Crops and Livestock Research Centre

Crops and Livestock Research Centre

Current Studies

Studies in this area concentrate on various aspects of beef management and production/nutrition including research on cow/calf, growing and finishing. Cow/calf studies concentrate on protein supplementation on cow reproduction and calf growth performance. Extensive work is conducted on forage quality and beef performance in both grazing and conserved feed production systems. Carcass quality is assessed in relation to forage-based systems and opportunity feeds.

Beef Manure Management
A.V. (Vernon) Rodd, M.Sc. (75%)

Technologies are being developed for improved utilization of organic and inorganic nutrient sources in forage-based ruminant production systems. Emphasis is on improving manure nutrient utilization by crops in forage-based rotations.

Cereal Crops

Breeding and Management of Spring and Winter Wheat
R. A. (Richard) Martin, Ph.D.

The priority in this study is the development of superior lines of spring and winter feed and milling wheat cultivars via breeding and selection which emphasizes winter hardiness, disease resistance and yield performance. There is also extensive support and collaboration with other eastern Canada breeding programs in the testing and selection of new cultivars of feed and milling wheats, and of hulled and hulless oats which are suitable for production in the Atlantic region. Research is being conducted on managing milling wheat varieties by underseeding with red clover and by applying varying rates of nitrogen at various stages of development. This involves several on-farm trials. A small effort involves the production of organically-grown milling wheat.

Development of Disease Resistant Barley Cultivars
R. A. (Richard) Martin, Ph.D. (50%)

This Centre, in close collaboration with the Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, Ottawa, maintains an active program in the development and evaluation of 2 and 6-row barley cultivars. In support of this objective, this study provides input into the development of superior cultivars for production in the eastern Canada via crossing, selection and testing. Emphasis in this study is the development of cultivars resistant to some of the more important diseases in eastern Canada, including net blotch (Pyrenophora tere), scald (Rhyncosporium secalis), and fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum), in addition to the development of cultivars with superior agronomic performance. Development of hulless cultivars and those with malting quality is underway. The Centre also contributes to basic genetic research in barley, as part of this study.

Epidemiology and Control of Cereal Pathogens
R. A. (Richard) Martin, Ph.D. (50%)

Research in this area will provide basic knowledge on the epidemiology of the major cereal pathogens and identify and develop techniques for reducing the severity of fungal diseases and enhance disease control strategies. Efforts include work on cultivar response to disease, yield loss assessments, studies on pathogen behaviour in barley, and Fusarium pathogens of wheat and barley. As part of this study there is extensive work on the development of both non-fungicide and fungicide-based disease control strategies. Emphasis in the area of fungicide- based strategies is on the use of seed treatments and timed applications to minimize use. Extensive work is conducted on identification of superior genetic material with resistance to fusarium head blight, a serious disease in Canada, and other diseases. Work on fusarium head blight is concentrated on both wheat and barley. Diseases which are studied at some level include net blotch and scald in barley, powdery mildew and septoria leaf blotch in wheat, and root rots and fusarium head blight in wheat and barley.

A limited amount of work is conducted on diseases associated with forage crops, with most of the work directed towards the assessment of root rot and the identification and development of resistant material.

Nematology: Influence of Nematode Populations in Cereals
J. (Joe) Kimpinski, Ph.D. (10%)

This study determines the relationship of root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus penetrans) and stunt (Tylenchorhynchus spp.) nematodes in wheat and barley on root rot and yield.

Crop Rotation

Nutrient Behaviour in Cropping Systems
J. A. (John) MacLeod (60%), J. B. (Brian) Sanderson (10%)

This study investigates complete rotation systems, that include potatoes and feed crops and livestock manure. The objective is to identify systems which maximize nutrient use efficiency and minimize the potential of nitrate moving to groundwater. Consideration is given to the role various crops have on the nitrogen profile and availability and technologies which will reduce nitrogen loss while maximizing nutrient benefit.

Forage Crops

Breeding of Red and White Clover, Superior Forage Legume Species Identification
Yousef Papadopoulos, Ph.D. (100%)

The primary objective of these studies is the development of persistent and high yielding red clover and other clover species cultivars. In addition, studies are conducted on technologies which will enhance the development of new cultivars via traditional and biotechnology based methodologies. Studies are also conducted on identification of superior lines of other forage legume species, in cooperation with other breeding establishments.

Epidemiology and Control of Forage Pathogens
R. A. (Richard) Martin, Ph.D. (50%)

Nematology: Pathology of Nematodes in Forage Crops
J. (Joe) Kimpinski, Ph.D. (30%)

The determination of the importance of nematode populations in forages and potential impact on rotational crops is a priority area of research in this study. Population dynamics of root lesion (Pratylenchus penetrans) and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne hapla) in forages are studied in relationship to effects on the next crop in the rotational sequence.

Weed Biology, Control and Competition Studies: Feed Crops (Revised Sept 26/05)
J.A. (Jerry) Ivany, Ph.D. (50%)

Research in this area provides information and technologies on weed control in barley, soybeans, field corn and forage crops. Research includes factors affecting herbicide persistence, evaluation of new herbicides, weed competition and weed threshold effect on crop yield, and cultivar responses to herbicides. Research currently underway includes:

Response of Chenopodium album L. to atrazine and metribuzin.
Effect of time of removal of weeds in soybeans and corn on yield
Weed control in soybeans.
Weed control in field corn.
Mechanical and flaming methods for weed control in organic soybeans and wheat.

Horticultural Crops

Horticulture
K.R. (Kevin) Sanderson, B.Sc. (100%)
(Revised September 26, 2005)

Research in this area provides information and technologies on the development of alternative management strategies and sustainable crop systems for new crops, vegetables and berry crops. Research includes factors affecting crop yield, quality and nutrient management. The impacts of management practices on crop development and disease is being investigated. Field production strategies for the development of new crops, such as rose hips and other crops are being developed. Numerous collaborations with growers, industry and universities are maintained. Research currently underway includes:

Rose hip management trials
Crop rotation strategies for carrots
Effect of phosphorus in carrot production
Field strategies for N management in carrots
Cultural strategies for control of Sclerotinia Rot in carrots
Nitrogen fertilizers and their fate in wild blueberry production

Potatoes

Entomology: Potatoes
Christine Noronha, Ph.D., Study Leader (100%)

Research focuses on alternative non-chemical methods for controlling insect pests. The biology, ecology, biological control (predators, and pathogen (Beauveria bassiana )) and management of insect pests are the main areas of investigation. The development and implementation of integrated pest management procedures for insect pests that would reduce the amount of pesticides used and promote a sustainable agricultural system, are important goals of this program.

Nematology: Potatoes
Joe Kimpinski, Ph.D. (60%)

Population levels of root lesion nematodes (primarily Pratylenchus penetrans) in various crops grown in rotation with potatoes are being documented. Since forage legumes are often grown in rotation with potatoes, sources of nematode resistance in red clover are being studied. Plants that have detrimental effects on nematodes are also being tested. Overwinter survival of nematodes in plant debris and the nematode population threshold at planting that may cause economic damage to the potato crop are being investigated. Selected new potato seedlings and varieties are being screened for nematode susceptibility. Studies are underway on relationships between nematodes and bacteria which may enhance potato growth, and on PCR-based assays to identify and detect nematode species.

Potato Management and Physiology
W.J. (Walter) Arsenault, B.Sc. (100%)

Evaluation of growth characteristics and production of new seedlings and cultivars from Canadian and non-Canadian breeding programs for seed, table and/or processing markets are ongoing. The data are used by the Atlantic Potato Evaluation and Recommending Committee to support registration of superior cultivars, and by the industry for sales promotion in North America and overseas. Other studies include the evaluation of a bed type planter for the production of small whole seed for Russet Burbank and Shepody potatoes and determine the effects of size of whole seed, nitrogen application and in-row seed-piece spacing on yield and tuber size distribution of Russet Burbank. Also, in collaboration with other scientist, determine the performance of potato cultivars as affected by preceding cultivars of red clover, the effects of variety and in-row seed-piece spacing on nitrogen use efficiency, plus the effects of N rates and method of soil tillage on potato yield and quality. With industry partners (MII) determine the effects of potassium application on yield, tuber size distribution, and specific gravity for the potato variety Russet Burbank and determine the effects of nitrogen application and in-row seed piece spacing on yield and tuber size distribution for the newly-registered potato variety, "Provento".

Potato Pathology
H.W. (Bud) Platt, Ph.D. (100%)

Potato late blight epidemiological studies are being enhanced in response to the new mating types and strains of Phytophthora infestans that are now in Canada. This includes research on pathogen population changes in the various potato producing areas of the country and on the impact of these new strains on disease occurrence. Investigations on disease control and disease resistance breeding program lines will continue. However, research on host-pathogen interactions, pathogen survival, disease initiation, and disease development will be expanded.

Studies on verticillium wilt and premature senescence of potatoes will emphasize the role of several Verticillium species as well as other fungal pathogens. PCR-based assays will be refined for use in studies on disease development and control. Investigations will be increased on various aspects of disease occurrence, soil-borne pathogen complexes, and sources of disease resistance.

Potato Pathology/Molecular Biology
R.D. Peters, Ph.D. (100%)

Research emphasis includes the detection and characterization of soil-borne pathogens of potato using traditional and molecular tools. The biology/ecology of soil-borne organisms in agricultural ecosystems and the impacts of management practices on microbial population dynamics are also areas of investigation. The development of alternative management strategies and sustainable agricultural systems are important goals of the program.

Sustainable Potato Management Systems
J. B. (Brian) Sanderson, M.Sc., Study Leader. (100%)

The general objective of the study is to develop potato crop production management practices which maintain competitiveness in the global potato marketplace while maintaining or improving the productive capacity of the soil. Specific objectives are to develop crop fertility management information for potato production which will enable producers to produce optimum yields, size, and quality of Russet Burbank and Shepody potatoes to meet specific markets; to a) improve crop production, management, storage and handling practices; and b) develop sustainable crop land and nutrient management systems. More specifically,

Evaluate the effects of continuous potatoes, 2-yr-rotation and 3-yr-rotation on productivity and quality of potatoes. In this 17th year of this potato crop sequence study, the goal in 2002 will be to conduct a nitrogen rates study on potatoes under eight crop sequences.
Continue the field data collection of potato yield and quality, and soil nutrient changes in crop rotation and tillage methods study.
Determine the the residual N effects of compost after 3 cycles of a 3-yr potato barley/red clover/potato rotation.
Summarize and intrepret the 3-yr of data collected on the impact of compost application on the draft requirments of tillage implements in a 3-yr potato rotation.(in co-coperation with ECOR)
Combine the data for field years of research on rates and sources of Phosphorus on two potato varieties.
Ongoing studies will examine the impact of various management practices for potatoes in rotations. In addition, studies are evaluating rates and sources of phosphorus fertilization under high soil test phosphorus levels.

Weed Biology, Control and Competition Studies: Potatoes (Revised Sept 26/05)
J.A. (Jerry) Ivany, Ph.D. (50%)

Potatoes (50%)
The competitive effect of weeds in crops is under investigation. Environmental, plant, and soil factors that affect herbicide activity are studied, as are ways to reduce herbicide applied by herbicide banding with flaming and cultivation. Research currently underway includes:

Use of cultivation equipment for weed control in potatoes.
Prediction of best time to control Chenopodium album L. in potatoes using Weedcast.
Reduced tillage methods for potato production. (With W. Arsenault and D. Holmstrom)
Desiccation of potatoes and desiccant effects on tuber stem end discolouration (SED) and seed tuber germination.
Skin set of Russet Burbank tubers in relation to days after desiccant application.
Developing image analysis procedure of injury (internal defects) on potato
Integrated Pest Management in Potatoes (MII Project with Dr. C, Noronha)

Soils

Land Use
Gary Patterson, M.Sc. (100%)

Projects are directed towards the use, interpretation, and distribution of the National Soil Data Base (NSDB) to provide planning information for sustainable agriculture. The suitability of soils for crop production, the potential area available for development, and the assessment of associated environmental risks are determined. Support is provided to other government departments on resolving land-use problems and settling land claims.

Minimum Tillage and Soil Quality
Martin Carter, Ph.D., Study Leader (100%)

Potato farming systems are considered to use excess tillage, which is costly and can result in poor soil structure, low organic matter and soil redistribution. Studies are underway on reduced tillage and improved crop-residue management in different potato rotations. In these inter-disciplinary studies, the influences of minimum tillage and soil management on potato yield and quality, soil organic matter and structure, soil organic matter cycling, soil physical properties, and crop diseases are under investigation.

Soil Conservation
Delmar Holmstrom, B.Sc. (100%)

Work is directed towards the effect of management practices for row crops on soil erosion rates and soil compaction. Studies are underway to determine the effect of reduced tillage in the potato rotation on soil erosion, to evaluate the degree and extent of soil compaction and methods to reduce soil compaction in the potato rotation, and to evaluate methods for reducing soil erosion in carrots. These multi-disciplinary studies involving provincial and federal personnel as well as producers will evaluate crop yield and quality, soil physical properties, and soil erosion rates.

Riparian Ecosystems and Soil Landscapes
Ken Webb, M.Sc. (100%)

Research is directed at the design, establishment, management, and performance of riparian buffer zones to reduce non point source pollution of surface waters within agricultural landscapes. The potential of various alternative crops species as components of riparian buffers is under investigation. Buffer width and soil landscape factors which affect the capacity of buffer zones to retain and assimilate nutrients in runoff and subsurface flow are being assessed. Studies on defining regional ecosystems and interpreting spatial and temporal variability of soil quality and its impact on crop productivity and environmental sustainability, are continuing.

Soil Erosion
Linnell Edwards, Ph.D. (100%)

Studies are directed towards establishing year-round relationships between soil erosion and a complex of physical and management factors pertinent to P.E.I. These factors include soil properties, land-surface morphology, and soil and crop management practices within potato production systems with some emphasis on cool-period processes. The studies examine the effect on erosion (including nutrient runoff) of freezing-and-thawing cycles, snow cover, soil compaction, winter cover cropping, straw mulching, compost amendment, and general land use with typical potato-land topography. Modeling and global positioning systems are used to aid the study of erosion in fields and single or multiple sub-watersheds.

The use of satellite imagery is being investigated to document and predict soil erosion risk with the aid of geographic information systems.

Soil Management
A.V. (Vernon) Rodd

Studies in this area provide information on the effect of various pasture management scenarios on soil physical properties. In addition, technologies to mitigate the effects of salts and improve the timeliness of seeding on dykeland soils are currently being researched.

Swine

Swine Manure Management
A. J. (Allan) Campbell, Ph.D. (100%), J. A. (John) MacLeod, Ph.D.

Technologies are developed for utilization of animal waste by environmentally sound practices, while maximizing the potential nutrient benefit of the resource. Various manure application strategies are being examined in feed crop and potato production systems, including the feasibility of applying liquid hog manure in potato production systems.

Date Modified: 2006-03-06

Important Notices

Crops and Livestock Research Centre

Current Studies

Beef Cattle

Cereal Crops

Crop Rotation

Forage Crops

Horticultural Crops

Potatoes

Soils

Swine

Beef Cattle

Cereal Crops

Crop Rotation

Forage Crops

Horticultural Crops

Potatoes

Soils

Swine