Lack of technical knowledge and proper soybean cultivars are barriers for organic farmers to take advantage of increased organic soybean demand in Manitoba from domestic and international markets. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of 12 early season non-GM food grade soybean cultivars under organic management in southern Manitoba. Cultivars were seeded on four organic farms and one transition to organic farm in southern Manitoba in 2014 and 2015. The mean cultivar yield ranged from 1384 to 1807 kg ha-1, with a mean of 1536 kg ha-1. Cultivars ‘Savanna’ and ‘Toma’ were high performers, but exhibited low stability across sites. Partial Least Squares Regression Analysis indicated that soybean mature height, and biomass at R5 positively contributed to final grain yield. Early height positively contributed to biomass at R5 but negatively affected final grain yield. Soil nitrate content negatively contributed to final grain yield. Weed competitiveness was of particular interest in this study. Contrary to previous reports, cultivars that exhibited early season vigour often resulted in lower yields, biomass accumulation, and increased weed presence as compared to other cultivars. / October 2016

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) has long been known as a turfgrass that utilizes lower levels of inputs than most other cool season turfgrasses (Turgeon, 2005). In recent years, turf breeders have been selecting for cultivars of tall fescue that have finer leaf textures. As the use of tall fescue expands, consumers want to now what cultivar to use and how to manage it. This study looked at 18 tall fescue cultivars grown at two mowing heights of five and 10 centimeters and evaluated plant quality based on stand density, leaf texture, and genetic plant color. In the first year of the study, although there were some differences, there were no continual patterns that proved one cultivar to be better or worst than the others. Lower mowing heights generally had higher stand density ratings and fertilization affected genetic plant color, not mowing height. There was no difference in leaf texture between mowing heights.

For the past three years, ten alfalfa varieties have been grown and yields recorded. Yields in excess of 9 tons per acre were harvested in 1988 on 7 of the 10 varieties. Baron, a moderately nondormant variety, was the highest yielding variety for the three years, with an average yield of 8.9 tons per acre.

A new alfalfa variety trial was planted in the fall of 1987to replace the previous four-year trial. The top varieties from the previous trial were placed in the new trial, along with new, promising varieties. A single year's data is insufficient to judge the performance of a variety during its useful years of production. The data simply indicate performance in their first year. Pioneer 5929, the variety that had the best overall yield in the previous trial (1), performed well in this trial as well. However, Mecca, a new variety from Plant Genetics, Inc., had the highest yield.

The stand longevity of 13 alfalfa varieties was evaluated 3 years after planting. The number of crowns per acre ranged from 71,000 to 163,000.

Ten alfalfa varieties, ranging from very non- dormant to moderately dormant cultivars, have been grown and yields compared over a four year period No significant differences were noted in the yields for 1989; all varieties yielded over 8 tons per acre in 6 cuttings. Interesting changes are taking place, however, with the very non -dormant varieties continuing their productivity and the more dormant varieties productivity declining.

Yields by cutting are given for 22 varieties of alfalfa grown at the Safford Agricultural Center. Yields were good in 1989 with 9 of the varieties yielding over 10 tons per acre in 7 cuttings and the top variety yielding 12 tons per acre. Graphs are shown comparing yields by cutting between sister varieties of differing fall dormancy classes.

A test was conducted to evaluate the effect of two seed treatments on seven varieties of alfalfa. The treatments included Rhizocote, Rhizocote plus Apron plus Rovral and untreated seed. Significantly fewer seedlings emerged for the coated than the uncoated seed when planted on a pound for pound basis. First cutting alfalfa yields were neither increased nor decreased as a result of the seed treatments.

Twelve oat varieties (9 hulled and 3 hull-less) were yield tested for both forage and grain production at the Maricopa Agricultural Center during the '89-90 growing season. Highest forage producing varieties were generally later maturing - Cayuse and Stampede; while lower yields were produced by early maturing varieties - Montezuma and Palestine. Highest grain yields were produced by Swan and FMC400.

Yield trials were conducted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center during the '89 -90 growing season. Barley, durum and wheat varieties as well as experimental lines from various seed companies were tested for yield performance. Gustoe and two experimental lines, 7024 and PHS84-11, were the highest yielding barley entries. Aldura, Turbo and Aldente were the top yielding durum varieties. 911, Probred and BR5738-1 were the top yielding wheat cultivars.