Q3 Photos
Figure 1. Disease symptoms on Delphinium from the cut flower trial
None of the compost treatments were successful at limiting disease symptoms in Delphinium or statice. Data on cut flower yield are still being analyzed. Three Pythium spp. have been isolated from flower roots and are currently being tested to see if they are virulent on these plant species. Winter greenhouse experiments will also include a trial of different rates of vermicompost amendment for Delphinium given the poor germination rates seen with a 20% amendment.
Figure 2. Goldenrod from Glover Perennials. Top row no vermicompost, lower row 10% vermicompost amendment.
Jim Glover sent us these plants saying he observed that the vermicompost exacerbated an existing root rot problem. We did not observe any visible differences among the plants, in fact the vermicompost amended plants had seemingly more vigorous growth. With only three plants in each treatment we were not able to take any measurements or draw any definitive conclusions. We’re hoping to collaborate with a nursery much closer to us next season so we can collaborate more intensively with the owner.
Figure 3. Field applications of 2 t, 4 t and 8 t per acre vermicompost at Fraser garlic farm.
Figure 4. Ed on his tractor seeding garlic next to our plot.
Figure 5. Full plot after being hilled.
Figure 6. Betsy (CU) and Howie (RTS) prepping the garlic for planting.
Figure 7. Allium weeds from Fraser’s field. We brought these back to the lab to test if they were harboring the basal crown rot he’d been having problems with. (Fusarium oxysporum).
Figure 8. Final harvest of cauliflower at Pedersen’s with vermicompost used as a potting media amendment in the transplants. Rick: grower’s field, 302: 10 % vermicompost, 303: 20% vermicompost, 304: Rick’s potting media, 305: 10% vermicompost + bloodmeal. These data are still being analyzed so we’re not sure there were significant differences between treatments.