We demonstrated three best management practices for red clover growers, first assessing the feasibility of production by assessing the prevalence of root and crown rot disease in early spring, then monitoring and night spraying control of the major insect pest the lesser clover leaf weevil…

In July 2022, hybrid bromegrass (HBG) AC Success was seeded at Melfort, SK. Three different fertilizer sources of urea with urease and nitrification inhibitors were demonstrated, each applied at three different times (early fall, late fall and early spring).

Demonstration of intercropping perennial ryegrass (PRG) with oat using different seed placements (side band and deeper than PRG, same row as PRG, monocrop PRG, monocrop oat) and seeding rates (0.25 X, 0.5X, 0.75, 1X).

Demonstrating the dual-use potential of a new variety of intermediate wheatgrass when grown in northeast Saskatchewan under organic and conventional cropping systems. We will demonstrate the feed-grazing value year 1 and seed production value year 2.

Minor Use pesticide evaluations in annual ryegrass grown for seed production – tolerance, efficacy, and yield evaluations 2021, herbicides and plant growth regulators. The trial site at St. Brieux evaluating herbicides had high levels of variability due to the drought and this impacted emergence.

To evaluate the tolerance of Authority, Authority Supreme and Valtera when applied in the early spring on established red and alsike clover, small plot research trials were conducted in the RM of Star City 0.5 miles south of Melfort, SK.1 Viper ADV was applied shortly before flowering.

The crop tolerance of red and alsike clover and weed control efficacy of spring-applied herbicides was evaluated in a field trial planted at Melfort, SK, 2020. The aim of the small plot replicated trial was evaluation of three spring-applied herbicides: Authority and Valtera at 1X and 2X recommended rates of application, Viper ADV, and Viper ADV tank mixed with Authority or Vaterra, and compare the applications to an unsprayed control (check).

The Saskatchewan Forage Seed Variety Demonstration trials were started in 2020 at the Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation (ICDC), Outlook and the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE), Saskatoon. There are 28 varieties and new breeding lines under evaluation representing: hybrid, meadow, and smooth bromegrass; crested, hybrid, western, northern, and intermediate wheatgrass; tall fescue; timothy; creeping red fescue, perennial ryegrass, festolium, galega, cicer milkvetch and sainfoin.

The crop tolerance of red clover and weed control efficacy of fall-applied herbicides was evaluated in a field trial planted at Melfort, SK, spring 2017.

The aim of the trial was screening of six fall-applied products at 1X and 2X recommended rates of application and compare the application to an unsprayed control (check). The treatments were not replicated and yield data was not collected. However, the researchers at the Northeast Agriculture Research Foundation identified products with potential for use in seed production.

The following projects are in various stages of completion. Check back for updates on projects in our research section.

Although NARF has had an uncertain spring due to Covid-19 we have been able to get more trials in the ground then we would have ever anticipated with all the uncertainty in April/May.

Objective/Rationale: To evaluate crop tolerance and weed control efficacy of potential new herbicides for use in Annual Ryegrass for seed production in support of registration under the Minor Use Program.

Objective/Rationale: To determine the optimal nitrogen fertilizer rate(s), in combination with a Plant Growth Regulator (PGR), for use in Annual ryegrass for seed production.

Objective/Rationale: To evaluate the crop tolerance and weed control efficacy of spring-applied herbicides to Red clover, in support of registration under the Minor Use Program.

Objective/Rationale: To evaluate crop tolerance of Alsike clover and weed control efficacy of spring-applied herbicides in support of registration under the Minor Use Program.

Objective/Rationale: To evaluate crop tolerance and weed control efficacy of potential spring applied herbicides for use in established red clover, in support of registration under the Minor Use Program.

Objective/Rationale: To determine the optimal N fertilizer rate(s), in combination with PGR (Plant Growth Regulator) usage, in Annual Ryegrass for seed production.

Northeast Saskatchewan is the centre of forage seed production in the province. Red clover is the largest forage seed crop after alfalfa. Alsike clover is also commonly grown for seed in the area. These clover crops, when harvested for seed, fit well into crop rotations.

Objectives: This project evaluates and demonstrates the use of direct seeding with the use of pre-seeding herbicide applications or pre-seeding cultivation when establishing forage seed crops.

Objectives: Controlling lesser clover leaf weevil has become an important operation in the production of red clover seed in Saskatchewan, yet producers are often unsure of proper timing of application.