanding weed biology and ecology is critical for making timely weed management decisions, regardless of the nature of the control technique. NP304.8 Chemical Control of Weeds - This form of control remains the centerpiece of weed management, especially with GM crops. To ensure efficacy and minimize environmental concerns, it must be integrated with other goals in the program. NP304.9 Biological Control of Weeds - The efficacy of this benign form of weed management can be improved if integrated with Subcomponent A, primarily involving models and prediction of weed development. NP304.10 Weed Management Systems - No single form of management is effective over long time spans. Highly useful forms of management, such as glyphosate-tolerant technology, will have extended life spans only if weed management systems are diverse. Timeliness of management operations is a serious problem in all of agriculture, but especially so for producers and crop advisors in cold northern regions where the total frost free season may only be four months. At the start of this growing season, air and soil temperatures rise more rapidly than they do in more southerly regions. Thus, once plant growth begins, it accelerates at higher rates than comparable plants at lower latitudes. This means that management decisions in cold northern regions must be timely as well as accurate, as too little time exists to compensate for management errors and "rescue" treatments (e.g., re-spraying, replanting, etc.) often are not viable options. Research that helps improve timeliness will curtail yield and financial losses that often arise because of penalties imposed by climate and labor shortages in northern regions. 2.List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Year 1 (FY 2003) Collection of Canada thistle phenology data. Data analyses of perennial weed phenology. Establish tillage systems for emergence monitoring. Wild oat analyses and model development Conclude tropical weed analyses Conclude cuphea irrigation data collection Conclude cuphea latitude data collection. Initiate G C study. Initiate cuphea root study Initiate cuphea screening for cold tolerance Assemble winter canola, lupin, and medic germplasm and initiate screening Year 2 (FY 2004) Analyze perennial weed phenology data Retrieve, collect, & analyze crop emergence data Conclude analyses of Canada thistle Conclude analyses of wild oat Write papers for tropical weeds Data collection for polymer-coated crop seeds Complete gene expression & enzyme experiments Complete biochemical analyses Analyze results of cuphea irrigation study Analyze results of cuphea latitudinal study Continue cuphea rotation study Increase seed of cuphea, lupin, and winter canola lines Year 3 (FY 2005) Model perennial weed development Collect and analyze crop emergence data Publish papers on tropical weeds Release WeedEm software Collect and analyze polymer-coated seed data Analyze gene and enzyme data Complete biochemical analyses Write and publish cuphea irrigation study Write and publish cuphea longitudinal study Analyze results of cuphea root study Year 4 (FY 2006) Field test perennial weed models Write paper on perennial weeds Field test crop emergence model Write paper on polymer-coated seeds Publish gene and enzyme results Analyze results from cuphea rotation study Write paper on cuphea root study Demo plots of best winter canola, cuphea, lupin, and medic lines Year 5 (FY 2007) Include perennial weeds in software Include crop species is software Publish results of polymer coated seeds Write and publish G C results Write and publish cuphea rotation study Demo plots of best winter canola, cuphea, lupin, and medic lines 3.Milestones: A. List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2004. How many milestones did you fully or substantially meet in FY 2004 and indicate which ones were not fully or substantially met, briefly explain why not, and your plans to do so. The milestones listed below were scheduled to be completed under Year 1. Most milestones were completed. Data on phenology and control of perennial weeds, primarily Canada thistle and quackgrass, have been collected and initial analyses have begun. Crop emergence data for four crop species was collected from several tillage systems and residue levels. Initial analyses have begun. Wild oat data have been analyzed and a preliminary wild oat model developed. Two papers for tropical weeds have been written. The first was accepted recently for publication in Weed Science. The second was submitted to Weed Science and found acceptable for publication after minor revision. The revised paper was submitted in late July 2004. Tillage systems for polymer-coated seed study were established. Coated seeds will be sown in 2005 into these established plots. Photosynthetic gene and enzyme expression experiment was completed. GC experiment to evaluate maize under low temperatures was completed. Cuphea irrigation experiment was completed and is now being analyzed. The two-crop cuphea rotation study was initiated in summer 2004. Results of cuphea latitudinal study were analyzed superficially and distinct trends were detected. More complete and critical analyses will be initiated. Seeds of superior winter canola, cuphea, lupin, and winter canola lines were increased. Cuphea production almost certainly is affected by soil type. However, lack of funds and technical personnel prohibited us from examining this proposed milestone in 2004. B. List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2005, 2006, & 2007). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? This CRIS project has many milestones. Listed below are only the most significant as perceived by the Lead Scientist. Year 5 (FY 2005) Expansion of cuphea (cv 'PSR23') acreage in Minnesota and other Midwestern states. This new oilseed crop was grown on-farm on >50 acres in 2004 for seed increase in anticipation of growing much larger acreage in 2005. This work is being coordinated by our CRIS team in collaboration with private companies and several farmers. Emergence model development will receive a boost due to a successful USDA-NRI proposal that will be implemented in the autumn of 2004. Models of several weed and crop species will be initiated. Year 6 (FY 2006) Tentative plans are for 300,000 acres of cuphea to be planted by 2006. This is an ambitious goal that may not be realized. One problem is that seeds are not only needed for expanding the acreage of cuphea, but they also are needed for large-scale processing and utilization experiments. Emergence model development will be well underway. An initial software platform probably will be ready for users to test. The seed coating and priming studies will have been completed, and papers will be scheduled for submission to journals and possibly publication. Year 7 (FY 2007) New varieties of cuphea are expected to be available for testing by 2007. We expect active marketing of PSR23 at this time and, consequently, extensive use of our previously released cuphea growers' guide. By 2007, enough on-farm experience will be available that a new growers' guide probably will be warranted. Appreciable numbers of papers will have been published and associated software developed for emergence models, including models for polymer-coated and primed seeds. Additionally, papers dealing with low temperature responses of crops also will have been submitted to journals and published. 4.What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single most significant accomplishment during FY 2004 (one per Research Project): Cuphea was planted on more than 50 acres of private farm land in Minnesota and about 30 acres in Illinois. This was done in cooperation with a private seed company and a large international chemical manufacturer with whom a CRADA was signed. This accomplishment was important because this alternative oilseed crop has the potential to be a domestic source of medium-chain-length fatty acids and a replacement for imported palm kernel and coconut oil. Extensive but basic agronomic research led to the realization that cuphea not only had the potential to grow in the upper Midwest, but thrived in this region. Cuphea now appears to be well on its way to becoming an accepted industrial crop for upper Midwest farmers and the industrial oil products industry in the United States. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any. Emergence models and modeling protocols were developed. This accomplishment was important because it helps solve questions regarding the timing of weed management activities. Seedling or shoot emegrence models were developed for tropic ageratum and cogongrass, which are two very important tropical weeds; crabgrass, goosegrass, green foxtail, and yellow foxtail, which are serious weeds of turf in Europe and North America; and wild oat. These activities led to considerable recognition by the scientific community: invitations to domestic and international meetings, international visitors (Italy, Nigeria), inclusion in management-oriented software (WeedTurf, WheatScout), three peer-reviewed journal submissions, and a successful $400,000 NRI proposal. Furthermore, this research and product development will help farmers and turf managers make better and more timely decisions regarding weed control. C. Significant activities that support special target populations. Emergence models were developed and accepted for publication. These models are targeted to aid subsistence farmers in sub Saharan Africa. D. Progress Report opportunity to submit additional programmatic information to your Area Office and NPS (optional for all in-house ("D") projects and the projects listed in Appendix A; mandatory for all other subordinate projects). USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service supported a collaborative relationship between USDA-ARS-NCSCRL and the Michael Okpara University of Agreiculture, Umudike, Nigeria. This relationship ended as of January 1, 2004. It resulted in two manuscripts, one of which is in press ("Shoot emergence model for cogongrass [Imperata cylindrica]") and tentative acceptance of a second manuscript ("Seedling emergence model for tropic ageratum [Ageratum conyzoides]"). Dr Friday Ekeleme is the first author on both papers, and two SYs from this CRIS project are coauthors. 5.Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Identification and establishment of cuphea as a viable alternative oilseed crop that can be grown and managed in Midwestern states. Action Plan components: NP305.I.C Sustainable Cropping Systems - Crops (new crops), etc. Development of basic model routines and subroutines for software such as WeedCast and WheatScout. Action Plan components: NP305.I.A Models and Decision Aids and NP304.7 Weed Biology and Ecology. 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Cuphea agronomy already is being used by farmers, seed companies, and industry. Emergence models already are used by crop advisors, extension educators, and university lecturers. Use of both technologies will increase as information, knowledge, and predictive abilities increase. Constraints involve hesitation of farmers and agricultural and chemical industry to accept new technologies and better appreciate risk. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. Goforth A. 2004. No more guessing: Innovative WeedCast computer model helps fine tune weed control timing. The Grower 37(1):24-25. Anonymous. 2004. Should you consider cuphea? The Farmer, July issue, pp 18-19. Gesch R, Forcella F, and Olness A. 2004. Cuphea Growers' Guide. USDA-ARS-NCSCRS Publication. Review Publications FORCELLA, F., POPPE, S., HANSEN, N., HEAD, W.A., HOOVER, E., PROPSUM, F., MCKENSIE, J. BIOLOGICAL MULCHES FOR MANAGING WEEDS IN TRANSPLANTED STRAWBERRY (FRAGARIA X ANANASSA). WEED TECHNOLOGY. 2003. V. 17. P. 782-787. FORCELLA, F., AMUNDSON, G.B. METHODS IN WEED ECOLOGY: GLUE RETAINS SEEDS IN SHATTER-PRONE SEEDHEADS. WEED TECHNOLOGY. 2004. V. 18. P. 183-185. GESCH, R.W., KANG, I.-H., GALLO-MEAGHER, M., VU, J.C., BOOTE, K.J., ALLEN JR, L.H., BOWES, G. RUBISCO EXPRESSION IN RICE LEAVES IS RELATED TO GENOTYPIC VARIATION OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS UNDER ELEVATED GROWTH CO2 AND TEMPERATURE. PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT. 2003. V. 26. P. 1941-1950. JARADAT, A.A., SHAHID, M.A., AL MASKRI, A.Y. GENETIC DIVERSITY IN THE BATINI BARLEY LANDRACE FROM OMAN. I. SPIKE AND SEED QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE TRAITS. CROP SCIENCE. 2004. V. 44. P. 304-315. Jaradat, A.A., Shahid, M.A., Al-Maskri, A. 2004. Genetic diversity in the Batini barley landrace from Oman: II. Response to salinity stress. Crop Science. 44:997-1007. JARADAT, A.A., ZAID, A. QUALITY TRAITS OF DATE PALM FRUITS IN A CENTER OF ORIGIN AND CENTER OF DIVERSITY. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD, AGRICULTURE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT. 2004. V. 2. P. 208-217. Forcella, F., Webster, T.M., Cardina, J. 2003. Protocols for weed seedbank determination in agroecosystems. In: Labrada, R., editor. Addendum to Weed Management for Developing Countries. 120(Add. 1). Rome, Italy: FAO. p. 3-18. FORCELLA, F. DEBITING THE SEEDBANK: PRIORITIES AND PREDICTIONS. BEKKER, R.M. ET AL. EDITORS. ASSOCIATION OF APPLIED BIOLOGISTS, WELLESBOURNE, UK. ASPECTS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY 69. 2003. P. 151-162. JARADAT, A.A. MACROGEOGRAPHICAL POPULATION GENETICS OF WILD EMMER WHEAT AND ITS ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN THE FERTILE CRESCENT. CD-ROM. MADISON, WI: ASA-CSSA-SSSA. 2003. JARADAT, A.A., SHAHID, M.A. EVALUATION OF SAFFLOWER GERMPLASM FROM SW ASIA FOR SALINITY TOLERANCE AND AGRONOMIC TRAITS. CD-ROM. MADISON, WI: ASA-CSSA-SSSA. 2003. OLNESS, A.E., GESCH, R.W., FORCELLA, F., ARCHER, D.W., RINKE, J.L. EFFECT OF VANADIUM AND NUTRIENT IONIC RATIOS ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CUPHEA. CD-ROM. MADISON, WI: ASA-CSSA-SSSA. 2003. GESCH, R.W., JOHNSON, J.M., REICOSKY, D.C., GALLO-MEAGHER, M. CARBOHYDRATE SOURCE:SINK BALANCE AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACCLIMATION IN MAIZE UNDER COLD GROWTH TEMPERATURES. CD-ROM. MADISON, WI: ASA-CSSA-SSSA. 2003. Amundson, G.B., Forcella, F., Gesch, R.W. 2003. Herbicide tolerance in cuphea: A new oilseed crop. North Central Weed Science Society. 58:8. Peterson, D.H., Boots, D.E., Gesch, R.W., Forcella, F. 2003. Harvesting techniques for cuphea, a new oilseed crop. North Central Weed Science Society. 58:6. Gesch, R.W., Sharratt, B.S., Forcella, F., Olness, A.E. 2004. Physiological response and seed yield of irrigated cuphea [abstract]. American Oil Chemists' Society. p. 71. FORCELLA, F., GESCH, R.W. HERBICIDES AND DESICCANTS FOR MANAGING CUPHEA: A NEW OILSEED CROP. CD-ROM. MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS: WEED SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA ABSTRACTS. 2004. Harbur, M.M., Evans, E.E., Nickel, L.M., Sheaffer, C.C., Wyse, D.L., Allan, D.L., Nickel, P., Forcella, F. 2004. Organic weed management research in southwestern Minnesota [abstract]. Weed Science Society of America. p. 29-30. Forcella, F., Gesch, R.W. 2004. Herbicides and desiccants for managing cuphea, a new oilseed crop [abstract]. American Oil Chemists' Society. p. 70-71.