Objective 1: This is a result of previous research to determine best methods of identifying genetic potential under both irrigated and non-irrigated production. Replicated field work will be in the 1st year to evaluate differences in genetic potential of soybean varieties under both irrigated and non-irrigated studies. Limited research trials have shown that some varieties have responded to whole plant health / intensive management while others have not. This study will be conducted to determine the best method of field testing. Do we include both a high and low yield section of each plot in the same trial, different plots of high and low yield within the same trial, or separated trials of both high and low yield with the same varieties. Second while we still do not know if this response is a result of physiology of the plant, growth habit (i.e. determinate vs. indeterminate), or a difference in response at growth stages (i.e. vegetative or reproductive stages) we now know that we can separate varieties by assessing their yield potential under both aggressive high yield and passive low yield environments. Another aspect of this objective will be to work with industry to develop novel or more useful field assessment methods of treatments on plant stand, plant growth and development, and yield component testing. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media. Greenhouse and field evaluation of varieties will be conducted. The objective will be to determine if there are genetic differences that affect final grain yield which can be exploited by producers and industry. Samples will be taken throughout the life of the soybean, especially during late vegetative and early reproductive growth stages to determine genetic effects on early growth, yield components such as number of pods, and then final yield. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media.
Objective 2: Replicated field work has indicated that older low-cost products can be used effectively to help control diseases such as charcoal rot and soybean pod worm. However, a question that continues to come up is one of need of fungicides and insecticides if pests may not be present at each growth stage. This research will indicate if BMPs need to include scouting or predictive models to determine need of pest control. One part of this research is the early warning of impending problems and will include predictive models, scouting of the crop, insect trapping, and use of sentinel plots of susceptible or untreated controls to determine pest presence. The idea is to increase the efficiency and contribute to BMP’s for using fungicides and insecticides in intensive management of soybean. This research will enable us to develop BMPs that are built on sound agronomic and economic practices. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media.
Objective 3: Recent research has indicated that the plant growth hormone auxin or auxin like compounds have the greatest potential for producers to achieve high yield soybeans. This research will look at this in both irrigated and non-irrigated studies and hopefully under drought stress where its usefulness in helping to develop more root mass can increase grain yield. Another aspect would be the use of products that stimulate protective responses within the plant that alter their physiology and make them more disease resistant. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media.
Objective 4: Replicated field work will be initiated to determine best rates of nitrogen to use under both irrigated and non-irrigated soybean production. It will in part be a calibration study as well as look at agronomic characteristics such as lodging, plant height, and yield components. N effect on charcoal rot will also be evaluated.
Objective 5. Replicated field work with simple spray additives like sugar and aspirin will be initiated to evaluate their effect on fungicide efficacy and overall health of the plant including growth and disease incidence and severity. Current studies were initiated during the last commission project and are not finished. In addition trials will be taken to yield and yield components will be determined. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media.
Objective 6. New products hit the market each year and older compounds go off patent and are sold as generic. This study would determine what is available new to the market and provide useful data to determine their or similar products effectiveness and cost. All data will be run through statistical programs to determine differences and information will be made available to the public through all available media.
Objective 7. Information delivery has always been dependent on graphs and data slides. I propose to look at 3D visuals to show treatment effects in a 3D visual format.