SBARE Sunflower Granting Committee
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2011
The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education’s (SBARE’s) Sunflower Granting Committee met in conjunction with the National Sunflower Association’s board. Committee voting members present were Art Ridl, Mike Clemens, Don Schmommer, Jeff Oberholtzer, Tim DeKrey, Arnold Woodbury, and Reginal Herman. Non-voting members present were Larry Kleingartner, Guy Christiansen and John McLean. Also present was Lori Capouch.
The committee and board members discussed the pending research proposals.
Proposals eligible
for SBARE funding:
Development of
management strategies to control sunflower rust using genetic resistance and
fungicides
Researchers: Sam Markell and Tom Gulya
Amount
requested: $26,160
The objectives of this project are 1) the completion of fungicide evaluation and timing; 2) an assessment of pathogen races and 3) the development of molecular markers that will aid and improve incorporation of rust resistant genes into hybrids.
Characterization of
Phomopsis Species in the United States: Species Prevalence, Pathogenicity and
Development of Greenhouse Screening Technique
Researcher: Sam
Markell
Amount
requested: $39,570
This research project ahs one short term and four additional long term objectives. 1) characterization of the species and their prevalence causing phomopsis on sunflowers in North America, focusing primarily on North Dakota, South Dakota and Northwest Minnesota; B) develop and test a method for screening sunflower germplasm for phomopsis in the greenhouse; C) determine the aggressiveness of these species n phomopsis in greenhouse; D) compare the U.S. Phomopsis specie(s) in the United States to those in other important sunflower growing areas in the world (winter nursery and production areas); and #0 educate a PhD level sunflower pathologist
Evaluation of 9, 10
anthraquione bird repellent for managing blackbird damage to ripening sunflower
Researcher: George Linz
Amount requested: $17,720
After breeding, blackbirds aggregate in large flocks that feed on ripening crops, especially sunflower. Although subject to market prices, direct economic losses to sunflower are currently estimated to exceed $10 million per annum. Additional expenses are incurred by growers trying to protect their crop from blackbirds. Effective methods are limited to managing roost vegetation with glyphosate, harassment of birds with propane cannons and firearms, and planting less valuable crops near wetland roosts. Some growers located in traditional sunflower growing areas have abandoned the crop because of losses due to blackbird feeding. Before the sunflower industry can reclaim some of these acres, an effective bird repellent will need to be developed and integrated into an overall pest management system that might include roost management, harassment, and wildlife decoy crops. Currently, two bird repellents are registered for use on ripening sunflower. However, growers report inconsistent results with both repellents. Thus, an effective bird repellent is still needed to protect ripening sunflower.
Scientists have successfully developed 9, 10 anthraquinone (AQ) for repelling birds from eating planted corn, rice and sunflower seeds. The patent holder has recently applied for a full national registration to use AQ repellent on corn seeds. AQ has been tested on ripening rice and found to effectively disperse blackbirds. Although the formulated product is not registered for use on food products, it is registered for use on turf to discourage geese.
The researchers propose to expand the testing of AQ for use on ripening sunflower. If effective and an acceptable residue food tolerance can be established, this product could represent a major break-through in blackbird management.
Funding decisions
It was moved by Ridl and seconded by Clemens to grant negotiated funding of up to $11,568 for the project titled “Development of management strategies to control sunflower rust using genetic resistance and fungicides”. The motion carried.
There being no further business, the committee meeting was adjourned.