Information on silage corn yield and quality can help silage growers and users choose varieties that best fit their needs. We conducted a silage corn variety trial using 16 varieties that are commonly grown in the region. Variety RX940RR-2 produced the highest silage yield with an average of 28.2 ton/A and the variety 28V71 had the highest crude protein content (7.45%) among the varieties. Varieties that produced higher yield, higher crude protein, and lower NDF than the average of the sixteen varieties were 28V71, DKC67-88, and 818VT3.

Fourteen corn hybrids were tested, only one of which had previously been evaluated in University tests. Yields, stands, moisture in the grain at harvest, net value of the crop (after subtracting drying costs) and other agronomic data were determined. The top -yielding hybrid, Pioneer 3183, produced 11,942 pounds per acre but produced about $2 per acre less than the highest valued variety, DeKalb 656, which produced $460.54 per acre.

Five corn varieties with maturities varying from 95 to 108 days were grown in a double crop situation following barley. The variety that produced the highest net value (after deducting drying costs) yielded only $194.39 per acre, slightly less than the marginal cost of production.

AuxiGro® WP was evaluated for effects on bermudagrass seed production in the Palo Verde Valley of far eastern California. Four rates of this product, in addition to a 4 oz./acre rate with two fertilizers were tested, as were the fertilizers only to separate treatment effects. Highest yields from subplot harvests were noted from the 2 and 4 oz./acre rates of AuxiGro® WP, and germination percentages from these treatments and resultant pure live seed were also numerically higher (81-99 lbs./acre) than that noted from untreated bermudagrass, although most plant parameters did not result in statistical difference.

Usage of gibberellic acid inhibitors have been documented to increase seed harvest of grasses in the Pacific Northwest, but had not been evaluated for bermudagrass seed production in the low desert. Four rates of PalisadeTM (1-4 pts/acre)and three rates of Apogee7 (7-29 oz) were applied to 'Cheyenne' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) to evaluate their effects on seed production. Treatments were applied just prior to inflorescence appearance, and lowest two rates of both chemistries included both single as well as double applications with second application approximately two weeks after experiment initiation. All PalisadeTM treatments significantly reduced plant heights and inflorescence heights, as did twice applied Apogee7 treatments for plant heights. Most PalisadeTM treatments also significantly reduced total inflorescence length as well as opened 'heads'. Data indicate that higher rates of both chemistries and especially PalisadeTM significantly reduced seeds per unit area. Of the treatments, only the lowest rate of Apogee7 (1 pt/acre) resulted in a numeric increase of seeds/acre compared with the untreated check.

Ten varieties of 115 to 125 day corn hybrids were tested in an on going variety trial in Greenlee county. Drying costs were also calculated to not only determine the top- yielding variety but also the variety having the highest net value after subtracting drying costs. Pioneer 3183 ranked top in both categories.

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This report contains the results of the 2001 National Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery Trials. This replicated, small plot trial contains forty eight varieties of ten different bean classes. Buster, a pinto variety from Seminis Vegetable Seed Company was the highest yielding variety in the study for the third year in a row, with a yield above 3500 pounds per acre. Yields, aerial biomass, harvest index, and 100 bean weights are reported in this study.

Four berseem clover varieties were planted on three dates (Oct. 2 and 16, Nov. 2) in the fall of 2000. Data for plant heights and yields were obtained during the following winter and spring. Varieties differed widely in their initial stages of growth in terms of green coloration, indicating differences in bacterial nodulation and nitrogen fixation. ‘Tabor’ was a uniform rich green in coloration with vigorous growth, while ‘Saidi’ and ‘Serw 3’ were somewhat green. ‘Joe Burton’ was very reddish in coloration, especially in the later plantings, and no nodules were noted during examination of roots of this variety during the fall of 2000. Forage yields for the most part reflected planting date, with the earlier plantings having the highest yields. One exception was the Oct. 16 planting of ‘Tabor’, which had the highest overall individual yield. Lowest yields were noted with ‘Joe Burton’.

Two rates of the insect active ingredient zetacypermethrin (MustangMax) were evaluated for control of summer insect pests on bermudagrass, with application made about one month prior to harvest. Crop was 22 inches tall when treatments were applied and had a dense stand, which also intercepted much of the treatment. Little difference existed between the two rates of zetacypermethrin in this study. Treatments reduced planthopper numbers by slightly over 50% for the first 9 days after application. Reduction of bermudagrass mirid populations was 45% at two days post treatment, but numbers of this insect were numerically higher in MustangMax treated plants than in untreated plots at subsequent sample dates. Treatments also resulted in significantly lower numbers of damsel bugs and minute pirate bugs at two days post treatment, while only reducing grass thrips numbers by about 20% through 13 days after application. Bark lice were more prevalent in the treated plots, thought due to a reduction of predatory beneficial insects. More effectiveness from this chemistry would be expected earlier in the growing season when plants are shorter, therefore allowing greater coverage and contact with insects as this chemistry is not systemic.