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Researchers
in plant and soil science divisions of PSES are working with growers,
seed industry, and colleagues in Washington and Oregon to find non-burning
methods of post-harvest residue removal from Kentucky bluegrass
seed. Since burning affects all of the current management practices
of bluegrass, replacement of burning requires a system that integrates
residue removal, variety choice, planting practices, fertilization
practices, weed, insect, and disease control, harvest techniques,
and residue utilization.
On-farm field
trials are in progress or nearing completion at nine locations.
Bluegrass varieties show different tolerances to mechanical residue
removal. Selection of more tolerant varieties may be possible by
combining molecular and traditional approaches to plant breeding.
Early, thorough residue removal is necessary for sustaining seed
yields, but costs three to eight times more than burning. Late fall
applications of nitrogen improved seed yield of most bluegrass cultivars
more than early fall applications. Applied results are disseminated
to growers and industry through on-farm trials, grower meetings,
field days, Farm Forum, and local publications.
For more
information contact: John Holman
or visit:
www.ag.uidaho.edu/bluegrass
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