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NSA Sets Research Priorities for 2003
Monday, December 2, 2002
filed under: Research and Development
The National Sunflower Association’s Research Committee has set its research priorities for 2003, based in part by sunflower field surveys conducted across sunflower-producing states in September.
Larry Kleingartner, executive director of the NSA, says that prioritizing sunflower research objectives enables the industry and crop scientists to identify areas of study that need more attention. Establishing priorities also enables the NSA to make efficient use of sunflower checkoff investments budgeted for research. Sunflower researchers across the nation have been informed of the NSA’s research priorities, and have been encouraged to use them as a basis for submitting research proposals. The NSA research committee will review proposals from the scientists and make a funding recommendation to the NSA board of directors, which will make the final funding decisions.
Disease
• Sclerotinia—Fungicide testing to reduce head rot and evaluate hybrids for tolerance.
• Rhizopus—Evaluate reduction of damage via fungicide, insecticide or desiccant and evaluate hybrids for tolerance.
Entomology
• Head and seed insects—( Lygus, banded and sunflower moth, seed weevils and midge) Investigate methods of scouting, control and reduction of damage and plant resistance. Evaluate hybrids for tolerance.
• Early season insects—(wire worm, cutworm, beetle, stem weevils, pale striped flea beetle and long horned beetle). Investigate seed treatments and in-furrow insecticides and other measures to reduce damage. Evaluate hybrids for tolerance.
• Insects in general—Scouting techniques, enhanced treatment systems, and plant resistance.
Production
• Limited irrigation—Producing sunflower in the High Plains on limited irrigation.
• Plant establishment—Investigate ways to enhance seedling emergence and plant stand.
• Pesticide Application—Investigate best methods of pesticide application to insure plant contact, especially during the R-3 to R-9 stage.
• Harvest aid—Investigate desiccation including non-registered products. Calculate field losses by extending the harvest season.
• Drought/water tolerance—Investigate plant mechanisms to produce more drought or water tolerant hybrids.
Weeds
• Control of weeds unique to the High Plains—Such as puncture vine, devils claw and long spine sandbur.
• Weed management—Including ALS and SU resistant weeds and management of Canadian thistle.
Black Bird Control
• Investigate ways to reduce blackbird damage.