This report contains the results of the 2003 National Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery Trials grown at two different sites in southeastern Arizona. These replicated, small plot trials contained twenty-eight varieties from ten different classes of beans. Bill-Z, a pinto variety, was the highest yielding variety in the Terry Brother=s trial with a yield over 3800 pounds per acre. K124467, a Flor de Mayo variety from Archer-Daniels-Midland, was the highest yielding variety in the Haas trial with a yield just under 2900 pounds per acre. Yields, aerial biomass, harvest index, and 100 bean weights are reported for all varieties in both studies.

This report contains the results of the 1999 National Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery Trials. This replicated, small plot trial contains thirty nine varieties of ten different classes of beans. Buster, a pinto variety was the highest yielding variety in the study with a yield over 3700 pounds per acre. Yields, percent moisture, aerial biomass, harvest index, seeds per pound, and plant populations are reported for this study.

This report contains the results of the 2000 National Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery Trials. This replicated, small plot trial contains thirty eight varieties of nine different bean classes. Buster, a pinto variety from Seminis Vegetable Seed Company, was the highest yielding variety in the study with a yield near 4000 pounds per acre. Yields, aerial biomass, harvest index, and 100 bean weights are reported for this study.

This report contains the results of the 2002 National Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery Trials. This replicated, small plot trial contains thirty-one varieties of eleven different bean classes. USPT-73, a pinto variety from WSU/USDA-ARS Prosser was the highest yielding variety in the study with a yield above 3600 pounds per acre. Yields, aerial biomass, harvest index, and 100 bean weights are reported in this study.

Four mid- to full-seasoned grain sorghum hybrids were compared in a replicated trial planted on the Jones farm in the Duncan-Virden valley. Dekalb 66 was the highest yielding variety with a yield over 7000 pounds per acre.

A field experiment was conducted during the 2003 growing season to evaluate the effect of multiple application rates of biosolids material on Sudan grass yield. Growers in the Mohave Valley region of the state have been using biosolids for the past several years principally as a source of nitrogen (N) and secondarily as a soil amendment. Mineralization rates vary widely based on environmental factors, in particular temperature and soil moisture. Little research been conducted in this particular growing region to refine recommended application rates. The objective of this study was to compare the typical agronomic rate that is currently recommended to several other rates and determine the effects on Sudan grass yield. Results showed that the current recommended application rates produced the greatest yield. However, due to space limitations and logistics, the study was laid out in large treated blocks and was not replicated. As such, definitive conclusions from results are difficult to draw.

Small grain varieties are evaluated each year by University of Arizona personnel. The purpose of these tests is to characterize varieties in terms of yield and other attributes. Variety performance varies greatly from year to year and several site-years are necessary to adequately characterize the yield potential of a variety. A summary of small grain variety trials conducted by the University of Arizona can be found online at http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1265.pdf.

Invinsa blocks ethylene perception by plants and can reduce the negative effects of water stress on crop growth. The objective of this study is to measure the effect on corn growth and yield of Invinsa application at incipient water stress. A study was conducted at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center where Invinsa was applied on 15 June and 20 June in blocks with adequate irrigation or deficit irrigation, which received no irrigation water for 10 days past incipient stress beginning on 15 June. Invinsa had inconsistent effects on corn growth and yield. The most notable effect of Invinsa, however, was an increase in total plant yield from 11.09 to13.43 t/a measured on 23 July and from 11.36 to 13.61 t/a measured on 13 Aug in the adequate irrigation block for Invinsa application on 15 June. However, Invinsa had no effect on final grain yield. The lack of a consistent response to Invinsa may be explained by the higher than optimum temperature at time of application or other unknown factors.

Information on silage corn yield and quality can help silage growers and users choose varieties that best fit their needs and area. We conducted a silage corn variety trial using seven varieties for use in Central Arizona. Variety 28Z47 produced the higher silage yield with an average of 30.4 ton/acre and the variety 28V71 had the highest crude protein content (8.13%) among the eight. Varieties that produced higher yield, higher crude protein, and lower NDF than the average of the eight varieties were 851VT3 and TMF-2L-872.

Optimizing late N applications in durum wheat is highly needed to obtain adequate protein levels without affecting grain yield. A simple and rapid method for estimating crop yield at flowering stage and crop N status is required to make immediate N application decisions for increasing grain protein content. There were significant differences in grain yield and grain protein among N treatments and durum varieties. Using information on soil properties, weather data, crop management, and variety growth, DSSAT crop model predicted durum grain yield accurately. Canopy reflectance index NDVI at flowering time were closely correlated with crop yield and protein content. The results indicate the potential of using crop models and canopy reflectance index in durum wheat yield prediction and N management.