Plant pathologists, like Bob Harveson, based at the Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center (PREEC) in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, are dedicated to studying diseases that affect specialty crops. Their research focuses on various crops including sugarbeets, dry edible beans, sunflowers, proso millet, grass seed, potatoes, and emerging pulse crops like chickpeas, chicory, and cowpeas. By understanding disease pressure and developing effective treatments, they aim to enhance crop production and mitigate the impact of crop diseases.
Low Pressure and Research Opportunities
During seasons with extreme drought, such as the previous year, disease pressure on crops was minimal due to the lack of moisture. Although this was disappointing for researchers like Harveson, they still conducted trials by inoculating some plots with root rot for potato research. However, in the absence of inoculation, disease pressure was absent. Despite the challenges faced, researchers continue to tinker with disease pressure to evaluate treatments and improve their understanding of crop diseases.
Crop Research Highlights
At the PREEC, Harveson and his team are engaged in ongoing trials and studies on various specialty crops. Some notable research areas include:
1. Pulse Crops: Research on cowpeas and other pulses focuses on determining whether treatments effective against dry beans can also curb diseases in these crops. The team explores alternatives to copper-based products and addresses bacterial and fungal diseases.
2. Chickpeas: With over 20 years of study, researchers investigate various products and planting times to optimize disease management and yield.
3. Sugarbeets: While rhizomania, a virus disease, has significantly reduced due to genetic improvements, trials continue to address Cercospora leaf spot, a potential issue. Monitoring and forecasting for this disease are crucial from mid-July through August.
4. Sunflowers: Collaborating with researchers from North Dakota and South Dakota, studies are conducted in different locations to investigate rust, Phomopsis stem canker, and Rhizopus head rot—three fungal-related diseases affecting sunflowers.
5. Potatoes: Research focuses on treatments for potato late blight and rhizoctonia disease.
By studying disease likelihood, treatment effectiveness, and planting strategies, researchers aim to provide valuable recommendations to growers and improve overall crop health.
Photo Credit: pixabay-ruslanababenko
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Sugar Beets, Fruits and Vegetables