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In addition to the Cuphea herbicide
trials and the continuing breeding program, several other Cuphea projects
were undertaken in 2003.
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Cuphea Transplants for Breeding Material
Seed from 54 accessions of Cuphea lanceolata were
requested from the USDA-ARS GRIN
National Plant Germplasm System. The seed was germinated in the
laboratory, grown in the greenhouse, and transplanted to an isolated plot at
the WIU Kerr Farm in late May. The plants were allowed to flower and
cross-pollinate across all accessions. The Cuphea plot was hand
harvested, belt threshed, and cleaned with a Clipper Eclipse Model 324 seed
cleaner. The combined seed will be evaluated for desirable traits and
used in future breeding efforts.
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Planting Date and Spacing Study
An advanced Cuphea line, PSR-23, was planted April 14 and
every 2 weeks thereafter for a total of 5 dates. On each planting
date, 7.5", 15", and 30" row widths were used. All weed control
was performed by hand. Each plot was harvested individually with a
Gleaner combine and cleaned with a Clipper Office Tester. Yields were
assessed and compared for each plot with the results being inconclusive due
to poor plot stands due to heat stress and excessive seed loss with the
mechanical harvesting. |
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Bulk Plots for Seed Increase
A 0.6 acre field with Rosetta type soil was cultivated and
cultimulched prior to planting. PSR-23 seed was drilled May 19 with a
Hege1000 Series Drill/Planter on 15-inch rows. Soil temperature at the
time of planting was 70°F, and the planting
rate was 2.56# per acre. Balance Pro was applied after planting at a
rate of 1.875 fl. oz./acre. Grass was controlled with Poast Plus on
June 12, and the few remaining weed were controlled through hand
cultivation. Seed was harvested August 28 with a Gleaner combine and
cleaned with a Clipper Eclipse Model 324 seed cleaner. A total of 86#
of seed was collected.
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Continuing Cooperation
The Alternative Crops Research Program at Western Illinois University
continues to cooperate with an assembly of Cuphea researchers from
government, university, and industry organizations. This collaboration
includes coordination meetings, information exchanges, and yearly field
tours. Continued involvement in this consortium will allow for
agronomic and economic advances that benefit the development of Cuphea as a
new crop alternative for the western region of Illinois. |
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