2002-2003 Demonstration Crops

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Plants grown in the 2002 and 2003 demonstration plots were: sicklepod, crambe, vernonia, sunn hemp, and NuSun sunflowers.  All plants were direct seeded to the field at 30 inch row spacing in mid - late May.  Pictures were taken July 3, 2002.

   
 

Sicklepod

Sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia) has traditionally been known as a weed in the Southeastern United States.  It reaches approximately 5 feet in height and requires a long season to mature.

Uses:

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Source of gum thickener for industrial and food applications

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Weed inhibitor

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Nematicide

 

Crambe

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica) is a cool season oil crop grown primarily in the Great Plains.  It is a member of the mustard family and contains high levels of erucic acid.  The mature plant height is 2.5-4.5 feet.

Uses:

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Slip agents, plasticizers, and surfactants

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Lubricants and rubber additives

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Cosmetics and pharmaceutical products

Vernonia

Vernonia (Vernonia galamensis L.) is an annual oilseed crop native to eastern Africa.  The plants reach 3-4 feet in height and contain vernolic acid.  Little agronomic research is currently available on this crop.

Uses:

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PVC manufacturing

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Drying agent in paints and varnishes

 

 
     
 

Sunn hemp

Sunn hemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) is a drought tolerant annual native to India and Pakistan.  It is a nitrogen-fixing plant that shows promise due to its nematode resistant properties.  Mature sunn hemp may reach 10 feet in height.

Uses:

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Paper and pulp manufacturing

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Twine, rug yarn, and canvas

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Green manure

 

NuSun Sunflower

NuSun sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a relatively new sunflower hybrid developed in the Great Plains. The seed oil contains higher oleic acid levels than traditional sunflower oil which is more suitable for commercial frying purposes.  NuSun sunflowers may reach 14 feet in height.

Uses:

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Cooking oil

 

   

 

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Last revised: March 10, 2009