2006 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? Why does it matter? Agriculture in the South Central states is undergoing change due to alterations in national farm support systems, biotic and abiotic stresses affecting crop yields, and shifts in consumer preferences. A healthy farming sector must be adaptable to change. An enthusiastic acceptance of the opportunities in the changing production environment will strengthen the development of diversified, sustainable agriculture, especially for family farms, and contribute to the stability of the rural community. A resilient, and adaptable, agricultural base will assure the delivery of safe, reasonably priced, nutritious food to the citizens of the United States. To profit from these changes producers will have to employ new or modified production systems. Redirection of agricultural endeavors will allow producers to enter new markets, including overseas markets. Modifying, or changing, existing production systems can present physical, logistical, and sociological problems to producers. Production methods are not always easily transferable between systems, and some re-education of producers will be required. Land previously in grass or row crops may not be immediately used for high-value vegetable crops. The work is relevant to researchers, and producers with varying levels of resources. The project is relevant to National Programs 305 (Crop Production) and contributes to 304 (Crop Protection and Quarantine), and to 207 (Integrated Agricultural Systems) by providing new information on crop production methods, and control of weeds, that is designed to improve production efficiency in the development of sustainable cropping systems, and determine how cultural methods affect quality and quantity of vegetables. Results of these studies will increase the knowledge base, improve the delivery of technology, and promote the use of these systems. New, or adapted, production systems can be used to develop sustainable, diversified, agriculture. The project will support immediate and long-range strategies for efficient crop production through collaboration with producers, especially those that operate small- and medium-sized farms. Research is being conducted to develop production systems, control weeds, examine factors affecting crop development or yield, and examine factors that may affect crop physiology. Changes in vegetable production will likely require that traditional agricultural practices be diversified and include production of specialized crops. Many components interact to direct research, development, and implementation of production systems for horticultural crops. There are opportunities to design research programs that lead to the development of production systems for horticultural crops that will utilize every facet of the cultural system to maximize crop yields, water-use efficiency, profitability, and product quality, while minimizing chemical use, health risks, and environmental impact. Research on production systems for various horticultural crops will be conducted on cultural components that will be investigated separately and in combination. The goal will be to deliver technology for production systems that will maximize yield quantity and quality, improve income to the producer, and help producers control weeds. 2.List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Year 1 (FY 2006) 1a. Continue experiments dealing with factors affecting transplant production, complete experiments dealing with rotation of grasses and vegetables. 1b. Initiate experiments dealing with density in non-pungent jalapeno peppers using a different protocol. Prepare report of completed experiment. 1c. Continue experiments dealing with effects of inocula on peanut and vegetable production in rotation. 1d. Continue experiments dealing with those comparing organic and conventional vegetable production. 1e. Initiate experiments dealing with onion density. 2. Complete experiment dealing with spacing and fertilization of dry beans and prepare report. 3. Initiate precision weed control experiments using mechanical, mulching and herbicide methods. Year 2 (FY 2007) 1a. Complete experiments dealing with effects of inocula on peanut and vegetable production in rotation 1b. Complete the experiments dealing with onion density and prepare reports. 1c. Complete experiments dealing with plant density as it affects non-pungent jalapeno peppers and prepare report. 1d. Continue experiments comparing organic and conventional vegetable production. 2. Initiate experiments dealing with nutrient content in onion and with effect of sulfur on senescence and sulfur content in sweet corn. 3a. Complete experiments dealing with organic weed control options for vegetable crops and effects on phytonutrients, and prepare report. 3b. Complete cover crop and phytonutrient experiments with cantaloupe and peppers, and prepare reports. 4. Initiate experiments integrating the production and weed control methods developed in objectives 1 and 3, and phytonutrient benefits determined in objectives 2 and 3. Year 3 (FY 2008) 1a. Initiate experiments dealing with effects of growth regulators on onion development and bolting. 1b. Continue experiments comparing organic and conventional vegetable production. 2a. Complete experiments dealing with nutrient content in onion. 2b. Complete experiments on effect of sulfur on senescence and sulfur content in sweet corn. 2c. Initiate experiment dealing with effects of planting date, fertilizer, and irrigation on nutrient content in pepper. 3. Complete precision weed control experiments using mechanical, mulching, and herbicide methods. Year 4 (FY 2009) 1a. Complete experiments dealing with effects of growth regulators on onion development and bolting. 1b. Complete experiment comparing organic and conventional vegetable production. 2. Complete the experiment dealing with effects of planting date, fertilization, and irrigation on yield and mineral nutrient content of peppers. 3. Complete experiments integrating the production and weed control methods developed in objectives 1 and 3, and phytonutrient benefits determined in objectives 2 and 3. 4a.List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Corn Gluten Meal Placement as an Organic Pre-Emergence Herbicide for Direct-Seeded Vegetables Organic producers have few tools with which to combat weeds. There was successful development and evaluation of equipment and methods to deliver corn gluten meal (CGM) as an organic, pre-emergence herbicide with direct-seeded vegetables, which is beyond the original usage in turf. This research, conducted at the South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory, Lane, OK, provides information of the methodology of, and the benefits of, direct application of CGM, an organic material that has promise as a herbicide in organic vegetable production, where little information exists. Producers interested in entering into this type of production will benefit from this information and will be able to make informed decisions on the application CGM. A PTO driven, tractor mounted, apparatus was developed from off the shelf parts, and where necessary additional parts fabricated from readily available materials. The equipment was calibrated and repeatedly delivered the requisite amounts of CGM to soil in plots. (The research addresses NP305, NP 304, and contributes to NP207) 4b.List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Rotation of Grass with Vegetables Disrupted Life-Cycles of Weeds There is a need to develop systems that include rotations of different types of crops to reduce stress from weeds and provide sustainable production of vegetables. A rotation was developed that included multiple cropping of grasses and vegetables. This rotation conducted at the South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory, Lane, OK, addresses disrupted life-cycles of weeds. Producers interested in diversifying operations in which a portion includes grazing, or cutting hay for sale, will benefit from this information and will be able to make informed decisions on the appropriate cover crops to establish in order to plan for vegetable production as part of the farm plan. (The research addresses NP305, NP 304, and contributes to NP207) 4c.List significant activities that support special target populations. Work in cooperation with a minority-affiliated organization is underway, and was centered on the dissemination of information to improve production practices for vegetable growers in the association. Cooperative efforts with a producer organization dedicated to organic production of food and fiber to participate in the development of organically based production of vegetables is ongoing. Approximately 3.5 tons of produce has been distributed to local groups for distribution to food banks and similar operations through the USDA Gleaners program. 5.Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. Sustainable production systems to increase yield quality and quantity, and income on family farms are being developed. These include crop diversity and production efficiency, and are profitable and sustainable. Local producers have incorporated the systems, entirely, or in part, to improve farm income while reducing stress from environmental factors, pests, disease, or weeds. The research has been published and has the potential impact for a major food processor by improving yield and quality of products. (The research addresses NP305, NP 304, and contributes to NP207) 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? Technology transferred includes presentation of information on the scientific method and agricultural sciences to students from elementary through high schools visiting the South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory. Undergraduate college students were introduced to the scientific method used in research through summer jobs and cooperation in special programs. There was cooperation in field days that demonstrated to producers, and potential producers, cultural methods that will lead to improved yield and information about the importance of weed control in vegetables. A web site "http://www.lane-ag.org/scarl/prodsys/prodsys.htm" that is periodically updated provides recommendations for vegetable production based on data generated as a result of research. This information makes production system research from this location immediately available to customers. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Core, J. 2006. Grower's choice: Organic and conventional vegetable production explored. Agricultural Research, April 2006, p. 20-21. The Grower. 2006. Organic vegetable research sheds light on new practices. 39(7):15. Review Publications Brandenberger, L.P., Shrefler, J.W., Webber III, C.L., Talbert, R.E., Paton, M.E., Wells, L.K., McClelland, M. 2005. Preemergence weed control in direct-seeded watermelon. Weed Technology. 19:706-712. Russo, V.M. 2006. Mineral nutrient and protein contents in tissues, and yield of navy bean, in response to nitrogen fertilization and row spacing. Journal of Food, Agriculture, and the Environment. 4:168-171. Webber III, C.L., Davis, A.R., Shrefler, J.W., Perkins Veazie, P.M., Russo, V.M., Edelson, J.V. 2006. Organic weed control in two watermelon variety trials. 2005 Vegetable Weed Control Studies, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162, p. 31-33. Webber III, C.L., Russo, V.M., Sherfler, J.W. 2006. Non-pungent jalapeno peppers: Corn gluten meal as an organic herbicide. 2005 Vegetable Weed Control Studies, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162, p. 23-24. Webber III, C.L., Russo, V.M., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Corn gluten meal as a herbicide in non-pungent jalapeno peppers. 2005 Vegetable Trial Report, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-164, p. 57-58. Webber III, C.L., Russo, V.M., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Impact of preplant incorporated herbicides on non-pungent jalapeno pepper yields. 2005 Vegetable Trial Report, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-164, p. 61-62. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Corn gluten meal application equipment. 2005 Vegetable Weed Control Studies, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162, p. 18-20. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Corn gluten meal: Weed control and yields for onions. 2005 Vegetable Weed Control Studies, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162, p. 21-22. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Corn gluten meal applications in squash. 2005 Vegetable Weed Control Studies, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162, p. 25-26. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Pelargonic acid: Rate, adjuvants, and application timing. 2005 Vegetable Weed Control Studies, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162, p. 27. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Vinegar: Application volumes and adjuvants for weed control. 2005 Vegetable Weed Control Studies, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162, p. 28. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Vinegar as a burn-down herbicide: Acetic acid concentrations, application volumes, and adjuvants. 2005 Vegetable Weed Control Studies, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162, p. 29-30. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Corn gluten meal application equipment: Formulations, rates, and banding evaluations. 2005 Vegetable Trial Report, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-164, p. 54-56. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Influence of application volume and adjuvants on weed control with vinegar. 2005 Vegetable Trial Report, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-164, p. 60. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2005. Corn gluten meal: Alternative weed control for squash [abstract]. HortScience. 40(3):884. Shrefler, J.W., Webber III, C.L. 2005. Corn gluten meal application options for weed control [abstract]. HortScience. 40(3):885. Shrefler, J.W., Santos, B.M., Webber III, C.L., Taylor, M.J. 2005. Cucurbit research at the Lane Agriculture - conventional and organic [abstract]. In: Fifty First Interamerican Society of Tropical Horticulture Proceedings, October 11-14, 2005, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. p. 25. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Pelargonic acid as a contact herbicide: Concentrations, adjuvants, and application timing [abstract]. Southern Branch, American Society of Agronomy. Paper No. 12. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Vinegar as a contact herbicide: Application volume and adjuvants [abstract]. Southern Branch Meeting, American Society of Agronomy Abstracts. Paper No. 11. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Squash production and organic weed control [abstract]. Southern Region of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 41(3):515. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Organic weed control in squash [abstract]. Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society. 59:146. Shrefler, J.W., Webber III, C.L., Santos, B.M., Taylor, M.J. 2005. Corn gluten meal: Application options for a weed control alternative [abstract]. In: Proceeding 17th Congress Latin American Weed Conference, Nov. 8-11, 2005, Varadero, Cuba. p. 645. Shrefler, J.W., Webber III, C.L., Santos, B.M., Taylor, M.J. 2005. Corn gluten meal: An alternative for weed control in yellow squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) [abstract]. In: Proceeding 17th Congress Latin American Weed Conference, November 8-11, 2005, Varadero, Cuba. p. 646-647. Shrefler, J.W., Roberts, B.W., Webber III, C.L., Edelson, J.V., Taylor, M. 2006. Summer squash planting systems following a Rye cover crop [abstract]. HortScience. 41(4):998-999. Webber III, C.L., Russo, V.M., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Non-pungent jalapeno pepper yields and preplant incorporated herbicides [abstract]. HortScience. 41(4):1074. Webber III, C.L., Davis, A.R., Shrefler, J.W., Perkins Veazie, P.M., Russo, V.M., Edelson, J.V. 2006. Organic watermelon production systems: Varieties and weed control [abstract]. HortScience. 41(4):1034. Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Pelargonic acid weed control parameters [abstract]. HortScience. 41(4):1034. Webber III, C.L., Russo, V.M., Shrefler, J.W. 2006. Impact of preplant incorporated herbicides on non-pungent jalapeno pepper yields. 2005 Vegetable Weed Control Studies, Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162, p. 10-11. Russo, V.M., Kindiger, B.K., Webber III, C.L. 2006. Pumpkin yield and weed populations following annual ryegrass. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture. 28:85-96.