Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Field Days were held each year at Lane Ag Center with an average attendance of 750 people each year. Field tours, summary hand-outs delineating each research project location, objective and personnel. Two organic field days held at Lane Ag Center. 150 in attendance each year. Hands-on field tours and demonstrations of growing practices, disease control, insect control, water management through drip irrigation, cost/benefit relationships of practices. Bi-state Horticulture Industry Show alternating between Tulsa, Oklahoma and at Ft Smith Arkansas. Visual displays of organic practices as well as PowerPoint presentations to an audience of 400 - 500 registered people each year comprising growers, merchants, exhibitors, research and extension professionals. Market garden workshops were held in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Ardmore, Oklahoma with 40 to 50 in attendance at each workshop. PARTICIPANTS: Principal investigator was Merritt Taylor who was leader of economic evaluation of the cultural practices tested and the technologies considered for research being implemented by several research scientists at the Lane agricultural research and extension center at Lane, Oklahoma. Cooperating project directors and leaders included Warren Roberts who evaluated impact of variety and nutrient variability on soil resources, James Shrefler who evaluated weed control methods, Jonathan Edelson and Sam Pair who evaluated the efficacy of tested insect control measures, Benny Bruton who evaluated grafting and biological control plants as a means to reduce disease incidence. Collaborating organization included USDA/ARS/SCARL scientists located at the Lane, Oklahoma research and extension center. Two graduate students were able to obtain data for their masters theses from the research at the Lane Ag Center. TARGET AUDIENCES: Cucurbit and other vegetable producers, small farm producers of organic and non-organic vegetables, research and extension scientist were targeted through refereed publications, extension fact sheets, programs that included public meetings as well as on-farm experiential learning experiences, and extension workshops. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Cucurbit workers throughout the United States and most parts of the world have increased requests for updated information generated by the scientists at the Lane Research and Extension Center, Lane, Oklahoma. Producers and processors considering going through the rigorous process of obtaining organic certification for various vegetable crops have utilized information generated by this project. Certified organic producers and processors in Oklahoma have increased from 26 in 2006 to 104 in 2009, which is a 400 percent increase. In the same period of time farmers markets throughout the state of Oklahoma have increased from 11 to over 100. Producers have learned cultural techniques that have allowed them to conserve water, reduce erosion and reduce disease and weed control costs. The fact that the Lane Ag Center is the only government owned land in Oklahoma that has obtained organic certification has enhanced exposure and demand for research and extension publications from this facility.
Publications
- Lu, Wenhua, Merritt J. Taylor, B. Warren Roberts, Carla Goad, J.V. Edelson, Watermelon Yield and Factors Associated with Arthropod Pest Abundance in a 2-Year Survey of Production Areas, Poster presentation at the International Entomological Society (ICE2004) meetings in Brisbane, Australia, August, 2004.
- Shrefler, J., A. Davis, M. Taylor, W. Roberts, V. Russo, J. Edelson, C. Webber, B. Bruton, P. Perkins-Veazie, and W. Fish. 2008, A Team Effort at Organics: A Four Year Project Report from Lane, Oklahoma, Proceedings of the 27th Annual Horticultural Industry Show, Tulsa, Oklahoma January, 2008.
- Taylor, Merritt J., Warren Roberts, Risk Management for Small Agricultural Producers, Primer Foro Internacional, Permacultura Y Ganaderia Intensivo, Universidad Autonomo de Chihuahua, des Agropecuaria Facultad de Zootecnica, Chihuahua, Mexico, September 28-30, 2004.
- Lu, W., B. W. Roberts, J. A. Duthie, J. W. Shrefler, M. J. Taylor, and J. V. Edelson. 2003b. Characteristics and Geographic Variation of Watermelon (citrullus lanatus) Production in Oklahoma from a Statewide Survey. Journal of Vegetable Crop Production 9(1): pp. 33-48, 2004.
- Roberts, Warren, Jonathan Edelson, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, Cover Crop Thickness & Distance for Wind Control, Proceedings of Oklahoma-Arkansas Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, Oklahoma, January, 2004. Pp.176-178.
- Wathen, B., R. Holcomb, M. Taylor, W. Roberts, J. Edelson. Using Contracts to Reduce Marketing Risk: Applied Study of Oklahoma Onion Production. Stillwater, Oklahoma: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet, FAPC-131, March 2004
- Shrefler, J., W. Roberts, M. Taylor and C. Webber. 2004. Recent Experience with Fresh Bulb-Onion Production for Oklahoma. Proceedings of the 2004 National Allium Research conference. P. 85.
- Taylor, Merritt J., Warren Roberts, Marketing Options and Implications for Fruits and Vegetables, Primer Foro Internacional, Permacultura Y Ganaderia Intensivo, Univerisdad Autonomo de Chihuahua, des Agropecuaria Facultad de Zootecnica, Chihuahua, Mexico, September 28-30, 2004.
- Roberts, Warren, Wayne Fish, Benny Bruton, Tom Popham, Merritt Taylor, Effects of Watermelon Grafting on Fruit Yield and Quality, Hortscience. 40(3):871, 2005
- Shrefler, J.W., W. Roberts, C. Webber, J. Edelson and M. Taylor. 2006. Summer squash planting systems following a rye cover crop. HortScience 41(4) 998.
- Webber, C. L., J. W. Shrefler and M.J. Taylor. 2007. Impact of Corn Gluten Meal Applications on Spring-Transplanted Onion Injury and Yields. International Journal of Vegetable Science 13(4) 5-20.
- Webber, C. L., J. W. Shrefler and M.J. Taylor. 2007. Corn Gluten Meal as an Alternative Weed Control Option for Spring-Transplanted Onions. International Journal of Vegetable Science 13(3) 17-33.
- Shrefler, J., L. Brandenberger, C. Webber III, M. Taylor, L. Wells, R. Havener, and B. Falkenberry, 2007, Evaluation of Corn Gluten Meal for Organic Weed Control in Cowpea, Proceedings of the 26th Horticultural Industry show, Ft. Smith, Arkansas, January, 2007. Roberts, Warren, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, and Merritt Taylor. 2007. Using Grafted Transplants in Watermelon Production. Ed. W. T. Kelley. Proc. 2007 SE Reg. Veg. Conf. Georgia Fruit and Veg. Growers Assoc., Univ. of Georgia. Pp 33-36. Savannah, Georgia, January, 2007.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, 2007. Labor Issues for Agriculture, Western Oklahoma Vegetable Conference, Hydro, OK. February 20, 2007.
- Roberts, W., M. Taylor, B. Bruton, and W. Fish, 2007, Organic and Conventional Fertilizers for Cantaloupe Cultivars, Annual Western Oklahoma Vegetable Conference, Hydro, OK. February 20, 2007. Roberts, W., M. Taylor, P. Perkins-Veazie, and J. Shrefler, 2007, Farm to School and Bite-Sized Tomatoes, OCES In-Service Training Conference, Stillwater, Oklahoma, August, 2007.
- Lu, Wenhua, B. Warren Roberts, Merritt J. Taylor, Jonathan V. Edelson, Carla Goad, William D. Warde, Seong S. Chae. 2007. Clustering of Management Tools in Oklahoma Watermelon Production Systems, International Journal of Vegetable Science. 13(4): 85, 2007.
- Shrefler, Jim, Merritt Taylor, Vince Russo, Warren Roberts, Angie Davis, Jonathan Edelson, Charles Webber, Benny Bruton, Penelope Perkins-Veazie, Kalpana Khanal, and Wayne Fish, 2007. Investigaciones en la Produccion Organica de Vegetales en Oklahoma, USA., Interamerican Society for Tropical Horticulture, Morelia, Mexico, October, 2007. In proceedings of the Interamerican Society of Tropical Agriculture, Vol. 51, Morelia, Mexico (Reviewed Proceedings)
- Roberts, Warren, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, and Merritt Taylor, Melon Types and Cultivars Grown with Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers, Poster Presentation at the annual Lane Ag Center Field Day June, 2008.
- Taylor, Merritt, Benny Bruton, Angela Davis, Wayne Fish, Penny Perkins-Veazie, Warren Roberts, Vincent Russo, James Shrefler, Charles Webber, 2008 Lane Agricultural Research and Extension Center: Field Plot, Green House, and Lab Research and Demonstration Descriptions, Handout and the Annual OSU-USDA Field Day, June, 2008.
- Roberts, W., J. Shrefler, and M. Taylor, 2008. Selected Organic Studies at the Lane Agricultural Center, Handout at the Annual OSU-USDA Field Day, June, 2008.
- Shrefler, James, Penny Perkins-Veazie, Merritt Taylor, and Tony Goodson, Short-term Storage Options for Fresh Market Onions, Poster presentation at the annual Lane Ag Center Field Day June, 2008.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, James Shrefler, How to Deal with Agricultural Labor, Oklahoma Statewide Cucurbit Production and Marketing Meeting, Chickasha, OK December, 2007.
- Bruton, B.D., M.J. Taylor, C.E. Sams, Biofumigation: Indian Mustard, Oklahoma Statewide Cucurbit Production and Marketing Meeting, Chickasha, OK December, 2007.
- Roberts, W., M. Taylor, J. Shrefler, and P. Perkins-Veazie, 2007, Farm to School: Pros and Cons and Things to Consider, Oklahoma Statewide Cucurbit Production and Marketing Meeting, Chickasha, OK December, 2007. Roberts, W., P. Perkins-Veazie, J. Shrefler, and M. Taylor. 2008. Bite-Sized Tomatoes. Annual Hort. Ind. Show, Tulsa, Ok. Jan 4-5, 2008.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, James Shrefler, Farm Labor Issues Update, Proceedings of the Oklahoma-Arkansas Bi-State Horticultural Industries Show, Tulsa, Oklahoma, January, 2008.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, James Shrefler, Ag Labor Issues as Related to New Labor Laws, Oral Presentation and Proceedings of the Research Center Administrators Society Annual Meeting, SAAS Annual Meetings, Dallas, Texas, February, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Penny Perkins-Veazie, Merritt Taylor, and Jim Shrefler, Bite-Sized Tomatoes: Cultivars and Quality for a Farm-to School Lunch Program, Poster Presentation at the Southern Region Horticultural Science Association Meetings, With the SAAS Annual Meetings in Dallas Texas, February, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, and Merritt Taylor, Melon Types and Cultivars Grown with Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers, Poster Presentation at the Southern Region Horticultural Science Association Meetings, With the SAAS Annual Meetings in Dallas Texas, February, 2008.
- Shrefler, James, Lynn Brandenberger, Lynda Wells, Warren Roberts, and Merritt Taylor, Evaluation of Carrot Cultivars for Farm to School Use, Oral Presentation at the Southern Region Horticultural Science Association meetings, With SAAS Annual Meetings in Dallas, Texas, February, 2008.
- Henneberry, S (presenter); H. Agustini; M. Taylor; J. Mutondo; B. Whitacre; and W. Roberts. Economic Impacts of Farmers Markets in Oklahoma, February 4, 2008, 3:20-5:00 pm. Selected Paper presented at the SAEA Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, February 3-5, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, and Merritt Taylor. Organic Agriculture in a Nutshell: Practical Do and Don't. 2008. OSU-USDA Field Day. Lane, OK. June, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Penny Perkins-Veazie, Merritt Taylor, and Jim Shrefler 2008. Bite-Sized Tomatoes: Cultivars and Quality for a Farm-to-School Lunch Program. OSU-USDA Field Day. Lane, OK. June, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, and Merritt Taylor. 2008. Melon Types and Cultivars Grown with Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers. OSU-USDA Field Day. Lane, OK. June, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Penny Perkins-Veazie, Merritt Taylor, and Jim Shrefler, Bite-Sized Tomatoes: Cultivars and Quality for a Farm-to School Lunch program, Poster Presentation at the annual Lane Ag Center Field Day, Lane, OK June, 2008
- Roberts, W., James Shrefler, and Merritt Taylor. 2008. Soil Fertility for Organic Vegetable Production. OSU-Kerr Center Organic Field Day and Workshop, Lane, OK, July 2008.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, James Shrefler, Charles Webber, Vincent Russo, Benny Bruton, Angela Davis, Penelope Perkins-Veazie, Wayne Fish, Lane Ag Center - Obtaining and Maintaining Organic Certification, OSU and Kerr Foundation Organic Field Day and Workshop, Lane, OK, July, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, Organic Vegetable Production, Oklahoma Market Garden Training Program, Oklahoma City, OK, October, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, I like Food: Organic Vegetable Production, Oklahoma Master Gardener Training Program, Durant, OK, October, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, Microbial Activity and Soil Health in Organic Agriculture, Oklahoma Master Gardener Training Program, Durant, OK, October, 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, Lynn Brandenberger, Steve Upson, Soils and Fertilizer Management, Oklahoma Market Garden Training Program, Oklahoma City, OK, October, 2008.
- Roberts, W., James Shrefler, and Merritt Taylor. Disease Control in Organic Tomatoes. 2008. OSU-Kerr Center Organic Field Day and Workshop, Lane, OK, July 2008.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, Jim Shrefler, Organic Marketing and Post-Harvest Handling: Challenges and Opportunities, Enhancing the Adoption of Organic Farming Workshop, Oklahoma City, OK, October 14-15, 2008.
- Webber, C.L. III, Shrefler, J.W., Taylor, M.J., Davis, A.R., Roberts, W., Russo, V.M., Edelson, J.V., Perkins-Veazie, P., Bruton, B.D., and Fish, W.W. 2008, A Living Demonstration of Certified Organic Farming by Oklahoma State University and USDA, Agricultural Research Service. GSA, SSSA, ASA, CSSA and GCACS Joint Meeting. Houston, TX. October 5-9, 2008. Abstract 622:6.
- Webber, C.L. III, Shrefler, J.W., Taylor, M.J., Brandenberger, L.P., and Boydston, R.A. 2008. Up and Coming Organic Herbicides. GSA, SSSA, ASA, CSSA and GCACS Joint Meeting. Houston, TX. October 5-9, 2008. Abstract 630:3.
- Webber, C.L. III, Shrefler, J.W., Taylor, M.J., Roberts, W., and Davis, A.R. 2008. So You're Interested in Organic Certification. GSA, SSSA, ASA, CSSA and GCACS Joint Meeting. Houston, TX. October 5-9, 2008. Abstract 706:6.
- Roberts, W., P. Perkins-Veazie, J. Shrefler, and M. Taylor. 2008. Bite-sized tomatoes: Cultivars and quality for a Farm to School lunch program. HortScience 43(3) p. 629.
- Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, and Merritt Taylor. 2008. Organic Vegetable Production. Enhancing the Adoption of Organic Farming Workshop. Oklahoma City, Ok. Oct., 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, and Merritt Taylor. 2008. Organic Agriculture: Microbial Activity and Soil Health. Enhancing the Adoption of Organic Farming Workshop. Oklahoma City, Ok. Oct., 2008.
- Roberts, Warren, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, Lynn Brandenberger and Steve Upson. 2008. Oklahoma Market Gardening: Soils and Fertilizer Management. Market Gardening Workshop. Oklahoma City, Ok. Oct., 2008.
- Shrefler, J., L. Brandenberger, L. Wells, W. Roberts, and M. Taylor. 2008. Evaluation of carrot cultivars for Farm to School use. HortScience 43(3) p. 618
- Shrefler, J. W., W. Roberts, M. Taylor, L. Brandenberger and C. Webber III. 2008. Potential Components for Weed Management in Organic Vegetable Production Systems. HortSci. 43(4). p 1107.
- Shrefler, J., W. Roberts and M. Taylor. 2008. Small Farm Opportunities for Produce Growing in Oklahoma. Presented at: The Past, The Present The Future: Where do we go from here 10th Annual Small Farm Conference and Workshop. The Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Inc. Wewoka, Oklahoma, December 2008.
- Shrefler, J.W., Warren Roberts, Merritt Taylor, Management Factors and Risk in Cucurbit Production, Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticulture Industry Show (HIS), Ft Smith Arkansas, January 16, 2009.
- Taylor, Merritt, Charles L. Webber III, James W. Shrefler, Angela R. Davis, Warren Roberts, Vincent Russo, J.V. Edelson, Penelope Perkins-Veazie, Benny Bruton, and Wayne W. Fish, Integrated Pest Management for Certified Organic Production in Oklahoma, National IPM Conference, Portland, Oregon, March 25, 2009.
- Taylor, Merritt, Wayne Fish, Benny Bruton, Economics of Using Watermelon Juice as a Diluent (Alternative to Potable Water Purchase), and as a Sugar and Possible Amino Acid Source During Ethanol Production from Molasses, Watermelon Working Group Session, Annual Meeting of Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists, Atlanta, Georgia, February 1, 2009.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, James Shrefler, Conducting Organic Research, Research Center Administrators Society Annual Meeting, Jointly with Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists Annual Meeting, Atlanta Georgia, February 3, 2009.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, James Shrefler, Resource Management and Economics, Oklahoma Market Garden Training Program, Tulsa, Oklahoma, February 12, 2009.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, Jim Shrefler, Marketing Options for Produce Growers, Conference titled: Successful Growing with Plasticulture to Sell at Farmers Markets and Schools Workshop, Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK, February 7, 2009.
- Taylor, Merritt, Wayne Fish, Benny Bruton, Economics of Using Watermelon Juice as a Diluent During Ethanol Production form Molasses, National Watermelon Association Annual Meeting, Charleston, South Carolina, February 19, 2009.
- Taylor, Merritt J. Charles L. Webber III., James W. Shrefler, B. Warren Roberts, Vincent M. Russo, Benny D. Bruton, Angela R. Davis, J.V. Edelson, Penelope Perkins-Veazie, and Wayne, W. Fish, Certified Organic Production for Market, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - Southwestern and Rocky Mountain Division, Oklahoma, March 28, 2009.
- Webber, Charles L. III., Merritt J. Taylor, James W. Shrefler, What is Organic Certification, Poster presentation at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - Southwestern and Rocky Mountain Division, Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 28, 2009.
- Webber, Charles L. III., Merritt J. Taylor, James W. Shrefler, Rick A. Boysdston, Organic Crop Production's Top Research Priority: Pestiphytology, at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - Southwestern and Rocky Mountain Division, Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 28, 2009.
- Taylor, Merritt, Warren Roberts, James Shrefler, Vince Russo, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, Angela Davis, Charles Webber, Research and Extension Projects: Organic (Production, Disease Control, Weed Control); Bio Fumigants; Specialty Crops (Production, Phytonutients) Health Promoting Compounds, Hand-Out for for Lane Ag Center Field Day, Lane, Oklahoma, June 13, 2009. Vince Russo, Merritt Taylor, Lane Ag Center Research and Extension Center Overview, East Central Oklahoma State University Teacher Training Program, Lane Ag Center, Lane Oklahoma, July 16, 2009.
- Taylor, Merritt, Vince Russo, Lane Agricultural Research and Extension Center Overview, ODAFF Program for Teachers of Ag in the Classroom, Atoka County Community Center, Atoka, Oklahoma, July 21, 2009.
- Shrefler, James, Warren Roberts, Merritt Taylor, Horticulture Hot Topics 2009, State-wide Agricultural Extension in-Service Training, Stillwater, Oklahoma, August 6, 2009.
- Shrefler, James, Lynn Brandenberger, Merritt Taylor and Charles Webber III, Evaluation of Corn Gluten Meal for Weed Control in Cowpea, Poster presented at St Louis, Missouri, July 2009.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research on a four-crop vegetable rotation system that complies with the national certified organic production (COP) requirements determined that four crops (watermelons, sweet corn, tomatoes, and southern peas) can be profitably grown in Oklahoma. These four crops can be produced to meet quality standards of the organic vegetable market but costs of production are higher than traditional production costs due to limited pest control products available for certified organic vegetables. PARTICIPANTS: Faculty (OSU Agricultural Economics, Horticulture and Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Lane) Graduate Student (OSU Agricultural Economics - Kalpana Khanal TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences include agricultural producers interested in growing fruit and vegetables PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
There is a lack of information regarding the costs of production and potential profit potential of growing certified organic cucurbits in rotation with other vegetables. This research is an attempt to fill in some of the missing information.
Publications
- Taylor, Merritt. 2007. "Marketing and Production Economics". In Stafne, Eric T., James Shrefler, Lynn Brandenberger (eds). Oklahoman's Guide to Growing Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables. Oklahoma Agricultural Extension Service, OSU. Extension Publication E-995, October, 2007.
- Webber, Charles L. III, James W. Shrefler, Merritt J. Taylor, "Corn Gluten Meal as an Alternative Weed Control Option for Spring-Transplanted Onions", International Journal of Vegetable Science, Haworth Food & Agricultural Products Press, 13(3) pp 17-33, December 2007.
- Shrefler, J., P. Perkins-Veazie, M. Taylor, and T. Goodson, 2007. "Short-term Storage Options for Fresh Market Onions", HortScience 42(4) 1020, 2007.
- Webber, Charles III, Merritt J, Taylor, James W. Shrefler, "Precision Placement of Corn Gluten Meal for Weed Control in Organic Vegetable Production", 9th International Precision Agriculture Conference, Denver, Colorado, (poster and abstract)July, 2008.
- Webber, Charles III, Merritt J. Taylor, Lynn P. Brandenberger, James W. Shrefler, Lynda K. Wells, D. Kent Shannon, "Impact of Precision Applications of Ammonium Nonanoate on Weed Control Efficacy", 9th International Precision Agriculture Conference, Denver, Colorado, (oral presentation, proceedings and abstract), July, 2008.
- Shrefler, J. W., W. Roberts, M. Taylor, L. Brandenberger and C. Webber III. 2008. "Potential Components for Weed Management in Organic Vegetable Production Systems". HortSci. 43(4). p 1107, July, 2008.
- Shrefler, J. W., W. Roberts, M. Taylor, P. Perkins-Veazie and C. Webber III. 2008. "A Fresh-Market Production System for the U. S. Southern Plains Using Short and Intermediate Daylength Cultivars". HortSci. 43(4). p 1227, July, 2008.
- Bruton, B.D., M.J. Taylor, C.E. Sams, "Biofumigation: Indian Mustard", Texas - Oklahoma Watermelon Association Annual Meeting, McAllen, Texas, January 2008.
- Khanal, Kalpana, Shida Henneberry, Merritt Taylor, Joe Schatzer, Francis Epplin Warren Roberts, Jonathan Edelson, James Shrefler, "Organic and Conventional Vegetable Production in Oklahoma", Invited paper at the Southern Association of Agricultural Economists Meetings, Dallas, Texas, February, 2008.
- Taylor, Merritt, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, and Warren Roberts, "Cost Benefit Analyses of Using Grafted Watermelon Transplants for Fusarium Wilt Disease Control", International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), Acta Horticulturae, Number 782, pp343-350, February, 2008. ISBN: 9789066050594.
- Taylor, Merritt, "Resource Management and Economics", Initial lecture in eight week lecture series, Oklahoma Market Garden Training Program, September, 2008.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
A four-year organic vegetable crop rotation program was completed evaluating the effects of rotating watermelons, tomatoes, southern peas, and sweet corn utilizing the National Organic Program protocol. Economic data for all inputs and labor were collected. Twelve types and cultivars of melons (cantaloupe and honey dew) were grown with both synthetic fertilizer (13-13-13) and organic fertilizer (raw poultry litter). Both treatments received 100 lbs of N per acre. All fertilizers were applied pre-plant due to restrictions in the National Organic Program certification that require manure-based fertilizers to be applied 120 days prior to harvest. Yields from synthetic fertilizers were greater than yields from poultry litter fertilizer. The highest yielding cultivars were Achapparal and Tamdew Improved. An heirloom variety of "Hickory Cane" corn was grown with both organic (poultry litter) and conventional synthetic fertilizers. Six treatments consisting of two rates, two
application strategies, and two materials were used. The organic treatments produced yields that were as good as, but not better than, the synthetic fertilizer treatments. Eighteen cultivars of tomatoes were grown organically using poultry litter as a fertilizer. In addition, ninety cultivars of small tomatoes (cherry, plum, pear, and grape) of both determinant and indeterminant types were grown with synthetic fertilizers. Cultivars of both red, yellow, orange, and brown types were compared for yield and quality. Tomatoes are currently being grown in a greenhouse using synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and humic acid supplements. Data is currently being analyzed. Three trials were conducted during 2007 to evaluate how tillage regimes can influence the annual weed suppression properties of cereal rye cover crops. One of the trials also evaluated corn gluten meal in combination with tillage and a rye cover crop for weed suppression. Results have not yet been summarized. An
economic evaluation was developed on the use of grafted watermelons as a means for control of fusarium wilt in watermelon. Eight public presentations were made on 1. The results obtained in demonstration plantings of certified organic vegetable production and 2. Results of studies to evaluate weed control for organic vegetable production. 3. Cost Benefit Analyses of Using Grafted Watermelon Transplants for Fusarium Wilt Disease Control. A total of approximately 310 people attended these presentations.
Impacts
Results from this research have provided scientists from other states a basis for materials and varieties to include in verification trials planned for the ensuing year. Findings of this research are being evaluated by commercial producers and vendors of organic amendments for comparisons with their products. EPA has requested information on research regarding alternatives to methyl bromide use.
Publications
- Taylor, Merritt, etal. 2006, Issues of Obtaining and Maintaining Organic Certification at the Lane, OK Research Center, Session on Agriculture Experiment Station Challenges and Partnerships, ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2006 International Meetings, Indianapolis, IN, November 12-16, 2006.
- Taylor, Merritt, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, and Warren Roberts, 2006, Cost Benefit Analyses of Using Grafted Watermelon Transplants for Fusarium Wilt Disease Control, International Society of Horticultural Scientists, 4th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops, San Antonio, TX December 3-5, 2006.
- Webber, Charles III., Angela R. Davis, James W. Shrefler, Penelope Perkins-Veazie, Merritt J. Taylor, and Jonathan V. Edelson, 2006, Weed Control for Organic Cucurbit Production or Growing Experience with Organic Cucurbits, Oklahoma State-wide Cucurbit Production and Marketing Meeting, Chickasha, OK Dec 15, 2006.
- Roberts, Warren, Merritt Taylor, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, 2006, Organic and Conventional Fertilizers for Cantaloupe Cultivars, Oklahoma State-wide Cucurbit Production and Marketing Meeting, Chickasha, OK Dec 15, 2006.
- Russo, Vincent, Merritt Taylor, 2006. Soil Amendments in Transition to Organic Vegetable Production with Comparison to Conventional Methods: Yields and Economics, HortScience: Vol. 41 (7) December 2006. Khanal, Kalpana, Unpublished Masters Thesis, Profitability and Risk of Organic versus Conventional Vegetable Production, July 2007.
- Taylor, Merritt, Requirements for Successful Fruit & Vegetable Packing and Marketing, Weatherford Growers Association, Weatherford, OK, September 5, 2007.
- Taylor, Merritt, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, Warren Roberts, 2006. Cost - Benefits of Using Grafted Watermelons for Disease Control and The Fresh-Cut Market, pp. 277-285. In: G.J. Holmes, (ed). Cucubitaceae 2006, Universal Printing & Publishing, Raleigh, NC.
- Taylor, M., Bruton, B., Fish, W., and Roberts, W. 2006. Economics of Grafted vs Conventional Watermelon Plants, HortScience 40:519-520.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Management practices using the most technically efficient production strategies were evaluated and compared for four crops (sweet corn, tomatoes, cow peas, and watermelon grown under National Organic Program guidelines. Preliminary results indicate higher costs of production but also high potential market prices for quality products. Organic weed control measures were evaluated in yellow squash to determine the efficacy of corn gluten meal as a pre-emerge weed control herbicide. Results indicated relatively effective control in the early stages of growth but there was a need for manual weed control until harvest which drastically increased production costs. Grafting watermelon scions onto various root stock were evaluated for disease resistance against fusarium wilt disease. Results indicated that certain scions grafted onto squash or gourd rootstock were highly resistant to the disease. An ancillary discovery was that certain of these scion/root combinations produced
watermelon flesh of superior quality. There is potential for these combinations to impact the fresh-cut fruit and vegetable market due to longer shelf life and superior quality.
Impacts
Oklahoma producers have begun to explore the potential of organic crop production as an alternative to traditional production. There is no historical data base of technically feasible organic production practices for Oklahoma weather and location conditions. This research will begin to provide needed information that will be Oklahoma specific and will also provide information on the economic feasibility of some of the recommended practices.
Publications
- Shrefler, James W., Charles L. Webber III, Bielanski M. Santos, Merritt Taylor, Harina Glutinosa de Maiz: Alternativa para el Control de Malezas en Calabaza Amarilla (Cucurbita pepo L.), Proceedigns of the International Weed Conference, Cuba, November, 2005.
- Shrefler, James W., Charles L. Webber III, Bielinski M. Santos, Merritt Taylor, Harina Glutinosa de Maiz: Opciones para la Aplicacion de una Alternativa para el Control de Malezas, Proceedigns of the Latin American Weed Conference, Cuba, November, 2005.
- Shrefler, J.W., B.M. Santos, C.L. Webber III., and M. Taylor, 2005. Cucurbit Research at the Lane Agricultural Center Conventional and Organic, Proceedings of the InterAmerican Society of Tropical Agriculture, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 2005.
- Roberts, Warren, Jonathan Edelson, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, Benny Bruton, Organic Cultivar Evaluations 2005 at Lane Agricultural Center, Lane, Oklahoma, 2005.
- Shrefler, J., M. Bourne, J. Damacome, J. Edelson, S. Pair, W. Roberts, and M. Taylor, 2005. Melon Pest Manager Challenges of a New Information Resource, HortSci. 40(3) 889.
- Roberts, Warren, Jonathan Edelson, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, "Year Three: Cover Crop Thickness and Distance for Wind Control", Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, OK., January, 2006.
- Merritt J. Taylor, Warren Roberts, Jonathan Edelson, Vincent Russo, Sam Pair, Angela Davis, Charles Webber, "Economic Evaluation of a Four (4) Crop Organic Vegetable Rotation", Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, OK., January, 2006.
- Roberts, Warren, Bill Kazokas, Merritt Taylor, Jonathan Edelson, Jim Shrefler, "Organic Agriculture: Excitement about Food and Farming in America", Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, OK., January, 2006.
- Roberts, Warren, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, and Merritt Taylor, "Year Two: Effects of Grafting on Watermelon Yield and Quality", Proceedings SRASHS, National Watermelon Working Group Session, SAAS Meetings, Orlando FL Feb, 2006.
- Taylor, Merritt, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, and Warren Roberts, "Economics of Grafted vs Conventional Watermelon Plants", Proceedings SRASHS, National Watermelon Working Group Session, SAAS Meetings, Orlando FL Feb, 2006.
- Devkota, Shankar, Rodney Holcomb, Merritt Taylor, Francis Epplin, "Economically Feasible Crop Production Alternatives to Peanuts in Southwestern Oklahoma," Selected paper presented at Southern Agricultural Economics Association meetings, Orlando, Fl Feb, 2006.
- Russo, Vincent and Merritt Taylor, "Soil Amendments in Transition to Organic Vegetable Production with Comparison to Conventional Methods: Yields and Economics", HortScience (Accepted August, 2006)
- Taylor, Merritt, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, Warren Roberts, "Cost - Benefits of Using Grafted Watermelons for Disease Control and The Fresh-Cut Market", Proceedigns of the Cucubitaceae 2006, Asheville, NC, September 17-21, 2006
- Taylor, Merritt, "Changing Demographics: What They Buy Influences What You Grow", USDA Rural Development Alternatives in Agriculture Production, Atoka, Oklahoma, September 28, 2006
- Taylor, M., Bruton, B., Fish, W., and Roberts, W. 2006. "Economics of Grafted vs Conventional Watermelon Plants", HortScience 40:519-520.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Best management practices for optimum economic returns using the most technically efficient production strategies were evaluated and compared. Alternative crops were evaluated as substitutes for traditional crops that have become less profitable. Organic crops were planted as an alternative to conventional production with estimates of costs of production compiled for development of a data base for future comparison of profitability between practices. Organic regulations were integrated into production practices. Grafting watermelon scions onto various root stock were evaluated for technical superiority.
Impacts
Loss of methyl bromide as a tool for reducing diseases in vegetable crops has caused scientists to begin looking at alternative methods of disease control. Grafting of watermelons onto squash and gourd root stock appears to be a viable alternative. Technical feasibility does not necessarily mean farmers will accept the technology. Economic data is being developed to provide information to producers such that they can make informed decisions regarding expected costs and returns and risks of accepting new grafting technology.
Publications
- Wathen, Bradley, Rodney Holcomb, Merritt Taylor, John R.C. Robinson, "Oklahoma Candy Onion Production: Projected Income, Price Risk and Yield Risk", Oklahoma State University, Food and Agricultural Products Research and Technology Center, Food Technology Research Report, P-1005, October, 2004.
- Bruton, B, J. Edelson, W. Roberts, V. Russo, M. Taylor, J. Shrefler, C. Webber. 2004. Transplanted onion production guidelines for Oklahoma and Missouri. Lane Research and Extension Center, Oklahoma State University and USDA, Agricultural Research Service cooperative report.
- Roberts, Warren, Merritt Taylor, Jim Shrefler, Jonathan Edelson, Vince Russo, Chuck Webber, Benny Bruton, Sam Pair, "Regulations and Procedures of the Certified National Organic Program", Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticultural Industry Show, Ft Smith, AR, January, 2005.
- Roberts, Warren, Merritt Taylor, Jonathan Edelson, Jim Shrefler, Vince Russo, Benny Bruton, Sam Pair, Chuck Webber, "Investigations in Organic Production in Oklahoma", Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticultural Industry Show, Ft Smith, AR, January, 2005.
- Shrefler, J., J. Damicone, J. Edelson, W. Roberts, M. Taylor, S. Pair, "Melon Pest Manager - Challenges of a New Information Resource", SRASHS Vegetable Section presentation, SAAS Meetings, Little Rock, AR, Feb, 2005.
- Roberts, Warren, Wayne Fish, Benny Bruton, Tom Popham, Merritt Taylor, "Effects of Watermelon Grafting on Fruit Yield and Quality", National Watermelon Workers Section, SAAS Meetings, Little Rock, AR, Feb., 2005 Roberts, Warren, Jonathan Edelson, Benny Bruton, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, "Organic Tomato Production in Oklahoma", SRASHS Vegetable Section presentation, SAAS Meetings, Little Rock, AR, Feb, 2005.
- Lu, Wenhua, W. Roberts, M. Taylor, J. Edelson, C. Goad, W. Ward, S. Chae, "Production Systems and Association of Management Factors Affecting Productivity of Watermelon", Journal of Vegetable Science, Volume 11(3), 2005 (in Press).
- Roberts, Warren, Benny Bruton, Wayne Fish, Merritt Taylor, "Grafting Can Improve Watermelon Quality", Lane Agricultural Center, Oklahoma State University & USDA/ARS, June, 2005.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
The goal of the research has been to characterize factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems in Oklahoma by collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of scientists that included entomologists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, soil scientists, ecologists, and agricultural economists. Statewide survey statistics are significant to the horticulture industry because an in-depth profile of the watermelon industry has never been done for Oklahoma and limited profiles have been developed for the United States. Accurate profiling of the industry will allow scientists to make comparisons between the impacts of cultural or technological changes and management practices on productivity as well as profitability both within the Oklahoma industry and in many cases to other areas of the United States.
Impacts
Horticultural crops provide a niche for certain Oklahoma producers with adequate resources and management skills. Climatic conditions and geographic locations in Oklahoma are well suited for production of many horticultural crops.
Publications
- Roberts, Warren, Jonathan Edelson, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, "Long-Term Soil Changes as Affected by Poultry Litter Applications", Proceedings of the Southern Region- ASHS, Tulsa, OK, February, 2004, HortScience (In Press). 2004
- Roberts, W., J. V. Edelson, M. Biernacki, and M. Taylor. "Uniformity in Cultivar Trials, 2002". HortScience. (In Press), 2004.
- Dogramaci, Mahmut., Wenhua. Lu, B. Warren Roberts, Jim W. Shrefler, Mark Payton, Merritt J. Taylor, and J. V. Edelson. "Occurrence and Abundance of Watermelon (citrullus lanatus) Arthropod Pests in Oklahoma". Southwestern Entomologist, Vol. 29, No 2, June, 2004.
- Taylor, Merritt J., John R.C. Robinson, "Risk Management for Investment in Vegetables", Proceedings of Oklahoma-Arkansas Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, Oklahoma, January, 2004.
- Wathen, Bradley L., Rodney Holcomb, Merritt J. Taylor, James Shrefler, "Evaluating Various Marketing Options for Oklahoma Candy Onions", Proceedings of Oklahoma-Arkansas Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, Oklahoma, January, 2004.
- Roberts, Warren, Jonathan Edelson, Merritt Taylor, Jim Shrefler, "Certified National Organic Program", Proceedings of Oklahoma-Arkansas Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, Oklahoma, January, 2004.
- Roberts, Warren, Jonathan Edelson, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor, "Cover Crop Thickness & Distance for Wind Control", Proceedings of Oklahoma-Arkansas Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, Oklahoma, January, 2004.
- Taylor, Merritt J., John R.C. Robinson, "Spreading Risk in Vegetable Production", Hydro Regional Vegetable Meeting, Hydro, OK January 2004.
- Taylor, Merritt J., John R.C. Robinson, "Risk Management for Small Farmers", Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Market Development Program, Oklahoma City, March, 2004.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
The goal of the research has been to characterize factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems in Oklahoma by collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of scientists that included entomologists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, soil scientists, ecologists, and agricultural economists. Statewide survey statistics are significant to the horticulture industry because an in-depth profile of the watermelon industry has never been done for Oklahoma and limited profiles have been developed for the United States. Accurate profiling of the industry will allow scientists to make comparisons between the impacts of cultural or technological changes and management practices on productivity as well as profitability both within the Oklahoma industry and in many cases to other areas of the United States.
Impacts
Horticultural crops provide a niche for certain Oklahoma producers with adequate resoures and management skills. Climatic conditions and geographic locations in Oklahoma are well suited for production of many horticultural crops.
Publications
- Dogramaci, M., W. Lu, B. W. Roberts, J. W. Shrefler, M. Payton, M. J. Taylor, and J.V. Edelson. 2003. Occurrence and abundance of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) arthropod pests in Oklahoma. Southwestern Entomol. (Tentatively Accepted with revision)
- Lu, W., W. Roberts, J. Duthie, J. Edelson, J. Shrefler, and M. Taylor, 2003. Partial budget analysis of effects of crop management intensity on profitability of three watermelon cultivars. Journal of Vegetable Crop Production. 9(1): 49 - 71.
- Lu, W., M. Biernacki, W. Roberts, J. Duthie, J. Edelson, J. Shrefler, and M. Taylor. 2003. Characteristics and geographic variation of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) production in Oklahoma from a statewide survey. Journal of Vegetable Crop Production. 9(1): 33 - 48.
- Shrefler, J., J. Duthie, J. Edelson, W. Roberts, M. Taylor, and M. Dogramaci. 2002. Foliar disease management alternatives for watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). Cucurbitaceae 2002. pp 252-258.
- Taylor, Merritt, Wenhua Lu, James A. Duthie, B. Warren Roberts and Jonathan V. Edelson. 2003. Effects of High and Low Management Intensity on Profitability for Three Watermelon Genotypes. Proceedings of the Southern Agric. Econ. Assoc. meeting, February, 2003, Mobile, AL.
- Roberts, Warren, Benny Bruton, Jonathan Edelson, Jim Shrefler, Merritt Taylor. 2003. Watermelon Stand Establishment and Disease Control. ABSTRACT. Proceedings of the Southern Region Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. meeting, February, Mobile, AL.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
The goal of the research has been to characterize factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems in Oklahoma by collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of scientists that included entomologists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, soil scientists, ecologists, and agricultural economists. Statewide survey statistics are significant to the horticulture industry because an in-depth profile of the watermelon industry has never been done for Oklahoma and limited profiles have been developed for the United States. Accurate profiling of the industry will allow scientists to make comparisons between the impacts of cultural or technological changes and management practices on productivity as well as profitability both within the Oklahoma industry and in many cases to other areas of the United States.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Taylor, Merritt J., J.V. Edelson, "Bugs and $", Oklahoma Statewide Watermelon Meeting, Chickasha, OK, Dec 2001.
- Roberts, Warren, J. M. Biernacki, J. Duthie, J. Edelson, M. Taylor, W. Lu, "Watermelon Survey Findings for Oklahoma", Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticultural Industry Show, Tulsa, OK, Jan, 2002.
- Taylor, Merritt J., J. V. Edelson, B.W. Roberts, J. Duthie, M. Biernacki, "Pest Control: Economic Effect on Profit", Joint meetings of Southwest Branch of Entomology Society of America with the Mexican National Entomological Society, Guanajuato, Mexico, Feb., 2002.
- Bolin, Patricia, Lynn Brandenberger, Jim T. Criswell, Gerritt Cuperus, John Damicone, Jonathan Edelson, Niels Maness, William McGlynn, Jim Motes, Warren Roberts, Joe Schatzer, Al Sutherland, Merritt Taylor, Penny Perkins-Veazie, "Cucurbit Integrated Crop Management", Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Publication E-835, December, 2001.
- Taylor, Merritt J., J. Schatzer, and J. Motes, Chapters 2 and 3, Appendix Tables 1A - 1L, of "Cucurbit Integrated Crop Management" Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Publication E-853, P. Bolin and L. Brandenberger - Editors, December, 2001.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
The goal of the research has been to characterize factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems in Oklahoma by collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of scientists that included entomologists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, soil scientists, ecologists, and agricultural economists. Statewide survey statistics are significant to the horticulture industry because an in-depth profile of the watermelon industry has never been done for Oklahoma and limited profiles have been developed for the United States. Accurate profiling of the industry will allow scientists to make comparisons between the impacts of cultural or technological changes and management practices on productivity as well as profitability both within the Oklahoma industry and in many cases to other areas of the United States. An Oklahoma cucurbit production manual has been developed collaborating with fourteen multidisciplinary
scientists. The manual will be published in January. Three other manuscripts will be written in the next fiscal year.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bolin, P., Brandenberger, L., Criswell, J., Damicone, J., Edelson, J., Maness, N., McGlynn, W., Motes, J., Roberts, W., Schatzer, J., Shrefler, J., Sutherland, A., Taylor, M., Perkins-Veazie, P., 2001, Cucurbit Integrated Crop Management, In Press.
- Roberts, W., M. Biernacki, J. Duthie, J. Edelson, J. Shrefler, M. Taylor. 2000. Watermelon Cultivar Uniformity Enhancement. Report to: National Watermelon Promotion Board. Orlando, Florida. November, 2000.
- Biernacki,M., W. Roberts, J. Shrefler, J. Duthie, J. Edelson, and M. Taylor. 2000. Effects of weed density and distance on watermelon growth and development. Proc. Southern Weed Sci. Soc., SWSS 2000(53):62-63.
- Biernacki, M., W. Roberts, J. Shrefler, J. Duthie, J. Edelson, and M. Taylor. 2000. Water use by watermelon and selected weeds. Proc. Southern Weed Sci. Soc., SWSS 2000(53):150-151.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
The goal of the research has been to characterize factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems in Oklahoma by collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of scientists that included entomologists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, soil scientists, ecologists, and agricultural economists. Surveys and data collection were maintained in farmer's fields throughout Oklahoma beginning at planting time and continued on a weekly basis until harvest for the 1998 and 1999 cropping seasons. Preliminary presentation and publication of data analysis and results began in January 2000. The results are significant to the horticulture industry because an in-depth profile of the watermelon industry has never been done for Oklahoma and limited profiles have been developed for the United States. Accurate profiling of the industry will allow scientists to make comparisons between the impacts of cultural or technological
changes and management practices on productivity as well as profitability both within the Oklahoma industry and in many cases to other areas of the United States. The next year will provide opportunities to develop more in-depth profiles and analytical evaluations between the multiple management practices and external influences on the productivity and quality of products harvested and marketed and their impact on the profitability of the practices.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Roberts, Warren, Jim Duthie, Jonathan Edelson, Jim Shrefler, Maciej Biernacki, & Merritt Taylor. "Watermelon Germination Responses to Temperature and Cultivar". (Abstr) HortScience. 1999.
- Roberts, BW, J. Shrefler, J. Duthie, J. Edelson, M. Taylor, "Weed Control Mechanisms in Multi-Cropped Forages and Watermelon", Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticultural Industry Show, Tulsa, OK, Jan, 2000
- Taylor, Merritt J., "Labor Issues in 2000", Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, OK, January, 2000. Roberts, Warren, J. Edelson, J. Duthie, J. Shrefler, M. Taylor, M. Biernacki, "Conservation Tillage for Vegetables", Proceedings of the Bi-State Horticulture Industry Show, Tulsa, OK, January, 2000.
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
Data collection for this research is being undertaken as a joint effort with a multidisciplinary group of scientists that include entomologists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, soil scientists, ecologists, and agricultural economists. The goal of the research to this point has been to characterize factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems. Data collection began at the beginning of the cropping season in 1998 and continued through the 1999-cropping season. Surveys were maintained in fields throughout Oklahoma beginning at planting time and continued on a weekly basis until harvest. Data collected included cultivar, row width, plant spacing, bedding, mulches, stand counts, soil covered by watermelons and weeds, severity of diseases, insects, and weeds, and soil moisture. Numbers and sizes of fruits were recorded at harvest. Farm records will be used to determine pesticide usage, as well as total
inputs and yields and returns. Based on preliminary analysis of the data, it appears that growers attempting to reach an early market rely more on intensive management techniques, but also tend to rotate fields less than do growers not attempting to reach an early market. Weed population density appears to be field specific, but species composition is relatively uniform throughout the state. Pigweed is the major weed. Spatially and temporally isolated fields tend to have less disease and weed problems than do fields adjacent to other cucurbit production fields. Fields with low levels of inputs and low technological inputs were less likely to produce a satisfactory yield in a year such as 1999, which was characterized by cool wet conditions in the early spring turning to extremely low rainfall and extremely high temperatures as the growing season progressed. Late planted crops suffered due to virtually no rainfall during the critical flowering stages and the rapid fruit growth stages.
A further goal of this research is to characterize ecological, management, and environmental factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems. Objectives include (1) Determining management factors associated with yield, variation in yield, and net return per acre; (2) Determining if watermelon cropping systems may be distinguished by the level of management intensity; (3) Determining if yield is increased and variation in yield is reduced in high-intensity cropping systems; (4) Evaluating the association among selected environmental factors in watermelon production systems; and (5) Determining individual environmental factors that are most strongly related to yield. The project was initiated in the spring of 1998. Data collected from the 1999 production season will be combined with 1998 production data to produce profiles of production practices in Oklahoma. Preliminary presentation and publication of data analysis and results
to be in January 2000. The goal of the research is to characterize factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 05/01/98 to 09/30/98
Outputs
Data collection for this research is being undertaken as a joint effort with a multidisciplinary group of scientists that include entomologists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, soil scientists, ecologists, and agricultural economists. The goal of the research to this point has been to characterize factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems. Surveys began in fields throughout Oklahoma at planting time, 1998 and continued on a weekly basis until harvest. Data collected included cultivar, row width, plant spacing, bedding, mulches, stand counts, soil covered by watermelons and weeds, severity of diseases, insects, and weeds, and soil moisture. Numbers and sizes of fruits were recorded at harvest. Farm records will be used to determine pesticide usage, as well as total inputs and yields and returns. Based on preliminary analysis of the data, it appears that growers attempting to reach an early market
rely more on intensive management techniques, but also tend to rotate fields less than do growers not attempting to reach an early market. Weed population density appears to be field specific, but species composition is relatively uniform throughout the state. Pigweed is the major weed. Spatially and temporally isolated fields tend to have less disease and weed problems than do fields adjacent to other cucurbit production fields. Fields with low levels of inputs and low technological inputs were less likely to produce a satisfactory yield in a year such as 1998, which was characterized by extremely low rainfall and extremely high temperatures. Cumulative degree-days (baseline of 18 degrees C) were strongly associated with earliness of harvest. A further goal of this research is to characterize ecological, management, and environmental factors that are most closely associated with profitability and productivity of watermelon cropping systems. Objectives include:(1) Determining
management factors associated with yield, variation in yield, and net return per acre; (2) Determining if watermelon cropping systems may be distinguished by the level of management intensity; (3) Determining if yield is increased and variation in yield is reduced in high-intensity cropping systems; (4) Evaluating the association among selected environmental factors in watermelon production systems; and (5) Determining individual environmental factors that are most strongly related to yield. The project was initiated in the summer of 1998, and results are not yet available.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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