Organic Table Grapes :
- Evaluation of the suitability of organic table grapes to western Colorado climate and growing conditions. The study on seedless organic table grapes (planted at WCRC Rogers Mesa in spring 2003) will evaluate six different varieties for their suitability to growing conditions of western Colorado (Ron Godin).
Organic Weed Control :
- Evaluation of organic weed control methods in vegetable crops such as broccoli (Ron Godin).
- Separate studies will investigate efficacy and economic feasibility of direct flame and infrared heat used for weed control in an orchard setting (Rick Zimmerman).
- Evaluation of the control of bindweed with an eriophyid mite in cooperation with Bob Hammon, CSU Cooperative Extension (Rick Zimmerman).
Rootstock Evaluation :
- Continued evaluation of three previously planted NC-140 rootstocks at WCRC Rogers Mesa. The rootstock evaluation program will continue to evaluate rootstocks that show promise to enhance economic viability and sustainability of fruit growers. The program will continue to concentrate on peach, cherry, and apple rootstocks. 2004 results will be included in the WCRC Annual Report published in early 2005 (Ron Godin).
Pest Management :
- Evaluation of a parasitic tachinid fly for the biological control of squash bug, an economically important crop pest in the region that typically reduces marketable yield of squash produced for export by 15-20% (Rick Zimmerman).
- Evaluation of bio-insecticides on Lepidoptera insects feeding on broccoli (Rick Zimmerman).
- Examine biocontrol potential of parasitic nematodes and fungi for the control of onion thrips (Rick Zimmerman).
- Evaluation of the applicability of weather data driven spreadsheet models for tracking and forecasting of insect pest and disease development and treatment timing in fruit crops, including use of organically acceptable control options (Harold Larsen).
- Conduct an exploratory study examining the potential production of organic sweet corn at high altitude (Rick Zimmerman).
Soil Biology and Fertility:
- Complete the laboratory phase of a study examining the effect of green manures and weed mat on soil biota, fertility and yield. A final report is anticipated in summer 2004 (Rick Zimmerman).
- Complete the final year of an on-farm cover crop study examining fertility in organic fruit production (Rick Zimmerman).
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