Looking Back
As another year comes to a close we look back on 2016 at the CREC with a photo review.
Early spring weather allowed for adequate field preparations and timely planting. Yield potential was looking very good for crops at the CREC.
Canola shown in the picture below may have survived freezing temperatures in mid-May, but the Flea Beetles made their presence known just the same. Severity of damage done by beetles (and even frost) ranged in field plots and some were replanted. This provides proof that IPM scouting is important and spraying insecticides in a timely manner is just as important no matter the conditions.
The CREC and surrounding area received a devastating hail storm that destroyed a lot of plans for several of our researchers. The July 9th hail storm hit soybean plots as seen below in the R2 stage.
Beautiful weather made for an enjoyable Field Day and Row Crop Tour! Various agronomic production, pathology, soils, nutrient management, fruit and livestock topics were discussed.
The mild fall weather lasted longer than anticipated in ND and it was greatly appreciated by researchers and technicians as they were able to harvest and collect samples without being in the cold and snow.
The Plant Pathology program team prepared for new 2017 season experiments by laying down straw for an experiment focusing on the effects of biomass with relationships to root rot. Stay tuned for data and observations during the next season!
Lab work picks up full speed in the late fall and into the winter months. Agronomy and Pathology researchers are busy processing samples and collecting various types of data from yield and test weights to visual quality and seed size. Each program at the CREC works hard to process the data and make sure year-end reports are submitted on a timely basis.
The pathology program team is also busy with ascospore production, growing inoculum, and culturing various isolates of pathogens for field use.
December came in with a different plan. Snow fell from late afternoon on Monday, December 5th to early Thursday morning, December 8th. The CREC received around 18”. The station hasn’t experienced that much snowfall in quite some time. A good reminder to us all that Mother Nature still has a sense of humor in ND and we need to be prepared at all times!
The CREC Livestock Unit has spent countless hours on snow removal to be able to get feed to the cattle.
Sundogs in the sky show for colder weather ahead!
We love what we do and want to continue sharing it with you! We look forward to seeing and hearing from you during the 2017 growing season! #plant17
All photos by Suanne Kallis, plant pathology research specialist.
