Crops

Can lignin degrading organisms reduce Verticillium wilt in pumpkin cropping systems?

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 […]

Development of a USDA NIFA SCRI proposal to combat onion bacterial diseases across the US

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 […]

Capturing drought-avoidance genotypes using peroxisome proliferation readout

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 […]

Increasing legume nodulation for improved symbiotic nitrogen fixation

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 […]

From Ground to Glass: Evaluation of unique barley varieties for western Washington craft malting, brewing and distilling

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 […]

Building soil quality, enhancing soil microbial function, and alleviating chlorosis in Concord grapes with inter-row cover crops

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 […]

Strip tillage and cover cropping for enhanced water use efficiency in western Washington organic vegetable farms

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 […]

Rapid Evaluation of Winter Wheat Residue Decomposition Potential

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 […]

WSU Plasticulture website development

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); […]