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Plot Maintenance (2002)
In late May 2002, direct seeded milkweed plots were sown
using a Hege 1000 series cone planter. Due to excessive spring rains, the plots were tilled and replanted in mid
June. Emergence from the replanted plots was stunted due to dry
summer weather. Plot maintenance was done manually throughout the
summer. No flowers were produced in this first year of growth, but
stalks were removed at the end of the season.
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Planting Density Study
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Seed was sown at 4 different spacings to study the effects
of plant density on plant establishment and follicle production. The
between row distances used were 7.5, 15, and 30 inches as well as a
broadcast treatment. The number of seed per plot was held constant.
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Population Evaluations
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Seed from two local collection sites were sown to evaluate
their population vigor under cultivation. |
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Pre-emergence Herbicide Trials
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An initial screening of 4 herbicides was conducted to
evaluate possible pre-emergence herbicides for use with milkweed direct
seeding. Four herbicides were applied, but due to dry conditions, there
was insufficient moisture to activate the chemicals. |
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Maintenance (2003)
In advance of milkweed emergence in early spring, a
preemergence herbicide was applied to all plots. This application
provided good coverage for most weed species throughout the season with
remaining weeds controlled by hand cultivation or grass herbicide
application. Plants in all plots emerged by April 24 and began
blooming in July. Many volunteer seedlings from ungerminated 2002 seed
were observed emerging but did not survive due to the preemergence herbicide
treatment. Spot treatments of
aphids and black spot were also performed as needed. Second Year Results (2003)
Follicles from the planting density study were harvested in mid-September
when 10% of the follicles were open. A total of 5290 follicles were
harvested from all plots providing a fresh weight of 121 pounds. Of
the nearly 790 total stalks present, 592 produced follicles. Statistical
evaluation of the various densities is on-going. |
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