1969 MONTCALM EXPERIMENTAL FARM RESEARCH REPORT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Agricultural Experiment Station East Lansing, Michigan ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Research personnel working at the Montcalm Experimental Farm have received much assistance in many ways. A special thank you is owed to those individuals, private companies and government agencies who have made this research possible. Many valuable contributions in the way of fertilizers, chemicals, seeds, equipment, technical assistance and personal services as well as monetary grants were received and are hereby gratefully acknowledged. Special recognition is given to Mr. Theron Comden, owner of the experimental farm for his cooperation and assistance in performing many personal services. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Crop Management and Cultural Studies of Potatoes - R. W. Chase..................................................................................... 1 Potato Variety Studies - N. R. Thompson..................................... 6 Soil Fertility Research on Potatoes - M. L. Vitosh .... 9 Weed Control in Potatoes - W. F. Meggitt................................ 17 Entomology Research - A. L. Wells........................... 20 Weed Control in Dry Beans - W. F. Meggitt........................... 31 Soil Fertility Research on Red Kidney Beans M. L. Vitosh........................................ .... ........................................ 32 Seeding Rate, Row Spacing, Fertility Level and Growth Regulator Studies on Red Kidney Beans - B. D. Knezek..................................................... ............................... 37 Corn Hybrids, Plant Population and Irrigation - E. C. Rossman.......................................................... .... 40 Soil Fertility Research on Sweet Corn - M. L. Vitosh ... Tomato Research - C. W. Nicklow and J. D. Downes ... 58 63 Peppermint Research - M. L. Vitosh ......................................... 64 Lupine Research - H. L. Kohls........................................ 66 Montcalm Experimental Farm Research Report - 1969 by Department of Crop and Soil Sciences M. L. Vitosh INTRODUCTION The Montcalm Experimental Farm was first established in 1966 with the first experiments being conducted in 1967. The farm is owned by Theron Comden and is located one mile west of Entrican, Michigan. The farm was established primarily for research on potatoes and is located in the center of the largest potato production area in Michigan. Crops commonly used in the potato rotation and other high value cash crops are also being investi­ gated at this experimental farm. This research report is the first attempt to coordinate all of the research being conducted at the Montcalm Experimental Farm into a single report. The purpose of this report is to make available the results of the 1969 experiments. Much of the data is incomplete and should serve mainly as a progress report. It should be emphasized that the results pre­ sented here represent only one year's data and that before any definite conclusions can be drawn several years of data would be desirable. Weather conditions at the Montcalm Experimental Farm for 1969 were quite similar to 1968. Daily temperatures and rainfall were recorded and are shown graphically in Figure 1. Total rainfall during the period of April through October amounted to 23.3 inches. Above normal rainfall was observed in June and October. August was a very dry month with only .58 inches of precipitation being recorded. Irrigation during this critical month was very beneficial. The maximum temperature recorded in 1969 was 90°F which occurred on five different days during the summer. In 1968 there were six days with temperatures of 90°F or higher. Empty table cell APRIL AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMP. Max. 56° 35° AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMP. Min. RAINFALL 3.33 inches MAY 67° 43° 3.65 inches 6.18 inches 2.63 inches JUNE 70° 50° JULY 80° 59° AUGUST 82° 56° 1.79 inches SEPT. 73° 49° .58 inches OCTOBER 58° 38° 5.15 inches Crop Management and Cultural Studies of Potatoes at the Montcalm Experimental Farm - 1969 Department of Crop and Soil Sciences R. W. Chase Introduction Many of the potato crop management studies conducted at the Montcalm Experimental Farm have been designed to obtain answers to problems of current concern and interest to the Michigan potato industry. The 1969 projects were concerned with variety evaluations, seed type and spacings, crop maturity as it relates to subsequent seed quality, and the effects of Ethrel on potato production. 1. Effect of time of sidedressing on yield, specific gravity and chip quality of several new chipping varieties. (Incomplete Data) Varieties evaluated: Haig Jewel Katahdin Kennebec Lenape Merrimack Norchip 709 Superior Results : Planted: May 2, 1969 Harvested: Sept. 11-12,1969 Fertility: Plow down 120 lbs. K2O, 50 lbs. N Planter 800 lbs/A 12-12-12 Sidedress treatments: 1. check - no sidedress 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 40 40 80 lbs N 80 120 lbs N " lbs N June 18 lbs N June 10 " lbs N June 10 + 40 lbs N June 18 Table 1. The yield of several potato varieties in response to different side- dressing treatments, Cwt/A, 1 7/8 minimum size. Empty table cell Katahdin Superior 1. Check 2. 40 lbs June 10 80 lb8 June 10 3. 80 lbs. June 18 4. 120 lbs. 5. 6. 40 lbs. June 10 + " 40 lbs. June 18 308 339 345 329 345 345 243 280 280 270 280 267 Haig 189 241 273 250 219 267 Norchip 271 277 265 277 304 280 MSU - 709Jewel Kennebec 309 342 359 395 368 327 403 345 387 426 327 371 275 309 325 353 306 325 Lenape 265 332 311 330 350 304 Merrimack 241 209 231 225 216 254 Variety Average: 339 270 240 281 350 377 319 229 315 Ave. Spec. Gravity 1.069 1.071 1.064 1.077 1.074 1.073 1.084 1.086 1.093 Discussion Samples from each variety and each treatment have been placed in storage at both 55°F and at 40°F to determine chip quality at varying intervals after storage. Reconditioning ability will also be determined. The length of the growing season from planting to harvest was 132 days and supplemental irrigation was used to maintain adequate soil moisture levels. Following is a brief comment on each variety: Katahdin - The 40 lbs. N sidedressed early resulted in a substantial yield increase over the check plot. There was only a slight increase with the 80 or 120 lb. rate. The split application was equal to 80 lbs. N applied early. The lowest specific gravity occurred at the 120 lb. rate with a 1.067 compared to a 1.072 at the 80 lb N applied early. Superior - Similar yield response to Katahdin. Haig - The Haig variety showed a moderately high degree of "leaf speckle" which was most severe on the check plot. There was a very marked response to both the 40 and 80 lb. N applied early. It appears from these data that the Haig variety has a very heavy requirement for supplemental N early in its growth and development. Under the 1969 conditions a delay in this application even with higher rates did not give a yield increase over the early applications. There appeared to be no benefit from a split application of 40 lbs N applied twice over 80 lbs. applied early. Norchip - This variety did not respond to the 40 or 80 lbs N applied either early, late or in split applications, but did produce 33 cwt/A more at the 120 lb N rate than did the check treatment. Kennebec - This variety did respond to additions of supplemental N up to 80 lbs. The 120 lb N resulted in the lowest specific gravity at 1.072. MSU-709 - This seedling was erratic in its yield response, yet it was the high­ est yielding variety in this trial. Further studies will be needed to determine its nitrogen requirements. The tubers were very uniform in shape and had a very low percentage of tubers less than 1 7/8" diameter. Jewel - This is a new variety obtained from New York and one which exhibited several desirable features. Throughout the growing season it showed the most vigorous vine growth with a characteristic erect, sturdy and open-type of vine which could be desirable from the standpoint of efficient light utilization and as a desirable factor from a disease standpoint. Merrimack - This variety did not respond to supplemental N. This is the latest maturing variety in the trial and at the time of harvest it was still actively growing so perhaps the full effect of any sidedress treatments had not materialized. Lenape - This is a variety developed by Penn. State and the U.S.D.A. and had the highest specific gravity in this trial. The comments mentioned above reflect only the yield and specific gravity response under the 1969 growing conditions. The effect on chip quality is equally as important and this data is not yet recorded. It is planned that these studies will be continued again in 1970. 2. Effect of the use of "Ethrel" on potatoes. (Preliminary data only) "Ethrel", produced by Amchem Products, Inc. is the name for 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid. The material releases ethylene directly to plant tissue which has certain physiological effects regulating plant development. This study was strictly exploratory to determine what effects, if any, it may have on potatoes and plant development. Preliminary studies two years ago suggested it may have some effect on tuber set and subsequent yields and this study was an effort to pursue this further. Variety: Sebago Planted: May 13, 1969 Fertilization: Plow down 50 lbs N + 120 lbs. K2O Planter 800 lbs 12-12-12 Sidedress 80 lbs N Treatments: (knapsack sprayer at 35 gallons water/A. No surfactant) Empty table cell Empty table cell 1. Check - no Ethrel applied 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 8 oz. July 1 4 oz. July 1 2 oz. July 1 1 oz. July 1 1 oz. July 1+1 oz. July 12 2 oz. July 1 1 oz. July 12 2 oz. July 12 4 oz. July 12 +2 oz. July 12 Cwt/A 322 349 339 398 364 352 311 460 364 426 Specific Gravity 1.070 1.067 1.065 1.066 1.065 1.070 1.062 1.067 1.065 1.065 Discussion First treatments were applied on July 1 when the plants were 15-18 inches tall; stolons averaged 6-8 inches; and tubers were just beginning to form with the largest up to 1/2 inch diameter. The plants were in early to full bud with no open blossoms. The second applications were applied on July 12. It is apparent that the results are very erratic and do not follow any specific pattern. There was no phytotoxic reaction noted at any of the rates used. Coupled with the variability between treatments there was a similar and very marked variability between plots within certain treatments. Individual plot yield ranged from a low of 275 cwt/A to a high of 614 cwt/A. Based on these data, plus the observations from the preliminary study two years ago, there is some indication that ethylene may have some effect on certain physiological activities, however, the precise dosage and time of application is uncertain at this time. 3. Russet Burbank Seed Size and Plant Spacings There have been varying opinions regarding the comparative advantage of diff­ erent seed types of the Russet Burbank variety and their effect on subsequent yields. This study was designed to compare different seed types with the added variable of different plant spacings. Variety: Russet Burbank Fertility: Plow down 50 lbs N + 120 lbs K2O Planted: May 6, 1969 Planter 800 lbs 12-12-12 Sidedress 80 lbs N Treatments: Empty table cell Seed Type whole seed whole seed whole 1. whole seed 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 1 cut seed 2 cut seed 2 seed split seed 1 split seed Plant Spacing 8 inches 12 inches 16 inches 20 inches 12 inches 16 inches 12 inches 16 inches 1 Split seed represents whole tubers from 2-2 1/4 inch diameter, each of which was split from stem end to apical end. 2 Cut seed represents larger tubers which were cut into 3 or more seed pieces. Results: Table 1. The total yields and grade percentage of Russet Burbanks grown from different seed types and spacings. Total Cwt /A Greater than 1 7/8" Less than 1 7/8" Off- type 340 306 290 212 313 285 291 274 74.4 78.5 81.8 84.9 85.3 88.0 84.5 84.0 17.4 15.0 14.1 8.6 10.2 8.1 10.0 6.2 8.2 6.5 4.1 6.5 4.5 3.9 5.5 9.8 Treatment whole seed 8" whole seed 12" whole seed 16" whole seed 20" split seed 12" split seed 16" cut seed 12" cut seed 16" Discussion: It is apparent from these data that the higher yields occurred with the closer plant spacings, however, as one would expect, the greater percentage of "B" size tubers also occurred with these spacings. It is possible that fertility was not adequate to provide sufficient nutrients for the higher plant populations. It is planned to continue this study under varying nitrogen levels to evaluate the plant population and nutrition relationship. 4. Effect of harvest date on subsequent seed quality. This study was initiated in 1969 so no data is yet available. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between the maturity, date of harvest and subsequent handling on seed quality. This study is being conducted with the Onaway and the Sebago and consists of five different dates of harvest. The seed is being stored at 40F and the respective weight losses will be determined. The seed from each treatment will be planted in 1970 and its yield potential will be determined. Potato Variety Studies at the Montcalm Experimental Farm - 1969 N. R. Thompson Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Seedling Populations Fifty-seven advanced seeding clones were planted in replicated increase plots for yield and quality evaluations. A small collection (46) diploid-haploid hybrids was maintained for further genetic studies at the diploid level. Four hundred and sixty-one selected progenies from the genetic study of dormancy and chipping quality were increased for evaluation as varieties with a potential for the April to July potato chip market. These will be examined at monthly intervals through the storage season. Overstate Yield and Quality Trial New varieties and advanced seedling clones from the Michigan State University breeding program were combined in the overstate trials. The favorable growing season resulted in good yields of quality potatoes. Winter tests for storage and cooking quality-chips, french fries, boiling, etc. will complete the evalua­ tion. Only a few of the named varieties appear sufficiently adapted to the Michigan environment to be considered as replacement for the varieties now grown. However, special characteristics such as chip quality and disease resistance, etc. could make others valuable in specific areas. Yield specific gravity and chip data are presented in Table 1. North Central Regional Trials Fourteen entries from eight states were compared with three standard varieties. This uniform test in 12 states provide a range of environment for rapid evaluation of promising seedlings. (Table II). A Potential Variety MS 709 is a selection from the 1957 cross IA 902-3 X Ia 872-4. It was first grown in the greenhouse in 1958 and in the field in 1959. Its ability to pro­ duce high yields of marketable tubers was recognized early and was rapidly increased. In 1965 an acre was grown for observation by the Variety Evaluation Committee of the Michigan Potato Industry Council. MS 709 was recommended for increase. Selection of disease free seed of MS 709 was initiated in 1966 and climaxed in 1969 with 250 cwt. of seed for distribution or additional testing. MS 709 is a mid-season variety that produces high yields of smooth thick oval tubers with shallow eyes. It sizes practically all tubers set with less than 5% "B" size. It makes good potato chips at time of harvest. Approximately one-half acre produced approximately 190 cwt. in 1969. These were processed in Lansing and were very acceptable to the chip company. This variety will be recommended for the early Michigan market areas. It will provide an August chipping potato as well as an attractive sample for the tablestock market. TABLE I Overstate Yield Trials Montcalm County 1969 Planted: May Harvested: October Variety MS 706-34 Norchief MS 735-1 Emmet Lenape MS 711-8 MS 709 Peconic Onaway MS 503 Wyred Kennebec Katahdin Sebago MS 647-65 MS 706-32 MS 506 Wauseon MS 706-1 Jewel MS 711-3 Ia 1111-2 Alamo Monona MS 58 Merrimack Norchip Haig Superior Platte Minn 148 MS 321-38 Bake King MS 646-30 Hi Plain Cwt/Acre Cwt/Acre Total US#1 481 478 466 441 439 433 431 429 400 387 385 383 377 377 375 360 358 350 350 347 341 333 331 325 316 308 300 300 295 293 291 289 287 285 283 437 411 429 391 397 372 422 364 360 347 351 345 341 323 333 320 268 300 277 329 287 298 287 271 270 279 246 231 260 244 262 200 246 216 248 Specific Gravity Chip Rating 60° November 20 1 white 10 very dark 1.075 1.076 1.085 1.078 1.097 1.072 1.079 1.081 1.069 1.078 1.069 1.077 1.072 1.073 1.082 1.072 1.078 1.074 1.077 1.089 1.085 1.069 1.064 1.070 1.082 1.089 1.077 1.069 1.070 1.066 1.066 1.087 1.083 1.083 1.076 3 7 4 5 4 3 7 7 2 8 5 7 6 4 6 3 7 6 3 6 2 4 6 7 2 4 5 4 4 3 6 4 7 4 4 % 90.8 86.0 92.1 88.7 90.4 85.9 97.9 84.8 90.0 89.6 91.2 90.1 90.4 85.6 88.8 88.9 74.8 85.7 79.0 94.8 84.1 89.4 86.7 83.3 85.4 90.6 82.0 77.0 88.1 83.2 90.0 69.2 85.7 75.8 87.6 TABLE II SUMMARY SHEET Variety A-T Early to medium early Early to medium early ND 6948-14r La 12-157 Norland Cobbl er MS 709 2-1 0-0 0-0 1-4 0-0 2 3 2 2 2.5 Most Representa­ tive Scab Area Type Ave. Mat. Ave. Yield cwt/A Ave. Yield US #1 Ave. Percent US #1 Ave. Total Solids Total Solids Per Acre Gen.* Merit Rating General Notes cwt/A Early to medium earlyEarly to medium early % % lbs. Early to medium early Early to medium early Early to medium early Early to medium earlyEarly to medium early Early to medium early 420 217 309 384 472 378 177 286 326 461 90 80 92 84 97 15.6 15.8 16.0 17.3 19.4 6552 4229 4944 6643 9157 2 smooth uniform Empty table celldeep apical end Empty table cellsmooth poor color Empty table celllong smooth type smooth uniform Medium to lateMedium to late Medium to lateMedium to lateMedium to lateMedium to lateMedium to late Medium to lateMedium to late 1 5 4 Medium to late I 6413 B 5400-8 B 5415-6 B 5960-13 Wisc 664 Minn 140 Minn 172 Neb 16.55-1 Neb 48.57-3 Neb 91.57-18 2 2.5 4.0 0-0 2-3 0-0 Seed not received 403 284 438 Seed not received 392 238 426 Seed not received Seed not received 3.25 2.5 3.0 3 3.5 3.25 0-0 0-0 0-0 Empty table cell 3-1 1-4 384 194 275 376 474 372 349 146 253 409 434 394 97 83 97 Seed not received 90 75 92 91 91 94 17.7 19.9 18.0 Seed not received 7133 5652 7884 20.5 20.7 15.6 18.2 20.1 17.5 7642 4016 4290 7444 9527 6895 smooth some air chec Empty table cellsmooth smal1 run flat type Seed not received Seed not received Seed not received Empty table cellvery deep eyes Empty table cellsmooth, small Empty table cellrough skin Empty table cellflat deep apex Empty table cellred brown rough skin Empty table cellflat deep eyes Empty table celldeep apex good russet, long ND 5761-5 ND 6993-13 Red Pontiac Average *Place top five from among all entries including check varieties; disregard maturity classification. (Rate first, second, third, fourth and fifth (in order) for overall worth as a variety). 6202 5095 Empty table cellpoor color 7765 6533.5 Empty table cellEmpty table cell 271 217 428 328.5 323 271 465 356.5 83 80 92 88.7 19.2 18.8 16.7 18.0 Empty table cell Empty table cell 3 3.25 4.5 1-3 0-0 1-4 3 Soil Fertility Research on Potatoes at the Montcalm Experimental Farm - 1969 M. L. Vitosh Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Description of Experimental Area The Montcalm experimental area is composed primarily of two soil types — Montcalm and McBride sandy loam. The soil on which all of the fertility experiments were conducted has been classified as McBride sandy loam. Average soil test values for the surface soil before the experiments were initiated in 1967 and 1968 are shown in Table 1. A crop rotation of potatoes followed by red kidney beans and then sweet corn has been established. All experimental plots received supplemental irrigation water when needed as indicated by moisture tensiometers. Table 1. Average Soil Test Data of Surface Soil Soil pH Soil P Soil K Soil Ca Soil Mg Soil Zn 6.4 255 lbs P/A 249 lbs K/A 837 lbs Ca/A 161 lbs Mg/A 6 ppm Zn Experimental Results and Discussion Six types of soil fertility experiments with potatoes were conducted in 1969. Approximately 8.4 inches of irrigation water was applied to all potato experiments during July, August and September. Rate and Time of Nitrogen Application This experiment was planted May 5 and harvested September 29, 1969. Russet Burbank and Sebago varieties were planted in 32 inch rows 14 and 10 inches apart respectively. Basic fertilizer applied was 100 lbs. P2O5 and 200 lbs. of K2O per acre banded at planting time. Nitrogen treatments were either broadcast on the rye cover crop and plowed down before planting, banded at planting time or sidedressed several weeks after planting. All of the nitrogen was supplied as ammonium nitrate. Results of this experiment are recorded in Table 2. Yields were nearly doubled with 120 lbs. of N banded at planting time. Although banding the N at planting time was superior to broadcast treatments prior to planting, sidedressed N was the most efficient in producing top yields. Much of the N applied early in the season is believed to have been lost by leaching. Sidedressed N was more readily available later in the season when the crop needed it most. Size of potatoes was closely associated with yield. Because of the oblong shape of the Russet Burbank potato, the Sebago variety graded out much better. Neither time nor rate of nitrogen had any significant effect on the specific gravity of these potatoes. Rate and Time of Potassium Application This experiment was planted May 7 and harvested September 30, 1969. Varieties used and seed spacing were the same as the N rate and time experiment. Basic fertilizer applied was 65 lbs. N and 100 lbs. P2O5 per acre banded at planting time. Additional nitrogen was sidedressed several weeks after planting at a rate of 120 lbs. N per acre. Potassium was supplied as KCl either broadcast and plowed down prior to planting or banded at planting time. One treatment which consisted of 240 lbs. K2O per acre was applied in the fall of 1968. Results of this experiment are shown in Table 3. Yield and size of potatoes increased with the first and second increment of K2O applied. Yields for the higher rates of K2O were not significantly greater than the 120 lb. rate. Like­ wise, no differences were observed between the broadcast and banded applica­ tions. Specific gravity decreased almost linearly with increasing rates of K2O applied with the greatest depression where 480 lbs. K2O per acre was applied. Specific gravity was affected similarly by broadcast, banded, and fall applied K2O. It is generally believed, however, that fall applied and broadcast applications of K2O should be superior to banding where large amounts of K2O per acre are being applied because of the minimizing effect on specific gravity. Potassium Carrier Study This experiment was planted May 13 and harvested September 25, 1969. Russet Burbank and Lenape varieties were planted at 14 inch spacings in 32 inch rows. Basic fertilizer applied was 65 pound N, 50 pounds P2O5 and 150 pounds K2O per acre banded at planting time. An additional 120 pounds of N was sidedressed several weeks after planting. Results of this experiment are shown in Table 4. Yields of the Lenape variety were quite variable due to the variability in stand. Sources of potassium had no significant affect on any of the measured variables. Specific gravity of the Lenape variety was significantly higher than the Russet Burbank variety. Yields of the two varieties, however, were comparable. Zinc-Phosphorus Study This experiment was planted May 13 and harvested September 26, 1969. Russet Burbank seed potatoes were planted in 32 inch rows at 14 inches apart. Basic fertilizer applied with 65 pounds N, 50 pounds P2O5 and 200 pounds of K2O per acre banded at planting time with an additional 120 pounds N per acre, side­ dressed several weeks after planting. The zinc materials used in this study were zinc sulfate, AZCo C100 and AZCo 12. The AZCo materials are basic slag materials submitted by the American Zinc Company for evaluation. These materials were evaluated at two soil phosphorus levels. The high phosphorus level was established in 1968 when 300 pounds of P per acre (687 pounds P2O5) were applied to half of each replication. Results of this experiment are shown in Table 5. Zinc treatments did not significantly increase the variables measured. Yields tended to be larger at the high soil phosphorus level, however, this was not significant at the 5 percent level probability. Although there would appear to be a slight increase in yield from one of the zinc treatments, it should be reemphasized that this is not a significant difference and that yields in 1967 for the same treatment were slightly depressed at the same location. Zinc-Copper-Phosphorus Study This experiment was established in 1969 as a result of some information on one row plots in 1968. The experiment was planted May 13 and harvested September 25, 1969. Seeding rate, basic fertilizer and irrigation practices were essentially the same as the previous experiment. The objective of this experiment was to compare a zinc-copper material called Zink-Cu submitted by the Eagle Pitcher Ind. Co. with an equivalent amount of zinc as zinc sulfate. Both materials were banded so as to supply five pounds zinc per acre. The Zink-Cu material also supplied 0.8 pounds Cu per acre. Results of this experiment are shown in Table 6. Neither yield nor size were significantly affected by these two materials. Both materials, however, appeared to significantly reduce the specific gravity of these potatoes. The previous experiment indicated no such affect, therefore, the meaning of this significant difference is not clear. Table 2. Effects of rate and time of nitrogen application on yield, size and specific gravity of irrigated Russet Burbank and Sebago potatoes. Nitrogen Application (a) Broad­ cast Lbs N/A ation (a) Nitrogen Application (a) Nitrogen Applic Yield Band­ Side­ (cwt/A) dressedLbs N/ANitrogen Application (a) ed Total Lbs N/A Russet Burbank Russet Burbank A Yield (b) (cwt/A) Russet Burbank Sp. Gr. Sebago Yield (cwt/A) Sebago A Yield (b) (cwt/A) Average Effects Avera ge Effects A Yield (b) (cwt/A) 180 60 Empty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cell64 Empty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cell44 380 300 Empty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cell 1.070 419 1.078 LSD (.05) treatments LSD (.05) treatments within varieties LSD (.05) varities within treatments (a) Broadcast, Banded and Sidedress N treatments were applied 4/25/69, 5/15/69 and 6/25/69 respectively. (b) Minimum of 1 7/8 inches. NS NS NS NS 68 47 64 44 68 47 323 458 440 57 Empty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cell 0 60 120 0 60 60 60 60 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 120 0 60 120 120 120 180 240 120 180 166 285 342 324 335 360 344 366 378 111 226 278 266 275 307 282 322 332 1.080 1.080 1.080 1.082 1.080 1.080 1.078 1.079 1.081 234 355 423 404 401 463 458 465 485 214 334 398 382 380 442 433 447 469 0 0 0 120 60 120 180 0 0 60 Sebago Sp. Gr. Yield (cwt/A) 1.072 200 1.068 320 1.072 382 1.072 1.072 364 368 1.071 411 1.074 401 1.069 415 1.070 432 162 280 338 324 327 375 357 385 401 381 60 Average EffectsSp.Gr. 1.07 1.07 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 NS Banded 0 60 120 180 240 120 0 0 0 0 0 60 120 180 240 480 60 120 240 240 0 0 0 0 0 360 60 120 240 240F 281 310 327 318 320 341 317 331 332 218 257 264 267 256 285 257 282 277 1.084 1.082 1.082 1.080 1.080 1.078 1.083 1.081 1.080 360 422 412 427 430 448 413 445 447 344 402 390 410 407 423 395 429 425 442 1.074 1.073 1.071 1.072 1.070 1.065 1.072 1.074 1.072 1.070 320 366 369 372 375 395 365 388 389 393 281 329 327 339 331 354 326 356 351 354 1.079 1.078 1.076 1.076 1.075 1.071 1.078 1.078 1.076 1.076 Table 3. • Effects of rate and time of potassium application on yield, size and specific gravity of irrigated Russet Burbank and Sebago potatoes. Potassium Application lbs of K2O per acre (a) Broadcast Potassium Potassium Application lbs of K2O per acre (a) Burbank Russet Russet Burbank A Yield (b) (Cwt/A) Yield (Cwt/A) Russet Burbank Sp. Gr. Sebago Sebago Yield (Cwt/A) A Yield (b) (Cwt/A) Sebago Sp. Gr. Average Effects Yield (Cwt/A) Average Effects A Yield (b) (Cwt/A) Sp. Average Effects Gr. Applicationlbs of K2O per acre (a) Total 329 458 Empty table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cell 1.081 267 Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cell LSD (.05) treatments Empty table cell Empty table cell LSD (.05) treatments within varieties Empty table cellEmpty table cell LSD (.05) varieties within treatments 35 32 35 22 .004 .004 35 32 35 22 .004 .004 Empty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cell 26 27 .003 Empty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cell (a) Applied as KCl either broadcast and plowed down before planting as banded at planting time. (b) Minimum of 1 7/8 inches. Table 4. Effects of different sources of potassium on yield, size and specific gravity of irrigated Russet Burbank and Lenape potatoes. Russet Burbank Russet Burbank Yield (cwt/A) Russet Burbank A Yield (b) (cwt /A) Source of Potassium (a) None Potassium Chloride Potassium Nitrate Potassium Sulfate Potassium Carbonate 323 355 341 323 331 --- LSD (.05) treatments LSD (.05) treatments x variety interactions NS Sp.Gr. 1.081 1.080 1.080 1.081 1.079 ----- NS 256 283 271 257 270 --- NS Lenape Average Effects Average Effects LenapeYield (cwt/A) A Yield (b) (cwt/A) Sp.Gr. Lenape Yield (cwt/A) A Yield (b) (cwt/A) 319 333 320 269 291 --- NS 305 320 310 257 283 --- NS 1.095 1.094 1.092 1.092 1.094 ----- NS 321 344 330 296 311 NS --- 280 301 291 257 276 NS --- Sp.Gr. Average Effects 1.088 1.087 1.086 1.086 1.087 NS ---- (a) Applied at a rate of 150 lbs K2O per acre. (b) Minimum of 1 7/8 inches. Table 5. Effect of zinc treatments on yield, size and specific gravity of irrigated Russet Burbank potatoes at two soil phosphorus levels. (a) Treatment (lbs Zn/A) Total Yield (cwt/A) None 25 lbs (ZnSO4) (c) 50 lbs (AZCo C100) (c) 5 lbs (AgCo 12) (d) 5 lbs (ZnSO4) (d) LSD (.05) A Yield (cwt/A) None 25 lbs (ZnSO4) (c) 50 lbs (AZCo C100) (c) 5 lbs (AZCo 12) (d) 5 lbs (ZnSO4) (d) LSD (.05) Specific Gravity None 25 lbs (ZnS04) (c) 50 lbs (AZCo C100) 5 lbs (AZCo 12) 5 lbs (ZnSO4) LSD (.05) Phosphorus Effects Empty table cell (c) (d) (d) Total yield (cwt/A) A yield Specific gravity High P (a) Empty table cell Low P (b) Empty table cell Average Effects Empty table cell 377 367 381 385 397 NS 367 377 375 372 392 NS 372 372 378 379 395 NS A Yield (cwt/A) A Yield (cwt/A) A Yield (cwt/A) 293 292 312 310 316 NS 285 295 304 275 320 NS 289 293 308 293 318 NS Specific Gravity Specific Gravity Specific Gravity 1.079 1.075 1.076 1.078 1.078 NS 1.079 1.077 1.078 1.078 1.077 NS 1.079 1.076 1.077 1.078 1.078 NS Phosphorus Effects Phosphorus Effects Phosphorus Effects High P 382 304 1.077 Low P 372 295 1.078 LSD (.05) NS NS NS (a) High P = 300 lbs P/A Broadcast - 1968 (b) Low P = 22 lbs P/A Banded - 1969 (c) Broadcast in 1968 (d) Banded annually for 2 years Table 6. Effect of zinc and copper treatments on yield, size and specific gravity of irrigated Russet Burbank potatoes at two soil phosphorus levels. Treatment (a) (lbs Zn/A) Total Yield (cwt/A) None 5 lbs (ZnSO4) 5 lbs Zn + .8 lbs Cu (Zn-Cu) LSD (.05) A Yield (cwt/A) None 5 lbs (ZnSO4) 5 lbs Zn + .8 lbs Cu (Zn-Cu) LSD (.05) Specific Gravity None 5 lbs (ZnSO4) 5 lbs Zn + .8 lbs Cu (Zn-Cu) LSD (.05) Phosphorus Effects Empty table cell Total yield (cwt/A) A yield (cwt/A) Specific Gravity (a) Banded at planting time High P Total Yield (cwt/A)Total Yield (cwt/A)Total Yield (cwt/A) Low P Average Effects 355 348 337 NS 328 348 342 NS A Yield (cwt/A) A Yield (cwt/A) A Yield (cwt/A) 292 286 292 NS 259 289 285 NS 341 348 339 NS 276 287 289 NS Specific Gravity Specific GravitySpecific Gravity 1.083 1.081 1.081 NS 1.084 1.081 1.079 NS Phosphorus EffectsPhosphorus EffectsPhosphorus Effects High P 347 290 1.082 Low P 340 278 1.082 1.083 1.081 1.080 (.002) LSD (.05) NS NS NS Weed Control in Potatoes at the Montcalm Experimental Farm 1969 W. F. Meggitt Department of Crop and Soil Sciences The treatments in Table 1 were evaluated for weed control in potatoes in 1969. In addition, Eptam at 4 lb/A was applied as a preplant incorporated treatment. The weed population was very sparce in the test area making it difficult to get a good evaluation of the treatments. In general the most effective treatments were Lorox at 2 lb/A; Patoran at 2 and 3 lb/A; Maloran at 2 lb/A. In all cases the control was enhanced by the addition of a crop oil. Eptam as a preplant treatment provided good control. Table 1 also shows the yields from various herbicide treatments. Generally there was no significant differences among the yields. Table 1. Treatment Lorox Lorox Patoran Patoran Enide + DNBP Lorox + Sun 11E Lorox + Paraquat Lorox + Lasso Maloran DNBP + Dalapon Patoran + Sun 11E No Treatment Eptam Potatoes - Montcalm Farm Burbanks - 1969 Herbicide Study Rate 1 1/2 2 2 3 1 gal 1 1/2 + 1 gal 1 + 1/2 pt 1 + 2 2 4 1/2 + 3 2 + 1 gal ---- 4 Cwt/A A's 218 189 191 195 226 196 188 192 195 203 221 216 221 The treatments and results from the studies on potato vine killing are listed in Table 2 and 3. An early variety (Onaway) and a later variety (Burbank) were included in these studies. It would appear that there is considerable variability in the yields. The fact that the highest yield of the Burbank variety occurred in that area harvested first at the time of application of vine killing treatments is not explainable. The most effective vine killing materials were Paraquat + X-77; sodium arsenite, Dow General + diesel fuel. In the case of the Onaway variety, effective kill was obtained by the lower rate of each treatment. The later maturing varieties have larger vine cover and require more chemical for effective kill. Table 2. Potatoes - Montcalm Farm Onaways - 1969 Vine Killing Treatment Rate Cwt/A - A's Sp. Gravity Paraquat + X-77 Paraquat + X-77 Sodium Arsenite + X-77 Mobil Oil 534 1 pt. + .1% 2 pt. + .1% 6 lb. + .1% 10 gal Dow General + Diesel Fuel 3 pt. + 5 gal Dow General + Diesel Fuel Liquid N 28% Liquid N 28% Liquid N 28% Liquid N 28% Harvest at final Harvest at treatment 4 pt. + 5 gal 2 (7.5 gal) 2 (15 gal) 15 gal 30 gal ---- ---- 322 309 321 363 305 313 357 369 364 385 343 322 1.073 1.071 1.071 1.070 1.071 1.069 1.074 1.070 1.074 1.070 1.074 1.072 Table 3. Potatoes - Montcalm Farm Burbanks - 1969 Vine Killing Treatment Paraquat + X-77 Paraquat + X-77 Sodium Arsenite + X-77 Mobil Oil 534 Rate 1 pt. + .1% 2 pt. + .1% 6 lb. + .1% 10 gal Dow General + Diesel Fuel 3 pt. + 5 gal Dow General + Diesel Fuel 4 pt. + 5 gal Liquid N 28% Liquid N 28% flaming flaming Harvest at final Harvest at treatment * 50 gal * 42 gal Empty table cell Empty table cell --- ---- *Liquid N put on straight No water Cwt/A A's Sp. Gravity 224 186 207 196 231 227 186 218 211 208 198 243 1.079 1.079 1.079 1.077 1.081 1.079 1.077 1.079 1.080 1.076 1.081 1.082 Entomology Research at Montcalm Experimental Farm--1969 Arthur L. Wells Department of Entomology * Field research was conducted at the Experimental Farm in 1969 to further evaluate experimental compounds or formulations of soil insecticides on the insects and nematodes infesting potatoes and field beans. The study to determine the role of nematode control in a cash crop rotation which had been instigated in 1968, was continued. Another phase of entomological research has been the monitoring of the flight patterns of cutworm and European corn borer moths by maintenance of a blacklight trap at the farm. Each of these research projects will be presented and discussed individually. A. Evaluation of Soil Systemic Insecticides on Potatoes Purpose. When soil applications of systemic insecticides were first intro­ duced into agriculture potato growers were the first to see their potential in their farming programs. Since then they have been widely accepted as an integral part of the potato industry. As new formulations of the standard materials are developed it is necessary to evaluate them in the field in comparison with recommended formulations. New experimental compounds with a potential of con­ trolling nematodes as well as insects must also be evaluated under Michigan con­ ditions and if shown to have promise often require residue samples for regis­ tration and labeling procedure. The plots were established on May 12 and 13 using Russet Burbank whole seed in 14 in. spacing. Standard recommendations of fertilizer (50 lb. N and 200 lb. K2O plowdown, 800 lb. 12-12-12 at planting, and 50 lb. N sidedressed at hilling) and herbicide (Lorox preemergence) were followed in the plot. The plots consisted of three replications of 17 treatments, each consisting of 4 - 50 ft. rows. After laying out the area soil samples were taken from each plot and analyzed in the Nematology Laboratory for determination of nematode populations. The broad­ cast treatments were distributed on the soil surface and roto-vated into the soil 6 in. The band treatments were applied in a 4 in, band on the seed in the open furrow prior to covering by hand. The split-band treatment was applied on each side of the seed furrow below the surface with a V-belt seeder. The insect populations were sampled three times (July 1, 24 and August 14) with an insect net. Each sample consisted of ten sweeps across the center rows of each treatment. The insect counts are presented in Table 1. Nematode counts were determined by sampling the soil from each treatment on July 30 and again at harvest on September 30, 1969. The tubers from the center two rows were graded at the time of harvest and weighed for yield determination. *All nematode samples were analyzed by Mrs. Natalie Knobloch and Dr. John Knierim, Nematology Laboratory, Dept. of Entomology, M.S.U. Table 1. Evaluation of Soil Systemic Insecticides on Potatoes Material Lb Act a /A Thimet 15% Gran Thimet 6 EC Thimet 6 EC Disyston 15% Gran Disyston 6 EC Bay 68138 15% Gran Bay 68138 3 SC Lannate 5% Gran Temik 10% Gran Temik 10% Gran Temik 10% Gran Temik 10% Gran Furadan 10% Gran Furadan 10% Gran NC-6897 5% Gran TH-427 5% Gran Untreated 3 3 6b 3 3 6 6 3 2 3 5 20 c 2 3 3 3 - Placement Band Band Band Band Band Brdcst Brdcst Band Band Band Spl-Band Brdcst Band Band Band Band - Total insects Total insects collected Miridae Total insects Total insects Total insects Nemastd/pt Total insects collected Potato Leafhoppers Bugs) collected Aster Leafhoppers (Plant collected Aphids collected Potato Flea Beetles collected Parasites and Predators Soil d 5/12 Soil d 7/30 Nemastd/pt Yield & Grade Cwt/A Yield & Grade %A 1 3 1 2 2 4 7 7 1 1 1 0 0 1 3 3 9 4 5 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 4 2 3 9 9 1 11 7 14 16 16 9 2 5 2 12 4 21 15 19 10 5 0 3 4 12 27 64 9 3 8 0 106 136 28 38 36 0 1 1 1 0 5 2 4 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 12 7 3 1 0 4 1 7 6 3 4 4 2 4 3 4 7 2 6 51 96 136 99 147 107 43 72 96 72 64 108 139 179 64 84 133 651 659 1880 912 1027 187 136 168 801 421 96 20 1331 1339 1227 963 1190 310 338 297 352 332 403 381 318 352 335 324 345 338 321 317 332 325 80 90 92 91 88 88 87 81 88 83 84 83 88 86 87 81 87 aRates based on 34 in. rows (15,390 row ft/A); Liquid band treatments applied low volume; liquid broadcast treatments applied in water at rate of 150 gal. water per A. bTotals for one replication only. cTotals for two replications. dRoot lesion nematode, Praty1enchus penetrai Results. No phytotoxic symptoms were noted in any of the treatments. Insect population were too low on the sampling dates for comparison among the treatments. The aphid populations did not increase significantly later in the growing season. A random soil sample taken from the area on April 16 esti­ mated the nematode population at 144 Pratylenchus penetrans (root lesion nematode) per pint of soil and was approximately the same at planting. By mid­ summer the population had increased in all but the treatment of nematocidal compounds (Bey 68138 and Temik). The soil samples taken at harvest were not analyzed for nematodes. There were no differences in grade of the tubers among the treatments. It appears that the Bay 68138 treatments increased the yield some. The Low Volume treatments of Thimet and Disyston were similar to corres­ ponding granular formulations. Samples of soil and tubers were taken from the Temik plots and samples of tubers were taken from the Thimet LV treatments for residue determination to aid in registration data. B. Evaluation of Soil Systemics on Dry Beans Purpose. The use of soil applications of systemics insecticides have also been widely used in the dry bean industry for aphid, leafhopper and Mexican bean beetle control. As with the potatoes it is necessary to reevaluate current control recommendations as well as new formulations or new compounds. These new formulations also require residue samples of the crop for registration support. The plots were established on June 10 and 12 using a white bean (Sanilac) and dark red kidney beans (Charlevoix) planted at recommended rates of seed, fertilizer (240 lb. 5-20-20 + Mn and Zn) and incorporated herbicide (Eptam). Three replications of 17 insecticides were applied broadcast and rotovated in prior to planting, banded beside seed, in-row with seed or treated fertilizer. Soil samples for nematode determination were taken on April 16 and from the Bay 68138 broadcast treatment (compared with untreated check) on July 30 and at harvest on September 15. The data are summarized in Table 2. Table 2. Soil Treatments for Bean Insect and Nematode Control Material Thimet 15% Gran Thimet 6 EC Thimet 6 EC Disyston 15% Gran Disyston 6 EC Disyston-Fertilizer Bay 68138 15% Gran Bay 68138 15% Gran Lannate 5% Gran Furadan 10% Gran NC-6897 5% Gran TH-427 5% Gran TD-8550 10% Gran DS-13182 10% Gran N-2596 10% Gran Untreated Lb Act** /A Placement 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 - Band Band Band Band Band Fert Band Brdcst Band In-row Band Band Band Band Band -- Yield (Bu/A) Sanilac (Bu/A) Yield Charlevoix 27 29 28 27 25 26 27 32 25 35 29 22 21 26 24 28 21 21 23 21 20 23 22 23 19 21 20 18 20 20 22 22 **In-row and band treatments based on 30 in. rows (17,424 row-ft/A). Results. No significant insect populations developed in the plots during the growing season. None of the treatments caused phytotoxic symptoms in the seedlings. The spring sampling of the soil indicated a population of 152 P. penetrans nematodes per pint of soil in the plot area. By mid-summer (July 30) the population was determined to be 855/pt. in the untreated and 573/pt. in the Bay 68138 broadcast treatment. The counts at harvest in the same plots were 1339 P. penetrans and 141 Paratylenchus sp. in the untreated and 213 and 0 respectively in the Bay 68138 plot. There was no apparent effect on the yields. C. THE ROLE OF NEMATODE CONTROL IN CASH CROP PRODUCTION Location: Montcalm Experimental Farm, Entrican, Michigan Cooperators: Arthur Wells and Richard Chase Period of Study: Initiated in April 1968 and to be continued as long as data, time and support warrants. Purpose of Study: To determine the benefits derived from nematode control in selected rotations of cash crops. Soil fumigants applied annually and as needed will be compared with a broadcast application of a granular nematocide and an untreated control plot. Species of Nematode: Pratylenchus penetrans, root lesion nematode. Soil Treatments to be Compared Annual Fumigation (FA): Soil fumigated with DD at 24 gallons per acre on April 24, 1968. Fall fumigated with Vorlex at 10 gallons per acre on October 11, 1968. Fumigated with Vorlex at 10 gallons per acre on October 25, 1969. Fumigation as Needed (FN): Soil fumigated with Telone at 20 gallons per acre on April 24, 1968. Granular Nematocide (Bay): Soil treated with broadcast application of Bay 68138 15% Granular at 40 lb. per acre (6 lb. actual/A.) on May 13, 1968. Soil disced immediately after. Untreated Control (Unt.): No soil treatments applied. Plot 1968 1 2 3 4 5 Potatoes Potatoes Dry beans Cucumbers Sweet corn Rotations to be Studied 1969 Potatoes Potatoes Cucumbers Sweet corn Potatoes 1970 Potatoes Dry beans Potatoes Potatoes Dry beans 1971 (Repeat) Potatoes Potatoes Dry beans Cucumbers Sweet com PLOT OUTLINE PLOT 1 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Variety and Spacing: Sebago (whole seed 9 in. spacing) Kennebec (cut seed 9 in, spacing) Russet Burbank (whole seed 14 in. spacing) Fertilizer: 50 lb N and 200 lb K2O plowdown, 800 lb 12-12-12 at planting and 50 lb N sidedressed. 2 Herbicide Treatment: Lorox applied preemergence Systemic Insecticide: Thimet 15% Gran (3 lb Act/A.) banded Foliar Insecticide: Thiodan or Diazinon + Sevin applied with fungicide on 10 day schedule. Date Planted: May 13, 1969 Date Harvested: Oct. 8 and 9, 1969 Treat­ ment FA FN Bay Unt Nematodes/pt May 13 Nematodes/pt July 30 Nematodes/pt Sept 30 Yield and % Grade A Kennebec Yield and % Grade A Sebago CWT CWT Yield and % Grade A Kennebec %A Yield and % Grade A Sebago %A Yield and % Grade A Burbank CWT %A Yield and % Grade A Burbank 0 42 54 168 0 106 2 110 6 34 2 742 441 429 380 371 92 90 90 87 514 438 422 382 94 92 90 92 431 381 371 343 89 84 86 86 Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Agronomic data same as for plot 1Agronomic data same as for plot 1 Agronomic data same as for plot 1 Agronomic data same as for plot 1 Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Plot 2 (Potatoes 1968, 1969) Agronomic data same as for plot 1 Agronomic data same as for plot 1 Agronomic data same as for plot 1 Agronomic data same as for plot 1 Agronomic data same as for plot 1 Agronomic data same as for plot 1 FA FN Bay Unt 0 24 8 2 74 0 220 142 10 168 2 974 458 419 422 394 93 91 92 89 468 414 467 404 95 93 94 93 425 409 410 352 88 83 85 86 Variety: Pioneer Hybrid and Spartan Progress PLOT 3 (Beans 1968; Cucumbers, 1969) Fertilizer: 50 lb N and 200 lb K2O plowdown and 240 lb of 5-20-20 at planting Herbicide Treatment: Alanap + premerge applied post-plant Date Planted: June 10, 1969; Replanted: July 2, 1969 Foliar Insecticide: Thiodan or Diazinon + Sevin applied with fungicide on 10 day schedule. Treat­ ment FA FN Bay Unt Nematodes/pt Soil Nematodes/pt Soil May 13 July 30 Nematodes/pt Soil Aug. 14 2 11 22 424 0 56 0 32 6 128 32 526 Harvest Data Not taken due to uneven stand in all treatment Not taken due to uneven stand in all treatment Not taken due to uneven stand in all treatment Not taken due to uneven stand in all treatment PLOT 4 (Cucumbers, 1968; Sweet corn, 1969) Variety: Golden Bantam and Jubilee Fertilizer: 50 lb N and 200 lb K2O plowdown and 240 lb of 5-20-20 at planting Herbicide Treatment: Atrazine + Ramrod applied post-plant Date Planted: June 10, 1969 Foliar Insecticide: Thiodan or Diazinon + Sevin applied with fungicide on 10 day schedule. Date Harvested: September 3, 1969 Treat­ ment FA FN Bay Unt Netnatodes/pt 5/13 des/pt Nemato 7/30 Nematodes/pt 9/3 Hills Golde n Bantam Golden Bantam No./60 ft /60 ft No. CWT/A Stalks Golden Bantam Ears Golden Bantam No./60 ft Hills Jubilee Jubilee No./60 ft. No./60 ft. Stalks 4 0 10 48 0 44 0 20 0 2 20 94 48 42 41 38 103 80 92 95 76 62 74 83 80 62 80 88 63 61 58 55 90 75 82 83 Ears Jubilee CWT/A Jubilee No./60 ft. 89 77 73 84 143 127 129 151 PLOT 5 (Sweet corn, 1968; Potatoes, 1969) Agronomic data same as for Plot 1. Treat­ ment FA FN Bay Unt Nematodes/pt May 13 es/pt Nematod July 30 Nematodes/pt Sept 30 Yield and % Grade A Sebago CWT Sebgao %A CWT Yield and % Grade A Yield and % Grade A Kennebec Yield and % Grade A Kennebec %A Yield and % Grade A Burbank CWT Burbank Yield and % Grade A %A 4 12 68 2 98 28 4 104 12 384 398 1214 454 408 456 437 92 90 92 92 489 446 469 440 94 92 93 94 399 379 456 393 89 90 88 88 Results. The area which had been fumigated in the fall of 1968 (FA) was effective in reducing the nematode count in all the plots and provided the highest yields of all variety of potatoes in Plots 1 and 2 (2nd year potatoes) but only the Kennebecs in Plot 5 (potatoes after corn). The FN treatment (fumigated in spring of 1968) was still effective in retarding nematode build-up and provided a higher yield than the untreated area. The Bay 68138 granular treatment provided excellent nematode control which resulted in a higher yield of potatoes than the untreated control area. It is apparent that while the granular treatment provided the same degree of nematode control as the FA treatment, some other factor such as the fall preparation of the soil or the fumigant itself effected the plant response. This could possibly be the result of a better utilization of the soil nutrients by the plant. The appearance of the vine growth in the different treatments was very noticeable prior to harvest. Although the treatments resulted in yield differences, they did not affect the quality (% Grade A) or specific gravity of the tubers. The cucumbers in plot 3 were not harvested as a result of poor emergence and stand. The nematode populations were monitored during the growing season with differences in the treatments similar to those in the potato plots. The counts under the sweet corn (Plot 4) did not build up as they did in the other plots. Hill counts, stalks per hill, harvestable ear production and yield by weight were taken in the sweet corn plot with no apparent differences in the treatments. After the yields were taken the stalks were cut and carried off the FA treated area so they would not interfere with the fumigation. As soon as the potatoes were harvested the FA area was plowed, disced and fumigated with Vorlex at 10 gallons per acre. The ground was cultipacked immediately after and left undisturbed for two weeks. The corn stalks were replaced on the FA area prior to discing and planting to rye cover for the winter. BLACKLIGHT TRAP RECORDS, MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN 1969 John Newman and Paul Lockwood, Identification and Recording Theron Comden, Trap Tender, r e r o B n a e p o r u E n r o C - y m r A m r o w ­ t u C m k c a l r o w B m d e t a g e i r a V r o w t u C e t a D m m r o w d e t t o p S t u C r e v o l r e p o o L C r o w t u C y g n i D d e p i r t w o l l e Y S m r o w y m r A d e d i m m y r e l e C r e p o o L n e e r m r e n v r o o l C r o w C G m o t a m o T r o w S r o w r o w y s s a l k r a D t u C t u C G - n r o H m r o w - r a E 7/7 77 0 7/18 13 0 7/19 0 19 7/20 8 0 7/21 6 0 7/22 15 0 7/23 0 9 7/24 2 0 7/27, 28 10 0 7/29, 30 11 0 8/6 6 2 8/7 15 7 8/8 10 11 8/9 18 6 8/10 14 5 8/11 14 8 8/12 11 54 8/13 68 16 8/14 10 65 8/15 42 108 8/16 46 89 8/17 120 68 8/18 141 59 110 8/19 62 8/20 41 97 8/23 30 161 8/24 12 82 8/25 124 8 8/26 157 21 8/28 41 116 9/4 7 128 9/5 4 141 9/6 8 94 9/14 6 162 9/15 3 116 9/16 3 139 4 6 4 7 9 4 5 5 9 3 2 1 5 4 6 2 2 3 4 7 5 3 14 19 22 21 17 14 23 12 21 19 22 17 24 22 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 0 1 3 5 3 0 2 4 4 3 7 9 8 14 13 12 16 19 8 12 19 11 8 14 9 3 0 3 5 41 2 12 0 4 9 0 117 25 1 28 0 98 5 7 218 76 0 42 2 1 37 11 2 14 6 12 7 11 3 8 8 6 9 7 9 6 7 6 2 10 8 8 16 11 6 11 12 0 8 11 2 4 16 12 9 2 12 0 9 1 6 0 11 1 4 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 5 9 19 23 11 17 24 38 13 34 49 54 61 50 32 47 39 112 21 22 18 14 11 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 1 3 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 3 0 1 3 0 0 3 1 0 4 1 7 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 9 4 8 6 7 2 11 12 7 11 8 12 16 14 12 11 9 12 11 16 8 4 3 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 0 1 1 6 2 3 3 3 4 7 4 4 3 8 6 7 9 6 9 7 6 8 6 3 5 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 7 9 4 3 5 7 2 5 0 3 6 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 1 3 1 5 9 4 2 3 4 9 14 11 8 12 6 12 9 11 9 3 6 5 9 11 8 4 7 6 6 4 19 3 6 4 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 1 4 6 7 9 4 2 4 2 1 4 3 7 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 D. Blacklight Trapping Station Purpose. Many species of cutworms attack cultivated crops in Michigan, some of which are of more importance than others. Certain species have definite flight patterns during the growing season while others are more erratic and may be active over a longer period of time. It is important that these flights be monitored so that egg laying activity can be predicted and control measures can be advised. By comparing the overall flight pattern (numbers, time of year, climatic conditions, etc.) of a given species with another area and with previous years, trends or outbreak conditions may be thwarted by chemical control. Included in the table are certain species which have caused damage in the Montcalm County area in previous years. Results. Since the trapping period started in early July, early flight activity of some of the moths are not recorded. One of these species is the first generation of the European corn borer which is becoming of more concern to potato growers in the Montcalm area. The numbers and length of activity of the second generation in August are the result of the heavy spring popula­ tion which caused damage to corn and potatoes. Outbreak populations of the green cloverworm did not occur on beans as indicated by the flight pattern, however, the clover looper was extremely active in July. The black cutworm, often a problem on potatoes did not appear in damaging numbers. Armyworm moth populations were extremely high in late summer after a late spring generation The trapping program will start earlier in 1970 to monitor the early flights of these species. Weed Control in Dry Beans at the Montcalm Experimental Farm - 1969 W. F. Meggitt Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Generally in 1969 effective weed control was obtained from preemergence treatments as shown in Table 1. The amount and pattern of rainfall in early June made conditions ideal for moving the herbicide into the soil and obtaining good control on weeds as germination occurred. However, if rainfall does not occur in 4 to 5 days after application control from preemergence herbicides is not effective. Under conditions where rainfall is limited or does not occur during the period shortly after application the preplant incorporated herbicides are most effective. The preplant incorporated treatments, Treflan, Eptam and Planavin were less effective due to a high degree of leaching from the area near the soil surface. The yields are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Evaluation of Preemergence Herbicide Applications on Kidney and Navy Beans at Montcalm Experimental Farm, Montcalm County. Trt No. Treatment Rate lb/A Weed Control Ratings 1 Bd.Lv. Weed ControlRatings 1 Grass Injury 1 1Kidney Injury 1Navy Bu/A Injury Injury 1Bu/A Eptam Eptam 3 4 1 1. 2. 3. Treflan 4. 5. Amiben (salt) 6. Amiben (salt) 7. Amiben (ester) 8. Amiben + Lasso 9. Amiben + Lasso 10. Lorox + Lasso 5.4 7.9 8.8 Eptam + Treflan 2¼+3/4 8.1 9.6 9.9 9.7 9.9 10.0 9.7 2 3 3 2+1 2+2 3/4+2 11. Lorox + Lasso 12. Preforan 13. Lorox + Amiben 14. Planavin 15. Amiben (ester) 16. Control 1/2+2 10.0 9.5 4 1/2+2 9.3 1 1/2 8.1 2 9.5 Empty table cell0.0 8.9 10.0 8.0 10.0 9.8 10.0 10.0 9.9 10.0 10.0 10.0 0.0 10.0 9.8 9.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 3.3 1.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 18.1 17.9 12.8 17.4 20.8 25.2 18.9 30.6 25.6 25.6 24.8 28.6 24.3 22.4 24.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 1.0 1.3 2.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.0 19.3 0.0 32.6 30.4 22.4 32.2 30.2 33.9 30.7 35.7 28.8 32.0 29.6 35.3 32.6 33.6 31.6 25.2 1 0 = No control or injury; 10 = Complete control or kill Soil Fertility Research on Red Kidney Beans at the Montcalm Experimental Farm 1969 M. L. Vitosh Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Experimental Results and Discussion Five types of fertility experiments were conducted with red kidney beans in 1969. Charlevoix red kidney beans were planted June 10 and 11 and harvested September 12 and 15, 1969. A plant population of approximately 58,500 plants per acre in 28 inch rows was obtained. Weeds were controlled with 3 lbs. Eptam per acre applied as a preemergence herbicide. Approximately 2 inches of supplemental irrigation water were applied in August. All banded fertilizer was applied 2 inches to the side and 1 inch below the seed. Residual Nitrogen Study This experimental area received no nitrogen in 1969. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate any residual or carry-over nitrogen from the nitrogen treatments on potatoes in 1968. Red kidney beans planted in this experimental area received a basic fertilizer application of 25 lbs P2O5 and 50 lbs. K2O per acre banded at planting time. Results of this experiment are presented in Table 1. Nitrogen treatments applied in 1968 had no effect on yields of 1969 red kidney beans. Note that all yields are approximately 15 bushels below the average yields of the other experiments which received 40 lbs N per acre in 1969. This would indicate that red kidney beans did respond to N in 1969. This implies that we cannot expect any N carry-over on this soil in years with similar rainfall. Any nitrogen remaining after the previous crop has matured is lost through leaching or denitrification. Rate and Time of Potassium Application This experiment received a basic fertilizer application of 40 lbs N and 50 lbs P2O5 per acre banded at planting time. Potassium treatments were either broad­ cast and plowed down prior to planting or banded at planting time. Results of this experiment are shown in Table 2. Red kidney beans did not respond to the various rates of placements of K fertilizer. Soil tests would indicate that little or no response could be expected with red kidney beans at this location. Table 1. Effects of residual nitrogen on yields of irrigated red kidney beans. lbs of N per acre (a) Yield (Bu/A) 0 60 120 180 240 LSD (.05) treatments (a) Applied as NH4NO3 in 1968. 25 24 26 28 26 NS Table 2. Effects of rate and time of potassium application on yield of irrigated red kidney beans. Potassium Application lbs of K2O per acre (a) Broadcast Potassium Application lbs of K2O per acre (a) Banded Potassium Application lbs of K2O per acre (a) Total Red Kidney Beans Yield (Bu/A) 0 0 0 0 0 120 20 40 80 0 20 40 60 80 40 0 0 0 0 20 40 60 80 160 20 40 80 Empty table cell LSD (.05) treatments Empty table cell (a) Applied as KCl 36 39 38 36 39 38 39 39 38 NS Nitrogen Carrier Study This experiment received a basic fertilizer application of 40 lbs N, 25 lbs P2O5 and 50 lbs K2O per acre banded at planting time. The sources of nitrogen used were ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, urea and anhydrous ammonia. Results of this experiment are shown in Table 3. Although the anhydrous ammonia treatment was applied 2 weeks later than the other treatments, yields were not affected differently by any of the treatments. Potassium Carrier Study This experiment received a basic fertilizer application of 40 lbs N, 25 lbs P2O5 and 50 lbs K2O per acre banded at planting time. One of the treatments involved, however, did not receive potassium. The results of this experiment are recorded in Table 4. Once again, red kidney beans did not respond to any of the treatments. Zinc-Phosphorus Study Basic fertilizer used in this experiment was 40 lbs N, 25 lbs P2O5 and 40 lbs K2O per acre banded at planting time. The high phosphorus treatment which consisted of 300 lbs. P per acre (687 lbs P2O5) was established on half of each replication in 1968. Two residual zinc treatments (25 lbs ZnSO4 and 50 lbs AZCo C100) were established in 1968. The other two zinc treatments have been applied annually starting in 1968. The results of this experiment are shown in Table 5. None of the zinc treat­ ments had any effect on yields of irrigated red kidney beans. The soil test for zinc in this experimental area varies from 3 to 7 parts per million. At the present existing soil pH level of 6.4, this should be sufficient zinc available for all crops used in these experiments. Very little is known about zinc toxicity under acid soil conditions, therefore, zinc is not recommended on soils with chemical properties similar to this McBride sandy loam. Table 3. Effect of different sources of nitrogen on yield of irrigated red kidney beans. Source of Nitrogen Ammonium sulfate (a) Ammonium nitrate (a) Calcium nitrate (a) Urea (a) Anhydrous ammonia (b) (a) Banded June 10, 1969 (b) Sidedressed June 24, 1969 Red Kidney Beans Yield (Bu/A) 39 40 41 42 42 Table 4. Effect of different sources of potassium on yield of irrigated red kidney beans. Source of Potassium (a) None Potassium Chloride Potassium Nitrate Potassium Sulfate Potassium Carbonate LSD (.05) treatments Red Kidney Beans Yield (Bu/A) 41 42 41 41 41 NS (a) Applied at a rate of 50 lbs K2O per acre. Table 5. Effect of zinc treatments on yield of irrigated red kidney beans at two soil phosphorus levels. Treatment (lbs Zn/A) None 25 lbs (ZnSO4) (c) 50 lbs (AZCo C100) (c) (d) (d) 5 lbs (AZCo 12) 5 lbs (ZnSO4) LSD (.05) Phosphorus Effects Yield (Bu/A) Yield (Bu/A) High P (a) Low P (b) Average Effects Yield (Bu/A) 37 35 34 30 27 NS 35 35 35 33 32 NS 36 35 35 32 30 (4) Phosphorus Effects Phosphorus Effects Phosphorus Effects Empty table cell Empty table cell Phosphorus levels 34 LSD (.05) 33 NS Empty table cell (a) High P = 300 lbs P/A Broadcast - 1968 (b) Low P = 9 lbs P/A Banded - 1969 (c) Broadcast in 1968 (d) Banded annually for 2 years Seeding Rate, Row Spacing, Fertility Level and Growth Regulator Studies on Red Kidney Beans at the Montcalm Experimental Farm - 1969 Department of Crop and Soil Sciences B. D. Knezek Two experiments were conducted in 1969. The first experiment involved the application of TIBA (triiodobenzoic acid) on Charlevoix kidney beans which were planted at approximately 80 pounds of seed per acre on row spacings of 7, 14, 21 and 28 inches. A uniform fertilizer rate of 500 pounds of 6-24-12 fertilizer was added over these areas with 250 pounds per acre of this fertilizer being broadcast prior to planting and 250 pounds being used as a planting time fertilizer being banded below and to the side of the seed. The second experiment involved interactions between row spacing, seeding rate, and fertilizer level using Charlevoix red kidney bean as a test crop. Row spacings of 7, 14, 21 and 28 inches with seeding rates of approximately 40 and 80 pounds of seed per acre and fertility levels of 0, 500 and 1,000 pounds of 6-24-12 per acre being the treatments. A uniform nitrogen application was given to the entire test area so that the fertilizer variables were really only phosphorus and potassium. Results of these experiments are shown in Tables 1 and 2. In the TIBA experiment, there was an increase in the yield of beans grown on 7- and 14-inch rows in both years due to the addition of TIBA at about the first flower stage of development. TIBA rates of 0, 10 and 20 grams per acre of the material in foliar application were used and the yield increase was obtained only with the narrow row spacings at the 10 gram level. Apparently 20 grams of material was too much and retarded yield. These data suggest that on field beans, TIBA may be effective in increasing yields in narrow row spacing culture systems at high fertility levels and high plant populations. In the second experiment there was a significant increase in bean production from 7- and 14-inch rows as compared to 21- and 28-inch rows, with the narrower rows resulting in a 10-20 percent increase in the amount of bean pro­ duction. It is our opinion, however, that the additional labor costs involved in cultural practices needed with narrower row systems more than offset the advantages obtained. The principal problem is in weed control, but mechaniza­ tion for this type of system in general will be a problem. There was no significant response to increased seeding rate or to fertilizer application in either of the two years. Table 1. Effect of rate of TIBA application at four spacings on yield of irrigated Charlevoix red kidney beans. Row spacing (inches) Row spacing (inches) Row spacing (inches) Row spacing (inches) 7BU/A 14 21 28BU/A AverageBU/A BU/A BU/A 19681968 19691969 36.3 42.4 35.4 38.0 52.1 54.3 46.0 50.7 34.6 43.8 40.2 39.5 47.3 41.4 43.4 44.0 1968 1968 1969 34.0 34.2 29.0 32.4 41.9 42.6 38.6 41.0 37.4 41.9 35.7 Empty table cell 1969 46.1 47.4 43.0 Empty table cell Treatment TIBA grams/A 1968 0 10 20 Average 1969 1968 44.5 47.3 38.3 43.3 1969 0 10 20 Average 43.2 51.3 43.8 46.1 Table 2. Effects of row spacings at three fertilizer levels on yield of irrigated Charlevoix red kidney beans. Row Spacings (inches) 1968 Fertilizer Levels (lbs/A) (a) 40 lbs/A Seeding Rate Fertilizer Levels (lbs/A) (a) 40 lbs/A Seeding Rate Fertilizer Levels (lbs/A) Fertilizer Levels (lbs/A) (a)40 lbs/A Seeding Rate Fertilizer Levels (lbs/A) (a)80 lbs/A Seeding Rate Fertilizer Levels (lbs/A) (a)80 lbs/A Seeding Rate Fertilizer Levels (lbs/A) (a)80 lbs/A Seeding Rate Fertilizer Levels (lbs/A) (a)80 lbs/A Seeding Rate (a)40 lbs/A Seeding Rate 0Bu/A 500Bu/A 1000 1968 1968 Bu/A 1968 1968 AveBu/A. 0Bu/A 500Bu/A 1000Bu/A Ave.Bu/A 1968 1968 1968 1968 7 14 21 28 Average 41.9 37.2 42.0 35.6 39.2 1969 1969 1969 7 14 21 28 Average 38.5 46.7 44.8 25.7 38.9 44.1 36.8 40.4 36.2 39.4 47.6 42.6 43.3 34.7 42.1 38.8 32.9 35.8 31.6 34.8 41.5 46.5 40.2 34.2 40.6 1969 41.6 35.6 39.4 34.4 (37.8) 37.9 42.5 44.8 39.2 41.1 39.8 42.4 41.5 33.3 39.2 38.6 42.5 39.4 34.3 38.7 38.7 42.4 41.9 35.6 (39.6) 1969 1969 1969 1969 1969 42.5 45.2 42.7 31.5 (40.5) 42.1 49.3 35.6 39.6 41.6 49.0 43.8 40.9 39.5 43.3 48.8 42.1 41.6 38.9 42.8 46.6 45.0 39.3 39.3 (42.5) (a) Rates of 250 and 750 lbs. 0-24-12 per acre were broadcast and plowed down prior to planting on areas which were subsequently brought to 500 and 1000 lbs. acre of fertilizer by banding 250 lbs. 6-24-6 + 1% Zn at planting time. Zero fertilized plots received 15 lbs N per acre as NH4NO3 broadcast and plowed down prior to planting. Corn Hybrids, Plant Population and Irrigation Experiments at the Montcalm Experimental Farm - 1969 Department of Crop and Soil Sciences E. C. Rossman Research at the Montcalm Experimental Farm in 1969 included three experiments: (1) Response of 63 corn hybrids (50 commercial and 13 experimental) with and without irrigation, (2) Effect of four plant populations (15,200; 19,400; 23,300; 27,400) with and without irrigation for five Michigan Certified corn hybrids. (3) Response of five upright leaf experimental corn hybrids at four plant populations (14,700; 18,800; 22,900; 27,000) with and without irrigation. Similar experiments were also conducted in 1968 so that two year summaries are included in this report. Bouyoucous soil moisture blocks at 6", 12”, 18", 24” levels were maintained in irrigated and unirrigated plots. Irrigation was applied so that block readings did not fall below 50% water holding capacity during July and August. Four irrigations, 1.5 inches each, for 6" water were applied in 1969 and five irrigation, 7.5" water, were applied in 1968. Table 1 presents soil moisture readings for 1968 and 1969. Response of Corn Hybrids -- Irrigated vs Not Irrigated Table 2 presents agronomic information for 63 hybrids in 1969 with two year averages for those hybrids that were also included in the 1968 test. 1969 results - Irrigated corn averaged 146.0 bushels compared to 85.5 not irrigated, a difference of 60.5 bushels for irrigation. The range (highest and lowest) in yields for the 63 hybrids were: irrigated = 184.9 to 96.7; not irrigated = 108.6 to 56.3 bushels. The highest yielding hybrid irrigated, Pioneer 3773 (2X) yielded 83.7 bushels more irrigated than when not irrigated, 184.9 vs. 101.2. The lowest yielding hybrid not irrigated, Weather Master EPX-2P (2X), yielded 81.9 bushels more when irrigated, 138.2 vs 56.3. The lowest response to irrigation, 23.7 bushels (96.7 vs. 73.0) came from an early maturing hybrid, Northrup King PX417 (3X). Thus, hybrid response to irrigation was not entirely related to relative yielded ability of hybrids. Some of the lower yielding hybrids gave a large response to irrigation while others gave a small response. Likewise, some of the high yielding hybrids gave a large response to irrigation while others gave a moderate response. Nine of the 17 hybrids that were significantly better than average in yield irrigated were also significantly better than average in yield without irriga­ tion. Nine of the 13 hybrids that were significantly better than average in yield without irrigation were also significantly better than average in yield when irrigated. The correlations of irrigated yields with unirrigated yields were highly significant — .839 in 1969 and .860 in 1968. There was a strong tendency, in both years, for the high yielding hybrids not irrigated to be also high yielding when irrigated. Likewise, the low yielding hybrids tended to be relatively low in both unirrigated and irrigated plots. Seventy to 75 percent of the variation in yield was due to this relationship. High yielding hybrids for irrigation could be selected from unirrigated plots and vice versa with reasonable accuracy. For the present array of hybrids, it would not be necessary always to test under both irrigated and unirrigated conditions. With unlimited testing resources, it would be desirable to test under both conditions to reduce the mistakes in hybrid selection. With limited resources for testing and a willingness to accept a lower level of accuracy in hybrid selection, test results from either irrigation or no irrigation could be extrapolated to the other condition. Hybrids significantly better than average in yield when irrigated in 1969 were (in order of early to late maturity): Northrup King PX446 (Sp), Northrup King PX476 (3X), Exp. 67-3111 (3X), Exp. 67-2103 (2X), Blaney B401 (2X), Exp. 67-3123 (3X), Jacques 951E, Michigan 400, Exp. 67-3120 (3X), Funk Bros. G17A, Exp. 67-3110 (3X), Michigan 402-2X (2X), Exp. 66-2025 (2X), Pioneer 3773 (2X), Michigan 500-2X (2X), Michigan 555-3X (3X), Michigan 568-3X (3X), DeKalb XL45 (2X). Hybrids significantly better than average yield not irrigated in 1969 were (in order of early to late maturity); Northrup King PX446 (Sp), Exp. 67-2103 (2X), Exp. 67-3123 (3X), Michigan 400, Supercrost 163 (3X), Exp. 67-3120 (3X), Weather Master EPX-3P (2X), Exp. 67-164 (3X), Exp. 67-3110, Exp. 66-2025 (2X), Michigan 463-3X (3X), Pioneer 3773 (2X), Northrup King PX 525 (Sp), Michigan 555-3X (3X), Michigan 568-3X (3X). 1968 results. Detailed results for 1968 are available in Michigan Corn Performance Trials - 1968, Crop Science mimeo, and in Corn Hybrids Compared for 1969, Extension Bulletin 431. Irrigated yields averaged 40.1 bushels more than unirrigated yields, 136.1 vs 96.0, Table 2. The highest yielding hybrid in both irrigated and unirrigated was Michigan 555-3X (3X) with yields of 182.2 and 123.2, a difference of 59.0 bushels for irrigation. The largest responses to irrigation were 61.8 bush­ els with DeKalb XL304 (3X), 132.0 vs. 70.2, and 61.6 bushels with Michigan 500-2X (2X), 180.4 vs 118.4. Fourteen of 18 hybrids significantly better than average in yield irrigated were also significantly better than average in yield without irrigation. Fourteen of 16 hybrids significantly better than average in yield without irrigation were also significantly better than average in yield when irrigated. Omitting experimental hybrids, those significantly better than average yield irrigated in 1968 were (in order of increasing maturity): Michigan 275-2X (2X), Northrup King PX446 (2X), Pioneer 3911 (2X), Michigan 500-2X (2X), Northrup King 525 (Sp), Northrup King PX519 (Sp), Michigan 568-3X (3X), Pioneer 368, Michigan 555-3X (3X), DeKalb XL45 (2X). Hybrids significantly better than average yield not irrigated were (experiment­ als omitted): Michigan 275-2X (2X), Pioneer 3911 (2X), Michigan 402-2X (2X), Michigan 500-2X (2X), Northrup King PX519 (Sp), Pioneer 3773 (2X), Michigan 568-3X (3X), Pioneer 368, Michigan 555-3X (3X), DeKalb XL45 (2X). Two-year summary. Table 3 presents a two-year summary of yields and stalk lodging for 63 hybrids tested in 1969 and 56 in 1968. Table 1. Percent water holding capacity during July and August 1968 and 1969 for irrigated and non-irrigated corn plots. Montcalm Exp. Farm Irrigate dSoil Depth - inches 6 1968 Irrigated Soil Depth - inches 12 1968 Irrigated Soil Depth - inches 18 1968 IrrigatedSoil Depth - inches24 Not IrrigatedSoil Depth - inches 6 1968 Not Irrigated Soil Depth - inches 12 1968 Not Irrigated Soil Depth - inches18 1968 Date 1968 24 Not Irrigated Soil Depth - inches 1968 90 100+ July 26 Aug. 5 Aug. 15 Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 4 Sept. 12 Sept. 17 Sept. 27 100+ 77 93 91 98 94 93 92 100+ 87 94 94 100+ 98 98 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100+ 100 100+ 1968 95 100+ 98 100+ 100+ 98 98 98 100 27 19 18 18 18 21 20 19 68 36 25 18 18 18 20 18 18 59 41 35 19 19 18 20 18 18 85 100+ 100+ 83 21 19 20 21 20 96 1969 1969 1969 1969 1969 1969 1969 1969 July 12 July 17 July 24 Aug. 1 Aug. 8 Aug. 13 Aug. 20 Aug. 26 Sept. 1 Sept. 9 88 50 55 100 65 100 88 90 100 90 100+ 70 60 100+ 72 90 70 77 100+ 95 100+ 90 80 100+ 95 100 90 92 100+ 100+ 1969 100+ 95 88 100+ 98 100 80 68 100+ 100+ 100+ 70 78 65 38 21 18 20 20 20 100+ 100 92 95 45 25 22 20 18 18 100+ 100+ 100 100+ 62 50 34 23 18 18 100+ 100+ 100 100+ 85 55 30 20 20 20 1968 Irrigation = 7 1/2” 1969 Irrigation = 6" July 16 = 1 1/2 inches Aug. 2 = 1 1/2 inches Aug. 12 = 1 1/2 inches Aug. 20 = 1 1/2 inches Sept. 7 = 1 1/2 inches July 26 = 1 1/2 inches Aug. 8 = 1 1/2 inches Aug. 14 = 1 1/2 inches Aug. 27 = 1 1/2 inches Table 2. NORTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN Montcalm County Trial One and Two Year Averages - 1969, 1968 Zone 3 Hybrid % Moisture % Moisture 2 Yrs. 1969 Bushels Per Acre Bushels Per 1969 Acre 1969 Not Irr. Bushels Per Acre 2 Years Irr. Bushels Per Acre 2 Years Not Stalk Lodging % Stalk Lodging 1969 1969 Irr. Not Stalk Lodging 2 Yrs. Irr. Stalk Lodging 2 Yrs. Not % Root % Roo t ing-69 Lodging-69 Lodg Irr. Not -- Michigan 200 Northrup King PX428 (3X) 20.1 -- 114.0 79.2 -- 67.3 -- Blaney B220 (3X) 73.0 -- Northrup King PX417 (3X) 21.1 -- 21.3 24 114.8 92.0 111 Jacques JX952 20.0 -- 116.3 -- 116.5 96.7 69.8 20.8 -- -- 1.9 16.9 -- 4.0 11.9 -- -- 1.6 21.3 -- -- 7.3 20.0 -- 91 1.6 12.1 2 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7 91 10.6 88.0 119 86.3 -- -- 3.3 93.0 157 101 3.4 21.5 22 114.4 -- 122.7 22.0 23 150.3 Michigan 270 Northrup King PX442 (Sp) 21.8 Michigan 275-2X (2X) Mich. Exp. 65-2002A (2X) 22.1 24 140.8 86.9 149 Cowbell SX24 (2X) 75.5 122 24 121.7 22.2 Michigan 250 24 126.9 82.9 136 22.2 Michigan 280 23 139.1 83.6 151 22.3 -- 147.8 79.3 -- Weather Master EPX-2P(2X) 22.5 Pioneer 3854 73.0 116 24 121.4 22.5 -- 139.1 85.0 -- Mich. Exp. 67-3119 (3X) 22.8 23.0 -- 91.3 -- Michigan 300 149.4 55.3 -- Weather Master EPX-1(2X) 23.3 -- 138.2 2Northrup King PX446 (Sp) 23.6 25 158.9 101.1 156 90.1 -- Weather Master EPX-1P(2X) 23.6 -- 148.4 -- 156.1 92.6 -- Mich. Exp. 67-165 (3X) -- 157.9 91.6 -- 70.4 114 24.0 25 127.2 24.1 -- 152.4 79.5 -- 93.5 -- -- 159.8 24.2 -- 171.3 108.6 -- 24.3 1Northrup King PX476 (3X) 23.9 Pioneer 388 Pioneer 3956 (2X) 1Mich. Exp. 67-3111 (3X) 2Mich. Exp. 67-2103 (2X) 23.8 23.0 8 11.9 -- 27.8 2 98 8.2 20.3 5 74 4.1 19.7 3 91 5.6 19.2 5 96 3.1 14.2 3 -- 2.3 13.7 -- 77 0.8 23.0 0 -- 2.7 14.7 -- -- 0.8 18.1 -- -- 10.9 57.8 -- 96 2.4 18.8 2 -- 8.5 30.7 -- 7.0 -- -- 3.7 -- 0.8 18.6 -- 74 3.3 19.2 4 -- 0.0 11.5 -- -- 4.8 18.6 -- -- 1.8 5.8 -- DeKalb XL304 (3X) Pioneer 3911 (2X) 1Blaney B401 (2X) 2Mich. Exp. 67-3123 (3X) Teweles SXT14 (2X) 26 119.0 75.9 126 24.4 24.6 25 148.4 25.2 26 169.9 89.3 153 25.5 -- 160.2 96.1 -- 76.7 117 25.5 73 2.3 14.4 2 92.2 153 101 8.5 24.4 4 9.8 2 94 4.6 -- 3.4 19.7 -- 1.6 14.5 1 74 26 127.4 lJacques JX951E 25.5 26 157.9 87.7 137 Northrup King PX22 (2X) 27 132.9 76.3 131 25.5 Weather Master EP30 (3X) 25.6 27 151.8 74.3 123 Super Crost S19 (2X) 91.5 151 26 153.9 25.6 2Michigan 400 96.6 151 25.7 26 160.3 21.5 0 85 0.8 84 0.0 26.8 0 70 0.8 19.5 0 97 0.8 10.9 1 8.3 2 97 2.3 17 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 18 0.0 0.0 10 0.0 0.0 12 0.0 0.0 13 0.0 0.0 14 0.8 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 16 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 2.4 -- 0.0 0.0 11 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 1.0 -- 0.0 0.0 11 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 9 16 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 9 -- 0.0 0.0 11 0.0 0.0 12 0.0 0.0 15 0.0 0.0 12 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 8 0.0 2.5 27 141.5 96.1 142 Super Crost 163 (3X) 25.7 26.1 -- 163.1 103.7 -- 1Mich. Exp. 67-3120 (3X) 26.2 1Funk Bros. G17A 27 165.7 89.1 157 2Weather Master EPX-3P(2X) 26.2 26 143.1 98.8 130 -- 147.4 80.7 -- Mich. Exp. 67-3118 (3X) 26.3 95 0.8 8.7 1 -- 2.3 20.8 -- 94 5.0 12.1 3 90 0.0 15.0 0 24.2 -- -- 7.6 0.8 0.0 5 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 9 0.0 0.0 9 -- 0.8 0.0 Table 2 continued. Montcalm County 2Mich. Exp. 67-164 26.3 2Mich. Exp. 67-3110 26.3 1Michigan 402-2X (2X) 26.3 DeKalb XL315 (3X) 26.4 Weather Master EP35 (3X) 26.7 2Mich. Exp. 66-2025 (2X) DeKalb XL24 (2X) 2Michigan 463-3X (3X) Funk Bros. G4287 (3X) Teweles SXT61 (3X) -- 150.7 100.8 -- -- 178.0 104.3 -- 26 164.8 98.4 157 72.4 135 28 130.6 -- 144.7 82.5 -- 99.4 -- -- 172.2 26.9 27.1 -- 149.0 88.1 -- 95.1 155 28 154.8 27.3 27 149.9 88.2 146 27.3 93.7 151 28 153.3 27.3 -- 5.8 20.2 -- 23.4 -- -- 0.8 24.4 4 105 7.4 76 3.2 17.8 2 -- 1.6 18.5 -- -- 3.3 17.9 -- -- 1.5 11.0 -- 100 2.4 19.5 3 90 3.1 14.8 3 5.6 1 101 2.3 Northrup King KE497 DeKalb XL306 (3X) Wolverine 59 Mich. Exp. 67-360 (2X) 2Pioneer 3773 (2X) 28 137.6 80.4 126 27.3 -- 153.5 75.3 -- 27.3 27.6 -- 138.0 80.5 -- -- 127.9 84.9 -- 27.7 28 184.9 101.2 164 27.7 84 4.6 22.3 3 -- 0.8 23.6 -- -- 7.3 11.8 -- -- 0.0 10.0 -- 109 0.0 15.2 1 Funk Bros. G4222 (2X) 81.2 137 29 141.8 28 173.5 94.6 177 1Michigan 500-2X (2X) Pioneer 368 93.4 152 29 148.1 2Northrup King PX525(SP.) 29.1 29 156.4 94.9 155 30 173.7 101.7 178 2Michigan 555-3X (3X) 28.0 28.0 28.3 29.1 91 1.6 14.5 2 13.9 1 107 1.7 100 1.5 14.2 2 98 0.8 19.0 1 113 0.8 13.8 0 2Michigan 568-3X (3X) 1DeKalb XL45 (2X) Mich. Exp. 67-462 (2X) 29.2 30.4 30.7 30 157.9 104.3 162 31 167.1 83.2 163 -- 156.3 85.6 -- 111 1.6 17.1 1 8.9 1 94 2.3 -- 1.0 10.8 -- -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 16 0.0 0.0 10 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 12 0.0 0.0 7 0.0 0.8 4 0.0 0.0 15 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 -- 1.2 6.0 8 0.0 0.0 9 0.0 0.0 9 0.0 1.6 9 0.0 0.0 11 0.0 0.0 8 0.0 0.0 9 0.0 0.0 5 0.0 0.8 -- 0.0 0.0 Average Range 25.1 26 146.0 85.5 143 92 2.9 17.5 2 11 0.1 0.2 20.0 to 30.7 22 to 31 96.7 to 184.9 56.3 to 108.6 111 to 178 70 to 113 0.0 to 10.9 0 to 8 5 Empty table cell Empty table cell 5.6 to 57.8 Empty table cell 4 to 18 0.0 to 1.5 0.0 to 6.0 Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Least significant diff. 0.8 0.612.8 9.4 6 Empty table cell Planted Harvested Soil type Previous crop Population Rows Fertilizer Soil test: pH P K Irrigation 1 - Significantly better than average yield, irrigated 1969. 2 - Significantly better than average yield, not irrigated 1969. 1969 May 4 May 3 Oct. 26 Oct. 31 Montcalm sandy loam Montcalm sandy loam Sorghum-sudan seeded to rye in fall Sorghum-sudan seeded 1968 19,500 30" 205-160-160 6.2 242 (very high) 237 (high) 6.0" to rye in fall. 19,600 30" 236-190-190 6.2 256 (very high) 220 (high) 7.5" Table 3. Average, highest and lowest yields and % stalk lodging for 63 hybrids in 1969 and 56 hybrids in 1968 with 2 year averages. Year Irrigated Not Irrig. Irrigated Average age Aver Highest Yielding Hybrids Highest Yield ing Hybrids Not Irrig. Lowest Yielding Hybrids Irrigated lding Hybrids Lowest Yie Not Irrig. Yields Yields YieldsYields Yields Yields Yields 1969 1968 2 Yr. Ave. 146.0 136.1 141.0 85.5 96.0 90.8 184.9 182.2 183.6 108.6 123.2 115.9 96.7 92.2 94.5 56.3 65.4 60.9 % Stalk Lodging % Stalk Lodging % Stalk Lodging% Stalk Lodging % Stalk Lodging% Stalk Lodging% Stalk Lodging 1969 1968 2 Yr. Ave. 2.9 1.1 2.0 17.5 4.3 10.9 10.9 5.0 8.0 57.8 13.9 35.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.6 0.0 2.8 Yield. Irrigated corn averaged 50.2 bushels more than unirrigated, 141.0 vs 90.8. The highest yielding hybrids averaged 67.7 bushels more when irrigated (183.6 vs 115.9) and the lowest yielding hybrids averaged 33.6 bushels more (94.5 vs 60.9). Dr. C. R. Hoglund, M.S.U. Department of Agricultural Economics, has calculated that an increased yield of about 40 bushels per acre is needed to "break even" on corn irrigation costs. These costs will vary depending on type of equip­ ment, labor requirements, acres irrigated, etc. Irrigation response of the highest yielding hybrids was twice as great as the response of the lowest yielding hybrids, 67.7 vs 33.6 bushel increases from irrigation. Profitability from irrigation was good for high-yield hybrids. Irrigation profits from low- yield hybrids were marginal. Stalk lodging. All of the corn irrigation experiments in 1968 and 1969 at the Montcalm Experimental Farm have shown a striking and consistent difference in stalk lodging between non-irrigated and irrigated corn. Stalk lodging averaged 5.5 times more for non-irrigated corn, 10.9 vs 2.0%. Stalk rot develops more readily and rapidly in dead or dying plants. Pre­ mature death or retardation from leaf blights, drouth, etc. disposes the plant to attack by stalk rotting fungi, Gibberella and/or Diplodia, earlier. Irriga­ ted plants remained green with active growth longer than non-irrigated plants. Stalk lodging for high yielding hybrids averaged much higher than low yielding hybrids for both irrigated and unirrigated — 8.0 vs 0.0% for irrigated and 35.9 vs 2.8% for non-irrigated. Yellow Leaf Blight. Ratings for Yellow Leaf Blight, Phyllosticta sp., were made on August 19, 1969 by Joe Clayton, Botany and Plant Pathology. The total of rating scores (0 to 3) was 312 for non-irrigated corn and 578 for irrigated corn. YLB disease ratings averaged twice as high for the irrigated plots. Moisture and humidity are considered to be important factors facilitating the spread and development of this fungus disease. YLB is a relatively new leaf disease on corn in Michigan and other nearby states. It first became noticeable in 1968 with much wider prevalence and severity in 1969. The causal organism is capable of overwintering in Michigan and other northern states on corn refuse. Infection on corn can start early the follow­ ing season. In contrast, Northern Leaf Blight (Helminthosporium turcicum) which has appeared periodically in Michigan for many years does not overwinter here. NLB infection occurs as a result of spores moving progressively north­ ward from southern states, and infection usually occurs in late summer with relatively little damage. Hybrids X Population X Irrigation Table 4 and 5 present average yields for five corn hybrids at four plant pop­ ulations (15M, 19M, 23M, 27M) irrigated and non-irrigated in 1968 and 1969. Stalk lodging and moisture content of grain are given in Tables 6 and 7. Two- year averages for population X irrigation are in Table 8. Table 4. Average yields for 5 corn hybrids at 4 plant populations not irrigated and irrigated. Montcalm - Comden Farm. 1968. Empty table cell Hybrid 15,000 Plant Population Plant Population 19,200 Plant Population 23,100 Average Plant Population 27,300 Michigan 275-2X Michigan 275-2XIrrigated Not Irrigated Michigan 275-2X Michigan 275-2X Exp. 65-2002 Exp. 65-2002 Exp. 65-2002 Exp. 65-2002 Exp. 65-2002A Exp. 65-2002A Exp. 65-2002A Exp. 65-2002A Exp. 65-2002B Exp. 65-2002B Exp. 65-2002B Exp. 65-2002B Difference=bu. Difference=% Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference=bu. Difference=% Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference=bu. Difference=% Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference=bu. Difference=% Michigan 402-2X Michigan 402-2X Not Irrigated Irrigated Michigan 402-2X Michigan 402-2X Difference=bu. Difference=% Average Average Average Average Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference=bu. Difference=% 122.2 148.7 26.5 21.7 106.1 144.5 38.4 36.2 104.2 142.4 38.2 36.7 119.6 132.8 13.2 11.0 117.5 148.9 31.4 26.7 113.9 143.5 29.6 26.0 133.7 165.7 32.0 23.9 133.7 192.7 59.0 44.1 119.6 172.7 53.1 44.4 138.9 151.9 13.0 9.4 125.1 163.7 38.6 30.9 130.2 169.3 39.1 30.0 94.6 193.2 98.6 104.2 93.4 218.4 125.0 133.8 114.1 183.7 69.6 61.0 126.3 188.1 61.8 48.9 106.8 182.2 75.4 70.6 107.0 193.1 86.1 80.5 59.6 184.7 125.1 209.8 75.8 205.5 129.7 171.1 118.3 177.8 59.5 50.3 99.8 176.8 77.0 77.1 93.6 147.4 53.8 57.4 89.4 178.4 89.0 99.5 102.5 173.1 70.6 68.9 102.3 190.3 88.0 86.0 114.1 169.2 55.1 48.3 121.2 162.4 41.2 34.0 110.8 160.6 49.8 44.9 110.2 171.1 60.9 55.3 Least significant differences: among hybrid x population x irrigation yields=12.1 bu. among hybrid x population averages = 6.5 bu. among population x irrigation averages = 7.4 bu. Planted—May 4 Soil type—Montcalm sandy loam Rows = 30" Soil test: pH = 6.2, P = 256 (very high), K = 220 (high) Irrigation: Five times, 1.5" each, mid July to September 7. Total 7.5 inches. Cooperator: Theron Comden, Entrican Harvested—Oct. 26 Previous crop=Sorghum-sudan seeded to rye in fall Fertilizer = 236-190-190 Table 5. Average yields for 5 corn hybrids at 4 plant populations not irrigated and irrigated. Montcalm - Comden Farm. 1969. Empty table cell Hybrid Plant Population 15,200 Plant Population 19,400 Plant Population Average 23,300 Plant Population 27,400 Michigan 280 Michigan 280 Not Irrigated Irrigated Michigan 280 Michigan 280 Difference=bu. Difference=% Michigan 275-2X Not Irrigated Michigan 275-2X Irrigated Michigan 275-2X Michigan 275-2X Difference=bu. Difference=% Exp. 65-2002A Exp. 65-2002A Not Irrigated Irrigated Exp. 65-2002A Exp. 65-2002A Difference=bu. Difference=% Michigan 402-2X Not Irrigated Michigan 402-2X Irrigated Michigan 402-2X Michigan 402-2X Difference=bu. Difference=% Michigan 500-2X Not Irrigated Michigan 500-2X Irrigated Michigan 500-2X Michigan 500-2X Difference=bu. Difference=% Average Average Average Average Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference=bu. Difference=% 89.5 128.9 39.4 44.0 93.8 109.1 15.3 16.3 91.4 127.7 36.3 39.7 88.1 134.2 46.1 52.3 90.5 127.7 37.2 41.1 90.7 125.5 34.8 38.3 107.8 141.8 34.0 31.5 123.4 148.9 25.5 20.7 102.3 155.7 53.4 52.2 109.2 172.8 63.6 58.2 100.0 168.4 68.4 68.4 108.5 157.5 49.0 45.2 87.1 160.3 73.2 84.0 92.9 183.8 90.9 97.8 101.0 157.5 56.5 55.9 106.5 183.4 76.9 72.2 91.1 180.9 89.8 98.5 95.7 173.2 77.5 80.9 77.2 136.1 58.9 76.2 78.9 131.3 52.4 66.4 90.9 132.8 41.9 46.0 105.6 164.5 58.9 55.8 78.8 174.2 95.4 121.0 86.3 147.8 61.5 71.2 90.4 141.8 51.4 56.7 97.3 143.3 46.0 47.2 96.4 143.4 47.0 48.7 102.4 163.7 61.3 59.9 89.9 162.8 72.9 81.0 95.3 151.0 55.7 58.4 Least significant difference: among hybrid x population x irrigation yields=10.2 bu. among hybrid x irrigation averages = 5.5 bu. among population x irrigation averages = 6.3 bu. Planted—May 3 Soil type—Montcalm sandy loam Sows - 30" Soil test: Irrigation: 1.5" each on July 26, August 8, 14, 27. Total = 6.0 inches Cooperator: Theron Comden, Entrican Harvested—Oct. 31 Previous crop=Sorghum-sudan seeded to rye in fall Fertilizer = 205-160-160 pH = 6.2, P = 242 (very high), K = 237 (high) Table 6. Average stalk loding percentages and moisture content of grain for 5 corn hybrids at 4 plant populations not irrigated and irrigated. Montcalm - Comden Farm. 1968. Empty Table cell Hybrid Plant Populations Plant Populations Plant Pop ulations 15,000 19,200 23,100 Ave. 27,300 Plant Populations Average % moisture in grain Michigan 275-2X Not Irrigated Michigan 275-2X Irrigated Exp. 65-2002 Exp. 65-2002 Not Irrigated Irrigated Exp. 65-2002A 65-2002A Exp. Not Irrigated Irrigated Exp. 65-2002B Exp. 65-2002B Not Irrigated Irrigated Michigan 402-2X Not Irrigated Michigan 402-2X Irrigated Average Average Not Irrigated Irrigated 4.9 0.0 0.0 1.1 3.9 1.0 3.8 0.0 3.9 1.1 3.3 0.6 3.9 0.0 3.1 0.7 6.3 0.7 3.7 0.8 8.3 0.0 5.1 0.4 Average % mois­ ture in grain Average % mois­ ture in grain Not Irrigated 26.4 Irrigated 26.6 26.2 27.2 25.2 2.1 4.1 4.7 12.3 3.7 7.4 1.3 11.7 1.7 12.1 2.7 25.9 26.6 28.3 3.2 22.8 5.3 20.7 3.4 12.0 0.5 18.2 4.7 20.4 3.4 26.4 26.6 15.6 1.3 7.5 3.0 10.8 2.2 6.7 0.7 10.5 1.9 24.0 24.9 25.4 26.2 25.4 26.3 27.1 27.0 29.2 29.5 Empty table cell 10.2 1.8 Empty table cell Empty table cell 26.2 Empty table cell26.8 Table 7. Average stalk lodging percentages and moisture content of grain for 5 corn hybrids at 4 plant populations not irrigated and irrigated. Montcalm Exp. Farm. 1969. Empty table cell Hybrid 15,200 Plant Populations 19,400 Plant Populations Plant Populations 23,300 Michigan 280 Michigan 280 Not Irrigated 15.5 3.7 Irrigated Michigan 275-2X Not Irrigated 24.4 Michigan 275-2X 1.9 Irrigated Exp. 65-2002A Exp. 65-2002A Not Irrigated 16.3 Irrigated 1.5 Michigan 402-2X Not Irrigated 21.6 2.9 Irrigated Michigan 402-2X Michigan 500-2X Not Irrigated 14.9 1.9 Irrigated Michigan 500-2X Average Average Not Irrigated 18.5 2.4 Irrigated 18.3 5.8 25.9 0.8 26.7 2.8 26.4 2.6 19.6 1.5 23.4 2.7 21.6 5.8 26.3 0.6 31.3 6.9 32.8 3.2 27.9 0.6 28.0 3.4 Plant Populations 27,400 19.4 7.5 34.7 2.5 30.5 10.1 43.8 3.8 43.8 2.3 34.4 5.2 Average % Moisture in Grain 21.8 23.5 22.3 24.9 22.5 23.7 24.9 27.0 27.2 29.9 Ave. 18.7 5.7 27.8 1.5 26.2 5.3 31.2 3.1 26.6 1.6 Empty table cell 26.1 3.4 Empty table cell Empty table cell Average % Mois­ ture in grain Average % Mois­ ture in grain Not Irrigated 23.6 23.4 24.3 23.6 23.7 Irrigated 24.9 26.2 25.9 26.2 Empty table cell 25.8 Yield. Non-irrigated yields peaked for all hybrids at the 19,000 plant pop­ ulation and decreased at 23,000 and 27,000. Irrigated yields peaked at 23,000 and decreased at 27,000. With irrigation, yields continued to increase up to 23,000 (183.2 bu.) while without irrigation yields increased up to 19,000 population (119.4 bu.), Table 8. The highest yield was 218.4 bushels for Exp. 65-2002 at 23,100 population irrigated in 1968. This hybrid was not included in the 1969 experiments. In 1969, highest yields were 183.8, 183.4 and 180.9 for Michigan 275-2X, 402-2X and 500-2X respectively, at 23,300 irrigated. Without irrigation, the high yields were 123.4, 109.2 and 100.0 for these three hybrids at 19,400. Michigan 500-2X is a late maturing hybrid in the Montcalm area of Michigan. Response to irrigation averaged 32.2, 44.0, 81.8 and 75.2 bushels for popula­ tions of 15,100, 19,300, 23,200 and 27,300 respectively for the two year period. Irrigation profits at either 15,100 or 19,300 were submarginal or near-marginal using the 40 bushel per acre cost-of-irrigation value of Dr. C. R. Hoglund. Profits at 23,200 population were good. Irrigation at a 27,300 population would appear questionable since the average yield was about equal to that at 15,100. Even though the response to irrigation at 27,300 was high, profitability would be questionable compared to average yield at 19,300 without irrigation. Stalk lodging. Stalk lodging was consistently much higher without irrigation than with irrigation, 18.2 vs 2.6%. Lodging increased consistently with increased plant population without irrigation, averaging about 5% increase for each additional 4,000 plants per acre. With irrigation, lodging increased only about 1% for each additional 4,000 plant population. The plots were harvested relatively early in both years, October 26, 1968 and October 31, 1969. Lodging would probably increase rapidly with later harvests. Moisture content of grain at harvest. The effect of either irrigation or plant population on grain moisture was small. Irrigated corn averaged .6% higher in moisture in 1968 and 2.1% higher in 1969. Differences due to population were smaller and showed no consistent trend in either year. Upright Leaf Hybrids X Population X Irrigation Photosynthetic efficiency of hybrids with an upright leaf pattern in narrow rows at high plant populations might be higher than for those with a more horizontal leaf pattern. Theoretically, a more vertical leaf canopy should expose more total leaf surface to more sunlight with less shading of lower leaves than a horizontal leaf canopy. The experimental upright leaf single-cross hybrids used in these experiments have a leaf angle of about 45-60° with the soil surface. Liguless leaf hybrids have more erect leaves, 70-80° angles. Their leaves are more subject to shredding and breaking from wind action and yields have not been as good in our tests. One experimental upright leaf single-cross, MS 153 X W410A, was used in the 1968 experiment at four populations with and without irrigation, Table 9. Five single-crosses were used in the 1969 experiment, Tables 10 and 11. Table 8. Two-year average yields and stalk lodging for four plant populations not irrigated and irrigated. Montcalm Exp. Farm 1968-1969. Empty table cell Plant Populations Plant Populations 15,100 Plant Populations 19,300 23,200 Plant Populations 27,300 Average Yield - Bushels Per Acre Yield - Bushels Per Acre Yield - Bushels Per Acre Yield - Bushels Per Acre Yield - Bushels Per Acre Yield - Bushels Per Acre Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference = bu. Difference = % 102.3 134.5 32.2 31.5 119.4 163.4 44.0 36.8 101.4 183.2 81.8 80.7 87.9 163.1 75.2 85.5 102.8 161.1 58.3 56.7 % Stalk Lodging % Stalk Lodging % Stalk Lodging% Stalk Lodging % Stalk Lodging% Stalk Lodging Not Irrigated Irrigated 10.9 1.5 14.3 1.6 20.1 3.1 27.4 4.3 18.2 2.6 Table 9. Average yields for an experimental upright leaf single-cross hybrid, MS153 x W410A, at four plant populations not irrigated and irrigated. Montcalm Exp. Farm, 1968. Empty table cell Plant Populations Plant Populations Plant Populations 15,500 19,800 23,300 Plant Populations 27,400 Average Not Irrigated Irrigated 121 155 131 184 120 204 73 177 111 180 Least significant difference = 11 bushels Planted - May 4 Harvested - October 26 Soil type - Montcalm sandy loam Previous crop - Sorghum-sudan seeded to rye in fall Rows = 30" Fertilizer - 236-190-190 Soil test: pH = 6.2, P = 256 (very high), K = 220 (high) Irrigation = 7.5" mid-July to September 7 Table 10. Average yields of 5 experimental upright leaf single-cross corn hybrids at 4 plant populations not irrigated and irrigated. Montcalm Exp. Farm. 1969.’ Hybrid Empty table cell Plant Populations Plant Populations Plant Populations Plant Populations 14,700 18,800 22,900 27,000 Average A295 x MS153 A295 x MS153 A295 x MS153 A295 x MS153 A295 x Pa. 54 A295 x Pa. 54 A295 x Pa. 54 A295 x Pa. 54 A295 x MS214 A295 x MS214 A295 x MS214 A295 x MS214 Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference = bu. Difference = % Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference = bu. Difference = % Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference = bu. Difference = % MS153 x Pa. 54 MS153 x Pa. 54 Not Irrigated Irrigated MS153 x Pa. 54 MS153 x Pa. 54 MS153 x W410A MS153 x W410A MS153 x W410A MS153 x W410A Average Average Average Average Difference = bu. Difference = % Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference = bu. Difference = % Not Irrigated Irrigated Difference = bu. Difference = % 103.2 114.2 11.0 10.7 101.3 129.9 28.6 28.2 87.2 113.6 26.4 30.2 83.5 125.4 41.9 50.1 112.4 147.8 35.4 31.5 97.5 126.2 28.7 29.4 112.9 143.5 30.6 27.1 113.5 155.6 42.1 37.1 88.7 149.3 60.6 68.3 89.9 135.9 46.0 51.1 145.8 187.1 41.3 28.3 110.2 154.3 44.1 40.0 113.1 158.2 45.1 39.9 99.2 128.8 29.6 29.6 75.0 120.4 45.4 60.5 89.0 131.7 42.7 48.0 103.5 201.0 97.5 94.2 96.0 148.0 52.0 54.1 102.0 121.7 19.7 19.3 96.4 131.6 35.2 36.5 63.3 118.9 55.6 87.8 86.9 110.3 23.4 26.9 91.2 154.9 63.7 69.8 88.0 127.5 39.5 44.8 107.8 134.4 26.6 24.7 102.6 136.4 33.8 32.9 78.6 125.6 47.0 59.7 87.3 125.8 38.5 44.1 113.2 172.7 59.5 52.6 97.9 139.0 41.1 42.0 Least significant differences: among hybrid x population x irrigation yields=11.1 bu. among hybrid x irrigation averages = 5.9 bu. among population x irrigation averages = 6.5 bu. Planted - May 3 Soil type - Montcalm sandy loam Previous crop- Sorghum-sudan seeded to rye in fall Rows = 30" Soil test: Irrigation: 1.5"each on July 26, August 8, 14, 27. Total = 6.0 inches Cooperator: Theron Comden, Entrican Fertilizer = 205-160-160 pH = 6.2, P = 242 (very high), K = 237 (high) Harvested - October 31 Table 11. Average stalk lodging percentages and moisture content of grain for 5 experimental upright leaf single-cross corn hybrids at 4 plant populations not irrigated and irrigated. Montcalm Exp. Farm. 1969. Empty Table Cell Hybrid Plant Population 14,700 18,800 Plant Population Plant Population 22,900 Plant Population 27,000 Ave. Average % Moisture in Grain A295 x MS153 A295 x MS153 Not Irrigated Irrigated 7.5 0.0 A295 x Pa. 54 A295 x Pa. 54 Not Irrigated 10.6 Irrigated 1.5 A295 x MS214 A295 x MS214 Not Irrigated Irrigated 6.6 0.0 MS153 x Pa. 54 MS153 x Pa. 54 Not Irrigated 14.6 0.7 Irrigated MS153 x W410A MS153 x W410A Not Irrigated Irrigated Average Average Not Irrigated Irrigated 3.6 1.5 8.6 0.7 10.6 6.5 16.7 2.8 9.5 2.2 14.6 3.8 2.9 3.7 10.9 3.8 10.2 5.5 18.8 7.7 12.9 8.5 16.5 5.7 5.7 4.7 12.8 6.4 10.2 6.1 19.1 9.1 15.9 3.8 28.0 8.4 19.0 4.1 18.4 7.3 9.6 4.5 16.3 5.3 11.2 4.9 18.4 4.7 7.8 3.5 26.2 28.4 26.1 27.4 25.3 25.5 25.9 25.2 31.8 32.6 Empty Table Cell 12.7 4.7 Empty Table Cell Empty Table Cell Average % Mois­ ture in grain Average % Mois­ ture in grain Not Irrigated 25.7 27.3 27.2 28.0 27.1 Irrigated 27.7 27.9 27.6 28.1 Empty Table Cell 27.8 The highest yield in 1968 for MS153 X W410A was 204 bushels per acre at 23,800 population irrigated. The best yield unirrigated was 131 bushels at 19,800 population. Exp. 65-2002 (2X) with a more normal horizontal flat leaf patterns produced 218.4 bushels, Table 4, with a 23,100 population irrigated in an adjacent experiment in the same field. It yielded 133.7 bushels without irrigation at 19,200. MS153 X W410A was the highest yielding of the five upright leaf hybrids in 1969. It is late in maturity for the Montcalm area. The highest yield was 201.0 bushels at 22,900 irrigated and 145.8 unirrigated at 18,800. Michigan 275-2X and Michigan 402-2X with yields of 183.8 and 183.4 at 23,300 irrigated were highest among five horizontal leaf hybrids in an adjacent experiment in the same field. Their best yields without irrigation were 123.4 and 109.2 at 19,400 population. The best upright leaf hybrid, MS153 X W410A, yielded less in 1968 and more in 1969 than the best horizontal leaf hybrid. For the two years, it averaged 202.5 bushels per acre irrigated and 138.4 without irrigation. The best horizontal leaf hybrids in the adjacent experiments averaged 201.1 irrigated and 128.6 unirrigated. With the hybrids used here, there was no consistent indication that the best upright leaf hybrid was superior to the best horizontal leaf hybrid. Average stalk lodging without irrigation for the upright leaf hybrids, Table 11, was about half that for the horizontal leaf hybrids, Table 7, 12.7 vs 26.1%. With irrigation and lower incidence of lodging, the average breakage was similar for the two groups of hybrids 4.7 and 3.4%. Upright leaf hybrids also showed a marked and consistent increase in stalk lodging without irrigation and lodging increased with increasing plant populations. Summary Irrigation response of the highest yielding hybrids was twice as great as the response of the lowest yielding hybrids, 67.7 vs 33.6 bushel increases from irrigation. The highest yielding hybrids averaged 67.7 bushels more when irrigated (183.6 vs 115.9) and the lowest yielding hybrids averaged 33.6 bushels more (94.5 vs 60.9) for two year averages. Profitability from irri­ gation was good for high-yield hybrids. Irrigation profits from low-yield hybrids were marginal. Response (irrigated yield-unirrigated yield) to irrigation was not entirely related to relative yielding ability of corn hybrids. Large responses were made by most high-yield and by some low-yield hybrids. There was a close relationship, significant correlation, between irrigated and unirrigated yields of hybrids. High-yield hybrids without irrigation tended to be high in yield when irrigated. Five hybrids with the highest two-year average irrigated yields were: Michigan 555-3X, Michigan 500-2X, Pioneer 3773, DeKalb XL45, and Michigan 568-3X. These were all relatively late in maturity for the Montcalm area. Five hybrids with highest unirrigated yields were: Michigan 555-3X, Michigan 568-3X, Pioneer 3773, Michigan 500-2X, and Michigan 402-2X. Four of the five highest were common to both groups, irrigated and non-irrigated. Stalk lodging averaged 5.5 times higher without irrigation, 10.9 vs 2.0%. Highest yielding hybrids had more stalk lodging than low yielding hybrids for both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions -- 8.0 vs 0.0% for irrigated and 35.9 vs 2.8% for non-irrigated. Infection with Yellow Leaf Blight was almost twice as high for irrigated plots. Non-irrigated yields peaked at a plant population of 19,000 (119.4 bu.) and then decreased significantly at 23,000 and 27,000. Irrigated yields continued to increase with population to a peak of 23,000 plants (183.2 bu.) and decreased significantly at 27,000. Response to irrigation averaged 32.2, 44.0, 81.8 and 75.2 bushels for pop­ ulations of 15,100, 19,300, 23,200 and 27,300 respectively. Irrigation profits at either 15,100 or 19,300 were sub-marginal or near-marginal using the 40 bushel per acre cost-of-irrigation value from Dr. C. R. Hoglund, Department of Agricultural Economics. Profits at 23,200 population were good. Irrigation profits at 27,300 appeared to be questionable since the average yield was about equal to that at 19,000 irrigated. Stalk lodging increased consistently with increased plant population without irrigation, averaging about 5% more lodging for each additional 4,000 plants per acre. With irrigation, lodging increased only about 1% for each additional 4,000 plant population. The effect of either irrigation or plant population on grain moisture at harvest was small. Irrigated corn average .6% higher in moisture in 1968 and 2.1% higher in 1969. Grain moisture differences due to plant population were small and inconsistent in both years. The best experimental upright leaf single-cross hybrid was not consistently better than the best horizontal leaf hybrids. The highest yield in 1968 was 218.4 bushels for Exp, 65-2002 (2X), an experimental horizontal leaf single­ cross hybrid irrigated at 23,100 population. The highest yield in 1969 was 201.0 bushels for MS153 X W410A, an experimental upright leaf single cross irrigated at 22,900 population. Soil Fertility Research on Sweet Corn at the Montcalm Experimental Farm -1969- M. L. Vitosh Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Experimental Results and Discussion Five types of fertilizer experiments with sweet corn were conducted in 1969. All of these experiments were planted May 15 and 16 and harvested August 18 and 19, 1969. The nitrogen rate and time experiment and the nitrogen carrier study were planted to the Early Jubilee variety. Weeds were controlled with 1.6 lbs atrazine plus 0.5 lbs 2,4-D per acre applied as an early postemergence herbicide. A plant population of 18,000 plants per acre in 28 inch rows was obtained in each experiment and all treatments were replicated four times. Approximately 2.5 inches of irrigation water was applied to each experiment during the first and second weeks of August. All banded fertilizer was placed 2 inches to the side and 1 inch below the seed. Yields of sweet corn were harvested when the kernels were in the milk stage. Rate and Time of Nitrogen Application This experiment received a basic fertilizer application of 50 lbs P2O5 and lbs K2O per acre banded at planting time. The nitrogen treatments were either 100 broadcast and plowed down prior to planting, banded at planting time, or side- dressed several weeks after planting. Results of this experiment are shown in Table 1. Banded nitrogen again proved superior to broadcasting before planting and is a much more efficient method of applying nitrogen on this particular soil. Likewise, sidedressing nitrogen was more efficient in supplying nitrogen to sweet corn than either banding or broadcasting before planting. When higher rates of nitrogen are used, however, differences in methods of application are not as great. Rate and Time of Potassium Application This experiment received a basic fertilizer application of 60 lbs N and 50 lbs P2O5 per acre banded at planting time. An additional 60 lbs of N was sidedressed several weeks after emergence. Potassium treatments were either broadcast and plowed down prior to planting or banded at planting time. Results of this experiment are recorded in Table 2. Although yields were not significantly affected by the K treatments, a slight decrease was noted with all K treatments when compared to the no K treatment. Symptoms similar to Mg deficiency were observed in this experiment. The soil test Mg level which was 156 lbs Mg per acre normally would not indicate Mg deficiency. However, with certain varieties or plant species, there have been instances where the addition of K created an imbalance which reduces the uptake of Mg by the plant. Further study of this K-Mg interrelationship is needed to explain the results of this experiment. Table 1. Effects of rate and time of nitrogen application on yield of irrigated sweet corn. Nitrogen Application (a) lbs of N per acre Nitrogen Application (a) lbs of N per acre Broadcast Nitrogen Application (a) lbs of N per acre Banded Sidedressed Nitrogen Application (a) lbs of N per acre Total 0 0 0 60 30 60 90 0 0 30 0 30 60 0 30 30 30 30 30 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 60 30 0 30 60 60 60 90 120 60 90 90 LSD (.05) TreatmentsEmpty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Yield (Cwt. /A) 42 92 108 87 109 125 123 118 127 118 18 (a) Broadcast, banded and sidedress N treatments were applied 4/25/69, 5/15/69 and 6/25/69 respectively. Table 2. Effects of rate and time of potassium application on yield of irrigated sweet corn. Potassium Application lbs of K2O per acre (a) Broadcast Potassium Application lbs of K2O per acre (a) Banded Total Potassium Application lbs of K2O per acre (a) Yield (cwt/A) Sweet Corn 0 0 0 0 0 120 20 40 80 0 20 40 60 80 40 0 0 0 0 20 40 60 80 160 20 40 80 LSD (.05) treatments Empty table cell (a) Applied as KCl Empty table cell 150 129 129 133 135 128 140 134 140 NS Nitrogen Carrier Study The objective of this experiment was to evaluate several sources of nitrogen fertilizer on yield of sweet corn. The sources of N used were ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, urea, and anhydrous ammonia. Nitrogen was applied at a rate of 75 lbs N per acre. All treatments were banded at planting time except the anhydrous ammonia treatment, which was sidedressed approximately 6 weeks after planting. In addition to N fertilizer, sweet corn received 50 lbs P2O5 and 100 lbs K2O per acre banded at planting time. Results of this experiment are shown in Table 3. The late application of anhydrous ammonia produced yields which were significantly better than the other treatments. Rainfall between the time of planting and the time of application of anhydrous ammonia probably caused significant losses of the N applied at planting time. It is our opinion that any of the other sources of nitrogen would have been equally as good as anhydrous ammonia had they been applied at the same time. Table 3. Effect of different sources of nitrogen on yield of irrigated sweet corn. Source of Nitrogen Ammonium sulfate (a) Ammonium nitrate (a) Calcium nitrate (a) Urea (a) Anhydrous ammonia (b) LSD (.05) treatments (a) Banded May 16, 1969 (b) Sidedressed June 24, 1969 Sweet Corn Yield (cwt/A) 113 106 104 116 130 16 Potassium Carrier Study The influence of four sources of K on yields of sweet corn was studied in this experiment. All treatments except one which received no K, received a basic fertilizer application of 75 lbs N, 50 lbs P2O5 and 50 lbs K2O per acre banded at planting time. Results of this experiment are shown in Table 4. Yields of sweet corn were not significantly affected by the addition of potassium from any of the sources used. Likewise, there was no difference in yields due to sources of potassium. Soil tests for K indicates plenty of available K in this soil for growth of sweet corn. Table 4. Effect of different sources of potassium on yield of irrigated sweet corn. Source of Potassium (a) None Potassium Chloride Potassium Nitrate Potassium Sulfate Potassium Carbonate LSD treatments Sweet Corn Yield (cwt/A) 132 132 138 127 124 NS (a) Applied at a rate of 50 lbs K2O per acre. Zinc-Phosphorus Study This experiment received a basic fertilizer application of 100 lbs N, 20 lbs P2O5 and 60 lbs K2O per acre banded at planting time in 1969. The high phos­ phorus treatment which consisted of 300 lbs P per acre (687 lbs P2O5) on half of each replication was established in 1967. Two of the zinc treatments (25 lbs ZnSO4 and 50 lbs AZCo C100) were also established in 1967. The other two zinc treatments (5 lbs AZCo 12 and 5 lbs ZnSO4) have been applied annually for 3 years including 1969. These treatments were banded with the fertilizer at planting time. Results of this experiment are recorded in Table 5. Yields were not affected by zinc treatments or phosphorus levels. An early growth response on the high phosphorus treatments was observed, however, as in many cases, it was not reflected in the yield. Table 5. Effect of zinc treatments on yield of irrigated sweet corn at two soil phosphorus levels. Treatment (a) (lbs Zn/A) None 25 lbs (ZnSO4) (c) 50 lbs (AZCo C100) (c) 5 lbs (AZCo 12) (d) 5 lbs (ZnSO4) (d) LSD (.05) Yield (cwt/A) High P (a) Yield (cwt/A) Low P (b) Average Effects Yield (cwt/A) 139 137 131 136 138 NS 126 132 132 135 137 NS 133 135 132 136 138 NS Phosphorus Effects Phosphorus Effects Phosphorus Effects Phosphorus Effects Phosphorus levels 136 132 Empty table cell LSD (.05) NS Empty table cell Empty table cell (a) High P = 300 lbs P/A Broadcast - 1967 (b) Low P = 9 lbs P/A Banded - 1969 (c) Broadcast in 1967 (d) Banded annually for 3 years Tomato Research at the Montcalm Experimental Farm 1969 C. W. Nicklow and J. D. Downes Department of Horticulture Two replicates of a split plot factorial experiment involving N and K fertilizers, two early tomato varieties, and three intended plant populations from field seeding were planted on the Montcalm Experimental Farm on May 16, using several Stanhay seeders mounted on a tool bar to plant 4 and 5 rows 8 to 12 inches apart on five feet beds. The tomato seedlings had begun to emerge by May 31, but subsequent heavy rains caused some stand loss. Both varieties, New Yorker and Heinz 1630, produced very acceptable yields of canning tomatoes harvested over the period September 5 to September 25. The tomatoes were fairly firm, relatively free of cracking, ground scars, stains and rots, smooth and possessed good color and flavor where moderate to high rates of N were applied. In guard beds where no fertilizer was applied, maturity was advanced but color was not so well developed arid the flavor was rather flat. The production of late season canning tomato crops from direct field seedings as far north as Entrican appear feasible. The relationships among fertility, plant populations, earliness, yields and quality remain to be determined. When the analysis of the data obtained has been completed, some information on these points will be available. Peppermint Research at the Montcalm Experimental Farm - 1969 M. L. Vitosh Department of Crop and Soil Sciences In 1941 Michigan grew approximately 21,000 acres of mint. Today there are about 5,000 acres of mint grown in Michigan. The decrease is due to a disease, Verticillium wilt. Many mint producing areas became infested with this disease and as a result the crop has either been abandoned or forced to move to new areas. Today all of Michigan's mint is grown on muck land. With proper fertiliza­ tion and irrigation this crop can be successfully grown on mineral soils. Much of the mint in the Pacific Northwest is now grown on mineral soils. In 1969 an experiment was established at the Montcalm Experimental Farm to evaluate the cultural practices of growing peppermint on a mineral soil. A number of fertilizer and herbicide treatments were studied. Disease-free peppermint roots were planted April 25 in 32-inch rows. Herbicide treatments were applied several weeks after planting. The plots were harvested August 8 and 15. The samples were allowed to dry in the field for several days and then distilled at the East Lansing Muck Farm. The oil yields are shown in Table 1. Although the yields were quite adequate, they were slightly less than was antici­ pated from the observations made throughout the growing season. Some heating of the plant material did occur during shipments to East Lansing, which might be responsible for the lower yields. Harvesting may also have been too early which is indicated by the higher yields of the second harvest. It is our opinion that peppermint should yield about 55 pounds and spearmint about 60 pounds per acre. Table I. Treatment Peppermint Fertility and Herbicide Study - 1969 Mean Yield (lbs oil/acre) N-P2O5-K2O (lbs/A) Treatment Herbicide (Rate/Acre) 0-0-0 + 1/2 lb. Sinbar 60-50-100 120-50-100 + + 1/2 lb. Sinbar 1/2 lb. Sinbar 180-50-100 + 1/2 lb. Sinbar 120-0-0 + 1/2 lb. Sinbar 120-50-100 120-50-100 + + No Sinbar 1 lb. Sinbar 1st Harvest (8/6/69)Empty table cell 2nd Harvest (8/15/69)Empty table cell 21 30 39 41 33 19 41 32 36 Oil yields increased from nitrogen fertilizer up to 180 pounds per acre and slightly from phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. One-half pound of sinbar per acre gave good weed control. Oil yields from the no sinbar treatment were greatly reduced because of vigorous weed competition. It appears that smaller amounts of herbicides are adequate for weed control on mineral soils than needed on organic soils. Prospective mint farmers should make a careful study of the cost of erecting a still especially in a locality where there are no other mint producers with whom arrangements can be made for distillation. Also, farmers should consider the availability of labor to plant, harvest and distill the crop. Soil and irrigation requirements for this crop are very similar to potato production on sandy soils. Prices received by growers for peppermint and spearmint oils depend on demand, quality and carryover from previous years. Lupine Research at the Montcalm Experimental Farm in 1969 H. L. Kohls Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Research with lupines in the last few years has shown that selected varieties of two species; blue lupines, Lupinus angustifolius and white lupines, L. albus, may be a suitable source of high protein feed for livestock and an excellent green manure crop to add nitrogen and organic matter to the soil. The nodules are as large as hickory nuts and reports from other states indicate lupines add about as much nitrogen to soil as alfalfa and sweet clover. Lupine varieties in Michigan are large seeded annuals. The plants are upright in growth and 3 to 4 feet high. The leaves are 2-4 inches across and have 7-9 leaflets per leaf. Flowers are formed in spikes at the tip of main stalk and tips of side branches. The flowers on blue lupines are blue, pink, or white. The seeds are round and are mottled gray, brown or completely white. White lupines have white or blue flowers and the seeds are white or tan and are much larger than the seed of blue lupines. Lupines are grown on sandy, acid soils but white lupines require and respond to good soil more than blue lupines. Planting in April in Montcalm County has given better results than later plantings. Harvesting of blue lupines is usually in late August and the white in early September. They can be har­ vested with any good commercial grain combine. Blue lupines shed their seed at maturity and care must be exercised at harvest to get the most possible seed. Blue lupines in Michigan usually yield 1300 to 1500 pounds of grain per acre and the white about 1500 to 1700 pounds. This year at the Montcalm Experimental Farm blue lupines ranged from 800 to 1150 pounds per acre with a protein range of 27 to over 30 percent. The white lupines yielded 2078 to 2491 pounds of seed per acre with 31 to 36 percent protein. The same varieties of white lupines on heavier ground went as high as 3102 pounds of grain per acre. A large number of plant selections were made in the field and from these several plants have been found that appear to be alkaloid free and early. Several crosses were made in the field last summer and more will be made in the greenhouse this winter to develop alkaloid-free varieties that; in the blue lupines, do not shed seed readily at maturity. Early maturing in both blue and white varieties is also very desirable and will be added to alkaloid- free strains. Seed of two varieties developed here were increased on the farm last season. They are being fed in comparison to soybean meal as a source of protein for dairy calves. Dr. Huber of the Dairy Department is in charge of this work and reports the calves on lupines are making satisfactory gains. A trial in chemical weed control, in cooperation with Dr. Meggitt, on the Montcalm Farm showed that weeds such as lambsquarter, redroot and annual grasses in lupines were controlled satisfactorily by the use of Lorox at 1 lb. per acre plus 2 lbs. of Amiben. Lorox at 3/4 lb. plus Lasso at 1 1/2 lbs. per acre also gave satisfactory control. Both treatments were used as preemergence sprays and cultivation was not necessary. Tentative plans for 1970 are to continue the lupine breeding, variety testing, chemical weed control work, increase the seed of two varieties, one blue and one white lupine variety for further feeding trials and possible release to growers. A trial is being considered, with Dr. Thompson, to com­ pare lupines and sudangrass hybrids as a green manure crop for potatoes on the Montcalm Experimental Farm.