College of Agricultural Sciences

The design of the study conducted was to assess the mycorrhizal status of blueberry plants in commercial farms in the Willamette Valley of Oregon and to determine whether relationships exist between cultural practices, root distribution, soil characteristics and level of colonization by mycorrhizal fungi.

Information provided on cultural pest management practices for control of plant parasitic nematodes in the nursery industry. The main topics of discussion include; nematode identification, crop rotation, fallowing, weed control, resistant plant material, soil amendments, and sanitation.

Washington State University affiliated entomologist discusses the European crane fly (Tipula paludosa) and it's impact in the Pacific Northwest. Topics addressed include it's introduction into North America, lifecycle, biological and environmental controls, and chemical controls.

A discussion about the use of grass in between rhododendron field plantings in the nursery environment for weed suppression, improved water drainage, and mud control. The types of grass covered include; perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, red fescue, hard fescue, chewings fescue, colonial bentgrass, kentucky bluegrass, and annual bluegrass.

The Oregon State University affiliated author examines the practice of complementary field plantings and the various benefits of the practice. A list is provided that includes multiple practical ideas for growers to incorporate into their operations for increased efficiency.

The author discusses gladiolus mild virus and its transmission from gladiolus to clover, alfalfa, beans and other plants by migrating aphids.

Information and strategies for field growers on how to reduce weeds in their crops. Topics discussed include, field preparation, sanitation, cultural practices and proper herbicide selection and use.

Guide for growers west of the Cascade mountains growing in native soils. Topics include optimum pH levels for commonly produced crops, understanding pH and how to measure it correctly, problems and symptoms of too high and too low soil pH, and solutions for pH extremes.