- Author: Rob Wilson
Water availability is still uncertain, but the probability of maggots infesting onion fields this year is nearly guaranteed. Several experiments were conducted at IREC from 2011 to 2013 examining insecticides applied at planting for protecting onion stands from maggot damage. The results show seed treatment with OI500 (spinosad) was the most effective all three years. The next best labeled option was Lorsban applied in furrow at the maximum label rate. In untreated plots, onion stands were reduced at least 50% from maggot feeding compared to those treated with an insecticide.
During the study we trapped maggot flies to determine when adults emerge and deposit eggs in onion fields. The results from 2011, 2012, and 2013 are shown in the figure below. All three years, seedcorn maggot and onion maggot flies were found in the traps. Researchers in New York and Canada have developed degree day models to predict fly emergence based on air temperatures. Using Tulelake weather data, we compared their predicted emergence dates with fly counts from 2011-2013. Most years, the predicted emergence date came close to matching elevated fly counts.
Below is a graph showing predicted emergence of seedcorn and onion maggot using 2015 weather data. Winter air temperatures have been extremely warm and peak first generation seedcorn maggot flight occurred last week (17 days earlier than 2014 and more than a month earlier than historic averages). First generation onion maggot flight is predicted on May 9th (12 days earlier than 2014). Seedcorn maggot is widespread and most problematic in fields with a lot of decaying organic matter, especially following alfalfa. Onion maggot is also widespread and problematic in most onion fields. Onion maggot overwinter in onion cull material and flies are attracted to deposit eggs at the base of onions plants. Onion maggot is most problematic in fields located within 0.75 miles of old onion fields with cull material left in the field.
Since seedcorn maggot larvae have already started laying eggs in fields this year, seedcorn maggot larvae will be feeding all April and early May when onions are sensitive to maggot damage. Onion maggot fly emergence may peak early enough in 2015 that fields planted in early to mid-May will have yet to emerge during onion maggot egg-laying. Unfortunately, the second generation of seedcorn maggot may occur early enough for seedcorn maggot to damage plantings in May.
- Author: Laurie Askew
Winter at IREC means very little field work, but acres of research data compilation and analysis are being tended to daily.
The fruits of this labor are research progress reports and winter crop meetings. Stay tuned for updates on both!
- Author: Laurie Askew
- Author: Laurie Askew
The Intermountain Research and Extension Center is soliciting proposals from researchers for new and continuing research projects in 2015-16.
We are a 140-acre research facility located at 4,000 feet elevation near the Oregon border. We specialize in crops such as potato, small grain, onion, peppermint, forage grasses and alfalfa; however, most cool season field and vegetable crops can be accommodated and grown at the center.
Research topics of interest include variety development, integrated pest management, irrigation management, plant nutrition and agriculture-wildlife interactions. Available facilities and equipment at the center include a greenhouse, controlled post-harvest facility, drying ovens, an automated potato grading line, a mini-still for essential oil extraction, specialized small plot irrigation equipment, research-adapted small plot planters and harvesters, and a full line of commercial farm equipment for field and vegetable crop production. Technical assistance is available for all farming practices, field instrumentation and data collection.
The Center's Research Advisory Committee will evaluate proposed research for scientific merit and regional need. Approved projects will be eligible for center-provided support, which includes land, labor, technical assistance, equipment and facilities.
Questions about the research proposal process or about research opportunities here at IREC should be directed to Rob Wilson, center director, or Darrin Culp, center superintendent at 530/667-5117.
Proposals may be submitted into the REC Manage System via our website at IREC Proposal Submission beginning December 2 and are due no later than January 30.
- Author: Laurie Askew
Small Grain harvest results are in! Agronomy Progress Report No. 318, published by the Agronomy Research and Information Center, contains data on 2014 cereal grain trials conducted throughout California, including results from Intermountain and Tulelake sites.
Click on the Agronomy Research & Information Center link for all results and helpful information for grain growers. Click on Attached File "Tulelake Results" to cut straight to Tulelake results.
Agronomy Research & Information Center
Tulelake Results