Variety trials

Twelve lines of cauliflower were direct-seeded on July 13, 1977, with the purpose of overwintering several European cultivars for spring harvest. In addition some other lines were included for comparison. Lines or varieties were as follows: M1, M2, M3, and M4 from Moran Seed Co., Snow Crown from Harris Seed Co., Armado April, Armado May, Armado Quick, Armado Tardo, June, and Markanta Walcherin from Elsoms Seeds Ltd., and Pinnacle from Asmer Seed Co. Plot size was 24 row feet containing about 25 plants.

Methods

In 1971, the North Willamette Agricultural Experiment Station obtained several selections from the forcing rhubarb varieties Victoria and German Wine from Washington State University as well as the variety Crimson and several breeding lines from Oregon State University, Corvallis, for a total of 24 lines. All lines were propagated by crown division and five plants of each maintained until 1977. Based on previous observation at WSU and OSU and field observations of vigor and quality at the North Willamette Station, 18 lines were selected in January 1978 for further observation.

Research report from OSU's North Willamette Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Delbert Hemphill and N. Mansour
OSU Dept of Horticulture

Research report from OSU's North Willamette Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Delbert Hemphill
OSU Dept of Horticulture, NWREC

Research report from OSU's North Willamette Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Delbert Hemphill
OSU Dept of Horticulture, NWREC

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the performance of several Japanese onion cultivars in overwinter trials. The Willamette Valley appears to have a suitable climate for production of spring-harvested onions if bolting, disease, and weed control problems can be overcome. Previous experiments at the North Willamette Station have indicated that late August planting dates are superior to September planting dates for maximum yields. With a June harvest, this would allow double-cropping the onion ground.

Methods

Rhubarb growers would benefit from an inexpensive, reliable method for forcing crowns into early production and increasing yields. Early harvests of high quality spears allow growers to take advantage of the usually higher early season prices. Currently, two methods are commonly used to bring rhubarb into early production. In the first, crowns are dug, removed to a hot house, and forced under etiolated conditions. In the second, rows of crowns are covered in the field with clear plastic mulch which increases air and soil temperatures and results in early spear growth.

Local growers and processors could benefit by introduction of new crops into the Willamette Valley. Currently, processors of pickling peppers import their needs from more southerly growing areas. Local production has been thought to be limited by lack of adapted cultivars, poor yields, or quality problems. The following trial was undertaken to evaluate the yield potential of four pepper cultivars collected by the Steinfeld's Co., and to investigate the use of ethephon as a ripening agent for cherry type peppers.

Methods

In northern states, spinach is normally planted in early spring for late spring harvest or in summer for autumn harvest. Spring plantings are often limited by the difficulty of working cold, wet soils and many cultivars bolt in the long daylengths of late spring. Summer crops must be established during periods of very high soil temperature and low soil moisture and require frequent irrigation. Some Willamette Valley growers have successfully planted spinach in late summer for autumn harvest or in autumn for early spring harvest.