1. Resources
  2. Publications

News and Events

Ag Tech Field Day is a new event for 2025! Hosted at OSU's North Willamette Research and Extension Center in Aurora, OR, the event will showcase research trials, demonstrations, and discussions about emerging technology applications for farms in our region. Join us on June 12th, 2025. The link provides details on presenters and topics and the station locations can be seen on this map. 

Recently, we hosted a Willamette Valley Vegetable Education Day at NWREC. The link includes slides from our presenters on a variety of topics including pest management, irrigation, and cover crop selection.

For more field days and workshops, check out the NWREC Events calendar and the College of Agricultural Sciences Field Days calendar.

 

Publications

Ascospore Trapping of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Snap Bean Fields (2009)
December 31, 2009

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Cindy Ocamb
OSU Dept of Botany and Plant Pathology

Nathan Miller
Postdoctoral Research Assistant, BPP, OSU

David H. Gent
USDA-ARS, Corvallis

Robert B. McReynolds
OSU North Willamette Research & Ext. Center

Objectives:

  1. Evaluate ascospore detection of S. sclerotiorum using multiple Rotorod spore traps.
  2. Monitor environmental conditions within bean fields to begin model development of ascospore detection events.
Beet Western Yellows Virus Survey (1990)

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

Delbert Hemphill
OSU Dept of Horticulture, NWREC

Introduction

Broccoli and Sweet Corn Response to Winter Cover Crops and Rates of Nitrogen Fertilizer (1992)

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

Delbert Hemphill
OSU Dept of Horticulture, NWREC

Introduction

Can I Use this Product for Disease Management on my Organic Farm? (2009)

Andrews, N. and B. Baker, 2009. Can I Use this Product for Disease Management on my Organic Farm?. eOrganic article. Available at http://www.extension.org/article/18360.

Cauliflower Variety Observations (1994)
December 1, 1994

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Jack Stang and Jim Baggett
OSU Dept of Horticulture

Objectives:

  1. Evaluate head quality, maturity time and total yield of promising cauliflower varieties in early and late plantings.
  2. Evaluate the response of Starbright Y to closer plant spacings; compare head yield and quality from multiple and once-over harvesting.
  3. Relate maturity times of selected cauliflower varieties to timing of curd initiation and time period between initiation and harvest.
Broccoli Breeding, Evaluation and Seed Production (2014)
December 31, 2014

Processors need broccoli with better quality traits than what is available in cultivars developed for California and Mexico fresh markets. Farmers need to reduce labor costs of broccoli production but mechanizing harvest. Most contemporary commercially available cultivars are not suitable for either mechanical harvest or processing. The objective of the OSU broccoli breeding program is to develop broccoli varieties adapted to western Oregon with suitable quality and high yields. The program operates on a one year cycle where cuttings from the field are taken into the greenhouse in the fall where they are rooted and hand crossed and self-pollinated to produce seed for the next generation. Seed is harvested in May and June and used to plant trials for fall evaluation.

Control and Management of Common Smut on Corn in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington (2002)
December 31, 2002

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

George Clough, Philip Hamm, and Sarah Blatchford
OSU Hermiston Agricultrual Research and Extension Center

Lindsey du Toit
WSU Mt. Vernon Research and Extension Unit

Objectives:

Broccoli breeding (1987)
December 1, 1987

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Jim Baggett
OSU Dept of Horticulture

Objectives:

A future without organophosphorus insecticides – yet plenty of cabbage maggots in Brassica crops! (2010)
December 1, 2010

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Amy Dreves
OSU Dept. of Crop and Soil Science

Robert McReynolds
NWREC

Dan McGrath
OSU Dept. of Hort

Ed Peachey
OSU Dept. of Hort

Objectives:

Alternative Crops for the Columbia Basin (2006)
October 1, 2006

This publication explores possibilities for new crops in the Columbia Basin. Includes crops for oilseeds, food, forage, revegetation, and xeriscape plant nurseries. Crops are classified into three categories: grasses and cereal grains, broad-leafed herbs and forbs, and shrubs and trees. Includes index by common and scientific names.

Broccoli Breeding and Evaluation (2001)
December 31, 2001

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Jim Meyers
OSU Dept of Horticulture

Brian Yorgey
OSU Dept of Food Science and Technology

Objectives:

Alternatives to Lorox in Carrot Production (1988)
December 1, 1988

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Bill Braunworth
D. Curtis
Dan McGrath
Gavin Crabtree
OSU Dept. of Horticulture

Objectives:

  1. Obtain data on the weed control efficacy and crop safety of herbicides currently registered for usein carrots.
  2. Identify other herbicides not currently registered for use in carrots, which might serve as a substitute for Lorox.
  3. Obtain data which could be used toward the registration of suitable herbicides.
Broccoli Breeding, Evaluation and Seed Production (2009)
December 31, 2009

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Jim Meyers
OSU Dept of Horticulture

Brian Yorgey
OSU Dept of Food Science and Technology

Objectives:

Ascospore trapping of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in snap bean fields (2008)
December 31, 2008

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Cindy Ocamb
OSU Dept of Botany and Plant Pathology

Nathan Miller
Postdoctoral Research Assistant, BPP, OSU

David H. Gent
USDA-ARS, Corvallis

Robert B. McReynolds
OSU North Willamette Research & Ext. Center

Objective:

  1. Determine whether ascospores of S. sclerotiorum can be detected in experimental bean plantings by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Brussels Sprouts Variety Trials (1986)
April 1, 1986

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

Delbert Hemphill
OSU Dept of Horticulture, NWREC

Carrot Decline (1992)
December 1, 1992

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Mary Powelson and Robin Ludy
OSU Dept of Botany and Plant Pathology

Chlorpyrifos: Magnitude of the Residue on Broccoli (1993)
April 1, 1993

Control and Management of Common Smut on corn in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington (2003)
January 1, 2003

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

George Clough, Philip Hamm, and Sarah Blatchford
OSU Hermiston Agricultrual Research and Extension Center

Objective:

  1. Evaluate 42 sweet corn cultivars for resistence to common smut
"Rotbusters" Sweet Corn Decline Field Survey (2002)
December 31, 2002

"Sweet corn decline" emerged as a significant constraint to corn production in the Willamette Valley during the 1990's. During the winter of 2001-02 a group of farmers, industry agricultural professionals, and OSU personnel met to discuss strategies for improving our understanding of this syndrome and for identifying strategies for its management.

Broccoli Breeding (1988)
December 1, 1988

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Jim Baggett
OSU Dept of Horticulture

Objectives:

Testing carrot breeding lines for resistance to the Motley Dwarf Virus Complex (1986)
December 1, 1986

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Jim Baggett      
OSU Dept. of Horticulture

Objectives:

  1. Test carrot breeding lines developed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture carrot breeding program for resistance to the motley dwarf virus complex.
Black Cutworm & Variegated Cutworm

The Black Cutworm & Variegated Cutworm can be particularly damaging to corn and bean crops in the Willamette Valley if infestations are not detected early. This page provides some basic information about the pest and discusses management and controls methods. Detailed scouting and monitoring techniques are provided as well as a risk assessment for spray decisions.

Plug Transplanting of Storage and Bunching Onions (1990)

Introduction

Screening Lettuce and Spinach Germplasm for Resistance to Beet Western Yellows Virus (1992)

Introduction

Beet western yellows virus (BWYV), an aphid-vectored luteovirus, causes a pronounced, bright yellow color to the leaf margin of lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens. Interveinal chlorosis may also develop. The virus does not usually stunt growth and is not considered a problem in many susceptible crops. However, where the leaves are harvested or comprise the edible portion of the crop, such as with lettuce, spinach, Chinese cabbage, and root crops sold with the shoots attached, even a slight expression of symptoms can render the crop unmarketable.

Monitoring and Reporting Insect Pests in Cole Crops and Sweet Corn: VegNet (2014)
December 31, 2014

For the past 18 years, processed vegetable growers in the Willamette Valley, OR have had a vital partner in crop pest monitoring – Oregon State University’s VegNet. This regional pest monitoring program provides weekly activity reports for common broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, and snap bean pests. Data is published on www.oregonvegetables.com and is available as an email subscription newsletter. The main goal of the program is to provide an early warning to growers of potential outbreaks that may warrant increased field scouting and action.

Corn Earworm Report (1990)
July 27, 1990

Ray Drapek and Len Coop
OSU Dept of Entomology

CEW Report: Newsletter of the Corn Earworm Cooperative Pheromone Trapping Program. This project funded by the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission.

Vegetable Variety Trials 2010. OSU Extension Series EM 877-10. Revised April 2011
April 1, 2011
Management and Control of Cabbage Maggot, Delia brassicae, in Cauliflower II
December 31, 1998

 The cabbage maggot, Delia brassicae, is a chronic pest problem in Willamette Valley cauliflower. This report summarizes the second year of research to identify deficiencies in current practices and improve management of cabbage maggot. This study has investigated cabbage maggot life cycles, evaluated treatment practices and tested sampling techniques for making management decisions.

Table Beets: Western Oregon-West of Cascades Fertilizer Guide. OSU Extension Series # FG 13-E
January 1, 2000

H.J. Mack, E.H. Gardner, and T.L. Jackson. 1984 (Reprinted 2000). OSU Fertilizer Guide: Table beets Western Oregon-West of the Cascades. OSU Extension Publication Series # FG 13-E.
 

Green Bean Breeding
December 1, 1994

Objectives: Breed bush green beans for the western Oregon processing industry with:
 

  • Improved potential for high yields at favorable sieve sizes and dependability
  • Improved straightness, texture, and other quality factors
  • Develop easy picking and small pod strains of Blue Lake type
  • Resistance to white mold and root rot
Virus Control in Lettuce and Spinach (1988)
July 1, 1988

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

Delbert Hemphill
OSU Dept of Horticulture, NWREC

Introduction

Research Reports to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission: December 1989
December 1, 1989
VegNet regional pest monitoring program
December 31, 2008

Detection of Plasmodiophora brassicae (causal agent of Clubroot) in vegetable production fields of the Pacific Northwest (2013)
January 1, 2014

Research report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Cindy Ocamb
OSU Dept. of Botany and Plant Pathology

Long-Term Vegetable Crop Rotation Study
December 1, 1996

OBJECTIVES FOR 1996:

To evaluate effects of several winter cover crop systems, including fall-seeded and overseeded triticale, fall-seeded triticale plus winter pea, and overseeded red clover on yield and quality of sweet corn at three rates of N. The cover crops follow broccoli fertilized with three rates of N.

To evaluate the effect of these cover crops and the N applied to sweet corn on the amount of nitrate leached below the root zone.

To evaluate the effect of these cropping systems on the potential for herbicide degredation in the soil profile.

Farming with Pollinators: Increasing Profit and Reducing Risk
January 1, 2012

The Xerces Society. 2012. Farming with Pollinators: Increasing Profit and Reducing Risk. The Xerces Society. Portland, Oregon.

Phosphoric Acid as Emergence Stimulator for Small-Seeded Vegetables

Overwintered Onion Variety Trial, 1978-1979
February 1, 1987

Methods

Predicting N fertilizer Needs in Sweet Corn: Comparing Preplant Nmin and Pre-sidedress Tests to Improve Predictability
December 1, 2011

 Ed Peachey, Dan Sullivan, and John Hart
Departments of Horticulture and Crop and Soil Science, OSU

Vegnet regional pest monitoring
December 31, 2005

Broccoli breeding, evaluation and seed production (2008)
December 31, 2008

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Jim Meyers
OSU Dept of Horticulture

Brian Yorgey
OSU Dept of Food Science and Technology

Objectives:

1. Develop broccoli varieties adapted to western Oregon with suitable quality, high yields, and disease resistance. Specific traits include:

EPA Seeks Comment on Proposed Decision to Register Enlist Duo Herbicide Containing the Choline Salt of 2,4-D and Glyphosate

The EPA is making available for a 30-day public comment period a proposed regulatory decision to register Enlist Duo containing glyphosate and the choline salt of 2,4-D for use in controlling weeds in corn and soybeans genetically engineered (GE) to tolerate 2,4-D.

Broccoli Breeding, Evaluation and Seed Production Report (2010)
December 1, 2010

This report was generated for the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission (OPVC)

Ascospore Trapping of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Snap Bean Fields and Root Rot Management (2010)
December 1, 2010

Report to the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission

Cindy Ocamb
OSU Dept of Botany and Plant Pathology

Nathan Miller
Postdoctoral Research Assistant, BPP, OSU

David H. Gent
USDA-ARS, Corvallis

Robert B. McReynolds
OSU North Willamette Research & Ext. Center

Jim Myers
OSU Dept. of Horticulture

Objectives:

Construction of High Tunnels: Resources for Organic Farmers (2009)

Pool, K. and A. Stone, 2009. Construction of High Tunnels: Resources for Organic Farmers. eOrganic article. Available at http://www.extension.org/article/18369

Evaluation of Fungicides for the Control of Gray/White Mold in Snap Beans
December 31, 2000

The processed vegetable industry has struggled annually with EPA to secure the Ronilan label. EPA announced that the registration will be cancelled in September 30, 2005. There are a number of new fungicides that have not been evaluated for the control of either Botrytis or Sclerotina for snap beans in Oregon. The currently registered alternative fungicides to Ronilan; Benlate, Bravo, Topsin, and Royal, are all subject to review by the EPA under the guidelines set forth in the provisions of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act.

Cooperators:

OSU Clubroot Resistant Brassica Variety Trials (2015-16)
January 10, 2016

This handout summarizes the results from clubroot resistant brassica (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Napa cabbage, etc) variety trials conducted in 2015-16 on farms in the Willamette Valley of Oregon as well as in greenhouse screening trials.

Transgenic Technology and Disease Resistance in Beans
December 31, 1999

For bean production in the Willamette Valley, perhaps one of the most obvious objectives is resistance to white mold (Sclerotinia) since this pathogen is difficult to control using chemicals and no native resistance has been found in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). It has been shown that the production of oxalic acid by the fungus Sclerotinia is the primary cause of pathogenicity. If the oxalic acid can be degraded rapidly by the plant, the symptom can be alleviated or the infection inhibited.

OBJECTIVES:

Planting Dates and Rate of Nitrogen on Cauliflower
April 1, 1986

The varieties Armado April and Armado Quick (Elsoms, Ltd.) were seeded in 2-inch pots in the greenhouse on August 1, August 16, and August 30, 1978, and were transplanted to the field on August 21, September 12, and September 26, respectively. Plots consisted of two 25-foot rows. Treatments were 1) 50 pounds N/acre as ammonium nitrate applied on December 22, 1978, and again on February 26, 1979, and 2) 100 pounds N on the same dates. Treatments were in randomized block design. Heads were harvested twice weekly from April 13 until May 9, 1979.

Overwintered Cabbage
April 1, 1986

Overwintering varieties of cabbage are available, particularly from European seed companies. Variety trials were conducted in 1980 and 1981, with planting dates the same as for the cauliflower, but quality was low and disease incidence high. The hardiest varieties had pointed or conical heads which are not desired in the local markets.

From the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station Special Report 769, April, 1986