Progress 07/01/09 to 12/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Colorado fruit growers and scientific audiences Changes/Problems: Positive change in growers thinking and way of doing that will help to minimize the problems such as chlorosis, soil health, disease management such as replant, Cytospora canker, adapting better and efficient rootstocks to remediate the problem. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Presented talks in growers' meetings, conducted field demonstration, field days and tours. Produced Fact Sheet and revised and updated websites on the non-chemical and integrated approaches. Provided talks in scientific meetings, and produced peer reviewed publication. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
All of the major goals except #4 were achieved.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Pokharel, R. and G. Reighard.2013. Evaluation of Rootstock Effect on Tolerance to Iron Chlorosis and Cytospora Canker in Peaches. ActHort (accepted).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Pokharel, R., D. Reich, and G. Reighard. 2013. Deficit Irrigation for Iron Chlorosis did not Affect Fruit Production and Quality in Peach. ActHort (accepted).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Pokharel, R. and G. Reighard. 2013. Evaluation biofumigation to manage replant disease in peach. ActHort (accepted).
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Colorado fruit growers and scientific audiences Changes/Problems: Positive change in growers thinking and way of doing that will help to minimize the problems such as chlorosis, soil health, disease management such as replant, Cytospora canker, adapting better and efficient rootstocks to remediate the problem. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Presented talks in growers' meetings, conducted field demonstration, field days and tours. Produced Fact Sheet and revised and updated websites on the non-chemical and integrated approaches. Provided talks in scientific meetings, and produced peer reviewed publication. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
All of themajor goalsexcept #4 were achieved.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Pokharel, R. and G. Reighard.2013. Evaluation of Rootstock Effect on Tolerance to Iron Chlorosis and Cytospora Canker in Peaches. ActHort (accepted).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Pokharel, R., D. Reich, and G. Reighard. 2013. Deficit Irrigation for Iron Chlorosis did not Affect Fruit Production and Quality in Peach. ActHort (accepted).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Pokharel, R. and G. Reighard. 2013. Evaluation biofumigation to manage replant disease in peach. ActHort (accepted).
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The multi -year study initiated in 2011 to compare rootstock (Viking, St. Julian, Nemaguard, and Lovell), variety (Zee lady and Sierra Rich) and biofumigation (soil solarization, incorporation mustard and chicken manure interactions to manage replant disease in peach is continued. Trees were planted in both replant and non-replant site. Another experiment to evaluate the effect of trench on replant disease management was initiated; Zee Lady peach trees on above four rootstocks were planted in trenched and non-trenched replant soils. Preliminary data was collected and analyzed and reported in Annual Report of Western Colorado Research Center, field days, tours, and workshops. Some of the growers have started adapting this technique, specially the trenching. PARTICIPANTS: Bryan Braddy as local help for this experiment. The project was funded by EPA. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
So far no impact is seen as it is too early to measure the impact.
Publications
- Pokharel, R. 2012. Efficacy of trenching, rootstock, and compost to manage peach replant disease. Phytopathology 102 (S), No. 7: S4.93
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Stone fruit growers, especially organic growers have started using non-chemical Cytospora canker disease management strategies which were delivered to the growers through annual reports, and other forms of publications and presentations. Several presentations on non-chemical disease management on Cytospora canker were made in workshops, field, and tours as an outcome of several research studies done from 2007-2010 at Western Colorado Research Center on Cytospora Canker disease management. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Ramesh R. Pokharel TARGET AUDIENCES: Targeted to tree fruit growers especially to organic producers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: One new multi-year study was initiated in 2011 to compare rootstock (Viking, St. Julian, Nemaguard, and Lovell), variety (Zee lady and Sierra Rich) and biofumigation (soil solarization, incorporation mustard and chicken manure interactions to manage replant disease in peach. Trees were planted in both replant and non-replant site. Another experiment to evaluate the effect of trench on replant disease management was initiated; Zee Lady peach trees on above four rootstocks were planted in trenched and non-trenched replant soils. Preliminary data was collected and analyzed. Reports will be presented in the 2011 Annual Report of Western Colorado Research Center.
Impacts
About 1-2 percent of organic growers are using non-chemical management strategies such as mustard oil, proper way of pruning, irrigation, and orchard management. These are expected to be used by at least 25% organic fruit growers that can help to reduce the disease incidence and severity by 10-15 percent by 2015 at least in organic fruit orchards and net saving of at least 5 percent in tree loss and income each year.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Soilborne pests and diseases pose substantial challenges to fruit and vegetable producers. They reduce crop quality and yield, access to previously available control options is becoming more difficult, and development of new options is not keeping up with the loss of older options. Soil solarization with and without incorporation of mustard green manure and chicken compost was tested on onion and in peach. Soil solarization was effective for late in the season when the temperature was not very high, i.e. September- October, when mustard green and chicken manure were incorporated into the soil in the solarization process. Cytospora disease of stone fruit is a serious problem for growers, especially in peach and cherry; there is no effective management option for conventional or organic growers. A four-year study found that mustard oil, clove oil and cinnamon oil will reduce the incidence of the disease. Disease incidence was reduced 75, 85 and 80% % by topical application of mustard oil, clove oil, and cinnamon oil, respectively to existing infections thinning in peach and apple is very expensive and labor intensive. Organic peaches typically are thinned by hand, and currently available chemical thinning options for apple can produce inconsistent results. Application of clove oil, cinnamon oil and Stylet-oil at different concentration effectively thinned apple blossoms by 60-90% as compared to water. These chemicals produced consistent results in Honey Crisp apple variety, and are user friendly as compared to fish oil used for apple thinning. These products are not expensive and easily available in the market. PARTICIPANTS: Environmental Protection Agency, PESP program provided the research grant and a report was provided to EPA. TARGET AUDIENCES: The result was presented to onion growers at Onion Growers field day in 2010 focusing on the importance of soil health, soil health management strategies, role of soil solarization, especially with addition of chicken compost and mustard green. A fact sheet on soil solarization target to fruit, vegetable and nursery growers is prepared and is under way of publication. A summary of the efficacy of mustard oil, clove oil, and cinnamon oil applications for control of cytospora canker on peach and sweet cherry was presented to fruit growers at the 2010 convention of the Western Colorado Horticultural Society meeting. A summary of the efficacy of clove oil, cinnamon oil, and Stylet-oil for thinning of apple and peach was presented to growers at 2010 convention of the Western Colorado Horticultural Society. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Adoption of soil solarization with incorporation of mustard green manure and chicken compost (biofumigation) provides an alternative to use of traditional soil fumigants that are increasingly hard to find, difficult and dangerous to use, and that are not allowed in organic cropping systems under organic certification rules.
Publications
- Pokharel, R.R. and Larsen, H.J. 2010. Alternative management of Cytospora canker in stone fruits in Colorado. Pp. 28-32 In: Western Colorado Research Center 2009 Annual Report. Colo. St. Univ., Colo. Agric. Exper. Sta. Technical Report TR10-07. Colo. Agric. Exper. Sta., Ft. Collins. 40 p.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Work was completed on organic weed management and soil pathogen suppression using soil solarization in conjunction with mustard green manures, mustard meal cakes and green manures on onions. These results have been disseminated to individual growers on a one-to one basis. Further dissemination is planned through a fact sheet and at field days this coming year. Work was also completed on organic hops fertility management study using legume cover crops, compost and commercial organic fertilizers separately and in combination to supply hops high nitrogen needs. This information was partially disseminated at an organic hops grower's workshop and field day in 2009 and dissemination of the complete study and the implications for production and cost reductions will take place at the 2010 hops grower's workshop and field day. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Pokharel, R.R. (P.I.) Godin, R.E. (P.I.) Partner Organizations: Rising Sun Farms, Paonia, Colorado Still Wind Farm, Hotchkiss, Colorado Collaborators (interdepartmental): Stonaker, F.H. Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Training: Organic/Sustainable Hops Production Workshop (including a field day), was held August 28 & 29th. Farmer/producer participants: 62. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences: 1) Organic market farmers that included many female farmers. 2) Hops producers and consumers. Efforts: Organic/Sustainable Hops Production Workshop (including a field day), was held August 28 & 29th. Farmer/producer participants: 62. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The soil solarization project has led to adoption by many organic farmers of annual crops. The solarization works best when combined with one of the other treatments. The project found that the optimal time for best results is when the solarization is done in July and August to take advantage of the high summer temperatures. Adoption of the findings of this project will reduce monetary cost for weed control labor and should increase grower's income. The outcomes and impacts of the organic hops fertility study concluded that using non-competing cover crops, such as clovers, will help supply much of the nitrogen needed by the crop thus reducing costs of fertility and increasing grower income.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A segment of the "Organic Cropping Systems Management" project has been conducting organic hops research since 2003 at Colorado State University's (CSU) Western Colorado Research Center at Rogers Mesa. This project has been evaluating 20 different hops varieties, commonly used by craft breweries, to determine the commercial potential for organic production under irrigated conditions. Results indicate that approximately ten varieties produce a sufficient quantity and quality of hops to be commercially viable in the arid inter-mountain west. The results of this research have led to the start of a commercial organic hops industry in western Colorado. In 2008, ten acres were planted and harvested for commercial production and an estimated 50 acres will be added in 2009. As a result of the organic hops research that provided information to growers on viable varieties, and a worldwide hop shortage that began in 2007, there has been a keen interest from both growers and brewers alike. In conjunction with knowledge gained from research and grower experience, a hops production workshop, with an emphasis on organic production, was organized and held in Hotchkiss, Colorado, in July of 2008. The workshop was held in cooperation with CSU Cooperative Extension Service. The workshop was attended by 70 participants. Growers, extension agents and scientists made presentations of research and experiential results and growing methods at the workshop. The broad grower base that attended the workshop expressed a strong interest in diversifying their crop base by adding hops plantings in the near future. Approximately half of the attendees were brewery owners and/or brewers, mostly from Colorado but also from several neighboring states with interest in establishing hops production and supply agreements with area growers. These agreements will help bolster and grow the hops industry in the area and contribute to the economic sustainability of their small farms. The hops research has established that hops are a commercially viable crop for organic growers in the arid inter-mountain west. Additional research has begun to determine best organic production practices to optimize hops quality and quantity. The results of this research, along with a start-up model developed in conjunction with commercial growers, has spurred the initiation of small farm hops research projects in the Mid-west and Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Principle Investigator: Ron Godin, Ph.D. Designed and maintained on-station hops variety trials. Assisted and consulted with hops growers and potential hops growers. Non-formal collaborators: Glen Fuller, hops grower, Paonia, CO. Mr. Fuller constructed and planted a five acre hop yard and allowed the P.I. to monitor all phases especially crop development and production. Collaborator, Training and development: Ed Page, Ph.D., CSU Cooperative Extension Service, along with the P.I., planned and held a "Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop" attended by 70 farmers and brewers. Training and Development: P.I. provided mentoring for Alison Hamm, MS student at CSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, who is working on her graduate degree in hops production and brewing science. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is hop growers and farmers looking into the potential of hops production to diversify their crop and income base. Science-based knowledge was disseminated through an informal education of a "Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop". Extension and outreach was extensive due to extremely high interest in hops production over the past year and was performed mostly on a one-on-one basis with potential growers and the P.I. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The findings of this research, as to which hops varieties are suitable to the arid inter-mountain west, contributed to hops growers selection of high performing hops varieties for their plantings. These varieties are also in high demand by brewers and brought a good market price in their first year's production. The small farm hops production model developed in conjunction with area growers is currently being evaluated for implementation by small farms in other areas of the country. The resources aided in the maintenance of this research project on a long-term basis, bolstering the robustness of the results that aided growers in selecting varieties that maximize income potential for long-term economic sustainability and viability. The results of this research have led to a change in knowledge and actions by the scientist and growers. The long-term nature of the hops research has improved the knowledge of viable varieties and their methods of cultivation to improve production. This increased knowledge has led to action by hops growers to select hops varieties that have proven to produce consistently well in the area. A change in condition has occurred through transfer of technology from scientist, extension agent and growers to a broader grower base through the production of the Organic/Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop (noted above).
Publications
- Flores, R. 2008. Low Trellis Picking Systems. Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop, Hotchkiss, CO. http://scstest.agsci.colostate.edu/godin/index.html#presentations, under the heading - Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop
- Godin, R. 2008. Growing Sustainable Hops: From Rhizomes to Beer. Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop, Hotchkiss, CO. http://scstest.agsci.colostate.edu/godin/index.html#presentations, under the heading - Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop
- Hamm, A. 2008. Organic Hop Research and Varieties: Colorado Brewery Needs, Hop Cultivation Problems. Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop, Hotchkiss, CO. http://scstest.agsci.colostate.edu/godin/index.html#presentations, under the heading - Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop
- Page, E. 2008. Hop Trellising and Budgets. Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop, Hotchkiss, CO. http://scstest.agsci.colostate.edu/godin/index.html#presentations, under the heading - Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop
- Scheer, L. 2008. Hops Growing Workshop Overview: Small Grower/Experimenters Perspective. Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop, Hotchkiss, CO. http://scstest.agsci.colostate.edu/godin/index.html#presentations, under the heading - Sustainable Hops Growing Workshop
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Weed control in organic vegetable production systems is critical for profitability for direct market producers; however, there are few tools to manage weeds in organic vegetable production besides plastic mulch and labor-intensive hand weeding. Plastic mulch (PM) creates problems in that it must be disposed of in landfills, which is not in keeping with otherwise environmentally sustainable organic agriculture. Corn gluten meal (CGM), an organically acceptable by-product of corn milling, has been shown to be an effective pre-emergent herbicide in the humid climates of the Midwestern and Eastern U.S. This study was done to evaluate: 1) the effects of various rates of CGM versus plastic mulch and hand weeding in the arid inter-mountain west on broccoli production, a high-value cash crop and 2) net returns for the various treatments. This study examined weed density, marketable yield and net returns for seven weed control treatments. The treatments were four rates of CGM, 0.56,
0.84 and 1.12 tons ha-1 (single application) and 1.70 tons ha-1 (split application), PM, hand weeding and a control. Marketable yield was significantly higher under PM in 2004 than all other treatments; however, costs were also higher than all other treatments. The 0.56 tons ha-1 CGM application rate had the highest marketable yield in 2005. In 2004 and 2005, net returns similar and significantly higher in the PM and 0.56 tons ha-1 CGM application than all other treatments. Although CGM did not provide 100% weed suppression CGM did provide 3 - 4 weeks of weed suppression, sufficient time for the high value cash crop to become well established. The low cost of the CGM compared to the PM resulted in similar net returns without the disposal problems associated with the PM. Results of this study show that growers can achieve the same or higher net returns using 0.56 tons ha-1 CGM as when using PM without the disposal and environmental problems presented by the PM.
PARTICIPANTS: The PI for the project was Ron Godin, Ph.D. and research technicians Kim Schultz and Jim Rohde helped with project maintenance and data collection. The vegetable producers from the Valley Organic Growers Association toured the study several times and made suggestion for improving the weed control, such as combinations of corn gluten meal and hand weeding, etc. The project was funded by a USEPA pesticide reduction grant.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences were local and regional organic vegetable growers that grow for fresh market sales. These are typically growers with 4 hectares or less. The results and information from this work were presented at a monthly meeting of the Valley Organic Growers Association, at Colorado and New Mexico Organic Producer Conferences and are posted on the Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station website at: http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/AES/Pubs/pdf/tb07-1.pdf
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There were no major changes or modifications in this program.
Impacts
The expected outcomes and impacts of this project will be a positive economic, environmental, and social impact on the area farms and communities. This study should boost farm net returns by reducing labor and/or production costs while reducing the environmental impact of landfilling PM. The positive economic and environmental impacts of this study will have a further positive social impact on area farms by increasing long-term sustainability. Increasing farm sustainability will also improve the long-term economic viability of the farms in the region. This in turn will improve the economic viability and social stability of area rural communities.
Publications
- Godin, R., Schultz, K. and Rohde, J. 2007. Investigation of Organic Weed Control Methods. Agricultural Experiment Station, Technical Bulletin TB07-01. Colorado State University, Ft. Collins. Publication link: http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/AES/Pubs/pdf/tb07-1.pdf
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Much research has been conducted on young fruit orchards in the area of weed control and ground cover management. However, little research has been conducted to address weed control and ground cover management on older fruit orchards. Therefore, organic fruit growers in the western Colorado region were in need of information on organic weed control, ground cover management and fertility options for their older, perennial pome and stone fruit orchards. This study examined six different weed control/ground cover treatments and the treatment effects on orchard fruit production, fruit quality and soil fertility. The results showed that paper mulch consistently produced significantly higher yields than all other treatments. However, when the cost of labor for treatment application and maintenance was factored into the total costs, a mowed grass ground cover showed the highest income potential. The lower maintenance cost of the mowed grass ground cover more than offset the
lower fruit production. Organic fruit growers now have sound scientific data to base their weed control and ground cover management decisions on for their orchards. The use of propane flaming was a common organically approved weed control method practiced in the area prior to this study. Due to the increasing costs of propane, growers are phasing out propane flaming as a weed control/ground cover management method. This research has been timely by showing that organic fruit growers have a viable, less costly alternative to propane flaming that doesn't result in a yield reduction. The results of this research are therefore having a positive economic impact on organic fruit growers in the western Colorado region and western U.S. area as a whole.
Impacts
The expected impacts of this project will be a positive economic, environmental, and social impact on the area farms and communities. This study should boost farm net returns by reducing labor input costs while reducing the environmental impact by reducing petrochemical use. The organic green bean seed production study will enhance crop diversity thereby reducing economic risks. The positive economic and environmental impacts of this study will have a further positive social impact on area farms. Increasing farm income will improve the economic viability of the farms that will in turn improve the economic viability and social stability of area rural communities.
Publications
- Godin, R., Ela, S., Max, S., Schultz, K., and Rohde, J. 2006. Organic Alternatives for Weed Control and Ground Cover Management: Effects on Tree Growth, Development and Productivity. Agricultural Experiment Station, Technical Bulletin TB06-03. Colorado State University, Ft. Collins. http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/AES/Pubs/pdf/tb06-3.pdf
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
An organic weed management study was completed in 2005. The study examined four rates of corn gluten meal (CGM), and an organic pre-emergent herbicide, for efficacy in organic vegetable production. The lowest rate of CGM, 0.56 tons/ha, had the fewest weeds, highest yield and highest net returns of any of the CGM treatments. The lowest CGM treatment had comparable net returns to plastic mulch, the most used weed control method in organic vegetables. Other CGM rates used were 0.84 tons/ha, 1.12 tons/ha and 1.70 tons/ha (in a split application). The data from this study shows that CGM is an effective and cost effective weed suppressor in organic fields with lower rates performing as well as the higher rates. If weed pressure is moderate, CGM can be as cost effective as plastic mulch without the disposal problems inherent in using plastic mulch. We also found that in fields with high weed pressure, CGM was not as effective on fields with moderate to low weed pressure.
Western Colorado is an ideal location for organic seed production because there is little or no disease and pest pressures effecting organic seed production. This was the second year of an organic green bean seed production project. The results to date show that organic green bean seed production can be a viable crop for organic growers in a diversified cropping system. Seed yields on three of the five varieties tested had significantly higher yields than the other two varieties. A third and final year of study will be done to verify current findings. Many area livestock producers want to produce organic meat but do not have a local source of organic feed to supplement winter pasture and hay. Organic livestock producers could benefit from growing their own organic soybeans for supplemental winter feed and greatly reduce transportation costs, thereby increasing their income potential. It was determined that at $0.66/ltr for diesel fuel the break even point for soybean production was
2.2 Mg/ha. Therefore, an organic soybean variety trial was begun to determine the best soybean varieties regarding season length best suited to western Colorado growing condition and climate. A second objective was to determine if growing organic soybeans in western Colorado is economically feasible and sustainable in rotation with other crops used in rotations for livestock feed. In the first year the highest yielding of the three varieties tested was also the longest season variety tested; yield was 2.4 Mg/ha.
Impacts
The expected impacts of this project will be a positive economic, environmental, and social impact on the area farms and communities. The CGM study results should boost farm net returns by reducing input costs while reducing the environmental impact of the disposal of the plastic mulch. The organic green bean seed production study will enhance crop diversity thereby reducing economic risks. Organic seed is in high demand due to National Organic Standards requirements and few producers of organic seed. Consultations with several nation-wide seed sellers indicated they had low supplies with demand and prices rising quickly. The impacts of the organic soybean study potentially will be economical and environmental. If the first year results hold, farmers will be able to reduce their input costs by reducing feed hauling costs which will also reduce the environmental impact due to reduced fuel use. Increasing farm income will improve the economic viability of the farms that
will in turn improve the economic viability and social stability of the area communities.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
There has been little replicated research done to provide information to organic growers in the areas of organic soil fertility, organic weed control, insect and disease management, or irrigation management in organic production systems. The purpose of this project to address the needs of organic growers in western Colorado for information on appropriate crop management practices that address pest management, soil fertility, manure management, cover crops and diversification in a holistic management scheme. For 2004, a weed management project on a mature apple orchard was completed; a final report has been submitted to the Organic Farming Research Foundation. We found that paper mulch and landscape fabric had the fewest weeds and the highest apple yields. Weed competition does have a significant negative effect on apple production in a mature orchard. A second study on organic fruit trees involves applying organic residues grown on-farm, such as alfalfa grown on a
neighboring field and clovers grown in the alleyway, for tree fertility. Results to date shows alfalfa imported from a neighboring field to have significantly higher yields than any of the other four treatments. A third study examining organic weed control options in organic vegetables has completed the second of three years. Results indicate that corn gluten meal applications of one ton per acre can reduce weed competition in organic vegetables by 70% over the control. An organic table grape variety trial is in its second year with the first harvest expected next year. A new project started in 2004 is examining organic green bean seed production. The first year's results show two of the five varieties tested, Rattlesnake and Hystyle, had higher seed production than Kentucky Wonder, Climber or Provider.
Impacts
The expected impacts of this project will be positive economic, environmental and social benefits. These studies should increase farm profits, partially from reduced herbicide and fertilizer costs, but also from improved crop production and higher prices paid for organic fruits and vegetables. Other economic impacts will result from reduced input costs for fertilizers grown on-farm rather than purchased commercial organic inputs. Our variety trials will help increase crop diversity, reduce risk and increase profitability by informing growers of possible new crops and their accompanying production systems. The resulting improvements from these projects will produce higher income due to significantly less input costs and improved number of marketable organic crops. Should this research prove successful, the potential environmental damage would also be reduced due to a reduction in herbicide use and fertilizer inputs. The results of these studies will also contribute to
the research based information available to organic growers as a whole. The social impacts of this research should be significant, because of reduced herbicide exposure for growers and better economic viability for growers and their communities.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
There are several studies underway at the Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC) to address the needs of organic growers for research based information. Research is being conducted on weed control, soil fertility and table grape varieties. These studies have made significant progress in the past year. A three year study on organic mulches for weed control, in cooperation with a local organic apple grower, is in the final stages of data collection and sample analysis. The trends of this study indicate that landscape fabric, or weed barrier, is not only the most effective treatment against weeds but also shows that trees grown with landscape fabric had higher yields and better soil moisture retention when compared to bark mulch, paper mulch, flaming or mowing. This information will be beneficial to organic as well as conventional fruit growers if significant weed control can be achieved without chemical herbicide applications. These results are not conclusive; however,
the research does show promising trends. A second study, in its first year, is examining the use of corn gluten meal, an organic by-product with pre-emergent herbicidal properties, on weed control in organic vegetables. The corn gluten meal did not prove effective and split applications or higher rates will be examined next year. The third study, in its second year, is a cooperative project with a local organic peach grower that is looking at organic fruit tree fertility. The objective is to produce the required fruit fertility on-farm rather than purchase inputs. Preliminary findings show a definite yield benefit from applying alfalfa, grown on a neighboring field, to peach trees. The fourth organic study is a variety trial on organic table grapes. The objective is to determine if several of six cold hardy varieties can be economically viable in western Colorado. The vines were planted in the spring of 2003 and are growing well. The first small harvest should occur in late summer of
2005.
Impacts
The potential economic impact of these studies is reduced herbicide use from improved non-herbicidal weed control, reduced input costs from on-farm grown fertilizers, and more diversity in marketable crops for growers. These resulting improvements would produce higher income due to significantly less input costs and improved number of marketable crops. Should this research prove successful, the environmental impacts would be greatly reduced, again due to a reduction in herbicide use and fertilizer input costs. The results of these studies will also contribute to the research based information available to organic growers. The social impact of this research should be significant due to reduced herbicide exposure and better economic viability for growers and communities.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
In the past decade there has been a significant increase in organic fruit production in Colorado with a corresponding increase in the number of organic fruit growers. Organic fruit currently accounts for approximately 20% of all fruit grown in Colorado. Organic fruit growers are eager for new information to aid in orchard and vineyard management. However, there has been little research to answer the multitude of basic unknowns presented by organic fruit production. There are several studies underway at the Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC) to address the needs of organic fruit growers for research based information. Scientifically based research on organic fruit IPM and fertility, along with crop variety trials have recently started and results are still inconclusive. This information will be beneficial to organic as well as conventional fruit growers if significant pest control can be achieved with reduced chemical application. Researchers are currently
studying weed control using various mulches, codling moth control using pheromone traps, organic thinning using various oils, several powdery mildew control studies for grapes and manure/fertility studies on tree fruit. Fruit pest management programs are currently in transition. Insect pest management programs are transitioning from organophospate and carbamate insecticides to programs utilizing narrow-spectrum insecticides and/or organic and biological controls. In recent years, there have been many narrow-spectrum and organic insecticides introduced to the marketplace. However, product efficacy is often dependent on local conditions. In western Colorado, high UV light levels and low humidity have been observed to have significant impacts on pesticide efficacy levels when compared with trials conducted in other areas of the United States. This research is designed to determine whether new insecticides are efficacious under Colorado climatic conditions and local fruit pest management
programs. An organic weed/mulch study in apples is in its second of three years with trends indicating that weed fabric barrier is not only the most effective treatment against weeds but also shows that tree grown with weed barrier had higher yields and better soil moisture retention this year when compared to bark mulch, paper mulch, flaming or mowing. These results are not yet conclusive, however, the research does show promising trends. Several IPM projects have also been started this year on sustainable wine grape production, they include a study on powdery mildew control using reduced fungicide treatments and mite control of powdery mildew.
Impacts
The potential economic impact of these reduced pesticide use studies is very high. The resulting improved fruit quality and yield would produce higher income for growers due to significantly less input costs for pesticides. Should this research prove successful, the environmental impacts would be greatly reduced, again due to a reduction in pesticide use. The results of these studies will also contribute to the research based information available to organic growers. The social impact of this research should also be significant due to reduced pesticide exposure to workers, communities and consumers.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
In cropping reliability studies, dormant applications on 2/2/2001 of kaolin clay (5.69 kg ai/l, repeated one time after drying) to `BerendaSun' and `Red Globe' peach delayed bloom by 6 days and 4 days, respectively. Applications of dilute white latex paint (10% vol/vol, applied 2/7/2001 and repeated one time after drying) delayed `BerendaSun' bloom 4 days and `Red Globe' peach 2 days. Jonathan cv. `Ruby Jon' and `Granny Smith' apple, `Bartlett' pear, and `Glohaven' peach were not delayed by either treatment nor by application of soybean oil (10% vol/vol, applied 2/6/2001) or application of a mixture of sucrose (0.5M) + sodium alginate (30 g/l) + glycerol (1% vol/vol) + white latex paint (5% vol/vol) immediately followed by application of CaCl2 (3% wt/vol) on 3/24 and 3/27/2001. Blossom clusters were reduced by 67% in pear treated with the soybean oil. Chardonnay grape treated with soybean oil (10% vol/vol) or with Stylet-Oil (5% vol/vol) on 3/9/2001 experienced severe
damage with none of the 6 vines in each treatment surviving to bud burst. No such damage was observed on grape cvs. Vignoles, Cabernet Franc, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Further study is needed. Also see CRIS projects COL00157, COL00779, and COL00675.
Impacts
Colorado fruit growers suffer periodic crop loss due to spring frost. Methods to delay bloom could mean the difference between a full crop, a partial crop, or no crop. Crop valuations in 2000 were $5 million for apple, $8 million for peach, $1 million for pear. Also see CRIS projects COL0157, COL0779, and COL0675.
Publications
- Gaus, A.G. 2001. Sunburn Reduction in Apple Utilizing an Aluminet Canopy. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 2000. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. (on the web at: www.colostate.edu/programs/wcrc/annrpt/00/Gaus_SunburnReductionApple. html) --- Also see CRIS projects COL00157, COL00779, and COL00675.
- Larsen, H.J., Stushnoff, C.E., and Rogoyski, M.K. 2001. Cropping reliability: Methods to enhance bud survival and cropping reliability in fruit crops. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 2000. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. (on the web at: www.colostate.edu/programs/wcrc/annrpt/00/Larsen_BloomDelay.html)
- Zimmerman, R. 2001. Population and Control of the European Earwig, Forficula auricularia, in Western Colorado Peach Orchards. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 2000. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. (on the web at: www.colostate.edu/programs/wcrc/annrpt/00/Zimmerman_Earwig.html)
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Fruit sunburn is a major cause of fruit cullage for Golden Delicious apple in Colorado, with losses some years of up to 30% of harvested fruit (value of $1 million). An aluminum-coated polyethylene woven shade cloth structure utilizing two weave densities (50% shade weave and 70% shade weave) was used to provide shading for Golden Delicious apple during afternoons from July 20 to Aug. 22, 2000. Fruit harvested in mid-September was evaluated for severe sunburn (sufficient to cause cullage). Severe sunburn was 27% for non-protected fruit but only 4% for both weave densities (an 86% reduction). Crop losses for apple and peach to spring frost have ranged from $5 million to $14 million since 1991. Ways to delay bloom could reduce susceptibility to frost injury and enhance cropping reliability. Gels consisting of mixtures of sodium alginate (3% wt./vol), different sugars (sucrose,0.5 M, or molasses, 15% vol/vol), diluted white latex paint, and various adjuvants were applied
to developing peach and apple buds 3-4 weeks prior to bloom. The alginate gels were cross-linked with calcium chloride to provide stability and durability. Such alginate applications delayed peach bloom by 4.4 - 6.6 days at one location and by 0.5 to 1.0 phenological stages (typically 5-7 days /stage) at two other locations. The applications had no measurable effect on bloom timing for apple at any of the three sites used. Soybean oil sprays (5% vol/vol) applied at 4 wks pre-bloom had no effect on bloom timing for either peach or apple. Hybrid Populus sp. are currently being considered as an agroforestry crop for area agricultural producers. A study comparing first year growth of trees under furrow versus trickle irrigation found no differences in growth for trees in the two irrigation programs (both had mean trunk circumferences of 6.86 cm and mean trunk diameters of 2.22 cm). However, the furrow irrigation system applied 17X more water through the season than did the trickle
irrigation system (10,985,416 l/ha versus 637,766 l/ha, respectively). The excellent growth under both regimes demonstrates that such trees can be grown using trickle irrigation with high expectations of excellent first year growth.
Impacts
Fruit protection from sunburn between late July and late August could reduce severe sunburn on Golden Delicious apple by 86% and increase local fruit packout and returns by $1 million. Adaptation of methods to reduce fruit loss to spring frost could reduce local fruit losses by $3-8 million per year in freeze years.
Publications
- Gaus, A.G., Larsen, H.J., and Rogoyski, M.K. 2000. Growing Peaches: A Guide for Western Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region. Bull. 570A. Colo. St. Univ. Coop. Ext., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. 40 pp.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
One aspect of this project is to improve the sustainability of apple growers in Western Colorado by improving fruit thinning. Consistent annual cropping will be needed in the future for the apple industry to survive. One method of insuring annual crops is return bloom. Proper timing of thinning sprays is critical to achieving good return bloom. Many times, by the time the grower decides he needs to apply another thinning spray, the critical application time has past. The aim of this particular experiment was to use fruit diameter growth measurements to determine if there is a way to know ahead of time if a thinner is going to work or not. An experiment on 'Smoothee' Golden Delicious was done to test the method and its application. Nine trees were selected and 3 treatments were assigned to each of three replicates. One set of three trees were control trees with no thinner applied. A second set of three trees had the thinner carbaryl at 355 ml / 378 L (0.75 pint per 100
gal), NAA 200 at 21 ml / 378 L (0.7 oz. per 100 gal), and Regulaid at 473 ml / 378 L (1.0 pt per 100 gal) applied on 28 May, 4 days after beginning fruit measurements (normal first thinning spray timing). A third set of three trees had the prior thinning treatment plus carbaryl at 355 ml / 378 L (0.75 pint per 100 gal, Regulaid at 473 ml / 378 L (1.0 pt per 10 gal) applied 14 days later. Average fruit diameter was 19 mm (0.75 in). Five clusters per tree were selected and all of the fruit in the cluster were individually measured daily until 1 July. All of the data has not been thoroughly analyzed yet. The average percent of fruit left in a cluster on 11 June was 49, 47, and 32 percent for the control, one application, and two applications, respectfully. On 1 July, the percent of fruit left in a cluster was 43, 13, and 20 for the control, one application, and two applications, respectfully. There was some variability in the data (two applications of thinner had more fruit left than
just one application). On 1 July 1999, more clusters in the control had 3 fruit per cluster, more clusters in both the one application and two applications of thinner had no fruit. Two preliminary conclusions can been drawn from this experiment. First, it would appear that the second application of thinner was not needed. That the clusters with two or three fruit in them, did not necessarily get reduced to singles by two applications. Also, by 1 July there was a greater reduction in percent fruit left on those with only one application than on those with the second application (47 to 13 versus 32 to 20). Secondly, it does appear that once a fruit stops growing, it will eventually fall off (data not presented). The problem is determining what will cause that effect.
Impacts
This is the first year of this project and the impact is not known. The preliminary expectation of the impact of this project could be significant. With proper thinning, a grower could increase their returns by up to 100 percent. An environmental impact is that less chemical could be potentially placed in the environment if a second or even third application of thinner could be avoided.
Publications
- Gaus, A. G. 1999. Beginner's Branch. Fruit Growers Nwsl. 19(4):2. (Colo. St. Univ. Coop. Ext.).
- Gaus, A. G. 1999. Beginner's Branch. Fruit Growers Nwsl. 19(5):2. (Colo. St. Univ. Coop. Ext.).
- Gaus, A. G. 1999. Beginner's Branch. Fruit Growers Nwsl. 19(6):5. (Colo. St. Univ. Coop. Ext.).
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