1970 Research Report MONTCALM EXPERIMENTAL FARM Michigan State University Agricultural Experiment Station ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Research personnel working at the Montcalm Experimental Farm have received much assistance in various ways. A special thanks is made to each of these individuals, private com- panies 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 here­ by gratefully acknowledged. Special recognition is given to Mr. Theron Comden for his devoted cooperation and assistance in many of the day-to-day operations and personal services. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION.................................................................................... 1 WEATHER FIGURE............................................................................................... 3 A. POTATO STUDIES Cultural and Management Factors Affecting Potato Quality R. W. Chase.............................................................................................. 4 Soil Fertility Research on Potatoes M. L. Vitosh............................................................................... 14 Potato Breeding Program N. R. Thompson............................................................................................... 32 Weed Control in Potatoes W. F. Meggitt.......................................................................................... 34 Insecticide Evaluations A. L. Well................................................................................... 36 B. OTHER CASH CROP STUDIES Soil Fertility Research on Field Torn, Sweet Torn, Kidney Beans, Pea Beans and Peppermint M. L. Vitosh................................................................................................... 47 Insecticide Evaluation on Beans A. L. Well........................................................................................................ 60 Red Kidney and Miscellaneous Colored Bean Trial M. W. Adams and A. W. Saettler.................................................. 62 Weed Control in Dry Beans W. F. Meggitt......................................................................................... 66 Corn Hybrids and Irrigation Experiments at the Montcalm Experimental Farm - 1970 E. C. Rossman............................................................................................... 68 Lupine Research H. L. Kohls....................................................................................................... 75 MONTCALM EXPERIMENTAL FARM RESEARCH REPORT R. W. Chase, Coordinator Department of Crop and Soil Sciences INTRODUCTION The Montcalm Experimental Farm was established in 1966 with the first experiments initiated in 1967 so this report marks the com­ pletion of four years of studies. The 80 acre facility is leased from Mr. Theron Comden and is located one mile west of Entrican, Michi­ gan. The farm was established primarily for research on potatoes and is located in the heart of a major potato producing area. Crops commonly used in a potato rotation are also being investigated at the facility. This report is an attempt to coordinate all of the research data obtained at this facility during 1970. Much of the data herein contained represents ongoing projects so complete results and interpretations may not be final. Results presented here should be treated as a progress report only as data from repeated studies are necessary before any definite conclusions can be made. Weather Weather conditions in 1970 are shown graphically in Figure 1. Total rainfall during the April through October period was 28.39 inches which is 5.08 inches more than in 1969. The greatest rainfall occurred in September with a total of 7.18 inches - this is more than double the 30 year average September precipitation recorded at the closest long term weather station at Greenville. This above normal wet condition resulted in lower specific gravity readings in many of the reported studies. Soil Tests Soil test results for the general plot area is as follows. For specific areas where more detailed analysis are needed, the results are reported with the individual project. Pounds/Acre Pounds/Acre Pounds/Acre pH 6.2 P K 330 226 Ca 672 Pounds/Acre Mg 102 Irrigation Irrigation management was maintained to insure a uniform availability of soil moisture. Supplemental irrigation was made to potatoes 9 times during the season for a total application of approximately 8 inches. Irrigation was initiated on June 30 and the final application was August 14. Disease and Insect Control A systemic insecticide was applied to most of the potato plots at the time of planting. The general spray program of insecticide and fungicide began on June 27 and continued on a weekly schedule for the remainder of the season. All spray applications were made with an air blast sprayer. Empty Table Cell APRIL AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMP. Max. 54° AVERAGE MONTHLY 35° TEMP. Min. MAY 65° 47° JUNE 72° 55° JULY 80° 60° AUGUST SEPT. 80° 57° 70° 51° OCT. 60° 39° RAINFALL 2.42 inches 4.09 inches 4.62 inches 3.67 inches 6.54 inches 7.18 inches 3.01 inches Fig 1 CLIMATOLOGY OBSERVATIONS MADE AT THE MONTCALM EXPERIMENTAL FARM IN 1970 CULTURAL AND MANAGEMENT FACTORS AFFECTING POTATO QUALITY R. W. Chase Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Individual studies classified under this project heading are designed to obtain answers of current concern and interest to the Michigan potato industry. The studies reported here are con­ cerned with variety evaluations, plant populations and seed physiology. 1. The effect of different fertility levels on the yields, specific gravity and chipping quality of several chipping varieties. Procedure Varieties: Haig, Jewel, Katahdin, Kennebec, Monona, Norchip, MS-709, Superior Fertility: Plowdown with rye cover 65 lbs/acre N Planter 800 lbs/acre 14-14-14 + 2% Mg Planted: May 5, 1970. Spacing: 34" x 8" Harvested: September 18, 1970 Sidedress treatments: (applied June 5, 1970) 1. Check - no sidedress nitrogen 2. 60 lbs N/acre 3. 120 lbs N/acre 4. 180 lbs N/acre Results Table 1 summarizes the yield response to the sidedress treatments. There were no significant differences in terms of cwt/acre to the fertilizer treatments. All varieties, however, except Jewel, did respond to the initial 60 pounds of nitrogen sidedress with increased yields. The Haig and Monona also showed an additional increase in yield with the 120 pound application. Although the trend does exist, these differences were not significant. Other studies and reports have similarly shown that the Haig variety does have a heavy requirement for adequate nitrogen early in its growth. Table 2 summarizes the specific gravity, chip quality and size distribution by varieties. There were no significant diff­ erences between the sidedress treatments on the yield of B's or tubers in the 1 7/8" - 3 1/4" range or specific gravity. There was, however, a significant response in the yield of tubers over 3 1/4" - Table 3. Variety Comments Haig - In 1968 and 1969 the incidence of "speckle leaf" in this variety was severe in some cases. In 1970 the overall occurrence of this condition was very slight. The need for adequate nitrogen early in its growth was apparent in both 1969 and 1970. Its maturity is early. Jewel - This variety was erratic in response to the use of additional nitrogen. Its yields were well above the average, it does have a high total solids and it produces a very acceptable chip color. The two years of tests with this variety have shown favorable results. Katahdin - In both 1969 and 1970 this variety has responded only to the initial application of additional nitrogen which was 80 pounds in 1969 and 60 pounds in 1970. Kennebec - The Kennebec was the highest yielding variety in this study and at this spacing the tubers were very uniform in size and well shaped. Monona - The tubers of this variety were round and quite uniform. The dry matter content was less than Kenne­ bec, however, it did produce a very acceptable chip color. Norchip - This variety exhibited a favorable yield potential and a desirable chip color. The spacing of 8 inches used in this study was too close for this variety as it does set heavy and adequate space must be provided for sizing. MS-709 - In 1969, this was highest yielding variety in this same study, however, in 1970 it was the lowest yielder. This is due in part to the poor quality of seed as the emergence and plant vigor was retarted throughout the entire growing season. Normally, this variety is fully matured by mid­ September, however, at the time of harvest this year blossoms were still present. Superior - As similarly noted with the other varieties the Superior did not respond to additional sidedress applica­ tions above the 60 pound level. Samples taken from each plot have been placed in storage to determine chip quality at varying intervals. One set of samples is being held at 55F to determine the ability to remain in an acceptable chipping condition. A second set of samples were placed in 40F to determine reconditioning potential. Table 1. The yield of several potato varieties in response to different nitrogen sidedress treatments. Total cwt per acre. Treatment Haig Jewel Katahdin Kennebec Monona Norchip M-709 Superi Check - no sidedress 60 lbs N 120 lbs N 180 lbs N Variety Ave. 414 437 465 431 437 503 474 482 520 495 385 432 437 419 418 534 581 560 571 561 406 442 460 413 430 450 488 476 467 470 390 427 358 337 378 401 451 452 447 438 Table 2. The size distribution, specific gravity and chip ratings of several potato varieties. Overall average by variety. Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Variety B's 1 7/8"-3 1/4" Over 3 1/4" Specific Gravity % Dry Matter Harvest Chip Rating* Haig Jewel Katahdin Kennebec Monona Norchip MS-709 Superior 5.8 3.2 5.0 3.4 2.8 5.7 3.4 2.7 83.0 70.9 75.9 69.1 73.3 88.5 71.8 79.6 11.2 25.9 19.1 27.5 23.9 5.8 24.8 17.7 1.063 1.081 1.068 1.072 1.065 1.076 1.063 1.070 16.0 19.9 17.1 18.0 16.5 18.8 16.0 17.5 4.0 3.5 5.0 4.5 3.0 3.0 6.0 3.5 *1-10 scale 1 = lightest, 10 = darkest Table 3. The percentage of tubers over 3 1/4 inch of several potato varieties in response to nitrogen sidedress treatments. Treatment Haig Jewel Katahdin Kennebec Monona Norchip MS-709 Superior Check - no sidedress 8.9 18.0 14.5 60 lbs N 11.4 26.1 17.9 22.3 120 lbs N 180 lbs N 10.3 29.9 14.1 29.4 21.7 21.1 24.6 28.9 35.3 16.0 22.9 27.5 29.1 6.0 7.4 3.9 5.8 19.8 25.0 31.8 22.4 14.5 20.4 17.5 18.3 2. The effect of the fertility level on the yield, quality and grade of whole and cut Russet Burbank seed planted at three spacings. Procedure Planted: May 5, 1970 Harvested: October 5, 1970 Fertility: Planter - 800 lbs/A 14-14-14 + 2% Mg Plowdown with rye cover 65 lbs N/acre Sidedress Treatments: 1. Low 75 lbs N/A (Applied June 5) 2. Medium 150 lbs N/A (75 lb applied June 5 and June 16) 3. High 300 lbs N/A (75 lb applied June 5; 75 lb June 16; 150 lbs, July 9) Spacing: 8, 12 and 16 inch. Whole seed and cut seed. Results The results of these data and previous observations suggest that nitrogen is not the single limiting factor at least at this location in raising the yield level of Russet Burbanks. The results obtained from this study showed no significant response to the nitrogen levels on the yield of B size, tubers over 10 ounce, off-type tubers or specific gravity. There was a significant difference, however, in the total weight per acre and in the yield of tubers in the 1 7/8 to 10 ounce size at the different spacings. Table 1 shows the total yield and size distribution of whole seed and cut seed at 3 plant spacings. The highest total yields occurred at the closer plant spacings. In previous years the percentage of B size tubers has been much greater at the closer spacings. It would appear from these data that a spacing somewhere between the 8 and 12 inch inter­ val would be suitable assuming moisture and fertility were not limiting. Table 2 shows the relationship between plant spacings and fertility levels. In both Tables 1 and 2 nearly all of the tubers in the off-type category could be included in the over-10-ounce category were the off- type characteristics disregarded. In other words, the larger tubers tended to be the ones that had the off-type characteristics. Tables 3 and 4 show the results of planting whole seed versus cut seed and also the overall results for each spacing. Table 1. The yield and quality of whole and cut seed potatoes of the Russet Burbank variety grown at three plant spacings. Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Plant Spacing Total cwt/A Less than 1 7/8" 1 7/8"-10 oz. Over 10 oz. Off type Whole Seed 8" Whole Seed 12" Whole Seed 16" 419 392 356 Cut Seed 8" Cut Seed 12" Cut Seed 16" 420 366 354 7.6 8.9 8.5 9.0 6.9 5.9 73.3 58.9 59.7 60.6 57.2 53.7 20.1 18.7 18.1 19.5 23.2 26.0 9.0 13.5 13.7 10.9 12.7 14.4 Table 2. The yield, specific gravity and quality of Russet Burbank potatoes grown at three plant spacings and three fertility levels. Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Fertility Level Plant Space Cwt/ Acre Less than 1 7/8" 1 7/8"-10 oz. Over 10 oz. Off Type Specific Gravity Low Low Low Medium Medium Medium High High High 8 12 16 8 12 16 8 12 16 426 393 360 410 363 345 422 383 361 8.1 7.5 7.1 10.4 7.7 6.9 6.5 8.8 7.8 67.0 61.5 55.5 61.5 53.6 58.4 57.2 58.7 56.2 15.3 22.6 22.7 9.6 8.4 14.7 8.3 19.8 22.8 15.9 23.6 11.1 12.0 24.3 15.3 17.2 19.9 16.1 1.075 1.076 1.075 1.073 1.072 1.072 1.073 1.073 1.073 Table 3. The yield and size distribution of Russet Burbank potatoes planted to whole and cut seed. Seed Type Whole Cut Cwt/A 389 380 Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Less than 1 7/8" 1 7/8" to 10 oz. 8.1 7.4 60.8 57.3 Percent Size DistributionOver 10 oz. 19.1 22.7 Off- Type 12.0 12.6 Table 4. The yield and size distribution of Russet Burbank potatoes planted at three spacings. Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Spacing Cwt/ A Less than 1 7/8" 1 7/8" to 10 oz. Over Percent Size Distribution 10 oz. Off- Type 8 12 16 419 379 355 8.3 7.9 7.2 61.9 58.1 56.7 19.8 20.9 22.1 10.0 13.1 14.0 3. The effect of seed age, harvest date and storage on the yield potentials of Onaway and Sebago seed potatoes. (Preliminary Data) Procedure Seed of the Onaway and Sebago varieties was harvested at several different harvest dates in 1969, stored and planted at the Montcalm Experimental Farm in 1970. The 1969 harvest and storage conditions for each variety were Topkill Harvest Date as follows: Onaway 1. ----------- 2. ----------- 3. Aug. 8 4. ----------- 5. ----------- 6. August 25 7. ----------- Sebago 1. ----------- 2. ----------- 3. August 25 4. 5. 6. Sept. 13 7. ----------- ----------- ----------- Onaway Onaway Onaway Onaway Storage Condition 70 -40F 40F 40F 70 - 40F 40F 40F 40F Days Growing Days to Harvest 76 76 76 96 96 96 115 76 76 115 96 96 115 115 August 5 August 5 September 13 August 25 August 25 September 13 September 13 Sebago Sebago Sebago Sebago August 25 August 25 October 8 September 13 September 13 October 8 October 8 70-40F 40F 40F 70-40F 40F 40F 40F 96 96 96 115 115 115 140 96 96 140 115 115 140 140 Changes in weight during storage were noted and recorded. Approximately two weeks before planting the seed was removed from storage and warmed to approximately 55F before planting. All seed planted was cut seed. Both varieties were planted on May 5, 1970 at a 10” spacing. Fertilizer applied consisted of 65 lbs N/acre plowdown with rye cover, 800 lb/A 14-14-14 plus 2% Mg in the planter and 60 lbs N sidedressed. Results Table 1 shows the Onaway yield results. The differences in emergence were very dramatic and is reflected in the values of plant emergence 30 days after planting. Those with the poorer emergence also resulted in the lower yields. The earliest harvested seed resulted in subsequent higher yields and a more uniformly size crop with a smaller percentage of tubers over 3 1/4". The seed which was topkilled early and allowed to remain in the ground resulted in the lowest yields, delayed emergence and the highest percentage of tubers over 3 1/4". Table 2 summarizes the data obtained with the Sebago variety. The emergence and early vigor followed the same pattern as noted with the Onaway with the seed topkilled early and left in the ground or the latest harvested seed having the least seed vigor and reduced sub­ sequent yields. With the Sebago variety the later harvested seed yielded a crop with a higher percentage of tubers over 3 1/4". With both varieties there was no significant relationship between the treatment and the specific gravity of the subsequent crop. Discussion These data are an initial attempt at studying the relationships between seed age and the yield potential of such seed. The study is being repeated and the Russet Burbank variety is being included. Further data is necessary in order to determine what the economic applications may be. Table 1. Effect of harvest date on the yield potential of Onaway seed. No. Days Growing No. Days to Harvest Storage Temp. 76 76 76 96 96 96 115 76 76 115 96 96 115 115 70-40 40 40 70-40 40 40 40 % Wt. Loss Cwt/A 7.0 7.1 6.3 5.1 7.1 6.7 7.6 452 442 398 480 450 440 418 Percent Over 1 7/8 - 3 1/4 Percent Over 3 1/4 70.4 74.7 57.6 75.7 59.8 58.8 61.2 27.7 22.6 40.3 22.2 38.6 38.8 37.9 Spec. Grav. 1.069 1.066 1.068 1.067 1.064 1.064 1.067 Table 2. Effect of harvest date on the yield potential of Sebago seed. 96 96 96 115 115 115 140 96 96 140 115 115 140 140 70-40 40 40 70-40 40 40 40 8.0 11.7 6.8 10.1 10.4 6.4 5.6 452 435 366 452 410 398 391 77.5 77.0 70.0 73.6 73.6 67.5 67.1 21.7 23.0 29.3 25.6 25.9 32.1 32.1 1.068 1.067 1.066 1.069 1.068 1.067 1.066 Percent plants emerged 30 days after planting 97 98 52 93 77 54 52 89 84 53 79 67 53 57 SOIL FERTILITY RESEARCH ON POTATOES M. L. Vitosh Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Five soil fertility experiments were conducted on potatoes in 1970. Four of these experiments were initiated in 1967 when the Experimental Farm was first established. One experiment initiated in 1967 on potatoes involving different rates of zinc and zinc materials was abandoned because of a lack of response to this micro­ nutrient. Soil tests also indicated this soil is not deficient in zinc. A new experiment was established this past year to evaluate several soil fertility factors on speckle leaf in potatoes. Speckle leaf is a disorder of the potato leaves usually showing spots on the oldest leaves first which develop on the underside of the leaves. It was recognized to be of serious economic concern in 1968 and 1969 particularly in Monroe County. Rotations in the past have consisted of potatoes followed by kidney beans and then sweet corn. A rye cover crop has been established each year after harvest and plowed under just prior to planting. In 1970 potatoes were planted to the same area which grew potatoes in 1967. 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 a McBride sandy loam. Soil test values for each experiment and management practices used are given at the bottom of Tables 1, 4, 7, 9 and 10. Source, Rate and Time of N Application A slow release form of nitrogen was also included in this study. This sulfur-coated urea (SCU) material was obtained from the Tennessee Valley Authority, Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The analysis was 36 percent nitrogen, 16 percent sulfur, 3 percent wax, 0.25 percent coal tar (microbicide) and 2 percent conditioner. A water dissolution test showed that 20 percent of the urea dissolved in seven days and it was estimated that the daily dissolution after seven days would be 1 percent per day. Potato yields (Table 1) were more than doubled with 120 or 180 lb N. The second treatment which involved 60 lb N per acre broadcast SCU and 60 lb N per acre banded urea tended to yield slightly lower than all other nitrogen treatments, however, this yield difference was not significant at the 5 percent probability level. Nitrogen rates in general were too high to detect major diff­ erences between broadcast and sidedress applications. Previous years data, however, have indicated that when total N applications are less than 180 lb N per acre, sidedressing N is far superior to broadcasting and plowing down. A summary of these yields for the past three and four years is presented in Table 3. Banding N is also superior to broadcast and plow down applications. A good suggestion is to apply some N banded at planting time to get the plants off to a good start and to sidedress the remainder at hilling time. In case of heavy rains, a later application through the irrigation system may also be a very effective means of replacing losses due to leeching. Recommended rates of nitrogen vary considerably with length of growing season. Varieties with a short growing season or varieties which are harvested early require less nitrogen to reach maximum yields. Experimental results here are with long growing season varieties and indicate that near maximum yields can be ob­ tained with 60 lb N per acre banded at planting time and 120 lb N per acre sidedressed at hilling time. Sulfur-coated urea at the rate used in this experiment produced yields comparable to all other nitrogen treatments. Specific gravity was not affected by the rates of nitrogen used. It appears that under irrigated conditions up to 300 lb N per acre may be used without any real detrimental effect on specific gravity. Under non-irrigated conditions or with higher rates of nitrogen, reduced specific gravity may occur. Potato petiole samples were taken from each plot and each variety for this experiment on August 31, 1970. This data is shown in Table 2. Because nutrients in plants vary quite drastically throughout the grow­ ing season, any conclusions at any particular point in time are subject to criticism. Some general statements however can be made about the plant analysis data. Nitrogen increased in plant petioles with increased rates of nitrogen. Petiole samples from the sulfur-coated urea plots contained slightly less nitrogen than all other nitrogen treatments. This may indicate that SCU was not supplying adequate N at the time of sampling. Phosphorus along with several other elements was slightly higher for the check plot than for all other N treatments. This observation may be found quite often where plant growth is poor. Elements will tend to concentrate in plant tissue with time if plant cells do not elongate properly due to some nutrient deficiency. Phosphorus also tended to increase with increased rates of nitrogen. N also appeared to have increased the P content of petioles more than broadcast applications especially the 180 and 240 lb N per acre rates. Although there is a great deal of variability for potassium this element was not significantly affected by the nitrogen treatments. Calcium content was slightly lower at the higher N levels. Magnesium values varied depending to a great extent on the concentration of K and Ca. The higher the Ca plus K values the lower the Mg content. All values were within the acceptable sufficiency ranges. Iron, Zn, and B tended to decrease with increased applications of nitrogen. Although Zn values would appear to be on the low side, potatoes at this location have not responded to Zn treatments over a three year period. Iron and B are within the sufficiency ranges. Manganese values were quite erratic for which no explanation can be given. Sodium, Cu, Al, and Ba were not significantly affected by the N treatments. All values were found to be within the normal or sufficiency range. K RATE AND TIME OF APPLICATION This experiment was established in 1967 primarily to evaluate response of potatoes to various rates of potassium and to help correlate soil tests for potassium. Evaluation of broadcast and banded applications of potassium were also part of the initial study. In 1970, 180 lb K2O per acre broadcast or banded produced near maximum yields. The four year summary given in Table 7 indicates no yield advantage either to broadcast or banded applications. Both are satisfactory methods of application. The Sebago variety responded slightly better to higher rates of potassium. The 120 lb K2O per acre rate has normally been sufficient at this location for the Russet Burbanks whereas 180 lb K2O per acre may have a slight advantage for the Sebago variety. Specific gravity in 1970 as well as the past three years has shown significant decreases with increased rates of potassium. Although no real advantage with regard to broadcast applications has been seen at this loca­ tion, it is generally felt that a good practice is to apply only a small amount of the total K to be applied at planting time in order to get the plants off to a rapid start. The additional K required based on soil tests should be broadcast and plowed under prior to planting. Fall applications of K have been shown to be just as good as spring applications and has the advantage of lower salt concentrations in soil solutions during the grow­ ing season. The plant analysis for this experiment are shown in Table 5. Phosphorus content of petioles did not vary significantly with K treatments. Although there was a yield response to K, plant growth was not stunted in the check plot to the extent it was in the N experiment. As a result P con­ tent of petioles from the check plot were not greatly different than those of other K treatments as was noted in the N experiment. Potassium increased directly proportional to the rate of application. This indicates that plants had the ability to take up larger quantities of K than is required to meet the functions of the plant (luxury consumption). Calcium and Mg content decreased with increasing K content which is a quite normal situation. It is under high rates of K fertilization where Mg may become short in supply. For this reason and because of the effect of K on specific gravity, it is highly important that K applications be based on soil tests and that excess K not be applied. The only other element which was significantly affected by the K treatments was Fe. The Fe content of petioles decreased with increasing rates of K. All values, however, are well within the normal or sufficiency ranges. Other elements which were determined but found not to be significant­ ly affected by the K treatments were Na, Cu, Zn, Al, B, Mn, and Ba. K CARRIER STUDY Many of the literature reports are conflicting concerning the best source of potassium for potatoes. This experiment was established to evaluate yield and specific gravity responses to four sources of potassium. In 1970 all sources of K resulted in similar results (Table 7). Although potassium sulfate looked very good this past year, the responses are not significantly different at the 5 percent probability level. The four year summary shown in Table 9 indicates similar increases in yields and decreases in specific gravity with all sources of potassium used. Petiole analysis (Table 8) did indicate some differences due to potassium sources. Potassium sulfate gave the desired increase in K content while not reducing the Mg content to the extent that other carriers did. Aluminum content of petioles was slightly higher for the potassium sulfate treatment. It is not known why this might have occurred. Further studies are needed to determine the implications of this result. N CARRIER STUDY This experiment was established in 1967 to evaluate five sources of N on potato yield and quality. Although the results of the 1970 experiment (Table 10) indicate no significant difference in yields due to these carriers, certain treatments did appear to be superior during the growing season. All N treatments except anhydrous ammonia were topdressed just prior to emergence. Anhydrous ammonia was knifed in at the same time prior to emergence. The topdress N was far superior to the N knifed in because of its closer proximity to the potato root system and as a result gave an early plant response. Once the plants roots reached the N knifed in the center of the row these differences in plant growth disappeared. This illustrates the fact that some nitrogen should be banded at planting time to get the plants off to a rapid start. Summary data in Table 11 does not indicate any advantage of one carrier over another. There may be some theoretical advantages or dis­ advantages of these carriers, however, they will not be discussed in this report. Size and specific gravity have not been significantly affected by these carriers. Speckle Leaf Study Speckle leaf in potatoes first became of major concern in 1968 when it was observed to be of serious economic concern in Monroe County. A task force at Michigan State University was asked to address itself to the problem in hopes of determining the cause or causes of this plant disorder. As a result an experiment was established at the Montcalm Experimental Farm to evaluate the effect of several soil fertility factors. The Haig variety which was noted to be more susceptible to the disorder than several other varieties was selected for use in this experiment. The experiment included high rates of nitrogen banded at planting time. Two secondary elements (Ca and Mg) and three micronutrients (Mn, Zn, and Cu) were also included in the experiment. The experimental area had a previous record of potatoes in 1969 with Cu and Zn treatments already established. The results of this experiment are shown in Table 12. A nice response was obtained to N, however, none of the other treatments produced significantly different yields. Only two replications were used in this test and therefore partly explains the reason for the large LSD value which indicates the least significant difference. Speckle leaf symptoms first appeared in treatment one which received no nitrogen. The symptoms developed about six to eight weeks after planting. Although the speckle leaf symptoms were not initially present in the higher N treatments the symptoms did develop at approximately 14 to 15 weeks. Neither the secondary or micronutrients appeared to correct the disorder. These results are quite different than those obtained in Monroe County where N appeared to totally correct the disorder. More leaching of nitrate may have occurred than was anticipated at this location, however, other experi- ments indicated that 240 lb N per acre was more than adequate for maximum yields. There may be other factors involved with speckle leaf which are not yet fully understood. Other investigations are attempting to evaluate the causes of this disorder. Table 1 Effects of rate source and time of nitrogen application on yield, size and specific gravity of irrigated Russet Burbank and Sebago potatoes. Nitrogen Application (a) Nitrogen Application (a) Nitrogen Application (a) Side­ dressedlb N/ANitrogen Application (a) Yield (Cwt/A) Totallb N/A Russet Burbank Russet Burbank Russet Burbank A Yield (b) (Cwt/A) Broad­ castlb N/A Band­ ed lb N/A 0 0 60 SCU 60 U 120 U 180 U 240 U 60 U 60 U 60 U 60 U 120 SCU Empty table cell 60 U 0 0 60 U 60 U 180 SCU 60 U 0 0 0 0 0 0 120 U 180 U 240 U 240 U 0 120 180 240 300 180 180 240 300 240 136 313 332 357 349 332 360 375 344 333 56 220 234 269 282 240 285 290 247 245 Sp. Gr. Sebago Yield (Cwt/A) 1.081 1.080 1.078 1.078 1.082 1.080 1.078 1.079 1.078 1.079 195 407 441 466 443 434 430 440 398 449 Sebago Sebago A Yield (b) (Cwt/A) Average Effects Average Effects Sp. Gr. Yield (Cwt/A) A Yield (b) (Cwt/A) Average Sp. Effects Gr. 164 363 393 426 408 395 391 397 358 416 1.070 1.070 1.070 1.069 1.070 1.070 1.071 1.070 1.068 1.073 165 360 387 411 396 383 395 407 371 391 110 292 313 347 345 317 338 344 302 331 1.075 1.075 1.074 1.074 1.076 1.075 1.075 1.075 1.073 1.076 LSD (.05) treatments LSD (.05) treatments within varieties LSD (.05) varieties within treatments (a) Empty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cell 44 33 50 44 NS .004 44 33 50 44 NS .004 Empty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cell 37 39 NS Broadcast urea (U) and sulfur coated urea (SCU) was applied and plowed down two days prior to planting. Banded urea was applied at planting time 2 inches to side and 2 inches below the seed piece. Sidedress urea was applied to soil surface on June 15 prior to hilling. (b) Minimum of 1 7/8 inches. Planted: May 6, 1970 Harvested: October 12, 1970 Harvest Area: 266 sq. ft. Row Spacing: 32 inches Seed Spacing: Russet Burbank = 14", Sebago = 10” Basic Fertilizer: 0-150-200 banded at planting time Irrigation: 7.2 inches Soil Test: pH = 6.6, P = 260, K = 245 Table 2 Effect of rate, source and time of nitrogen application on the elemental composition of potato petioles. (Russet Burbank and Sebago varieties sampled 7-31-70) Treatment (a) Elements (b) No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N % 1.6 1.8 2.3 2.7 3.2 2.6 2.7 3.3 3.4 2.1 K Elements (b) Elements (b) P % Ca % Elements (b) Mg % % 11.44 9.23 7.99 9.54 7.85 9.73 8.98 10.32 9.79 8.68 1.00 1.06 1.05 .93 .85 1.02 .87 .81 .81 1.00 .40 .25 .22 .29 .25 .22 .29 .37 .34 .23 .42 .56 .75 .67 .70 .63 .57 .60 .72 .63 LSD (.05) .8 .06 NS .09 .16 Elements (b) Elements (b) Fe ppm Elements (b) Zn ppm Elements (b) B Elements (b) Mn ppm 131 111 77 75 57 97 81 66 81 79 37 ppm 31 29 21 25 18 27 25 23 24 25 91 95 58 132 120 107 79 65 87 87 6 38 41 27 22 26 19 25 25 25 27 22 6 (a) Treatments are same as in previous table. (b) The following elements were not significantly affected by the treatments in this experiment: Na, Cu, Al and Ba. TABLE 3. Summary of yield results for nitrogen rate and time experiment. (1967-1970) Russet Burbank 3 year (67-69) Average Russet Burbank 4 year (67-70) Average Sebago 3 year (67-69) Average 16 N/A Average Yield (Cwt/A) Average Yield (Cwt/A) Check Average Increase (Cwt/A) 176 Average Increase (Cwt/A) Banded vs. PlowdownBanded vs. Plowdown 120B 120P +146 + 68 Average Yield (Cwt/A)Average Yield (Cwt/A) 166 201 Average Increase (Cwt/A)Average Increase (Cwt/A) Banded vs. Plowdown --- Banded vs. Plowdown --- +148 + 86 4 year (67-69) Sebago Average Average Yield (Cwt/A) 199 Average Increase (Cwt/A) Banded vs. Plowdown --- --- Plowdown Nitrogen + 60 lbs N/A banded at planting time Plowdown Nitrogen + 60 lbs N/A banded at planting timePlowdown Nitrogen + 60 lbs N/A banded at planting timePlowdown Nitrogen + 60 lbs N/A banded at planting time Plowdown Nitrogen + 60 lbs N/A banded at planting time 0 60P 120P 180P + 64 +103 +135 +128 --- --- +150 +151 + 76 +124 +119 +175 --- --- +151 +200 Sidedress nitrogen +60 lbs N/A banded at planting timeSidedress nitrogen +60 lbs N/A banded at planting timeSidedress nitrogen +60 lbs N/A banded at planting timeSidedress nitrogen +60 lbs N/A banded at planting time 0 60S 120S --- --- +164 + 76 +154 +167 + 64 +131 +144 Sidedress nitrogen +60 lbs N/A banded at planting time --- --- +184 B = Banded P = Broadcast and plowed down S = Sidedressed 5-6 weeks after planting Table 4 Effects of rate and time of potassium application on yield, size and specific gravity of irrigated Russet Burbank and Sebago potatoes. Potassium Application lb K2O/A (a) Broadcast Potassium Application lb K2O/A (a) Banded Potassium Applicationlb K2O/A (a)Total Russet Burbank Yield (Cwt/A) Russet Burbank A Yield (b) (Cwt/A) Russet Burbank Sp. Gr. o Yield (Cwt/A) Sebag Sebago A Yield (b) (Cwt/A) Sebag oSp. Gr. Average Effects Yield (Cwt/A) Average Effects A Yield (b) (Cwt/A) 0 0 0 0 0 360 60 120 240 180 0 60 120 180 240 120 0 0 0 0 0 60 120 180 240 480 60 120 240 180 314 337 346 366 362 351 318 343 340 349 235 261 280 285 298 279 256 271 244 262 1.082 1.081 1.082 1.078 1.080 1.075 1.084 1.081 1.078 1.081 empty table cell --- LSD (.05) treatment LSD (.05) treatments within varieties empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell 48 LSD (.05) varieties within treatments empty table cell empty table cell 35 --- --- NS 41 .004 .004 338 383 395 417 423 394 389 416 436 412 --- 48 35 307 342 377 389 387 360 348 380 396 385 --- NS 41 1.071 1.073 1.070 1.070 1.070 1.065 1.073 1.068 1.069 1.072 ---- .004 .004 326 360 370 392 392 372 354 380 388 381 40 --- --- 271 301 328 337 343 319 302 325 320 323 NS --- --- Sp. Gr. 1.076 1.077 1.076 1.074 1.075 1.070 1.078 1.075 1.073 1.077 .003 ----- ----- (a) Applied as KCl either broadcast and plowed down two days before planting or banded at planting time. (b) Minimum of 1 7/8 inches. Planted: May 7, 1970 Row spacing: 32 inches Basic Fertilizer: 60-150-0, 180 lb N/A sidedressed June 16, 1970, 30 lb N/A sprinkler irrigation August 11, 1970. Irrigation: 7.2 inches Harvested: October 12, 1970 Seed spacing: Russet Burbank=14", Sebago=10" Sool test: pH=6.9, P=204 K range=127-186 Harvest area: 266 sq. ft. Table 5 Effect of rate and time of potassium application on elemental composition of potato petioles. (Russet Burbank and Sebago varieties sampled 7-18-70) Elements (b) Elements (b) Elements (b) N % Elements (b) P % (b) K % Elements Ca Mg % Elements (b) Fe % % 1.58 6.80 7.92 9.42 9.44 10.84 6.52 7.92 9.66 8.60 1.10 .94 .87 .80 .74 .66 1.02 .82 .72 .90 .33 .37 .39 .37 .34 .36 .34 .34 .36 .31 Not Determined Not Determined Not Determined Not Determined Not Determined Not Determined Not Determined Not Determined Not Determined Not Determined 1.33 1.02 .72 .60 .45 .39 1.02 .69 .52 .73 .15 102 78 53 62 63 48 84 66 52 64 27 Treatment (a) No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 LSD (.05) Empty table cell NS .88 .12 (a) Treatments are the same as previous table. (b) The following elements were not significantly affected by the treatments in this experiment: Na, Cu, Zn, Al, B, Mn and Ba. TABLE 6. Summary of yield and specific gravity for Potassium rate and time experiment. (1967-1970) lb K2O/A Averages Empty table cell Average Increase Russet Burbank 4 year averageYield Russet Burbank 4 year average Specific Gravity Sebago 4 year averageYield Sebago 4 year average Specific Gravity Averages Averages 254 1.086 Averages 294 Average Increase Average Increase Average Increase Averages 1.078 Average Increase Banded vs. Plowdown Banded vs. Plowdown Banded vs. Plowdown Banded vs. Plowdown Banded vs. Plowdown 60B 120B 180B 240B 60P 120P 240P 360P, 120B +22 +48 +38 +38 +22 +39 +39 +39 - .002 - .001 - .004 - .004 NC - .002 - .004 - .007 NC = no change B = Banded P = Broadcast and plowed down +39 +64 +68 51 +51 +59 +76 +48 NC - .001 - .002 - .003 + .001 - .001 - .002 - .006 Table 7 Effects of different sources of potassium on yield, size and specific gravity of irrigated Russet Burbank and MS-709 potatoes. Russet Russet Burbank Source of Potassium (a) None Burbank Yield (Cwt/A) 256 Potassium Chloride 308 Potassium Nitrate Potassium Sulfate 322 323 Potassium Carbonate 318 LSD (.05) treatments --- A Yield (Cwt/A) 211 251 261 269 268 --- LSD (0.5) treatments within varieties 39 38 LSD (.05) varieties within treatments 3328 (b) Russet Burbank Sp. Gr. 1.082 1.080 1.080 1.080 1.078 MS-70 MS-70 9 Yield (cwt/A) ) A Yield (Cwt/A) 9 (b 214 252 240 287 228 199 218 224 251 204 --- --- --- NS NS 39 33 38 28 MS-709 Sp. Gr. 1.068 1.069 1.065 1.069 1.065 --- NS NS Average Average Effects Effects Yield (Cwt/A) (b) A Yield (Cwt/A) 235 280 281 305 273 30 --- --- 205 235 243 260 236 33 --- --- Average Effects Sp. Gr. 1.075 1.074 1.072 1.075 1.071 NS --- --- (a) Applied at a rate of 300 lb K2O per acre broadcast and plowed down prior to planting. (b) Minimum of 1 7/8 inches. Planted: May 8, 1970 Row spacing: 32 inches. Basic fertilizer: 60-150-0, 180 lb N/A sidedressed June 16, 1970, 20 lb N/A by Sprinkler irrigation August 11, 197 Soil test: pH = 6.6, P = 293, K range = 181 to 275 Harvested: October 12, 1970 Seed spacing 14 lb inches Harvest areas= 266 sq. ft. 7.2 inches Table 8 Effect of potassium carriers on elemental composition of potato petioles. (Russet Burbank variety sampled 8-3-70) Treatment ( a) No. Elements (b) Elements (b) N % (b) P % Elements Elements (b) K % Elements (b) Ca Mg % (b) Al Elements 1 2 3 4 5 Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell .26 .26 .25 .26 .22 5.29 9.87 9.13 7.80 9.67 % 1.06 .82 .85 .82 .81 1.21 .68 .72 .91 .71 LSD (.05) Empty table cell NS 1.17 .08 .12 169 125 131 150 131 16 (a) Treatments are same as in previous table. (b) The following elements were not. significantly affected by the treatments in this experiment: Na, Cu, Fe, Zn, B, Mn and Ba. TABLE 9. Summary of yield and specific gravity results for Potassium carrier experiment (1967-1970). Empty Table Cell Russet Burbank 4 year average Russet Burbank 4 year average No Potassium Empty table cell Potassium Chloride Potassium Nitrate Potassium Sulfate Potassium Carbonate Yield (Cwt/A) Specific Gravity 238 1.084 Average increases Average increases - .002 - .002 - .002 - .003 25 23 25 20 + + + + Table 10. Effect of different sources of nitrogen on yield, specific gravity and size of irrigated Russet Burbank and Sebago potatoes. Russet Burbank Yield (Cwt/A) Russet Burbank A Yield (c) (Cwt./A) Sebag Sebag o Yield (Cwt/A) o A Yield (c) (Cwt/A) Sebago Sp. Gr. Average Average Effects Yield (Cwt/A) Effects A Yield (c) (Cwt/A) Average Effects Sp. Gr. Russet BurbankSp. Gr. 1.080 1.081 1.081 1.080 1.079 342 362 370 374 378 316 321 342 339 346 1.072 1.073 1.043 1.071 1.073 NS .004 312 328 308 334 317 NS ---- --- 265 272 267 286 266 NS --- --- 1.076 1.077 1.077 1.075 1.076 NS ----- ----- Source of Nitrogen Ammonium Sulfate (a) Ammonium Nitrate (a) Calcium Nitrate (a) Urea (a) Anhydrous Ammonia (b) LSD (.05) treatments 282 294 246 294 257 --- 214 223 192 233 186 --- NS 37 LSD (.05) treatments within varieties NS LSD (.05) varieties within treatments 44 ----- --- --- ----- NS .004 NS 44 NS 37 200 lb N/A was top dressed May 22, 1970 just prior to emergence (a) (b) 200 lb N/A was knifed in May 22, 1970 just prior to emergence (c) Minimum 1 7/8 inches Planted: May 7, 1970 Row spacing: 32 inches Basic fertilizer: 0-150-200, banded 2 inches to side and 2 inches below seed piece Irrigation: 7.2 inches Soil test: pH = 6.6, P = 289, K = 223 Harvested : October 12 , 1970 Seed spacing: Russet Burbank = 14", Sebago = 10" Harvest area: 266 sp. ft. TABLE 11. Summary of yield results for Nitrogen carrier experiment (1967-1970) Empty table cell Russet Burbank Sebago 4 Year Average 4 Year Average Yield (Cwt/A) Yield (Cwt/A) 259 261 234 253 — (a) 312 304 303 320 — (a) Ammonium Sulfate Armonium Nitrate Calcium Nitrate Urea Anhydrous Ammonia (a) 4 year average is not available Table 12. Effect of various fertilizer treatments on yield, size and specific gravity of irrigated Haig potatoes Treatmen t No. Fertilizer Treatments (a)N lb/A Fertilizer Treatments (a) P2O5 lb/A Fertilizer Treatments (a) -K2O lb/A Yield (Ctw/A) A Yield (Cwt/A) Sp. G. empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell (1) Empty table cellEmpty table cell (2) 0 100 (3) 150 100 (4) 300 100 (5) 240 100 (6) (7) (8) (9) 240 100 240 100 240 100 240 100 (10) 240 100 100 100 100 100 + 20 lbs Mn/A(MnSO4) 100 + 50 lbs Mg/A(MgSO4) 100 + 100 lbs Ca/A (CaSO4) 100 + no micronutrients 100 + Zn (1969) 100 + Zn-Cu (1969) LSD (.05) Treatments empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell 72 309 342 327 326 296 309 324 320 97 47 268 300 280 297 284 271 314 282 100 1.068 1.071 1.074 1.072 1.072 1.072 1.072 1.071 1.074 .004 (a) All fertilizer was banded 2 inches to side and two inches below the seed piece except 180 lb N/A on treatments 5-10 which were sidedressed June 16, 1970 just prior to hilling. (b) Minimum 1 7/8 inches Planted: May 8, 1970 Harvested: Sept. 11, 1970 Harvest Area: 266 sq. ft Row Spacing: 32 inches Seed Spacing: 10 inches Irrigation: 6.4 inches Soil Test: pH = 6.6, P = 208, K = 184 POTATO BREEDING PROGRAM N. R. Thompson Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Seed Production Approximately 28,000 seeds from 42 crosses involving S. stoloniferum hybrids and an early high yielding S. tuberosum clone were produced. From 1000 seeds planted in the greenhouse 735 progenies were classified as early or late. The small tubers plus plants from the balance of the seed will be planted in the field in 1971. Sixty-seven selections were retained from the 1970 first year seedlings. Seedling Increase and Yield Trials Forty-six advanced seedling clones were planted in replicated trials for yield and quality evaluation. Heavier than normal rainfall promoted vigorous growth. The absence of frost prolonged the growing season and some late maturing cultivars were still blossoming when harvested in October. Yield and quality (Table 1) reflect the growth conditions. Seedlings MS 735-1, MS 711-8, MS 706-34 and Ia 1111-2 have established yield and quality potentials and will be increased for seed and storage trials. Nutritional Studies The potato, with the exception of the amino acid methionine, is a well balanced food. In the 1969 studies one cultivar contained sufficient methionine to balance the protein but to screen seedling populations for methionine a rapid test was essential. Bioassay with streptococcus zymogenes, a bacterium with the same amino acid requirement as man, proved practical. Random samples from a segregating population comprising 834 clones from 12 families were tested for methionine. Differences within and between family lines were great. Selected individuals have been planted for hybridization to produce more cultivars with high methionine and to study the inheritance pattern. Table 1. Seedling yield trial, 1970.* Seedling No. MS 735-1 MS 645-1 MS 613-21 Merr. 58 MS 711-8 MS 613-7 MS 613-18 MS 637 MS 709 MS 706-34 MS 613-30 MS 506-1 MS 503-14 MS 321-55 MS 613-20 MS 463 MS 321-65 Ia 1111-2 Average Yield Cwt/Acre Average Specific Gravity 699 638 585 542 507 503 484 465 473 453 453 446 442 438 438 427 415 414 1.086 1.078 1.079 1.072 1.065 1.064 1.080 1.092 1.071 1.068 1.066 1.063 1.068 1.094 1.077 1.083 1.093 1.064 *Yields below 400 cwt/acre not included. WEED CONTROL IN POTATOES W. F. Meggitt Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Treatments applied preplant and preemergence for weed control in potatoes are given in the table. The herbicides in the substituted urea group (Lorox, Patoran, Maloran) were generally the most effective. These materials have considerable contact activity so those weeds emerged at the time of treatment were killed. In addition, sufficient activity was obtained through the soil to provide weed control throughout the growing season. It was not necessary to cultivate for weeds, however, one hilling operation was performed. Eptam as a preplant incorporated herbicide gave complete control of annual grasses and excellent control of broadleaved weeds. This chemical has been used for several years. Bay 94337 is the most outstanding new material evaluated for potatoes. At 1 lb/A complete control of annual weeds was obtained with excellent potato tolerance. This chemical certainly warrants further evaluation and development. Preplant and Preemergence Weed Control Evaluations in Potatoes. Montcalm Co., 1970. Planted - May 11, 1970 Rated - June 22, 1970 Treated - May 26 , 1970 Variety - Russet Burbank Weeds Present - pigweed, lambsquarter, barnyard grass, smartweed, crabgrass Trmt No. Treatment PREPLANTPREPLANT 1 2 3 4 EL 179 EL 179 EL 179 Eptam PREEMERGENCEPREEMERGENCE Rate lb/A Weed Control Ratin Weed Control Ratin Injury g Bd. Lv. g Grass PREPLANT PREPLANT PREPLANT PREPLANT 1 1 1/2 2 4 0 0 0 0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.0 7.0 7.3 8.0 10.0 PREEMERGENCEPREEMERGENCEPREEMERGENCEPREEMERGENCE 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Patoran Patoran Lorox Lorox Maloran 50W Maloran 75W HOE 2991 Geigy 14254 Lorox + Dacthal Bay 94337 EL 119 (Ryzelan) EL 119 (Ryzelan) 2, 4-D amine + Lasso 2, 4-D amine + Lasso Bladex No treatment 2 1/2 3 1 1/2 2 2 2 1 3 3/4 + 6 1 1 2 1 + 2 1 + 3 2 --- 0 0 1 3 1 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 --- 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 9.3 10.0 9.3 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 --- 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 9.0 9.3 8.7 9.3 8.3 10.0 9.3 9.0 9.3 9.3 10.0 --- 0 - no injury and no control; 10 - complete control or kill. INSECTICIDE EVALUATIONS A. L. Wells Department of Entomology The research on potato insects and nematodes was composed of three separate studies: an evaluation of systemic insecticides, a continuation of the study on the role of nematodes in cash crop rotations and a preliminary study to determine the varietal response of potatoes to soil systemic insecticides on speckle leaf and tuber quality. A. Evaluation of Soil Systemic Insecticides Procedure Seven insecticides were evaluated for foliar insect control and on yield and quality of the tubers at harvest. Russet Burbank whole seed planted in 14 inch spacing was used in the study. A normal fertilizer program of 800 lb. 14-14-14 banded at planting and 120 1b. additional nitrogen was sidedressed in June. The insecticides were either broad­ cast and disced in prior to planting or banded in the seed furrow before closing. The plots consisted of three replications of four-fifty foot rows. The treatments were applied and the plots planted on May 8 and Lorox applied preemergence. Potato flea beetle control was determined by counting the number of feeding holes in 10 leaves of each plot on June 15. Foliar insects were evaluated on August 20 and September 3. The center two rows of each plot was harvested for yield and quality determination on October 8. Specific gravity and a chip color rating were determined later. The insect control, yield and tuber quality data are presented in Table 1. Results All of the treatments provided early season control of flea beetles as shown in the feeding hole counts. Most foliar insect populations did not build up extensively during the season. Normally the systemics will provide control of most insects until late July. The untreated and TD-8550 plots matured earlier than any of the other treatments which resulted in a lower yield at harvest. The treatments appeared to have no effect on the tuber size, specific gravity or chip quality. *All nematode samples were analyzed in the Nematology Laboratory directed by Dr. Charles Laughlin. Table 1. The effects of soil systemic insecticides on insect populations, yield and quality of tubers. A. Insect Control Total Material Disyston 15G Bay 68138 15G Dupont 1410 10G Furadan 10G Temik 10G Phorate 15G Phorate 6 E.C. TD-855010 G Untreated Placement Rate lb/A Insects Collected Flea Beetle Holes/leaf Band 3 lb 0.30 0.60 Brd. 4 lb 4 lb 0.30 Brd. Band 0.03 3 lb Band 0.03 3 lb 0.00 Band 3 lb 0.10 Band 3 lb 0.07 Band 3 lb ------ — 3.40 Total Insects Collected Potato leafhopper 29 10 57 7 11 21 16 43 49 Total Insects CollectedAster leafhopper 0 1 0 0 1 5 4 1 4 Total Insects Collected Tarnishe d plant bug 25 12 34 11 4 15 12 61 35 Total Insects Collected Green peach aphid 53 56 50 73 8 76 195 66 61 Total Insects CollectedPotato aphid 1 25 34 45 3 32 41 56 22 Total Insects CollectedPotat o flea beetle 20 21 46 4 21 17 6 79 54 Total Insects Collected Cabbagelooper 2 6 0 0 6 4 7 2 3 Total Insects Collected Parasites & predators 14 26 15 13 3 23 24 19 32 B. Harvest and Quality Data Material Disyston 15G Bay 68138 15G Dupont 1410 10G Furadan 10G Temik 10G Phorate 15G Phorate 6 E.C. TD-8550 10G Unnrratrd PlacementRate lb/A Band Brd. Brd. Band Band Band Band Band --- 3 lb 4 lb 4 lb 3 lb 3 lb 3 lb 3 lb 3 lb — Cwt. Yield/A Bu. Yield/A 1 7/8” % Size Distribution 1 7/8" and Gravity % Size Distribution less than Specific Size Distribution Off type over rating Chip* 383 392 390 386 390 370 354 282 330 639 653 651 644 650 616 5 90 471 550 12 14 16 15 11 11 14 12 16 82 79 73 78 81 81 78 82 81 6 7 11 7 8 8 8 6 3 1.075 1.074 1.076 1.075 1.076 1.075 1.072 1.074 1.074 6.3 6.3 6.0 6.3 6.0 6.3 7.0 6.0 6.4 * Chip color rating: 1 = lightest to 10 = darkest color B. The Role of Nematode Control in Cash Crop Rotations Purpose of Study To determine the effects of nematode control with soil fumigants and granular nematocides on five different three year rotations of cash crops. The study was initiated in April 1968 and completed in 1970. Although a high population of the root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, was present during the first two years of the study, sampling in spring of 1970 indicated the population had dropped to a very low level. They did not build up during the growing season as indicated by samples taken at harvest. Procedure The soil treatments used in the study consisted of Annual Fumigation (FA) - Fumigated with Vorlex at 10 gallons per acre on October 25, 1969; Fumigation as Needed (FN) - Fumigated with Telone at 20 gallons per acre on April 24, 1968; Granular Nematocide (Bay) - Bay 68138 (Nemacur) granules incorporated on May 7, 1970 prior to planting at rate of 6 lbs active ingredient per acre; and Untreated (Unt) - No soil treatments applied. An adjacent area of alfalfa seeding was plowed in 1969 and fumigated with Vorlex (Vor) at 30 gallons per acre on October 25, 1969 to compare with the other treatments. These treated areas were crossed with four replications of five different rotations as follows: Plot 1 - continuous potatoes Plot 2 - potatoes, potatoes, dry beans Plot 3 - dry beans, cucumbers, potatoes Plot 4 - cucumbers, sweet corn, potatoes Plot 5 - sweet corn, potatoes, dry beans Normal agronomic practices were followed in all of the plots. These included, recommended fertilization (N and K2O plowdown) with 800 lb 14-14-14 banded at planting on the potatoes followed by 120 lb Nitrogen sidedressed in June and 250 lb of 5-20-20 + Mn and Zn banded at planting on the beans. Herbicides and systemic insecticides were used on both the beans and potatoes and foliar insecticides and fungicides were applied on a 7-10 day schedule. The planting dates, varieties and data are presented in Tables 2-6. Table 2. Data from Plot 1 (potatoes 1968, 1969, 1970) - Date planted: May 8; Vines killed: Oct. 1; Harvested: Oct. 12, 1970. Percent Size Percent Size Percent Size Distribution Percent Variety and Treatment Maturity Rating* Yield (cwt/A) Distribution Less than 1 7/8" Distribution 1 7/8" to 10 oz. 10 oz. and Over ** Sebago Sebago Sebago Sebago Sebago Size Distribution Off Type Sebago Specific Gravity Chip Rating *** Sebago Sebago Sebago FA FN Bay Unt Vor Kennebec FA FN Bay Unt Vor 7.5 8.8 7.0 9.5 3.8 Kennebec 9.3 9.8 9.8 10.0 5.8 Russet Burbank Russet Burbank FA FN Bay Unt Vor 5.8 8.0 7.0 9.5 3.8 352 332 375 359 441 Kennebec 340 328 358 310 428 8 9 8 9 8 4 5 4 5 4 9 10 9 10 9 empty table cell1.059 empty table cell1.061 empty table cell1.059 empty table cell1.062 empty table cell1.058 Kennebec Kennebec empty table cell1.066 empty table cell1.063 empty table cell1.063 empty table cell1.063 empty table cell1.067 Russet Burbank 11 8 7 7 8 1.078 1.073 1.073 1.074 1.075 4.5 4.5 4.5 3.8 4.0 Kennebec 4.3 3.5 3.5 4.3 4.3 6.3 6.0 6.5 6.0 6.0 Russet Burbank Russet Burbank empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell 92 91 92 91 92 Kennebec Kennebec Kennebec empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell Russet Burbank Russet Burbank Russet Burbank Russet Burbank 409 366 376 331 531 96 95 96 95 96 55 55 51 66 56 25 27 33 17 27 *Maturity rating (Sept. 24): 1 - Normal vigorous growth to 10 - completely dead. **Determined for Burbanks only - ***Chip color rating: 1 lightest to 10 - darkest color. Table 3. Data from Plot 2 - (Potatoes 1968, 1969; Beans 1970) Varieties: Seaway (white) and Charlevoix (dark red kidney) Date planted: June 11; Harvested: Oct. 5 (Seaway only) Treatment Yield/ Yield/ A Cwt FA FN Bay Unt Vor 23 20 22 19 27 A Bu 38 34 36 32 45 Table 4. Data from Plot 3 - (Beans 1968, Cucumbers 1969, Potatoes 1970; Date planted: May 8; Vines killed: Oct. 1; Harvested: Oct. 12. Percent Size Percent Size Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Maturity Rating* Sebago Yield (cwt/A) Sebago Distribution Less Than 1 7/8" Sebago Distribution 1 7/8" to 10 oz. Sebago 10 oz. and over** Sebago Off Type Sebago Specific Gravity Sebago Chip Rating **'* Sebago 93 93 92 92 92 Kennebec empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell Kennebec empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell 95 96 97 96 97 Russet BurbankRusset Burbank 62 64 57 64 60 21 22 26 20 23 4.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 4.3 empty table cell1.060 empty table cell1.061 empty table cell1.064 empty table cell1.064 empty table cell1.059 Kennebec Kennebec empty table cell1.064 empty table cell1.065 empty table cell1.065 empty table cell1.068 empty table cell1.065 Russet BurbankRusset BurbankRusset Burbank 4.8 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.8 Kennebec 6 3 8 5 3 1.080 1.073 1.076 1.073 1.076 6.0 6.3 7.0 6.3 6.0 *Maturity rating (Sept. 24): 1 - Normal vigorous growth to 10 - completely dead. **Determined for Burbanks only. ***Chip color rating: 1 - lightest to 10 - darkest color. Variety and Treatment Sebago FA FN Bay Unt Vor Kennebec FA FN Bay Unt Vor Russet Burbank FA FN Bay Unt Vor 3.8 7.0 6.0 7.0 3.3 Kennebec 357 455 421 456 407 7 7 8 8 8 Kennebec Kennebec 8.0 9.8 8.8 9.8 4.8 Russet Burbank Russet BurbankRusset Burbank 431 493 484 418 564 5 4 3 4 3 3.8 6.8 5.5 7.0 2.5 374 380 396 377 398 11 11 9 11 14 Table 5. Data from Plot 4 - (Cucumbers 1968, Sweet corn 1969, Potatoes 1970) Date planted: May 8; Vines killed: Oct 1; Harvested: Oct. 12. Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Percent Size Distribution Variety and Treatment Maturity Rating* Sebago Yield cwt/A Sebago Less than 1 7/8" Sebago 1 7/8" to 10 oz. Sebago 10 oz. and Over** Sebago Percent Size Distribution Off Type Sebago Specific Gravity Sebago Chip Rating*** Sebago Sebago FA FN Bay Unt Vor Kennebec FA FN Bay Unt Vor 4.5 7.8 4.8 7.5 3.3 Kennebec 8.0 9.8 8.3 10.0 5.0 Russet BurbankRusset Burbank FA FN Bay Unt Vor 3.8 7.0 5.3 7.5 2.8 3 3 2 5 3 11 10 8 9 9 403 449 452 424 462 416 441 471 459 407 6 6 5 6 8 94 94 95 94 92 empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell Kennebec Kennebec Kennebec Kennebec empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell Russet BurbankRusset Burbank Russet Burbank Russet Burbank 504 531 536 468 588 97 97 98 95 97 4.8 4.5 4.8 4.5 5.3 empty table cell1.064 empty table cell1.062 empty table cell1.064 empty table cell1.062 empty table cell1.061 Kennebec Kennebec empty table cell1.067 empty table cell1.065 empty table cell1.066 empty table cell1.066 empty table cell1.066 Russet BurbankRusset Burbank Russet Burbank 4.8 4.3 4.5 4.5 3.8 Kennebec 57 62 62 62 61 26 22 24 23 24 6 6 6 6 6 1.081 1.076 1.076 1.076 1.079 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.8 6.0 *Maturity rating (Sept. 24): 1 - Normal vigorous growth to 10 - completely dead. **Determined for Burbanks only. ***Chip color rating: 1 - lightest to 10 - darkest color. Table 6. Data from Plot 5 - (Sweet corn 1968, Potatoes 1969, Beans 1970). Varieties: Seaway (white) and Charlevoix (dark red kidney) - Date planted: June 11; Harvested: Oct. 5 (Seaway only). Treatment Yield/A Yield/A Cwt FA FN Bay Unt Vor 21 20 22 20 27 Bu 35 33 37 33 45 Results The areas fumigated last fall had a marked effect on the matura­ tion of the potatoes in all three plots especially on the Sebagoes and Burbanks. This was noticeable on the Kennebecs only in the high rate of fumigant. The differences in yield from this treatment could be due to the legume crop plowed down prior to fumigation or the interaction of both. Even after killing the vines the tubers from these fumigated plots showed evidence of immaturity at the time of harvest. No differences were noted in quality of the tubers at the time the specific gravities and chip color ratings were made (approximately 5 weeks after harvest). A difference was also noted in the yields of potatoes from the different rotations. The yields of all varieties on all treatments were consistently higher in the rotations following cucumbers and sweet corn than after continuous potatoes. This is evidently due to agronomic factors other than the soil treatments. The Charlevoix beans were not harvested for yield determination due to a poor seeding rate and resulting stand. The only differences in the Seaway yields were noted between the high Vorlex fumigation of the alfalfa sod and the other treatments. There were no differences between the two plots due to rotational crops. Note: A complete analysis of the three year's data from this study is being made and will be available in the near future. C. Varietal Response to Soil Systemic Insecticides A preliminary study to compare the response of 17 varieties of potatoes to soil applications of systemic insecticides was initiated at this farm. Of particular interest was to study their reported effect on speckle leaf and tuber quality. Procedure The seed of each variety was planted in two-50 foot non-replicated rows. One series of 17 adjacent rows included 16 ft. untreated, 16 ft. treated with Phorate granules at 3 lb. active ingredient per acre banded in the row, and 16 ft. with an additional 3 lb. broadcast and disced prior to planting. Each treatment was separated by a one foot alley. An adjacent 17 row area included 16 ft. untreated, 16 ft. treated with DiSyston granules at 3 lb. active ingredient per acre banded in the row, and 16 ft. with the DiSyston treatment which had been treated with a broadcast application of Dasanit granules at 5 lb. active ingredient per acre. The plots were treated and planted on May 7. Flea beetle data were obtained on June 15 by counting the adult feeding holes on 5 leaves in each treatment. Speckle leaf symptoms were taken at the same time. Variety yields and size distribution of tubers were taken at harvest. Specific gravities, sprout indexing and chipping quality were taken about 5 weeks after harvest. The data are summarized in Tables 7 and 8. Results Control of flea beetles was very obvious in the treated areas of all varieties which indicate that these materials are effective in preventing damage by these insects. The speckle leaf condition appeared to be more noticeable in the treated plots in the varieties that were susceptible. The growing rate of these varieties in the presence of the insecticides apparently brought on the symptoms. Further studies will stress this interrelationship. The treatments had no affect on the sprouting or chipping quality of the tubers. The yield data from all the treated plots were summarized to compare the varieties. Table 7. Varietal response to soil systemic insecticides as shown in insect control, speckle leaf incidence and tuber quality. Flea Beetle Holes/LeafPhorate Flea Beetle Holes/Leaf Flea Beetle Holes/LeafDisyston Flea Speckle Speckle Leaf Incidence* Speckle Speckle Leaf Incidence*Disyston Sprout Index** Sprout Index**Phorate Sprout Sprout Sprout Color Color Rating of Chip***Phorate Color Rating Color Rating Color Flea Beetle Band 0 0 0 0 0.2 0.2 0 0 Holes/Leaf Untreated 9.3 6.0 5.1 7.1 7.1 5.7 9.5 6.2 4.4 0.6 10.0 0 7.2 0 0.2 6.3 4.3 0 6.7 0 10.9 0 9.1 0 4.9 0.6 Variety Haig Norchip Norgold Russet Onaway Katahdin Kennebec Sebago Russet Burbank Io Pride Merrimack Jewel Superior Cobbler MSU 709 Monona FL 96 Bake King Beetle Holes/Leaf Dasanit Brd. + Disyston Band Phorate Brd. + Band 0 0 0 0 0 Band 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.2 0 1.2 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.4 0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.8 0 0.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.2 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Leaf Incidence* Dasanit Brd. + Disyston Band Band Leaf Incidence* Phorate Brd. Phorate + Band Band + 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 + + + + + 0 + + 0 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 0 + + 0 + ++ ++ + 0 0 ++ ++ ++ ++ + 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + + + + 0 0 + 0 + 0 Speckle Leaf Incidence* Untreated 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 Index** Dasanit Brd. + Disyston Band Index** Phorate Brd. + Index* Disyston Band Band Band 3 4 5 2 1 0 3 0 2 1 2 1 2 0 1 3 1 3 2 5 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 2 1 1 4 4 4 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 1 2 2 2 0 3 3 5 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 3 1 1 0 3 3 1 Untreated 3.5 4 4 1.5 1 0 1.5 0 1.5 0 1.5 2 1.5 1 2 3 0 of Chip *** Disyston Rating of Chip*** Untreated Band 3 3 6 7 of Chip*** Phorate Brd. + Band 3 3 3 3 6 6 7 7 3.5 5 5 4 4 4 3 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 5 5 6 6 3 3 4 3 6 6 4 4 5 4 4 4 3 5 6 3 4 6 Band 3 3 6 7 5 4 4 5 4 4 4 3 5 6 3 3 6 Rating of Chip*** Dasanit Brd. +Disyston Band 3 3 6 7 4 4 4 5 4 4 4 3 5 6 3 5 6 *Speckle Leaf Incidence Ratings (June 15): 0 - none apparent, + - Slight, and ++ - Moderate. ** Sprout Index: 0 - no sprout activity to 5 - extensive sprouting. ***Chip Color Rating: 1 - lightest to 10 - darkest color. Table 8. Yield, size distribution and specific gravity from variety­ insecticide treatment study. * Variety Haig Norchip Cwt/ A 401 403 Norgold Russet 326 Onaway Katahdin Kennebec Sebago 453 340 433 334 Russet Burbank 336 Io Pride Merrimack Jewel Superior Cobbler MSU 709 Monona FL-96 Bake King 387 280 397 355 403 367 361 401 301 % Size Distribution % Size Distribution Less % Size Distribution than 1 7/8" 1 7/8" to 10 Oz. 10 Oz. and Over % Size Distribution Off Type -- Specific Gravity 10 8 11 6 7 4 17 13 11 5 7 5 8 4 5 9 12 81 90 87 80 74 80 75 71 83 78 76 80 84 74 87 78 82 9 2 2 14 19 16 8 -- 6 17 17 15 8 22 8 13 6 -- -- -- -- -- -- 16 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1.062 1.074 1.066 1.066 1.067 1.066 1.064 1.073 1.065 1.078 1.076 1.072 1.066 1.066 1.065 1.075 1.075 *Data from all treatments are summarized together. SOIL FERTILITY RESEARCH ON FIELD CORN, SWEET CORN, KIDNEY BEANS, PEA BEANS, AND PEPPERMINT M. L. Vitosh Department of Crop and Soil Sciences In addition to the five potato experiments, seven additional experiments were conducted in 1970. Most of these experiments are in the potato rotation. All experiments were irrigated when soil moisture tensiometers indicated a need for moisture. The soil in the area has been classified as McBride sandy loam. Soil test values for each experiment and management prac­ tices are reported at the bottom of each table. Source, Rate, and Time of N Application on Field Corn This experiment involved comparisons of broadcast vs. side­ dress applications of nitrogen and urea vs. sulfur-coated urea (SCU), a slow release N material. The analysis and properties of this material were discussed under the potato section of this report. Two hybrids of corn (Mich 402-2X and Michigan 500-2X) were used in this experiment. Corn was harvested with a one-row picker­ sheller. Lodging and grain moisture were measured at harvest time. Sidedress applications of N, especially at the 120 lb N per acre rate, indicated greater efficiency than N broadcast and plowed down prior to planting. Yields were not significantly increased beyond the 120 lb N per acre rate. Normally it is expected that one pound of N will produce one bushel of corn. Yields in this experiment were considerably better indicating either very efficient utilization of nitrogen or some carry-over N from previous years was present. Although there was no N applied to this experimental area in 1969 and a residual experiment in 1969 with red kidney beans did not indicate any carry-over, this area did receive 120-240 lb N per acre in 1968 on potatoes. The rooting depth of corn is much deeper than kidney beans and as a result corn may have obtained some N from previous fertiliza­ tion. Sulfur-coated urea did not appear to have increased the efficiency of nitrogen above that of other comparable treatments. Comparable yields were obtained when equal N rates were used. Field observations indicated that N was released at too slow a rate from SCU during mid­ season and resulted in N deficiency symptoms, especially at the lower rates. Although plant analysis data are not available for this experiment, potato petiole analysis in the potato experiment did indicate lower N content in petioles from sulfur-coated urea plots. Stalk lodging in general was quite bad. A number of factors may account for such high percentage of lodging. Corn borer populations in 1970 were nearly double that of 1969 with an average of 94 borers per 100 plants at the Montcalm Experimental Farm. Corn borer popula- tions were not checked in this experiment and may have been much higher as indicated by the high lodging percentages. Heavy fertilization with high nitrates in the stalk also tend to favor stalk rot. Higher yields with larger ears on each stalk may also have contributed to lodging. Sulfur-coated urea significantly decreased lodging. This may have been a result of lower N in the stalk and reduced stalk rot. Grain moisture indicates that the corn was quite dry at harvest time. These conditions along with high winds may also have caused increased lodging. Grain from all N treatments was lower in moisture than grain from the checked plot, indicating increased maturity due to N fertiliza­ tion. K-Mg Study of Field Corn and Sweet Corn These experiments were established to evaluate various rates of K fertilization with and without Mg on yield of field corn and sweet corn. Results of these two experiments are found in Tables 2 and 3. Yields of field corn were significantly increased with the first 50 lb K2O per acre with no additional increase due to higher rates of K. Sweet corn did not respond to K applications. Magnesium fertilization had no effect on yield of either experiment. Soil tests did not indicate magnesium deficiency, however, with high rates of K on soils which test high in K the Mg situation becomes more critical. Further evaluation and study of this K and Mg interrelationship is needed. Grain moisture and lodging of field corn were not significantly affected by the treatments used in this experiment. N Carrier Study on Sweet Corn and Red Kidney Beans These two experiments were established in 1968 to evaluate five sources of N on yield of sweet corn and red kidney beans. Yield data for 1970 along with the three-year average are presented in Tables 4 and 5. Yields over this three-year period have not been significantly affected by these N carriers when all carriers have been applied at the same time and at equal rates. In 1968 anhydrous ammonia gave higher sweet corn yields because it was applied later than the other N sources. The yield increase was attributed to less leaching loss and more efficient use of the N from anhydrous ammonia. Residual N Study on Kidney Beans This experiment received no N in 1970. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate any residual or carry-over N from the N treatments on potatoes in 1969. Results of this experiment (Table 6) indicate no residual effect. Similar observations were found in 1968 and 1969. Note, however, that kidney beans which received 60 lb N per acre broadcast and plowed down prior to planting in 1970 gave about an eight bushel increase (Table 5 vs. Table 6). The three-year average indicates better than an eight bushel increase due to N fertilizer. Although red kidney beans are symbiotic N fixing plants they appear to be very inefficient N fixers as indicated by their response to N fertilizer. One additional conclusion can be drawn in this experiment. Nitrogen fertilizer which is not utilized by the crop in the year of its application can be lost through leaching or denitrification and is not available to a following bean crop. Crops such as corn, however, may be able to recover some of the leached N because of its deeper rooting system. It should also be noted that this soil has a sandy loam surface with heavier texture subsurface horizons and may react quite differently than other soils, especially those with heavy surface horizons. Zinc-Phosphorus Study on Pea Beans In 1969 a significant reduction in yields of red kidney beans was observed with five lb Zn per acre banded annually for three years. A positive response at this location has not been observed on potatoes, sweet corn, or red kidney beans since these experiments were established in 1967. The question of zinc toxicity became apparent in 1969 with a yield reduction noted in red kidney beans. In 1970 pea beans were planted to this area with the intent of further evaluating zinc toxicity. Pea beans, although quite responsive to Zn if it is deficient in soil, have also been noted to tolerate only a narrow range of soil Zn levels. Therefore, Sanilac pea beans were planted to this area where Zn had been previously applied. Results in Table 7 indicate a definite yield reduction where 50 lb Zn per acre was broadcast in 1967. Slightly higher yields were obtained at the high P levels, however, there was no apparent P-Zn interaction. Yield reductions due to Zn were found at both high and low P levels. It may be concluded that Zn is very soluble in acid sandy soils and should not be used without a soil test recommendation. N and K Study on Peppermint This experiment was initiated in 1969 to evaluate cultural practices of growing this crop on mineral soils. The experiment involved five N rates and two K rates. All treatments for which yields are reported received one-half pound of Sinbar herbicide. One initial treatment received no herbicide, however, the weeds were so bad this treatment was not harvested for yields. Disease-free peppermint roots were planted in 32-inch rows in the spring of 1969. In the fall of 1969 the roots and rhizomes were plowed under and allowed to propagate in 1970. The meadow mint was harvested with a mower on August 11, 1970. The samples were allowed to dry in the fields for several days and then distilled at the East Lansing Muck Farm. Oil and dry matter yields are shown in Table 8. Oil yields increased up to the 180 lb N per acre rate and then decreased slightly with an additional 60 lb N per acre. The 240 lb N per acre rate appeared to cause considerable lodging and rank growth indicative of too much N. The relationship between dry matter yields and oil yields is also very interesting. Oil yields did not parallel dry matter production as one might expect. Oil yields were best where 120 or 180 lb N per acre were used. Sinbar at a rate of one-half pound per acre appears to be very effective for controlling weeds for this crop on this soil. Oil prices on the 1970 market appear to have deteriorated badly. Only those growers which were under contract received prices comparable to 1969 which averaged $6.60 per pound. Table 1 Effect of rate, source and time of nitrogen application on yield, moisture and lodging of two irrigated corn hybrid Mich 402-2X Mich 402-2X Moisture (%) Mich 500-2X Mich 500-2X Mich 402-2X Lodging (%) Yield (Bu/A) Moisture (%) Mich 500-2X Lodging (%) Yield (Bu/A) Average Effects Average Effects Moisture (%) Average Effects Lodging Nitrogen Application Nitrogen Application (a) (a) Nitrogen Application (a) Nitrogen Application (a) Broad­ cast lb N/A Band­ ed lb N/A Side­ dressedlb N/A Total N lb N/A Yield (Bu/A) 0 0 0 60 SCU 60 U 60 U 60 U 120 U 60 U 180 U 60 SCU 60 U 60 U 0 60 U 0 60 U 0 120 SCU 60 U LSD (.05 treamentsEmpty table cellEmpty table cell LSD (.05) treatments within 0 0 60 0 0 120 0 180 240 0 120 0 60 U 120 120 U 180 180 U 240 Empty table cell 180 — varietiesEmpty table cell Empty table cell Empty table LSD (.05) varieties within cell Empty treatments table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell 71 112 145 158 150 144 162 147 163 148 — 14 NS 20 19 18 19 20 18 18 18 18 18 — 2 1 7 13 47 59 52 26 41 59 54 43 — 16 NS 78 109 147 150 153 147 153 155 150 139 — 14 NS 21 22 18 19 19 18 18 18 19 18 — 2 1 3 5 37 53 43 22 42 63 49 33 — 16 NS 75 111 146 154 152 145 157 151 157 143 12 — — 21 21 18 19 19 18 18 18 18 18 2 — — (a)Broadcast urea (U) and sulfur-coated urea (SCU) was applied and plowed down one day before planting. Banded urea was applied at planting time 1 1/2 inch to side and 1 inch below the seed. Sidedressed urea was applied to soil surface June 15, 1970 Harvested: October 16, 1970 Planted: April 30, 1970 Plant Population: 24,000 Row Spacing: 28 inches Basic Fertilizer: 0-50-100 banded at planting time Irrigation: 4.0 inches Soil Tests: pH = 7.0, P = 215, K = 161 Harvest Area: 233 sq. ft. 5 (%) 9 42 56 48 24 41 61 52 38 14 — — Table 2 Effect of potassium and magnesium on yield, moisture and lodging of 402 - 2X corn hybrid under irrigation Potassium-Magnesium Applications (a) Potassium-Magnesium Applications (a) Broad­ cast Band­ ed Potassium-Magnesium Applications (a) Broad­ cast Potassium-Magnesium Applications (a) Total K2O 24,000 26,000 Average Effects Yield (Bu/A) 24,000 Lodging (%) Yield (Bu/A) Lodging 26,000 (%) Average Effects Yield (Bu/A) Moisture (%) Lodging Average Effects (%) lb K2O/A lb K2O/A lb Mg/A 131 148 138 163 148 0 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 50 50 50 0 50 100 150 200 300 50 100 200 300 0 0 50 100 150 250 150 138 0 150 50 150 150 156 250 Empty table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cell — LSD (.05) treatments LSD (.05) treatments within Empty plant population 18 table cell Empty table cellEmpty table cellEmpty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell 56 60 66 49 64 57 68 52 60 57 — NS 127 141 145 155 146 154 146 144 150 151 — 18 60 62 60 58 58 60 67 62 58 52 — NS 129 145 141 159 147 152 142 147 150 153 12 — 18 18 19 18 19 19 18 19 18 18 NS — 58 61 63 54 61 59 68 57 59 55 NS — — LSD (.05) plant population within treatment (a) Broadcast potassium and magnesium were applied and plowed down 5 day prior to planting. Banded potassium was applied a NS NS NS NS — — 1 1/2 inches to side and 1 inch below seed at planting time. Potassium and magnesium sources were KCl and MgSO 4. Planting: May 4, 1970 Row Spacing: 28 inches Basic Fertilizer: 50-50-0 banded, 180 N sidedressed June 16, 1970 Irrigation: 4.0 inches Soil Test: PH = 6.6, p = 155, K range = 159 - 247, Mg = 168 Harvest: October 20, 1970 Harvest Area: 233 sq. ft. Table 3. Effect of potassium and magnesium on yield of irigated sweet corn Potassium-Magnesium Applications (a) Broad­ cast Band­ ed Broad­ cast Potassium-Magnesium Applications (a) Potassium-Magnesium Applications (a) Potassium-Magnesium Applications (a) Total K2O Sweet Corn Yield (Cwt/A) 1970 Sweet Corn Yield (Cwt/A) 1968 - 70 Average lb K2O/A lb K2O/A lb Mg/A 0 0 0 0 0 120 0 0 0 0 0 20 40 60 80 40 20 40 60 80 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 50 50 50 0 20 40 60 80 160 20 40 60 80 LSD (.05)Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell 153 155 164 154 152 151 163 154 153 154 NS 141 --- --- --- 134 136 132 133 132 --- NS (a) Banded potassium was placed 1 1/2 inches to side and 1 inch below seed at planting. Broadcast potassium and magnesium were applied and plowed down 5 days prior to planting. Potassium and magnesium sources were KCl and Mg SO4. Planted: May 19, 1970 Harvested: August 17, 1970 Row Spacing: 28 inches Plant Population: 25,000 Basic Fertilizer: 60 - 50 - 0 banded, 120 lb N/A sidedressed June 16, 1970 Harvest Area: 233 sq. ft. Irrigation: 4.0 inches Soil Tests: pH = 6.3, P = 209, K = 276 Table 4. Effect of source 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) Sweet Corn Yield (Cwt/A) 1968 - 70 Average 120 117 113 124 127 NS Sweet Corn Yield (Cwt/A) 1970 146 149 143 143 144 NS (a) 10 lb N/A topdressed May 22, 1970 Planted: May 18, 1970 Row Spacing: 28 inches Harvest Area: 233 sq. ft. Harvested: August 17, 1970 Plant Population: 21,000 Irrigation: 4.0 inches Basic Fertilizer: 0 - 50 - 100 banded at planting time Soil Tests: pH = 6.3, P = 294, K = 272 Table 5. Effect of ource of nitrogen on yield of irrigated dark red kidney beans. Source of Nitrogen (a) Ammonium Sulfate Ammonium Nitrate Calcium Nitrate Urea Anhydrous Ammonia (b) LSD (.05) Yield (Bu/A) 1970 Yield (Bu/A) 1967 - 70 Average 39 35 40 38 38 NS 39 39 39 41 39 NS (a) 60 lbs n/A Applied Two Weeks Prior to Plowing and Planting Planted: June 8, 1970 Harvested: October 28, 1970 Row Spacing: 28 inches Plant Spacing: 4 inches Harvest Area: 466 sq. ft. Irrigation: 1.6 inches Basic Fertilizer: 0 - 50 - 50 banded at planting time Soil Tests: pH = 6.5, P = 201, K = 265 Table 6. Effects of residual nitrogen on yield of irrigated dark red kidney beans. lb N/A (a) 0 60 120 180 240 LSD (.05) Treatments Yield (Bu/A) 1970 Yield (Bu/A) 1968 - 1970 Average 29 30 28 27 28 NS 26 27 27 26 27 NS (a) Applied as ammonium nitrate in 1969 Planted: June 8, 1970 Row Spacing: 28 inches Harvested: October 28, 1970 Plant Spacing: 4 inches Harvest Area: 466 sq. ft. Basic Fertilizer: 0 - 25 - 50 banded at planting time Irrigation: 1.6 inches Soil Tests: pH = 6.7, P = 187, K = 274 Table 7 Effect of Zinc on Yield of Irrigated Pea Beans at Two Phosphorus Levels. Treatment (lb Zn/A) None 25 lb (ZnSO4) (c) 50 lb (AZCo C100) (c) 5 lb (AZCo 12) (d) 5 lb (ZnSO4) (d) LSD (.05) Treatments LSD (.05) Treatments within P Levels LSD (.05) P Levels within Treatments 4 Yield (Bu/A) Low P (a) Yield (Bu/A) High P (b) Average Effects Yield (Bu/A) 38 35 32 35 37 — 4 37 36 34 39 39 — 4 4 38 36 33 37 38 3 — — (a) Low P = 22 lb P/A banded 1970. (b) High P = 300 lb P/A broadcast 1967 + 22 lb P/A banded 1970. (c) Zinc broadcast in 1967. (d) Banded annually 1967, 68 and 69. Planted: June 8, 1970 Harvested: August 31, 1970 Harvest Area: 233 sq. ft. Row Spacing: 28 inches Seeding Rate: 40 lb per acre Irrigation: 1.6 inches Basic Fertilizer: 50-50-50 Soil Test pH = 6.6, P range = 268 to 316, K = 246, Zn range = 6.1 to 8.4 Table 8. Effect of nitrogen and potassium on hay and oil yield of peppermint. Treatment (a) lb N - P2O5 - K2O/A Dry Matter Yield (lb/a) Oil Yield (lb/A) 0 - 50 - 150 60 - 50 - 150 120 - 50 - 150 180 - 50 - 150 180 - 50 - 0 240 - 50 - 150 LSD (.05) 1535 2707 2545 2573 2638 2719 843 21 45 47 51 49 46 8.5 (a) Topdressed April 29, 1970 Planted: spring 1969 Harvested: August 11, 1970 Irrigation: 4.8 inches Harvest Area: 800 sq. ft. Basic Fertilizer: 0 - 50 - 150 topdress April 29, 1970 Soil Tests: pH = 6.5 P = 191 K = 270 INSECTICIDE EVALUATION ON BEANS A. L. Wells Department of Entomology An evaluation of soil applications of systemic insecticides on field beans was made at the farm. Since the use of these materials has become a normal practice with the bean industry their continual reevaluation is necessary. Procedures Five experimental or recommended compounds were applied as a preplant, broadcast or a band at planting. The plots consisted of six treat­ ments and four controls in three replications. Each plot included two 50 foot rows of Seaway and two rows of Charlevoix variety seed. Eptam was incorporated prior to planting on June 11 and a recommended fertilizer program was used. Results There were very few foliar insects present in the plots so it was difficult to assess the materials for insect control. Some green clover worm feeding was apparent in mid-summer but was found on all the treatments. The insecticides tested have very little affect on this insect. Due to the poor seeding rate of the Charlevoix variety, only the Seaways were harvested for yield evaluation. The yield data are presented in Table 9. It appears that the treatments resulted in a slightly higher yield than the untreated plots due to an unevaluated factor. Table 9. Yields from systemic insecticide evaluation plots. Treatment Placement Rate / A* (Toxicant) Yield/Acre Yield/Acre Cwt. Bu. DuPont 1410 10% Gran. Band DuPont 1410 10% Gran. Brdcst. Phorate 15% Gran. Phorate 6 E.C. DiSyston 15% Gran. Furadan 10% Gran. Untreated (Ave. of four) Band Band Band Band ---- 1 lb 4 lb 1 lb 1 lb 1 lb 1 lb ---- *Rates based on 30 inch rows (17, 424 row ft/A.) 27 25 26 25 24 27 23 45 41 44 42 40 44 38 RED KIDNEY AND MISCELLANEOUS COLORED BEAN TRIAL M. W. Adams and A. W. Saettler Departments of Crop and Soil Sciences and Botany and Plant Pathology The strains in this test included 37 entries of which 28 were red kidney selections and commercial check varieties, and the remainder were miscellaneous colored beans, some domestic and some foreign. They were planted June 9 in 2-row plots, 20 feet long, row width 28 inches. A planting-time fertilizer, 5-20-20, with 2% Mn and 2% zinc, was applied. Thimet was added in the boot from a separate hopper. The light red kidneys were the last to be harvested and because of their failure to mature had to be bagged and artificially dried before threshing. The objectives of the test were: a) Compare the yield and maturity and canning quality of the 25 halo-blight resistant kidney selections with 3 standard varieties, Manitou, Redkote and Charlevoix. b) Compare 3 bush cranberry selections with the standard vine-type. c) Take a look at some foreign beans to see whether we can produce these beans economically in Michigan and ship them overseas. The results are presented in the following table (Table 1). Table 1. Summary of yield, seed weight, and seed and canning quality of miscellaneous colored beans, including halo- blight resistant red kidney beans, grown in replicated small plots at the Montcalm County Research Farm, 1970. (Canned Bean Results by C. L. Bedford, Food Science Department). Selection Number or Name Type Cwt/ Acre Gms Wt/100 Seeds Dry Bean Score Canned Bean Notes Flavor Canned Bean Notes Texture 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 LRK 19.15 LRK 17.88 LRK 16.75 LRK 15.17 LRK 13.07 LRK 10.70 LRK 13.98 LRK 13.63 LRK 14.39 LRK 17.98 LRK 13.58 LRK 12.09 LRK 12.22 LRK 11.14 LRK 12.62 LRK 12.88 LRK 12.48 LRK 13.46 16.22 DRK DRK 12.67 DRK 16.03 13.80 LRK 15.01 DRK 12.01 LRK LRK 13.68 #8242 Cran 20.82 #8245 Cran 19.20 17.57 #8247 Cran Mich. Imp. Cran 24.09 18.52 Charlevoix 57.2 57.4 54.0 54.7 52.0 51.7 52.0 53.8 51.4 56.9 52.1 51.0 53.0 51.2 50.4 51.6 52.3 51.8 62.5 59.9 45.6 54.3 47.0 51.6 52.2 47.0 41.9 49.3 54.2 53.6 B B- B- B- C C B- B- B B B B B B- B- B + B + B B D A- B B+ B- B- B + B + B + B- C empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell Soft Soft Satisfactory Normal Satisfactory Normal Satisfactory Normal Satisfactory Normal Satisfactory Normal Satisfactory Normal Satisfactory Normal Satisfactory Normal Satisfactory Normal Slight off-flavor Slight off-flavor Slight off-flavor Slight off-flavor Slight off-flavor Slight off-flavor Slight off-flavor Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Firm Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Soft Reject Satisfactory Satisfactory Firm & whole Satisfactory Satisfactory empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell Table 1. Continued... Selection Number or Name Type Cwt/ Acre Gms Wt/100 Seeds Dry Bean Score Canned Bean Notes Flavor Empty table cell Canned Bean Notes Texture Empty table cell A A Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell Empty table cell B C C + Normal C B + Normal Normal Empty table cell Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 Merithew G.N. Swedish Brown Bean Italian Bush Cran Charlevoix Manitou Charlevoix Redkote 20.05 33.8 18.63 38.1 21.27 19.76 23.05 21.66 15.53 55.0 54.9 60.8 57.8 55.6 General Mean L.S.D. .05 C.V. 16.02 cwt. 4.58 cwt. 20.39% Discussion of Results: No serious diseases affected the nursery, but near the end of the season the lines with green stems and pods - mostly the light red kid­ neys - became badly infested with Mexican bean beetle. Objective #1 - The yield results were disappointing in terms of finding halo-blight resistant red kidneys equal to or superior in yield to Manitou or Charlevoix. The L.S.D. of 4.58 cwts, and the C.V. of 20% suggests a rather low level of precision in comparing means. None of the experimentals equaled the standards. At harvest it was clear that the experimentals had a poor set of mature pods due to the first set, and an abundant set of green pods due to a late second set. The standards had only one set of pods but this was substantial. We don't know why the experimentals behaved this way. The weather record for the flowering period showed no rain from about the 4th of August through the 16th, and this coincided with a high temperature period of 12 days in which the temperature ranged from the middle 80's to 90°F every day. Possibly the experimentals were caught in the critical phase of flowering or pod setting by the high temperature. The processing results indicate that LRK #010, and DRK #019 and #020 must be rejected as too soft too easily broken. DRK #023 turned out more firm and whole than Charlevoix Objective #2 - The cranberry bean comparison points up a critical point in cultural conditions. The bush types in 28" rows will not yield equally with the vine type, even though the vine type will generally lodge very badly. We believe we should grow the bush types in 21" or even 14" rows to get the maximum yield from them. In 1971 our experiments will include narrow rows for these beans. Objective #3 - The Italian bush cranberry yielded quite well at this site, and the maturity was not a problem. The beans themselves appear similar enough to the Michigan cranberry that the latter could easily sub­ stitute for the former in the Italian market. The canning trials on these beans are not finished; the Michigan type may not have the same processing behavior. The Swedish Brown bean also performed well in the field in 1970, but in canning trials it has been very slow to take up water. We need to look at these beans again before deciding definitely that they can be successfully produced here. WEED CONTROL IN DRY BEANS W. F. Meggitt Department of Crop and Soil Sciences The table lists the herbicide treatments applied for weed control in dry beans in 1970. In general weed control at the Montcalm Farm was not as good as in past years. The excessive amount of rainfall may have leached the preplant herbicides from the upper layer of soil. Eptam and Treflan still provide excellent control of annual grasses but were only fair on broad­ leaved weeds. Preemergence applications were generally more satisfactory in 1970. Rainfall immediately after application was ideal for moving herbicide into soil. However, subsequent rainfalls tended also to leach preemergence herbicides more readily and control was not as long lasting. Dynoram, a combination of DNBP and Amiben provided very good control with no injury to beans. Preforan, a chemical not yet labeled for dry beans also provided good control. The tolerance to Preforan was not as good as Dynoram. The 4 1/2 lb/A rate of Preforan gave some bean injury, particularly to the white navy beans. Amiben at 2 lb/A which has been used for dry beans in the past gave good weed control with no bean injury. Preplant and Preemergence Weed Control Evaluations in Dry Beans. Montcalm Co., 1970. Planted - June 11, 1970 Rated - July 14, 1970 Treated - June 11, 1970 Variety - Seafarer and Charlevoix Weeds Present - pigweed, lambsquarter, some barnyard grass, green foxtail. Thin grass population made grass control rating difficult. Trmt No. Treatment PREPLANTPREPLANT 1 2 3 4 Eptam Eptam Eptam + Amiben Treflan PREEMERGENCEPREEMERGENCE Rate lb/A PREPLANT Injury Injury Charle- Weed Control Rating Bd. Lv. Seafarer PREPLANTPREPLANT PREPLANT voix Weed Control Rating Grass PREPLANT 2 3 2 + 1 1/2 3/4 3.3 3.0 0.0 0.0 PREEMERGENCE PREEMERGENCE PREEMERGENCEPREEMERGENCEPREEMERGENCE 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.0 7.3 6.3 6.3 10.0 9.3 9.3 8.7 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Dynoram Dynoram Dynoram Amiben Basimase Basimase Preforan 3E Preforan 3E Preforan 50W Preforan 50W Lasso Lasso Amiben + Lasso Amiben + Lasso Preforan + Lasso No Treatment 1 gal 1 1/2 gal 2 gal 2 3 4 1/2 3 4 1/2 3 4 1/2 1 1/2 2 1 1/2 + 1 1/2 2 + 1 2 + 1 1/2 ---- 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.7 5.7 1.7 3.3 2.0 3.3 1.7 2.7 1.3 0.3 2.3 0.0 1.0 4.3 0.3 8.7 0.0 9.0 0.0 9.0 8.3 9.7 9.7 9.7 1.3 8.0 4.0 7.7 2.3 9.0 2.0 9.0 4.7 9.7 6.3 9.7 3.7 10.0 2.0 9.7 5.0 9.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.7 9.3 9.3 8.0 7.0 8.3 8.3 9.3 6.7 8.0 5.7 6.0 9.0 9.3 9.0 0 - no injury and no control; 10 - complete control or kill. CORN HYBRIDS AND IRRIGATION EXPERIMENTS AT THE MONTCALM EXPERIMENTAL FARM - 1970 E. C. Rossman Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Agronomic data for 64 commercial and experimental corn hybrids, irrigated and not irrigated in 1970, are presented in Table 1. Irrigated corn averaged 143.6 bushels per acre compared to 102.9 not irrigated, a difference of 40.7 bushels for irrigation. The range (highest and lowest) in yields for the 64 hybrids was: irrigated = 193.8 to 94.9; not irrigated = 127.7 to 69.6. The highest yielding hybrid, Michigan Exp. 67-2023 (2X), yielded 66.3 bushels (193.8 vs. 127.5) more when irrigated than when not irrigated. The lowest yielding hybrid, Northrup King PX 417 (3X) -- an early maturing hybrid, yielded 25.3 bushels (94.9 vs. 69.6) more when irrigated. Hybrid response to irrigation (irrigated minus not irrigated yield) was not entirely related to relative yielding ability of hybrids. Some of the lower yielding hybrids gave a good response to irrigation while others gave a relatively smaller response. Likewise, some of the high yielding hybrids gave a large response to irrigation while others gave a moderate response. Thus, irrigation response of a group of hybrids should be considered in light of their relative yielding abilities, i.e., a large irrigation response from a low yielding hybrid would be less desirable than an equal or even lower response from a high yielding hybrid. Twelve of the 17 hybrids that were significantly better than average in yield irrigated were also significantly better than average in yield without irrigation. Twelve of the 14 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 was highly significant, .927 in 1970. The correlation was .839 in 1969 and .860 in 1968. There was a strong tendency, in all three 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. High yielding hybrids for irrigation could be selected from unirrigated plots and vice versa with reasonable accuracy. Hybrids significantly better than average in yield when irrigated in 1970 were (in order of early to late maturity): Pioneer 3909 (2X), Mich. Exp. 67-3123 (3X), Mich. Exp. 67-780 (3X), Blaney 6616 (3X), Super Crost S19 (2X), Mich. Exp. 67-2103 (2X), Blaney 6905A (2X), Pride R290 (2X), Michigan 500-2X (2X), Mich. Exp. 66-2025 (2X), Mich. Exp. 67-3110 (3X), Pioneer 3773 (2X), Mich. Exp. 67-3120 (3X), Michigan 555-3X (3X), Mich. Exp. 67-2023 (2X), Mich. Exp. 67-4007 (2X), DeKalb XL45 (2X). Hybrids significantly better than average yield not irrigated in 1970 were (in order of early to late maturity): Northrup King PX 20 (2X), Mich. Exp. 67-3123 (3X), Mich. Exp. 67-780 (3X), Blaney 6616 (3X), Super Crost S19 (2X), Mich. Exp. 67-2103 (2X), Funk Bros. G17A, Blaney 6905A (2X), Pride R290 (2X), Michigan 500-2X(2X), Mich. Exp. 67-3110 (3X), Mich. Exp. 67-3120 (3X), Michigan 555-3X(3X), Mich. Exp. 67-2023 (2X). Blight Ratings Blight infection in both 1969 and 1970 averaged twice as high for irrigated plots. More favorable moisture and humidity on irrigated plots probably facilitated spread and development of the blight organisms. Blight ratings reported in Table 1 are the averages from both irrigated and unirrigated plots rated in early September 1970. Ratings of 1-2 can be considered relatively resistant, 3-4 = moderately resis­ tant, and 5-6 = susceptible. Small differences, less than 1.0, between hybrid ratings should not be considered significant. It was not possible to distinguish in the field between lesions caused by Southern Corn Leaf Blight and Yellow Leaf Blight but we believe that the latter predominated in these plots. Yields of hybrids in these trials did not appear to be related to their blight ratings. Some hybrids with susceptible ratings, 5 and 6, had as good or better yields than hybrids with more blight resistance. The best yielding hybrids were not necessarily the most blight resistant. Three-Year Averages 1968-1970 Table 2 presents a three-year summary of yields and stalk lodging. Yields. Irrigated corn averaged 47.1 bushels more than unirrigated, 141.9 vs 94.8 for the three year period. The highest yielding hybrids averaged 67.2 bushels more when irrigated (187.0 vs 119.8) and the lowest yielding hybrids averaged 30.8 bushels more (94.6 vs 63.8). Irrigation response of the highest yielding hybrids was twice as great as the response of the lowest yielding hybrids, 67.2 vs 30.8 bushel increases from irrigation. Stalk lodging. In all three years there has been consistently more stalk lodging for unirrigated corn, averaging almost three times more. Table 1. NORTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN Montcalm County Trial - Irrigated vs Not Irrigated One, Two, Three Year Averages - 1970, 1969, 1968 Zone 3 % Moisture % Moisture Hybrid 2 yrs. % Moisture 1970 18.6 Michigan 200 19 Northrup King PX442 (Sp.) 21.5 22 21.9 22 Michigan 280 Northrup King PX417 (3X) 22.0 22 22.1 22 Michigan 270 2 Northrup King PX20 (2X) 22.1 -- Northrup King PX476 (3X) 22.4 23 22.4 22 Michigan 250 -- 22.6 Michigan 300 Northrup King PX428 (3X) 22.8 21 Funk Bros. G4175 (3X) -- 23.0 DeKalb XL304 (3X) 24 23.0 Michigan 275-2X (2X) 23.0 23 -- Weather Mater EPX4P (2X) 23.0 Northrup King PX446 (Sp.) 23.1 23 Pioneer 3956 (2X) 23.1 24 Super Crost S17 (2X) -- 23.2 -- Blaney B401 (2X) 23.3 23.4 25 Weather Master EP35 (3X) 23.5 22 Jacques JX952 (2X) Pride R200A (2X) 23.5 -- Michigan 380-3X (3X) -- 23.5 Weather Master EXP2P (2X) 23.6 23 23.6 25 Super Crost 163 3 yrs. -- -- 23 -- 22 -- -- 23 -- -- -- 25 23 -- 24 -- -- -- -- 24 -- -- -- 26 Bushels Bushels Per Acre 1970 No t Irr. Bushels Per Acre 2 Years Irr. Bushels Per Acre 2 Years No t Irr. Per Acre 1970Irr. Bushels Per Acre 3 years Irr. Bushels Per Acre 3 years Not Irr. % Stalk % Stalk Lodging1970Irr. Lodging 1970 Not Irr. % Stalk Lodging 2 Years 90.4 120 99.7 129 147 95.6 69.6 96 78.2 114 123.1 134.5 144.5 94.9 113.3 145.6 114.8 -- 140.7 85.6 149 138.6 109.4 133 134.8 100.0 -- 104.0 139.4 123.0 140.9 134.5 131.6 105.5 119.4 150.1 110.3 -- 100.4 -- 125.7 94.3 138 130.6 86.9 112 109.8 146.8 100.9 -- 102.1 -- 139.2 104.5 79.9 126 95.1 138 135.3 65.9 109 87.2 -- 70.7 121 146 98.7 97.7 -- 145 79.8 136 80 93 93 71 83 89 96 83 -- -- -- 73 96 -- 103 80 -- -- 88 89 -- -- 80 96 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 149 -- 117 -- 137 -- 125 151 -- 148 -- -- 110 -- -- -- 140 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 96 -- 87 -- 97 -- 72 100 -- 99 -- -- 90 -- -- -- 95 1.5 -- 5.4 8.0 8.5 -- 13.8 -- 3.9 5.5 7.5 7.9 7.1 9.5 9.4 22.1 9.8 11.8 5.8 4.0 9.6 4.7 6.5 20.0 13.2 8.0 20.0 7.8 3.9 0.8 3.1 8.2 6.3 8.6 24.4 7.3 1.6 11.8 10.6 14.7 18.3 6.2 8.1 8.7 6.5 14.8 13.5 2.4 6.4 8.8 -- 4.0 -- % Stalk Lodging 2 Years Not Irr. 11 10 14 21 22 -- 12 14 16 -- -- 17 18 -- 14 18 -- -- 15 13 -- -- 14 18 % Stalk Lodging3 YearsIrr. % Stalk Lodging 3 Years Not Irr. Blight Rating -- -- 4 -- 8 -- -- 6 -- -- -- 4 2 -- 3 -- -- -- -- 7 -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 13 -- 15 -- 12 -- 13 15 -- 10 -- -- 9 -- -- -- 5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 5.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 5.5 5.3 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 5.5 5.8 6.0 5.3 6.0 6.0 Irr. 3 6 4 9 10 2 8 5 5 4 -- 4 4 7 10 -- -- 9 2 Table 1. Continued 1 Pioneer 3909 (2X) Cowbell 102SX (2X) -- 23.8 23.9 -- Michigan 400 23.9 25 1, 2 Mich. Exp. 67-3123 (3X) 24.0 25 1, 2 Mich. Exp. 67-780 (3X) 24.0 -- 24.1 24 Pioneer 3911 (2X) 24.1 25 Michigan 402-2X (2X) 24.2 25 Jacques 951E 1, 2 Blaney 6616 (3X) -- 24.3 1, 2 Super Crost S19 (2X) 24.4 25 Weather Master EPX4A (2X) 24.4 -- 24.5 26 DeKalb XL306 (3X) 24.6 26 Teweles SXT61 (3X) Weather Mater EPX3X (2X) 24.7 25 24.8 -- Pioneer 3799 (3X) 1, 2 Mich. Exp. 67-2103 (2X) 24.8 25 Mich. Exp. 69-3001 (3X) 24.9 -- -- -- 26 -- -- 25 26 25 -- 25 -- -- 27 26 -- -- -- Weather Master EP30 (3X)25.0 25 1 Funk Bros. G17A 25.2 26 DeKalb XL315 (3X) 25.2 26 Funk Bros. G4287 (3X) 25.4 26 1, 2 Blaney 6905A (2X) -- 25.6 Mich. Exp. 67-4006 (2X) 25.6 Mich. Exp. 67-164 (2X) 1 Pride R290 (2X) 1, 2 Michigan 500-2X (2X) Michigan 463-3X (3X) -- 25.7 26 25.9 -- 25.9 27 29.9 27 Mich. Exp. 66-2025 (2X) 25.9 26 Mich. Exp. 67-2101 (2X) 25.9 -- 1, 2 Mich. Exp. 67-3110 (3X) 26.0 26 DeKalb XL24 (2X) 26.2 27 Mich. Exp. 65-3005 (3X) 26.3 -- -- 26 26 27 26 -- -- -- 28 27 -- -- -- -- -- 158.1 100.7 146.0 108.0 -- -- 101.7 149 137.5 159.0 115.1 160 165.0 120.9 -- 102.2 132.4 140 141.8 100.0 153 146 103.5 118.3 -- 134.7 163.3 169.1 119.0 162 -- 109.1 71.7 90.7 144 133.7 146.6 132.0 130.0 165.2 151.3 94.0 150 97.4 138 -- 98.3 168 127.6 95.9 -- 112.5 92.1 132 154.6 116.9 160 96.6 129 128.3 99.1 151 152.9 173.8 127.7 -- -- 97.3 95.6 118.5 -- 132.8 146.0 177.7 167.6 126.7 171 97.0 142 129.9 148 91.0 -- 166.0 109.5 144.4 181.0 124.4 155.8 110.4 108.1 -- 153.5 169 180 152 -- -- 99 106 97 99 96 105 -- 83 94 98 118 83 103 85 94 98 111 96 104 114 99 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 147 -- 146 152 136 157 -- -- 150 131 -- 120 156 133 148 -- 174 146 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 98 -- 102 103 91 104 -- -- 98 93 -- 77 102 83 93 113 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 99 -- -- -- -- -- 2.3 3.2 0.8 3.8 1.4 0.8 2.5 3.1 3.9 3.3 16.1 9.0 2.4 7.8 8.0 0.8 4.1 16.6 6.2 3.9 8.1 6.3 1.6 14.1 1.6 1.6 11.8 1.6 3.9 2.4 3.1 7.6 4.8 5.8 3.1 8.8 0.8 -- 3.9 3.2 6.3 6.0 -- 1.6 14.7 9.8 3.1 9.1 7.7 -- 1.6 3.2 -- -- -- 2 4 5 5 2 2 -- 5 2 4 1 14.0 9 6.0 6 4 4.7 6 9.7 5.0 -- -- 2.4 8.7 1.6 -- 1.6 7.4 4.8 1.6 -- 3.3 5.0 4.8 -- 10 2 7 2 2 2 -- -- 6 14 14 14 14 6 -- 17 4 12 4 17 9 11 12 -- 14 8 13 11 13 8 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 2 -- 3 4 1 2 -- -- 2 3 6 4 3 4 -- 1 6 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 7 -- 12 12 10 6 -- -- 4 9 -- 13 8 8 8 -- 7 10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 2.5 5.8 5.0 2.8 3.3 2.5 5.0 5.8 5.0 6.0 5.8 5.5 6.0 5.5 4.0 2.0 3.0 5.5 5.0 6.0 5.0 5.0 3.5 3.3 5.0 5.0 5.0 2.8 2.5 3.0 3.8 2.8 9 9 11 2 3 2 2 -- 3 2 8 2 2 3 9 -- -- -- -- 4 4 -- 10 12 -- 3 3 1 to 10 Empty table cell 4 to 21 Empty table cell 1 to 8 Empty table cell 7 6 -- 6 6 -- 6 -- 9 4 to 15 Empty table cell 5. 5. 2. 5. 3. 2. 2. 5. 4. 2. to 6. Empty table cell Table 1. Continued Funk Bros. G4222 (2X) 26.5 27 1 Pioneer 3773 (2X) 26.7 27 1, 2 Mich. Exp. 67-3120 (3X) 26.8 36 l, 2 Michigan 555-3X (3X) 26.8 28 Michigan 568-3X (3X) 26.9 28 1, 2 Mich. Exp. 67-2023 (2X) 27.0 1 Mich. Exp. 67-4007 (2X) 27.2 DeKalb XL45 (2X) -- -- 28.0 29 Average Range 24.3 25 18.6 to 28.0 19 to 29 28 28 -- 29 29 -- -- 30 26 22 to 30 Least significant difference 0.7 0.6 0.4 148.1 167.6 178.3 161.2 150.3 193.8 175.2 157.0 143.6 94.9 to 193.8 100.7 110.5 121.3 119.8 109.0 127.5 112.2 106.1 145 176 171 167 154 -- -- 162 102.9 145 69.6 to 127.7 96 to 180 13.3 10.9 7 -- 91 106 113 111 107 -- 95 95 71 to 118 6 -- 180 165 -- 172 158 -- 161 145 110 to 174 6 -- 94 110 -- 115 111 -- 98 57 72 to 115 5 3.1 3.9 3.1 2.3 1.6 3.9 1.6 3.8 1.6 4.0 0.0 0.0 5.6 5.8 0.0 to 18.3 Empty table cell 0.8 0.0 7.0 7.1 0.0 to 24.4 Empty table cell 1 Significantly better than average yield, irrigated, 1970. 2 Significantly better than average yield, not irrigated, 1970. Empty table cell Planted Harvested Soil type Previous crop Population Rows Fertilizer Sool test: pH P Soil Test: Soil Test: K Irrigation: 1970 May 8 Oct. 16 Montcalm sandy loam Sorghum-sudan seeded to rye in fall 19,900 30" 213-160-160 6.3 246 (very high) 225 (high) 5.5" 1968 May 4 Oct. 26 1969 May 3 Oct. 31 Montcalm sandy loam Montcalm sandy loam Sorghum-sudan seeded to rye in fall 19,500 30" 205-160-160 6.2 242 (very high) 237 (high) 6.0" Sorghum-sudan seeded to rye in fall 19,600 30" 236-190-190 6.2 256 (very high) 220 (high) 7.5" Cooperator: Theron Comden, Lakeview County Extension Director: James Crosby, Stanton Table 2. Average, highest, and lowest yields and % stalk lodging for corn hybrids irrigated and not irrigated for 3 years, 1968 - 1970. No, of Hybrids Tested Yields Average ge Avera Irrigated Yields Not Irrigated Highest yielding hybrids Irrigated Highest yielding hybrids Not Irrigated Yields Lowest yielding hybrids Irrigated Yields Lowest yielding hybrids Not Irrigated Yields YieldsYields 64 63 56 Empty table cell 143.6 146.0 136.1 141.9 102.9 85.5 96.0 94.8 193.8 184.9 182.2 187.0 127.7 108.6 123.2 119.8 94.9 96.7 92.2 94.6 69.6 56.3 65.4 63.8 Year Yields 1970 1969 1968 3 Year Average % Stalk Lodge% Stalk Lodge % Stalk Lodge % Stalk Lodge % Stalk Lodge % Stalk Lodge % Stalk Lodge % Stalk Lodge 1970 1969 1968 3 Year Average 64 63 56 Empty table cell 5.8 2.9 1.1 3.3 7.1 17.5 4.3 9.6 18.3 10.9 5.0 11.4 24.4 57.8 13.9 32.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.6 0.0 1.9 1970 Irrigation = 5.5" 1969 Irrigation = 6" 1968 Irrigation = 7. 5" July 20 = 1" July 27 = 1" July 30 = .5" August 4 = 1'' August 11 = 1" August 13 = 1" July 26 = 1.5" August 8 = 1.5" August 14 = 1.5" August 27 = 1.5" July 16 = 1.5" August 2 = 1.5" August 12 = 1.5'' August 20 = 1.5" September 7 = 1.5" LUPINE RESEARCH H. L. Kohls Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Lupine research was designed to develop varieties adapted to Michigan and show how they may be used in good farming practices. The 1970 work was concerned with variety trials, selecting high yielding low alkaloid strains, crossing and selecting non-shattering strains of blue lupines, lupines to precede potatoes in crop rotations, lupines in dairy cattle rations, chemical weed control, and seed increase for possible release for commercial use. The variety trials were on an area of Montcalm loamy sand except that a portion of the varieties were on an area which was more sandy and lower in fertility than normal for this soil type. This low grade soil type may account for the low yields of both white and blue lupine varieties as shown in Table 1 and 3. The breeding strains were in an area having both Montcalm loamy sand and McBride loamy sand. The lupine seed increases and the lupine-potato rotation were on McBride sandy loam. Irrigation was applied on the variety trials but was not needed on the rest of the lupines. No fertilizer was used on any of the lupines as tests showed considerable fertility in the soil carried over from fertilizer applied to potatoes the previous year. No significant difference was found in yield between varieties of white lupines shown in Table 1. MSU-2 had a very high percentage of plants that were alkaloid free. A comparison, in Table 2, of white lupines grown in 34.0" and 19.4" rows shows less than .4 of a ton difference in total yield, (roughage and seed), and only .05 of a ton for roughage in favor of the narrow rows. Neither comparison is significant. But differences are shown for bushels of grain per acre and percentage of grain in the total plant yield. Both are highly significant and in favor of the narrow rows. Another point of interest in Table 2 is the relationship of yield to number of plants per acre. A graph plotting yield of grain and number of plants per acre shows a positive straight line correlation between the two with no indication of the yield leveling off at 50.6 bushels and a stand of 107,551 plants per acre. This leads us to conclude that, under the conditions of this experiment, a stand of over 107,551 plants may have given a yield of over 50.6 bushels per acre. Apparently 50.6 bushels is not the maximum yield that can be expected of white lupines grown in optimum conditions. The blue lupine variety trial was sown on the same day as the white lupine trial and the two were adjacent to each other. This was true in 1969 also. The blue lupine yields are shown in Table 3. There is no signi­ ficant difference in yield of grain between varieties. MSU-103 is very low in alkaloids and MSU-104 is a week or more earlier in maturity than the other varieties. Blue and white lupines are not equally adapted to the same environ­ ment. White lupines averaged 39.70 bushels in 1969 and 18.83 bushels per acre in 1970, a difference of 24.14 bushels, (Table 1). In Table 3 the average yield of blue lupines in 1969 is 15.56 bushels and 11.24 in 1970, a difference of only 7.59 bushels per acre. The difference in yield of the blue lupines grown on good and poor soil is not nearly as great as between white lupines grown in similar conditions. White lupines outyield blue lupines under good growing conditions but under less favorable growing conditions blue lupines become more competitive. Several high yielding varieties of both blue and white species have been developed in our breeding program. Seed increases of some of these have been made in sufficient quantity for possible trials on farms. Some seed was used last year for feeding trials with dairy calves with satisfactory results. Over a ton of white lupine grain was provided to the Dairy Department this fall and is now being used in a dairy cow feeding trial. Very low alkaloid blue and white varieties and non-seed shedding blue strains are being bred in our improvement program. Some of the sweet (very low alkaloid) strains are very promising and the seed quantity of these will be increased as fast as possible. A project was started last spring to determine the relative value of certain crops to precede potatoes. Sudangrass has been used on the Montcalm Experimental Farm but it appeared that other crops may be more suitable as a plow-down crop. The extensive fine root system of ryegrass and the nitrogen fixation of lupines suggested their use in this trial. Lupines also would offer a cash return from the grain pro­ duced. The yields of these various crops are shown in Table 4. The yield of 2.95 tons for ryegrass is too low. Considerable growth of this crop took place late in the season. We have had 4 tons per acre on previous ryegrass plots on this farm and we believe this year's growth was just as good as any in the past. Potato yields will be taken on these plots next year. Herbicides of various kinds were used in a trial on lupines. The results this year confirmed those of last year. Lorox at 3/4 lb plus Lasso at 1 1/2 lb per acre gave good control of weeds when used as a preemergence spray. However, a few weeds appeared about July 1. This was not true in previous years as control was complete in those trials. Table 1. White lupine seed yields in bushels per acre for 1969 and 1970. Empty Table Cell Blanca Gela MSU-1 MSU-2 MSU-3 MSU-4 Average Alkaloids very low *Planted April 30. 1969 39.32 41.52 39.02 39.40 39.53 39.38 39.70 Yield 1970* 17.63 19.16 23.56 19.49 15.28 17.84 18.83 Average 28.48 30.34 31.29 29.45 27.41 28.61 Empty table cell Table 2. A compprison of two width of row - 34.0" and 19.4" using Blanca white lupines. Yields are based on 12 percent moisture. Replication Number 34.0" rows 1 2 3 4 Average empty table cell 1 2 3 4 Average 34.0" rows 34.0" rows 34.0" rows 34.0" rows 34.0" rows 19.4" rows 19.4" rows 19.4" rows 19.4" rows 19.4" rows 19.4" rows total tons per acre roughage per acre bu of grain per acre percent grain number of plants per acre 2.16 2.20 2.83 2.47 2.42 empty table cell 1.20 1.28 1.69 1.44 1.40 empty table cell 2.77 2.70 2.50 3.22 2.80 1.43 1.42 1.26 1.70 1.45 29.24 30.62 37.93 33.97 32.94 empty table cell 42.19 41.62 41.18 41.31 41.58 empty table cell 40,862 50,113 73,242 81,723 61,485 empty table cell 44.64 42.60 41.22 50.49 44.74 48.23 47.30 49.44 47.13 48.03 95,408 78,061 85,000 107,551 91.505 Table 3. Blue lupine seed yields in bushels per acre for 1969 and 1970 empty table cell MSU-101 MSU-102 MSU-103 Alkaloids very low MSU-104 Early maturity MSU-105 Borre PI. 237721 X Borre PI. 237721 x S-13 (sel) Average *Planted April 30 1969 13.77 19.13 15.40 15.50 15.40 16.07 14.40 14.83 15.56 Yield 1970* Average 10.73 9.81 9.42 13.14 11.17 10.51 12.73 12.42 11.24 12.25 14.47 12.41 14.32 13.29 13.29 13.57 13.63 empty table cell Table 4. A comparison of tons per acre of some crops in a ro a bn to precede potatoes. Yields are based on 12 percent moisture. empty table cell Roughage 7/21 Roughage 9/10 Roughage Total Roughage 9/10 Grain 9/10 Total Roughage Plus Grain Ryegrass Sudangrass 1.29 1.62 empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell 1.66 2. 95* 4.34 5.96 empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell Lupines 34" rows Lupines 19" rows empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell 1.40 empty table cell empty table cell empty table cell 1.45 1.02 1.35 2.42 2.80 *Considerable growth was made after September 10 but was not harvested.