PRESENT PROGRAMSPRESENT PROGRAMS

AND FUTURE PLANSAND FUTURE PLANSPRESENT PROGRAMSPRESENT PROGRAMS

AND FUTURE PLANSAND FUTURE PLANS

SUGARCANE RESEARCH &

EXTENSION BY UF/IFAS

SUGARCANE RESEARCH &

EXTENSION BY UF/IFAS

SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMYDr. Robert GilbertDr. Robert Gilbert

Stage III CP Breeding ProgramStage III CP Breeding Program• Collaborators: USDA, FSCLCollaborators: USDA, FSCL

Cultivar Maturity TrialsCultivar Maturity Trials• Collaborators: SCGC, USDACollaborators: SCGC, USDA

Transgenic Sugarcane EvaluationTransgenic Sugarcane Evaluation• Collaborators: Agron. Dept., TREC, USDACollaborators: Agron. Dept., TREC, USDA

Organic Amendments for Sandland NutritionOrganic Amendments for Sandland Nutrition• Collaborators: FL Crystals, USDACollaborators: FL Crystals, USDA

Sugarcane Response to FloodingSugarcane Response to Flooding• Collaborators: USDACollaborators: USDA

Green Cane HarvestGreen Cane Harvest• Collaborators: SCGC, SWFREC, FL Crystals, Collaborators: SCGC, SWFREC, FL Crystals,

USDA, USSCUSDA, USSC

SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMY

SCMV field dayMill mud strip

No mill mud

Somaclonal variation CP Cultivar field day

SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMY

Low water table

Flooded cane

Adventitious roots

Raking residue

Trash weight

Burnt vs. green

SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMYRESULTSRESULTS

Stage III CP Breeding ProgramStage III CP Breeding Program• CP clones grown on > 80% of FL acreageCP clones grown on > 80% of FL acreage

Cultivar Maturity TrialsCultivar Maturity Trials• Harvest schedule recommendations on EDISHarvest schedule recommendations on EDIS

Transgenic SugarcaneTransgenic Sugarcane• SCMV-resistant high-yielding clones identifiedSCMV-resistant high-yielding clones identified

Organic Amendments for Sandland NutritionOrganic Amendments for Sandland Nutrition• Mill mud > soybean rotation = inorganic fertilizerMill mud > soybean rotation = inorganic fertilizer

Flooded CaneFlooded Cane• 3-month flood reduced sucrose yield 30% in plant 3-month flood reduced sucrose yield 30% in plant

canecane Green CaneGreen Cane

• Significant differences in soil temp., LAI and TCA on Significant differences in soil temp., LAI and TCA on muckmuck

Fig. 4

Days after Oct. 14

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88-150888-176288-183489-214389-2377

SCMV-resistant VR18-54

SANDLAND ORGANIC AMENDMENTS STUDYPlant Cane Yield

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SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMYFUTURE RESEARCH PLANSFUTURE RESEARCH PLANS

Continuing:Continuing:• Stage IIIStage III• Crop ModelingCrop Modeling• Sandland NutritionSandland Nutrition• Transgenic SugarcaneTransgenic Sugarcane• Green CaneGreen Cane

New:New:• Green Cane Green Cane

Management on SandManagement on Sand• Sugarcane for Ethanol Sugarcane for Ethanol

proposalproposal

Multi-disciplinary Projects:Agronomy: Gilbert, Kingston & EzenwaWeeds: RainboltInsects: Nuessly & CherryDiseases: RaidWater Quality: Daroub & MorganCrop Nutrition: McCray & MorganExtension: Rice & Baucum

SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMYGreen cane production systemGreen cane production system

Drs. Kingston Drs. Kingston et al.et al. Field trials for agro-ecology Field trials for agro-ecology

and management of green caneand management of green cane• Experiments on muck and sandy Experiments on muck and sandy

soils.soils.• Collaborators – Collaborators – Gilbert, Kingston, Gilbert, Kingston,

Ezenwa, Eiland, Rice, Shine, Luo, Raid, Ezenwa, Eiland, Rice, Shine, Luo, Raid, Rainbolt, Roka, Rainbolt, Roka,

Applications for more precise Applications for more precise agricultureagriculture

Muck soil expt. Muck soil expt. established 2004-established 2004-05 05

Compares burnt, Compares burnt, trash rake & trash trash rake & trash blanketblanket

Sandland expt. Sandland expt. Established 2005-06Established 2005-06

Compares burnt, Compares burnt, trash rake, trash trash rake, trash blanket & trash blanket & trash blanket with diskingblanket with disking

SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMYAgro-ecology of green cane systemAgro-ecology of green cane system

Assessing utility of earth conductivity Assessing utility of earth conductivity for applications of precision for applications of precision agriculture on EAA Histosols.agriculture on EAA Histosols.• CollaboratorsCollaborators – – Kingston, Luo, Shine, RiceKingston, Luo, Shine, Rice

Cost benefit analysis of land levelling Cost benefit analysis of land levelling for sugarcane production on sandland for sugarcane production on sandland soils.soils.• Collaborators – Collaborators – Ezenwa, KingstonEzenwa, Kingston

SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMYApplications for more precise agricultureApplications for more precise agriculture

Dr. G. Kingston Dr. G. Kingston et al.et al.

ObjectiveObjective• Is bulk electrical cond. Is bulk electrical cond.

of muck a function of of muck a function of soil depth?soil depth?

• Is soil depth related to Is soil depth related to properties that affect properties that affect cane yield? cane yield? eg. pH and eg. pH and sulfur applicationsulfur application

Commenced summer Commenced summer 20052005

Initial results show good Initial results show good correlation of ECa with correlation of ECa with depth to ~3ft.depth to ~3ft.

Chemical data to be Chemical data to be interpreted.interpreted.

SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMYEarth conductivity and precision Earth conductivity and precision

agricultureagricultureEarth conductivity & Depth of Pahokee Muck soil

y = 1.08x + 7.81

r2 = 0.93

0

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Emv (mS/m)

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pth

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m)

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ObjectiveObjective Determine yield Determine yield

response & cost response & cost benefit of land benefit of land levelingleveling on sandland on sandland

Commenced summer Commenced summer 20052005

Ditch cleaning & Ditch cleaning & cultivation causes cultivation causes “dished” surface profile “dished” surface profile between beds.between beds.

Potential for effect on Potential for effect on drainage & soil fertility.drainage & soil fertility.

SUGARCANE AGRONOMYSUGARCANE AGRONOMYCost benefit of land levelingCost benefit of land leveling

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SUGARCANE AGRONOMY ON SUGARCANE AGRONOMY ON MINERAL SOILSMINERAL SOILSDr. Ike V. EzenwaDr. Ike V. Ezenwa

N fertilization of sugarcane on N fertilization of sugarcane on organic- and non-amended mineral organic- and non-amended mineral soilsoil

Rate and method of P application on Rate and method of P application on mineral soilsmineral soils

Current studies

Main Focus of ProgramMain Focus of Program

Improved agronomic management practicesImproved agronomic management practices• N, P, K fertilizationN, P, K fertilization• Soil organic matter ImprovementSoil organic matter Improvement• No-till production systemsNo-till production systems• Weed managementWeed management

Sustainable harvesting methodsSustainable harvesting methods• Green cane harvestingGreen cane harvesting

No compost- 0 N With Compost- 0 N

No compost- 234 kg N/ha With compost- 234 kg N/ha

N fertilization of sugarcane on organic- and non-amended mineral soil

N fertilization of sugarcane on organic- and non-amended mineral soil

Sugarcane heights in 15 June - 7 September 2005.

Date

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

Sta

lk h

eig

ht

(in

ches

)

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N fertilization of sugarcane on organic- N fertilization of sugarcane on organic- and non-amended mineral soiland non-amended mineral soil

Future research plansFuture research plans

Obtain and analyze data on effects of Obtain and analyze data on effects of green cane harvestinggreen cane harvesting

Help industry determine potential Help industry determine potential impact of the practiceimpact of the practice

Green cane harvesting:Green cane harvesting: Positive vs. Negative effects? Positive vs. Negative effects?

SUGARCANE AGRONOMY ON SUGARCANE AGRONOMY ON MINERAL SOILSMINERAL SOILS

SOIL and WATER SCIENCESOIL and WATER SCIENCEDr. K.T. MorganDr. K.T. Morgan

• Program EmphasisProgram Emphasis Improved nutrient use efficiencyImproved nutrient use efficiencyContribution of crop residue to N, P, and K Contribution of crop residue to N, P, and K

cyclingcyclingSoil nutrient modelingSoil nutrient modeling

• StudiesStudiesDemonstration of CRF use on sugarcaneDemonstration of CRF use on sugarcaneDocumentation of N reductions using CRFDocumentation of N reductions using CRFN, P, and K availability from crop residues N, P, and K availability from crop residues

(Green Cane Harvest)(Green Cane Harvest)

SOIL and WATER SCIENCESOIL and WATER SCIENCECRF DEMONSTRATIONCRF DEMONSTRATION

SOIL and WATER SCIENCESOIL and WATER SCIENCECRF DEMONSTRATIONCRF DEMONSTRATION

Sugarcane Leaf Nitrogen

1.00

1.20

1.40

1.60

1.80

2.00

2.20

2.40

5/8/05 5/18/05 5/28/05 6/7/05 6/17/05 6/27/05 7/7/05 7/17/05 7/27/05

Sampling Date

Lea

f N

Co

nce

ntr

atio

n (

%)

Standard 100%

CRF 75% rate

CRF 50% rate

SOIL and WATER SCIENCESOIL and WATER SCIENCE CRF RATE STUDY

SOIL and WATER SCIENCESOIL and WATER SCIENCE CRF RATE STUDY

• Experimental DesignExperimental DesignRandomized complete blockRandomized complete block3 replications per treatment3 replications per treatmentRepeated sampling over timeRepeated sampling over time

• TreatmentsTreatmentsSoluble fertilizer 5 X per yearSoluble fertilizer 5 X per yearComplete CRF at plantingComplete CRF at plantingSlow release N / soluble P and K at plantingSlow release N / soluble P and K at plantingSoluble N, P, and K at planting/ slow release Soluble N, P, and K at planting/ slow release

N at 60 days after plantingN at 60 days after plantingN rates from 100% to 50% of 265 lb/acN rates from 100% to 50% of 265 lb/ac

SOIL and WATER SCIENCESOIL and WATER SCIENCE GREENCANE HARVEST

SOIL and WATER SCIENCESOIL and WATER SCIENCE GREENCANE HARVEST

• Measurements - Measurements - Stalk heights and weightsStalk heights and weights Leaf N concentrationLeaf N concentration Soil N concentrationSoil N concentration Estimated sugar yieldEstimated sugar yield

• Crop Residue - MineralizationCrop Residue - Mineralization Burned cane - ashBurned cane - ash No-till - surface residueNo-till - surface residue Till – incorporated residueTill – incorporated residue

• Soil TransformationsSoil Transformations Nitrification ratesNitrification rates Denitrification ratesDenitrification rates Phosphorus solubilityPhosphorus solubility

SOIL and WATER SCIENCESOIL and WATER SCIENCEFUTURE RESEARCH PLANSFUTURE RESEARCH PLANS

• Use of soil test Use of soil test for phosphorus for phosphorus fertilization.fertilization.

• Soil variability Soil variability effects on effects on nutrition.nutrition.

Water Quality and BMP Water Quality and BMP ResearchResearch

Samira Daroub*, Ming Chen,Samira Daroub*, Ming Chen, Orlando Diaz, and Timothy Lang Orlando Diaz, and Timothy Lang

Highlights of Research ResultsHighlights of Research Resultsandand

Overview of New Scope of WorkOverview of New Scope of Work

Specific Conductance in EAA Specific Conductance in EAA CanalsCanals

Specific conductance research on farm canal Specific conductance research on farm canal water completed. Report issued by IFAS water completed. Report issued by IFAS accepted by SFWMD and FDEP, March 2005accepted by SFWMD and FDEP, March 2005

No BMPs needed for specific conductance in EAANo BMPs needed for specific conductance in EAA

Control of Particulate PControl of Particulate P

Final Report submitted to SFWMD Final Report submitted to SFWMD and FDEP:and FDEP:

Control floating aquatic weedsControl floating aquatic weedsLimit main canal drainage velocityLimit main canal drainage velocityRegularly remove canal sedimentsRegularly remove canal sediments

New Scope of WorkNew Scope of Work

Particulate P Demonstration Particulate P Demonstration FarmFarm

Analysis of Existing BMP DataAnalysis of Existing BMP Data BMP Training WorkshopsBMP Training Workshops BMP Consultation ProgramBMP Consultation Program Extension PublicationsExtension Publications

BMP Demonstration FarmBMP Demonstration FarmObjective:Objective: evaluate the impact of improved evaluate the impact of improved

particulate P control practices compared to particulate P control practices compared to conventional practices on drainage water qualityconventional practices on drainage water quality

Overview:Overview:• two similar sugarcane blocks at ERECtwo similar sugarcane blocks at EREC• each block isolated w/ pump and monitoring each block isolated w/ pump and monitoring

equipequip• agronomics: sugarcane production w/ fallow, agronomics: sugarcane production w/ fallow,

rotational cropsrotational crops

Improved BMP BlockImproved BMP Block

200 acres sugarcane200 acres sugarcaneWeed boom upstream of pumpWeed boom upstream of pumpAggressive FAW controlAggressive FAW controlVelocity controlVelocity controlCanal level controlCanal level control

Control BlockControl Block

150 acres sugarcane150 acres sugarcaneWeed boom near pumpWeed boom near pumpMinimal aq weed controlMinimal aq weed controlDrainage manager controlledDrainage manager controlled

Flow-Weighted P Species Concentrations

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osp

ho

rus

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TP TDP PPSpecies 2003 2004TP 46% 49%TDP 41% 56%PP 50% 35%

Percent Reduction

BMP Training WorkshopsBMP Training Workshops

Half-day training workshops offered at Half-day training workshops offered at Everglades RECEverglades REC

Topics include BMPs related to:Topics include BMPs related to:

• Soil testingSoil testing• Fertilizer applicationFertilizer application• Water table managementWater table management• Particulate P controlParticulate P control• Sediment controlSediment control• Pesticide SafetyPesticide Safety• CEUs offeredCEUs offered

Analysis of Existing BMP Analysis of Existing BMP DataData

Compile IFAS conducted BMP research into Compile IFAS conducted BMP research into one comprehensive accessible databaseone comprehensive accessible database

Determine questions of interestDetermine questions of interest Conduct initial low level analyses Conduct initial low level analyses Follow up with higher order geo-statistical Follow up with higher order geo-statistical

and modeling analysesand modeling analyses Produce and extend recommendationsProduce and extend recommendations

BMP Consultation ProgramBMP Consultation Program

Purpose:Purpose:• Optimize BMP implementation throughout EAAOptimize BMP implementation throughout EAA

MethodsMethods::• Individual consultations between IFAS and growersIndividual consultations between IFAS and growers• Utilize knowledge base of IFAS and grower communityUtilize knowledge base of IFAS and grower community• Develop recommendations for individual farmsDevelop recommendations for individual farms• Impact measured by tracking changes in farm loadsImpact measured by tracking changes in farm loads

Personnel:Personnel: • Samira Daroub, Orlando Diaz, Tim LangSamira Daroub, Orlando Diaz, Tim Lang

Extension PublicationsExtension Publications

Sediment ControlSediment Control Soil TestingSoil Testing Fertilizer Spill PreventionFertilizer Spill Prevention Fertilizer Application ControlFertilizer Application Control

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Landowners’ support of this project Landowners’ support of this project thru EAA-EPD funding is greatly thru EAA-EPD funding is greatly

appreciatedappreciated

Sugarcane NutritionSugarcane NutritionDr. Mabry McCrayDr. Mabry McCray

Current StudiesCurrent Studies

DRIS Fertilizer Supplement Study DRIS Fertilizer Supplement Study Cooperators: Florida Crystals, Stitt Ranch, Lykes Bros.Cooperators: Florida Crystals, Stitt Ranch, Lykes Bros. 25 paired comparisons in plant cane fields in 2004/05, 25 paired comparisons in plant cane fields in 2004/05,

29 comparisons in plant and 129 comparisons in plant and 1stst stubble fields in 2005/06 stubble fields in 2005/06 Tests the effect of a fertilizer supplement based on DRIS Tests the effect of a fertilizer supplement based on DRIS

leaf nutrient indices in April/Mayleaf nutrient indices in April/May Develop guidelines for economic use of DRIS-based Develop guidelines for economic use of DRIS-based

supplements and for incorporation of leaf analysis into supplements and for incorporation of leaf analysis into an overall programan overall program

Sugarcane NutritionSugarcane Nutrition

DRIS Study Harvest Data – All Fields DRIS Study Harvest Data – All Fields (2004/05)(2004/05)

TCATCA TSA TSA % Yld% Yld

Control 47.84 5.69 11.89Control 47.84 5.69 11.89

DRIS 47.82 5.55 11.60DRIS 47.82 5.55 11.60

# Comparisons 19 16 16# Comparisons 19 16 16

p > t .9945 .7812 .4830p > t .9945 .7812 .4830

Sugarcane NutritionSugarcane Nutrition

Current StudiesCurrent Studies

Leaf and Soil SurveyLeaf and Soil Survey

Cooperators: Florida Crystals, Duda, King Ranch, R. C. Cooperators: Florida Crystals, Duda, King Ranch, R. C. Hatton, Hilliard Bros., Lykes Bros., Alico, Stitt RanchHatton, Hilliard Bros., Lykes Bros., Alico, Stitt Ranch

162 plant cane fields sampled in 2004, 63 additional 162 plant cane fields sampled in 2004, 63 additional fields in 2005fields in 2005

Look for trends in deficiencies or imbalancesLook for trends in deficiencies or imbalances Examine nutrition in relation to productionExamine nutrition in relation to production First year results indicated that Si, Mg, and Mn were the First year results indicated that Si, Mg, and Mn were the

nutrients most limiting production in fields surveyednutrients most limiting production in fields surveyed

Sugarcane NutritionSugarcane Nutrition

Current Studies Current Studies

Phosphorus Rate Study Phosphorus Rate Study

2 locations planted in fall 2004 2 locations planted in fall 2004 (Okeelanta and EREC), (Okeelanta and EREC),

6 P rates, band and broadcast6 P rates, band and broadcast Ike Ezenwa planted a similar test on a Ike Ezenwa planted a similar test on a

mineral soil in 2004/05mineral soil in 2004/05 IFAS/SCGC rate tests are ongoingIFAS/SCGC rate tests are ongoing All available data will be used to update All available data will be used to update

IFAS recommendationsIFAS recommendations

Sugarcane NutritionSugarcane Nutrition

Current StudiesCurrent Studies

Silicon/Magnesium StudySilicon/Magnesium Study 2 locations planted in fall 2004, Sugar Farms 2 locations planted in fall 2004, Sugar Farms

Cooperative (muck) and Hilliard Bros (sand)Cooperative (muck) and Hilliard Bros (sand) Designed to compare sources, rates, and Designed to compare sources, rates, and

placement of silica and magnesium amendment placement of silica and magnesium amendment materialsmaterials

Found significant increases in tons sugar/acre Found significant increases in tons sugar/acre with Ca silicate application in first year (05/06) at with Ca silicate application in first year (05/06) at each locationeach location

Application of magnesium increased percent Application of magnesium increased percent sugar yield but did not significantly increase tons sugar yield but did not significantly increase tons sugar/acre (05/06)sugar/acre (05/06)

Sugarcane NutritionSugarcane Nutrition

New ResearchNew Research

Nutritional Impact of Green Harvest – EREC Nutritional Impact of Green Harvest – EREC location started in 2004/05, Hilliard location location started in 2004/05, Hilliard location started fall 2005started fall 2005

Comparison of sugarcane on organic soil Comparison of sugarcane on organic soil with and without added N fertilizer (EREC) – with and without added N fertilizer (EREC) – fall 2005fall 2005

Furrow application of mill mud and compost Furrow application of mill mud and compost on a mineral soil (Hilliard Bros) – fall 2005on a mineral soil (Hilliard Bros) – fall 2005

Silicon rate study (EREC) – fall 2005Silicon rate study (EREC) – fall 2005

Economic Thresholds for Economic Thresholds for Wireworm Control in Plant Wireworm Control in Plant Cane on Sand and MuckCane on Sand and Muck

Economic Thresholds for Economic Thresholds for Wireworm Control in Plant Wireworm Control in Plant Cane on Sand and MuckCane on Sand and Muck

Dr. Phil StanslyDr. Phil StanslySouthwest Florida Research and Education CenterSouthwest Florida Research and Education Center

Dr. Ron CherryDr. Ron CherryEverglades Research and Education CenterEverglades Research and Education Center

Dr. Phil StanslyDr. Phil StanslySouthwest Florida Research and Education CenterSouthwest Florida Research and Education Center

Dr. Ron CherryDr. Ron CherryEverglades Research and Education CenterEverglades Research and Education Center

ObjectiveObjective

To determine when it is really To determine when it is really necessary to use soil insecticides for necessary to use soil insecticides for wireworm control when planting wireworm control when planting sugarcanesugarcane

MethodsMethods

Determine if wireworms can be Determine if wireworms can be sampled at planting to decide if soil sampled at planting to decide if soil insecticides are required.insecticides are required.

Determine if soil type affects Determine if soil type affects wireworm populations.wireworm populations.

Determine if season affects Determine if season affects wireworm populationswireworm populations

BenefitsBenefits

Economic savingsEconomic savings Reduced handling toxic substances = Reduced handling toxic substances =

safety issuesafety issue Reduce environmental contaminationReduce environmental contamination Good public relationsGood public relations Reduce possibility of insecticide Reduce possibility of insecticide

resistanceresistance

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Thanks to Florida Sugar Cane League Thanks to Florida Sugar Cane League for substantial fundingfor substantial funding

Thanks to Paul Grose and King Ranch Thanks to Paul Grose and King Ranch for cooperation and land usefor cooperation and land use

Sugarcane Insect Pest Sugarcane Insect Pest ManagementManagement

Yellow Sugarcane Aphid

Lesser Cornstalk BorerLesser Cornstalk BorerWireworms

Dr. Gregg NuesslyDr. Gregg Nuessly

Early season YSA feeding reducesinternode width/length and leaf length with season long effect of reduced sugar at harvest

YellowSugarcaneAphid

Leaves with <50% green color at timeof treatment for aphids:

50% of leaves = 12% yield loss90% of leaves = 19% yield loss

Sugarcane Insect Pest ManagementSugarcane Insect Pest Management

YellowSugarcaneAphid

Sugarcane Insect Pest ManagementSugarcane Insect Pest Management

Susceptible CP98-1569 Resistant CP98-1497

Evaluated all CP98 and CP99 Stage IV clones for susceptibility to YSA

Evaluated biology and efficacy of natural enemies to control YSA

Graduate student Fall 2006

LesserCornstalkBorer

Early season damage tosugarcane, corn & beans

Sugarcane Insect Pest ManagementSugarcane Insect Pest Management

Shotholes

Deadshoots

Worse in warm, dry Springfollowing similar Winter

Graduate student beginsJanuary 2006

Evaluating seed treatment insecticides for wireworm control in vegetables

Then examine technology transfer to sugarcane

Sugarcane Insect Pest ManagementSugarcane Insect Pest Management

Wireworms

FUTURE RESEARCH FUTURE RESEARCH PLANSPLANS

1. Continue to evaluate effects of green 1. Continue to evaluate effects of green harvest sugarcane production systems on harvest sugarcane production systems on insect populations and sugarcane damageinsect populations and sugarcane damage

Sugarcane Insect Pest ManagementSugarcane Insect Pest Management

2. Examine the biology and control of lesser cornstalk borer in sugarcane

3. Examine the ecology of yellow and white sugarcane aphids

SUGARCANE WEED SCIENCESUGARCANE WEED SCIENCEDr. C.R. RainboltDr. C.R. Rainbolt

K4 herbicide evaluation for plant cane K4 herbicide evaluation for plant cane and sandland caneand sandland cane• Collaborators: DuPont, ALICO, USSC, Duda, Collaborators: DuPont, ALICO, USSC, Duda,

Paige Farms, Les Baucum, Ike EzenwaPaige Farms, Les Baucum, Ike Ezenwa Palisade ripener and seedcane Palisade ripener and seedcane

evaluationevaluation• Collaborators: Syngenta, King Ranch, USSC, Collaborators: Syngenta, King Ranch, USSC,

SCGC, FL CrystalsSCGC, FL Crystals Experimental herbicide evaluationExperimental herbicide evaluation

• Collaborators: Syngenta, FMC, ISK Collaborators: Syngenta, FMC, ISK Biosciences, Bayer Crop ScienceBiosciences, Bayer Crop Science

SUGARCANE WEED SUGARCANE WEED CONTROLCONTROL

Sandea for nutsedge control

Palisade seed piece trialK4 on sandland cane

Experimental herbicides

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

CP80-

1743

CP88-

1762

CP89-

2143

CP78-

1628

CP84-

1198

CL77-797

Palisade Untreated

Palisade pre-plant seed treatment 2005 -

Count Date 12/28/2005 - First Count

Planted 11/17-19/2005

WEED SCIENCEWEED SCIENCE

Palisade ripener and seedcane Palisade ripener and seedcane evaluationevaluation• Increased number of nodes per linear foot Increased number of nodes per linear foot

of stalk and increased stand counts in field of stalk and increased stand counts in field trialtrial

Experimental herbicide evaluationExperimental herbicide evaluation• Initial trials are encouraging with some Initial trials are encouraging with some

herbicidesherbicides K4 herbicide evaluation for plant cane K4 herbicide evaluation for plant cane

and sandland caneand sandland cane• Establishing rate guidelines for weed Establishing rate guidelines for weed

control efficacy and crop safetycontrol efficacy and crop safety

SUGARCANE WEED SUGARCANE WEED CONTROLCONTROL

Envoke + Asulox applied to 4-5 inch tall crabgrass and fall panicum

applied 13 days later applied 20 days later

WEED SCIENCEWEED SCIENCEFUTURE RESEARCHFUTURE RESEARCH

Nutsedge Nutsedge interference with interference with sugarcanesugarcane

Biology of sorghum Biology of sorghum almumalmum

Green cane residue Green cane residue weed suppressionweed suppression

Examining the potential of Examining the potential of Barn Owls as rodent Barn Owls as rodent

controllerscontrollers

Dr. Richard Raid Dr. Richard Raid Jason MartinGraduate Student Jason Martin

Graduate Student

UF Barn Owl ProjectUF Barn Owl ProjectAreas of ActivityAreas of Activity

Barn owl behavior and population Barn owl behavior and population studies studies

Rodent population dynamicsRodent population dynamics

Examining the effectiveness of Examining the effectiveness of barn owls as rodent controllers barn owls as rodent controllers

Public education and agricultural Public education and agricultural outreach outreach

Barn Owl Population StudiesBarn Owl Population Studies

282 barn owls banded 282 barn owls banded since June 2004 since June 2004 (89 (89 adults and 193 nestlings)adults and 193 nestlings)

Spring 2005: nests in Spring 2005: nests in 52% of 233 nest 52% of 233 nest boxes in Palm Beach boxes in Palm Beach CountyCounty

Fall 2005: nests in Fall 2005: nests in 71% of 233 boxes, 71% of 233 boxes, but most destroyed but most destroyed by hurricane Wilmaby hurricane Wilma

Spring 2006: nests in Spring 2006: nests in 78% of 85 boxes 78% of 85 boxes

Rodent Population StudiesRodent Population Studies Trapping surveys conducted Trapping surveys conducted

Jan. 2005 – Dec. 2006Jan. 2005 – Dec. 2006

Surveys conducted 3 times Surveys conducted 3 times during growing season during growing season (post-(post-harvest, mid-way, pre-harvest) harvest, mid-way, pre-harvest) along 16 field ditches in EAAalong 16 field ditches in EAA

Collecting data on community Collecting data on community structure and abundancestructure and abundance

Preliminary results indicate very Preliminary results indicate very low populations after harvest, low populations after harvest, but gradual increases through but gradual increases through growing seasongrowing season

Results will be useful in regards Results will be useful in regards to optimizing rodent control to optimizing rodent control strategiesstrategies

Owl/Rodent RelationshipsOwl/Rodent Relationships 6 sites selected to examine 6 sites selected to examine

the impact of owl predation the impact of owl predation on rodent abundance (3 on rodent abundance (3 experimental, 3 control)experimental, 3 control)

25 nest boxes placed in 25 nest boxes placed in each experimental site to each experimental site to establish high predator establish high predator density, while very low owl density, while very low owl density maintained in density maintained in controlscontrols

At least 60% nesting At least 60% nesting occupancy in experimental occupancy in experimental sites in spring 2006sites in spring 2006

Rodent populations and Rodent populations and sugarcane damage are sugarcane damage are being periodically monitoredbeing periodically monitored

Education and OutreachEducation and Outreach Educational booths and Educational booths and

displays during special displays during special events events

Distribution of owl pellets Distribution of owl pellets to schools and community to schools and community groups groups

Nest box construction with Nest box construction with Boy Scouts, Audubon, Boy Scouts, Audubon, schools, and other groupsschools, and other groups

Conducting field trips and Conducting field trips and owl prowls owl prowls

Creation of barn owl Creation of barn owl website with live nest website with live nest cameras cameras

CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS UF/IFAS sugarcane research now encompasses many UF/IFAS sugarcane research now encompasses many

disciplines.disciplines.• AgronomyAgronomy Crop Nutrition Soil Science Crop Nutrition Soil Science• Weed ScienceWeed Science Entomology Entomology Water Water

QualityQuality

New faculty at SWFREC: Ike Ezenwa & Kelly MorganNew faculty at SWFREC: Ike Ezenwa & Kelly Morgan

New extension agents: Ron Rice & Les BaucumNew extension agents: Ron Rice & Les Baucum

Thanks to sugarcane industry for their financial Thanks to sugarcane industry for their financial support.support.

Thanks to collaborators for their effort in the field.Thanks to collaborators for their effort in the field.

Look forward to grower input on future research Look forward to grower input on future research projects.projects.