This section is designed to present the results of small experiments, or describe other miscellaneous observations that might lead to more extensive research projects.  The latest information is presented first.

Yield of late summer sown navy bean (12/12/01)

The cv 'Aspen' was sown on 7" centers on 30 July 2001 on a 1 acre field.  Harvest was on 26 November 2001after plants were dried in the field.  The yield was 630 lb.

Kernel fertilization in 'Attribute' sweet corn was, but degree of insect damage was not, affected by planting date (1/22/01)

The cv 'Attribute' contains genetic material that allows it to resist attack by insects.  Seed of this cultivar were planted on 20 April, 1 June, and 10 July 2000.  Less than 1% of kernels in ears were damaged regardless of planting date.  Better than 99% of kernels were fertilized on plants from the 20 April and 1 June plantings.  Only 28% of kernels were fertilized on plants from the 10 July planting.

Trifluralin effect on transplanted onion (7/27/99)

This herbicide is not cleared for preplant application in fields where onion are to be established by transplanting.  A small experiment was conducted to make preliminary observations on effects this herbicide had on survival of transplants.  The herbicide was applied preplant to the soil and incorporated.   Six-week-old, 2 to 3 leaf stage, onion transplants produced in 6.5 cm high transplant flats, see the next entry, were transplanted into the treated soil.   Eighteen days later the number of surviving transplants were counted and a percent survival determined.  For the controls, that is where no herbicide was applied, 16.7% of the seedlings had died.  For the treflan treated transplants the mortality rate was 12.5%.  It should be emphasized that this does not represent a recommendation.  Since this herbicide is not cleared for use on onions when applied in this manner it is illegal to treat this crop in this manner and then offer the onions for consumption.

Flat size and seedling development (4/27/99)

The normal height of styrofoam transplant flats has been 11.5 cm. More recently these trays have been reduced in height to 6.5 cm. It is of interest to those dealing with these newer trays to determine if seedlings produced are different from those produced in the 11.5 cm flats. Seeds of a cultivar of eggplant, bell pepper and tomato were sown in 128 cell transplant flats that were 6.5 or 11.5 cm in height. After six-weeks ten seedlings were removed and seedling height, diameters of stems and fresh weight of roots were determined.

For the most part there were no statistically significant differences between the seedlings in the two trays. However, the results suggest that there are height differences for bell pepper and tomato seedlings. Whether these would translate to differences in vigor or yield when seedlings are transplanted to the field remains to be determined.

Producing Onions from Transplants in Two Sizes of Transplant Trays  (4/1/99)

Onions can be established in the field either by direct sowing or by transplants.  Conditions under which transplants are produced may later affect yield.  The industry standard transplant tray was 11.5 cm in height.  These trays are becoming more difficult to find and are being replaced by shorter trays.  The shorter trays have the benefit of being cheaper, $2.60 ea vs $5.60 for the deeper tray, and less potting medium is used to fill them.  However, it is unclear if  these trays will compact roots of sedlings and affect seedling development or vigor.  A preliminary study in a greenhouse was undertaken to determine if the type of transplant tray affected plant development.  Seed of the white bulb onion 'Walla Walla' were started in 128 cell seedling transplant trays that were either 6.5 or 11.5 cm in height.   After six weeks transplants were transferred to 26 cm diameter pots containing potting soil.  When mature onions were harvested average shoot, bulb and root weight, as well as bulb diameter were determined.

Although there appears to be numerical differences between treatments, statistical analysis did not indicate significant differences. Of interest was that the range of bulb diameter was similar regardless of transplant tray size.

Greenhouse-grown Transplants Compared to Bare-root Transplants (11/10/04)

Bare-root transplants may not be uniform in size and require a period following planting to begin regrowth.  Greenhouse grown seedlings are more uniform and have actively growing tops and roots when transplanted.  However, they may experience a period of transplant shock.  Bare-root transplants were generally heavier than greenhouse grown transplants.  Yields of plants developed from greenhouse grown transplants were generally similar to plants developed from bare-root transplants.  The full text of this research can be found in "Russo, V. M. 2004. Greenhouse-grown transplants as an alternative to bare-root transplants for onion. HortScience 39(6):1267-1271".