Progress 06/01/99 to 06/30/06
Outputs
Field plot studies with Southern peas, sweet potatoes and fall greens (turnip and broadleaf mustard) were conducted on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Research Farm (1999-2006). The objectives of the study were to evaluate production practices for limited resource farms, to identify southern-pea varieties that are high-yielding and to determine the economics and profit potential of producing southern peas. Weed control methods of: 1. Cultivation, 2. Hand hoeing, 3. Treflan herbicide, 4. Pursuit herbicide, 5. Treflan plus Pursuit herbicides and 6. Combination of herbicides and hand hoeing were investigated. The yield increase from using Treflan and Pursuit herbicides averaged 26.2% (20.23 bu/ac) and 61.3% (52.5 bu/ac), respectively. The weed infestation level (particularly broad leaf weeds) affected effectiveness of herbicide. Pursuit gave better control of broad leaf weeds than Treflaan. The additional expense from suing Treflan and Pursuit were $4.86 and
$14.90/ac, respectively at 2006 herbicide prices. At 2006 market prices of $16.00/bu the yield increase would return $323.2 and $840.00/ac for Treflan and Pursuit use, respectively. Use of Treflan plus Pursuit did not significantly improve weed control or increase pea yield above that of Pursuit alone. The average fresh pod yields were 120.6 and 145.6 bu/ac for Treflan and Pursuit treatments, respectively. Production cost for these treatments were $830.38 and $846.38/ac, respectively. Thus net profit/ac when controlling weeds with Treflan and Pursuit would be $1,099.22 and $1,483.22/ac, respectively, (at market price of $16.00/bu). Yield potential of fall greens turnip and broadleaf mustard were compared when planted on raised beds or non bed. The results varied from year to year. However, yield tended to be influenced by the amount of fall rainfall. Bedded green yields were slightly higher, (though not significant) than non bed planted greens in years of high fall rainfall. Sweet
potato planted in-row spacing of 9, 10, 12, and 15 inches showed the 9 and 10 inch in row spacing to produce significantly more total yield and US #1 grade than 12 or 15 inch spacing. The 9 and 10 inch spacing produced 59 and 55% US #1 grade potatoes respectively, while 12 and 15 inch spacing produced 32 and 26% US #1 respectively. The US #1 Grade potatoes sell for higher prices than Jumbos or Canner grades. Seven high-yielding cowpea (fresh pea) varieties have been selected and are being used as parents in a cross-breeding program. These varieties are LA Purple Hull (QuickPick), Early Scarlet, Mississippi Pinkey, Top Pick Pinkey, Empire, Empress and TX Pinkeye. In addition, 500 other lines have been evaluated. We have grouped these lines according to consumer-preferred characteristics as well as producer-preferred traits.
Impacts
This research study showed that minor changes in production practices adoption by limited resource farmers could lead to higher profits.
Publications
- Shadrach Okiror, Joseph G. Burleigh, Tracy Dunbar, Owen Porter and Robert Katayama. 2002. Report on Fresh and Dry Southern Pea Yields in Southeast Arkansas. Arkansas Agriculture and Rural Development Journal SAFHS, UAPB. Vol. 4: 20-23.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Southern pea field plot weed control and irrigation studies were conducted on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Farms. Two popular varieties, Louisiana Purple Hull (Quickpick) and Coronet , were grown in the weed control tests. The weed control treatments were: 1) Check, no weed control, 2) Treflan herbicide (1.5 pts/acre), 3) Pursuit (1.44 oz/acre), 4) Treflan plus pursuit, 5) Weed-free hand hoed plus herbicides and 6) Weed free hand hoed no herbicides. All plots were cultivated three times. Fresh pod yields were 95.8 and 129.3 bu/ac, for Coronet and Quick-Pick, respectively. Weed control yields were: 81.2, 82.0, 139.8, 122.7, 136.2, and 113.4 bu per acre, respectively. Yield increase from controlling weeds ranged from 72% (Pursuit) to 1.0% (Treflan). The average yield increase above the check treatment for the five combined weed control treatments was 37.62 bu/ac. At market price of $16.00/bu, the yield increase would return $601.92 more per acre. The
additional expense from using Treflan and Pursuit would be $5.60 and $21.60/ac, respectively. Pursuit provided better weed control than Treflan. The returns per acre were $1,312 per acre (Treflan) and $2,236.80 per acre (Pursuit). The production cost per acre was $830.38 (Treflan) and $846.38 (Pursuit). After production costs, profit per acre would be $481.62 with Treflan and $1,390.42 with Pursuit. Shelled dry pea yields were 792.6 and 952.1 lbs per acre for Quickpick and Coronet, respectively. An irrigation study on late planted (6-29-05) southern peas was conducted with 4 varieties. May and early June is the normal planting time. Peas were furrow irrigated once. Irrigation increased dry seed yields an average of 19.6% (168.5 lbs/A). Yield increases from irrigation ranged from 218.2 lbs/A (Coronet) to 99.5 lbs/A (ARK Blackeye). Seven high- yielding cowpea (fresh pea) varieties have been selected and are being used as parents in a cross-breeding program. These varieties are LA Purple
Hull (QuickPick), Early Scarlet, Mississippi Pinkeye, Top Pick Pinkeye, Empire, Empress and TX Pinkeye. In addition, 500 other lines are being evaluate
Impacts
Information obtained agronomic, budgeting and breeding studies will be used in decision-making by farmers to adopt alternative vegetable crops that yield higher profits.
Publications
- Shadrach Okiror, Joseph G. Burleigh, Tracy Dunbar, Owen Porter and obert Katayama. 2002. Report on Fresh and Dry Southern Pea Yields in Southeast Arkansas. Arkansas Agriculture and Rural Development Journal, School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Vol.: 20-23.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Southern pea field plot studies were conducted on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluffs Research Farm. Two popular southern pea varieties Louisiana Purple Hull (Quickpick), and Coronet were grown. The fertilizer treatments were not established in 2004 due to limited yield response to fertilizer the previous years. The weed control treatments employed were : 1) Check, no weed control, 2) Treflan herbicide (1.5 pts/acre), 3) Pursuit (1.44 oz/acre), 4) Treflan plus pursuit, 5) Weed-free hand hoed plus herbicide and 6) Weed free hand hoed no herbicide. All plots were cultivated three times. Fresh pod yields were 96.7 and 125.5 bu/ac, for Coronet and Quick-Pick, respectively. Weed control treatment yields were: 71.3, 123.4, 126.2, 118.7, 111.8 and 115.2 bu/ac for treatments 1,2,3,4,5and 6, respectively. Yield increase from controlling weeds ranged from 77% to 56.8%. The location where the plots were established had extensive broadleaf weed infestations, thus, no weed
control plots were very weedy. The average yield increase above the check treatments for the five combined weed control treatments was 47.8 bu/ac. At market price of $14.00/bu, the yield increase would return $669.20 more per acre. The additional expense from using Treflan and Pursuit would be $5.60 and $21.60/ac respectively. Use of Treflan in studies conducted from 1999-2004, show a 22.1 bu/ac yield increase over the no weed control treatment. Enterprise budgets developed for southern peas (fresh market (1999-2004) indicated that average returns per acre were $1,717.80 Coronet variety and $1,712.20 LA Quick-pick variety. The average production cost per acre is $821.63 (with herbicide) and 816.03 (without herbicide). Shelled dry pea yields were 726.9 and 825.9 lbs/ac, for Coronet and Quick-pick respectively. Weed control treatment yields were: 669.4, 833.8, 840.8, 778.1, 825.5 and 710.6 lbs/ac for treatments 1,2,3,4,5, and 6 respectively. An irrigation study on late planted (6-29-04)
southern peas was conducted with 4 varieties on the Lonoke farm. Peas were furrow irrigated 2 times. Irrigation increased fresh pod yields an average of 14.1% (8.3 bu/a). Yield increases from irrigation ranged from 11.6 bu/ac (Ark Black eye) to 4.7 bu/ac (Quick-pick). Irrigation increased dry pea yield an average of 16.8% (196.0 lbs/ac).
Impacts
Information obtained from agronomic, budgeting and breeding studies will be used in decision-making by farmers to adopt alternative vegetable crops that yield higher profits.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Southern pea field plot studies were conducted on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluffs research farm. Two popular southern pea varieties Louisiana Purple Hull (Quickpick), and Coronet were grown. The soil on which field plots were established tested at the medium level for P and K and as a result yield response to fertilizer application was not as consistent as response to weed control. Fresh pod pea yields were generally high each year and averaged 97.9.3 Bu/A year 2000 up to 150.2 bu/a year 2001. Weed control treatments 2 (herbicide plus cultivation) and/or 3 (weed free) increased fresh pod yield each year. Average yield increase for weed control treatment 2 was 12.1 bu/a or 10.3%, and 15.6 bu/a, 13.3% for weed control treatment 3. Maintaining plots weed free increased fresh pod yields by 17.5 and 14.7% in 1999 and 2000, respectively. Both Quickpick and Coronet varieties responded to weed control treatments similarly. Yields averaged over the five years show
Quickpick and Coronet to average 121.3 and 131.3 bu/a, respectively. Dry pea seed yield showed weed control response similar to fresh pod yield. Yields were increased by an average of 138.2lbs/a (16.4%)and 235 lbs/a (28.0%)for weed control treatments 2 and 3, respectively. Returns per acre for Quickpick were $1,698.20 and returns for Coronet were $1,838.2 when the price was $14/bu. Cost of production was $813.91per acre. Returns above expenses were $884.29 and $1,024.29 for Quickpick and Coronet, respectively. An irrigation study of flood, furrow and no irrigation of southern peas was conducted on the Lonoke Farm. In the irrigation study, dry seed yields have varied from year to year and were influenced by growing season weather. Irrigation has increased yields from 100 to 200 lbs/A some years and as little as 25 lbs/A in years when there were timely rain showers during bloom to pod fill. Flood irrigated plots generally had higher yields than furrow irrigated plots, however, the yield
differences were small most years and not likely to cover the increased cost of higher water utilization, pumping cost and labor for flood irrigation. Thus furrow irrigation for southern peas is preferred when possible. Bed vs flat planting of Fall Greens (Turnips and Mustard) was demonstrated on the UAPB Farm. A Fall Greens experiment comparing flat row planting (No Bed) vs Bed row planting has shown the influence of planting method on yield to vary from year to year. For example, in 2002, yield was 9.0 and 7.6 tons/A (fresh weight) for Bed and Flat planting respectively. In 2003 flat planting yielded more, 8.4 tons/A vs 6.3 tons, than bed planted greens. Nineteen of the twenty-five southern pea varieties/cultivars evaluated in the breeding program were advanced to further evaluations. Of these nineteen varieties, five were selected for use in a cross-breeding and hybridization program. A hybridization program will be conducted in a greenhouse during the winter season.
Impacts
Information obtained from agronomic, budgeting and breeding studies will be used in decision-making by farmers to adopt alternative vegetable crops that yield higher profits.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
The production potential and economic feasibility of growing southern peas, sweet potatoes and fall greens on small farms continues to be investigated at the University of AR-Pine Bluff. In a variety X weed control X fertilizer southern pea experiment, fresh pod pea yield of varieties Louisiana Purple Hull (Quick Pick) and Mississippi Purple Hull were 129.9 and 133.9 Bu/A, respectively. Weed control treatment yields were 109.5, 141.2 and 137.8 Bu/A, for no weed control, Treflan-1.5 pt./A, and weed free treatments, respectively. Returns for no weed control treatments were $617.49/A based on a $12 per bu selling price. Expenses per acre were $696.51. Returns for weed control treatments were $880.49/A based on a $12 per bu selling price. Expenses per acre were $813.91. Controlling weeds in southern peas provided an average yield increase of 30.0 Bu/A (27.4%) over the no weed control treatment. Returns for weed control treatments were $262.51/A higher than no weed
control. Dry seed yields in demonstration trials ranged from 1893.8 Lbs/A (AR Blackeye) to 989.8 Lbs/A (Quick Pick) at Pine Bluff, and 1626.6 Lbs/A (AR 92-552) to 739.9 Lbs/A (Quick Pick) at the Lonoke site. The demonstration plots at these sites were irrigated twice. Under non-irrigated conditions at Marianna yields ranged from 713 to 168.5 Lbs/A. A Fall Green experiment comparing flat planting (No Bed) vs Bed planting showed yields of 9.0 and 7.6 tons/A for Bed and Flat planting, respectively. Purple Top Turnip and Broadleaf Mustard yielded 9.0 and 7.7 tons/A, respectively. Bed planting increased yield by 1.6% (Purple Top Turnip) and 42.1% (Broadleaf Mustard), respectively. Returns for Turnips were $2,427.13/A. These returns are based on a $6/ Box selling price and a 720 Box/A yield (18,000 Lbs/A). Expenses per acre were $1,892.86. Average yield of U.S. #1grade sweet potatoes was 239.08 bu/A in 2002. Returns were $650.92/A based on a selling price of $12/bu. Expenses were
$2,218/A.
Impacts
Farmers have indicated that they need agronomic studies and enterprise budgets for growing vegetables that fit the small farm situation. Profits from growing traditional row crops continues to be low. Information obtained from agronomic studies/enterprise budgets may be useful in decision-making by farmers to adopt alternative vegetable crops that yield higher profits.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Southern pea field experiments were conducted on the U. of A. Pine Bluff research farm to determine the effect of variety, weed control and fertilizer rates on fresh pod and dry seed yield, pod length and seed size. Fresh wt. were 2056.5 and 2006.2 lbs/A for Coronet and LA Quick Pick varieties, respectively. Returns on southern peas (fresh) were $400.67/A and $373.57/A,respectively. Although fresh pod yields were similar, the LA Quick Pick is preferred by growers because of its upright growth habit which aids in harvesting. The Coronet variety had significantly higher dry seed yield (1097.5 vs 983.3lbs/A). LA Quick Pick had significantly longer pods (19.8 vs 16.3 cm) and larger seed wt. (44.7 vs 44.1 g/10 pods though not significantly larger than Coronet. Applying NPK fertilizer significantly increased fresh pod yield. Yields on weedy check plots were significantly lower than yield from plots receiving herbicide (Treflan 1.5 pts/A) or herbicide plus hand hoeing.
Effective weed control and fertilizer application increased fresh pod yields from 3 to 24% and 19 to 21%, respectively. In a study comparing yield of Turnip Greens and Broadleaf Mustard planted on raised beds and non bedded plots, the non bedded plots had significantly higher yields than bedded plots (24712.7 vs 19429.8 lbs/A), respectively. No explanation can be given for the significant yield advantage of non bedded over bedded plots. However, the Pine Bluff area received very heavy rain (5.75 in) on Oct. 10-12 that washed beds almost flat. Broadleaf Mustard yields were much greater than Turnip Greens (25958.9 vs 18183.6 lbs/A), respectively. Enterprise budgets are being developed for Turnip Greens and Sweet Potatoes. The profitability of growing vegetables versus traditional row crops will be evaluated.
Impacts
Farmers have indicated that they need agronomic studies and enterprise budgets for growing vegetables that fit the small farm situation. Profits from growing traditional row crops have been low. Information obtained from agronomic studies/enterprise budgets may be useful in decision-making by farmers to adopt alternative vegetables crops that yield higher profits.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
The production potential and economic feasibility of growing southern peas, sweet potatoes and fall greens on small farms were investigated at the University of AR-Pine Bluff (UAPB). Southern pea and sweet potato trials were also located at Lonoke, (50 mi North) and Marianna (88 mi East of Pine Bluff). Southern pea variety test yields ranged from 1148.6 to 373.5 lbs/A (dryseed) at Lonoke and 438.0 to 299.9 lbs/A at Marianna. Both tests were not irrigated and suffered through drought stress during the summer of 2000. In a variety x weed control x fertilization study at Pine Bluff, fresh pod yield of varieties, Louisiana Purple Hull (Quick-Pick) and Coronet were 94.1 and 99.8 Bu/A, respectively. Weed control treatment yields were 91.8, 93.8, and 105.2 Bu/A for no weed control,Treflen (1.5 pt/A) and weed free plots, respectively. Yield responses to N, P, K fertilizer were 80.9 Bu/A for no fertilizer, 84.4 Bu/A for low rate, 15-20-30 N, P, K, and 75.8 Bu/A for high rate,
30-40-60 lbs/A N, P, K. Returns on southern peas-Quick-Pick and Coronet were $398.32/A and $466.72/A,respectively. Input and output prices were based on 1999 data/estimates. A fall green experiment with Purple Top Turnips and Broadleaf Mustard showed flat planted (no Bed) greens to yield 9.0 vs. 8.2 tons/A for raised bed planting. The fall weather at Pine Bluff was very dry. Thus, potential water damage from poor soil drainage did not occur. Sweet potato variety demonstration trials were conducted at UAPB, Lonoke and Marianna to determine variety and cultural practices that would result in optimum yield and economic return under Arkansas growing conditions. Varieties/experimental lines tested were Beauregard, Portorico, Darby, Hernandes, Jewel, 94-96 and 89-110. Total marketable yield of Beauregard was numerically higher (473 Bu/A) than other varieties tested and Portorico the lowest (153 Bu/A) at Lonoke. Similar patterns of variety yield response was recorded at UAPB. However, at
Marianna experimental line 94-96 had the highest yield (177.6 Bu/A), and Beauregard (81.7 Bu/A) and Portorico (74.2 Bu/A) had the lowest yield. Below average yield of all tested varieties at Marianna could be related to prolonged drought and inadequate irrigation. More conclusive results and recommendations will be available to farmers following the 2001 growing season. Other enterprise budgets are being developed for southern peas, greens and sweet potatoes. The profitability of growing vegetables versus traditional row crops will be evaluated.
Impacts
Farmers have indicated that they need agronomic studies and enterprise budgets for growing vegetables that fit the small farm situation. Profits from growing traditional row crops have been low. Information obtained from agronomic studies/enterprise budgets may be useful in decision-making by farmers to adopt alternative vegetable crops that yield higher profits.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
A study was initiated in 1999 to determine the economic feasibility of southern peas, greens and sweet potato production by small farmers in Southeast Arkansas. Field plot experiments were conducted at the University of AR-Pine Bluff to determine the effect of variety, fertilizer rates and weed control on southern-pea growth and performance. The experimental design was a split-split plot with variety representing main plots, fertilizer rates and weed control representing sub and sub-sub plots respectively. All treatments were replicated 4 times. Two Purple Hull Pinkeye varieties, Coronet and LA Purple Hull "Quick Pick" were planted on June 4. Fertilizer treatments consisted of: 1) no fertilizer, 2) low rate of NPK (15-20-30) and 3) high rate of NPK (30-40-60). Weed control treatments were 1) no weed control 2) 1.5 PT/AC Treflan-PPI and 3) weed free-hand hoed. Individual treatment plots were 4 rows (0.76 m wide rows) x 7.6 m long. All plots were cultivated three times
and irrigated on July 16 and 23. Fresh market pod average yields were 3697 and 2915 lbs/ac for Quick Pick and Coronet varieties, respectively. Quick Pick had longer pods than Coronet (8.3 vs 6.8 inches average pod length) and larger seed size. Fertilizer treatments had no significant effect on fresh market pod yields. Weed control average yields were 3152, 3065 and 3701 lbs/ac for treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. For dry seed average yields were 1019 and 979 lbs/ac for Quick Pick and Coronet, respectively. Weed control treatment effects were similar to those observed for fresh market pods, 936, 985 and 1075 lbs/ac for weed control treatments 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Treflan application did not increase yields or increase weed control over the no weed control treatment. Results of Sweet Potato variety agronomic experiments are currently being analyzed. Enterprise budgets are also being developed from agronomic experiments discussed above, it is too soon to characterize the results.
A linear programming model of a representative Southeast Arkansas small farm will be developed from the enterprise budgets. The profitability of the production of vegetables (i.e. southern-peas, sweet potatoes and greens) versus traditional row crops will be evaluated. The various experiments will be conducted from 1999-2003.
Impacts
Economic feasibility analysis and agronomic studies will be conducted on alternative crops (i.e. vegetables). Information obtained from these studies will be used by small, limited-resource farmers that adopt alternative crops. Alternative crops will increase the income of small, limited-resource farmers.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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