Raised beds in pumpkin cropping systems are frequently mulched with polyethylene (PE), providing numerous benefits. However, PE mulch has negative environmental consequences since it can remain in the soil for years. Biodegradable plastic mulch films (BDM) that are soil incorporated and biodegraded by microorganisms may present a sustainable alternative. Verticillium dahliae causes Verticillium wilt on […]
This BIOAg grant was used to support a postdoctorate, Dr. Louisa Winkler, to assist Dr. Lindsey du Toit, WSU Professor of Plant Pathology, prepare a 12-state, 20-person collaborative, multi-disciplinary proposal on onion bacterial diseases to the USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative in March 2018. The submitted proposal, which requested ~$3.5 million, ranked in the […]
There is increasing interest in honey bee stock improvement in response to the continuing high annual loss of colonies and the desire to minimize in-hive chemical treatments to control bee parasites and diseases. In addition, the African honey bee poses a serious concern for beekeepers and the public at large. Individual beekeepers, small groups of […]
Drought significantly affects agriculture in the US and has resulted in $4 billion in losses in just 2014 alone. Optimization of water management together with improved agricultural practices caused significant yield increases without additional water input. The next significant improvement in water use efficiency is predicted to be in breeding plant varieties with better performance […]
We have identified a gene from Sinorhizobium medicae that substantially increases nodulation of Sinorhizobium meliloti on barrel medic and Rhizobium leguminosarum on pea and increases biomass of nodulated barrel medic by ~40%. The glx gene appears to work by overcoming plant-mediated inhibition of nodule formation and is the first gene we know of with this […]
This research project was initiated to provide regional agronomic and end-use data for specialty barley producers and end-users in western Washington, and to evaluate for the impact of barley variety on distillate and beer flavor compounds. The long-term aim of the project is to cultivate high-value markets for grain based on distinctive end-use qualities such […]
Leaf yellowing, or chlorosis, occurs on more than 50% of the Concord vineyards in central WA, resulting in significant reductions in vine size, uniformity, productivity, and eventually vine death. The yellowing of the leaves resembles classic Fe-deficiency chlorosis, however many studies have attempted without success to determine the precise cause and effective treatment of this […]
Tillage is an important tool in organic systems for weed control, residue management, seedbed preparation, and regulation of spring soil temperature. As excessive tillage wastes energy and degrades soil quality, organic producers are encouraged to reduce tillage. Soil water also evaporates more quickly from bare, tilled soils, potentially increasing irrigation demand. This integrated research and […]
Managing crop residue is essential to conservation farming systems that enhance soil quality and reduce soil erosion. Growers, and the seed dealers they work with, regularly request information on residue decomposition of winter wheat cultivars, but none is currently available. Previous analysis of winter wheat residue has shown that hard and soft cultivars differ significantly […]
The term “plasticulture” refers to the use of plastic for the benefit of agricultural production. In practice, plasticulture may be used to describe agricultural systems that utilize plastic-covered structures to extend growing seasons and protect crops from excess moisture, extreme weather, and other threats; ground-laid plastic mulch films; plastic-based precision irrigation systems (i.e. drip irrigation); […]