S_TEMP1742: Review and Coordination of Oilseed Rape Research Programs in the Southern Region (IEG-55)
(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)
Status: Inactive/Terminating
S_TEMP1742: Review and Coordination of Oilseed Rape Research Programs in the Southern Region (IEG-55)
Duration: 10/01/2007 to 09/30/2012
Administrative Advisor(s):
NIFA Reps:
Non-Technical Summary
Statement of Issues and Justification
Oilseed rape/canola, primarily Brassica napus, is a major oilseed crop worldwide. Since approval of canola oil for sale in the U.S. in 1985, there has been considerable interest in producing canola as a winter crop in the southern region. SERA-IEG 11 was formed in 1991 to provide a forum for information exchange and to coordinate activities of research and extension programs directed at canola production in the southern region. The southern region has a number of advantages for canola production including mild temperatures and adequate rainfall favorable for winter production, presence of existing crushing facilities, access to export facilities, and potential for double cropping. Low commodity prices, lack of adapted varieties, lack of effective pest control measures, agronomic production problems, and lack of local markets are major reasons why canola production in the South has not exceeded 25,000 acres per year. With more realistic expectations, there still is considerable potential for expanded canola production in the southern region. Recent interest in canola as a source for biodiesel and high commodity prices has greatly increased interest in growing canola in the southern region. Much progress has been made in improving canola varieties and production and pest control systems. Continuation of the Information Exchange Group is essential to continue this rapid progress.
Objectives
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To share information and coordinate research and extension activities among agricultural scientist and interested industry groups related to the successful commercial production of oilseed rape (canola) in the southern region of the United States.
Procedures and Activities
Expected Outcomes and Impacts
- Scientists from across the southern region have met annually to exchange information on research and extension programs on oilseed rape/canola. These meetings have been used successfully as a forum for discussion of research and extension needs and as a means to design and coordinate activities to meet these needs. Examples of coordinated activities derived directly from SERA-IEG-11 are 1) the southern regional canola variety trial program, 2) the development of a regional disease evaluation nursery, 3) disease and pest surveys, 4) improved coordination of funding from the U.S. Canola Research Program.
- The main expected outcome and measure of success is the sustained commercial production of canola in the southern region. Commercial production of canola has been very limited (about 2,500 acres) in the southern region since the mid-1990s. However new initiatives in Arkansas, Georgia, and North Carolina most likely expand canola production this fall. Other specific expected outcomes included the continued release of new canola varieties and germplasm by breeding programs at Univ. of Arkansas, Univ. of Georgia, and Virginia State Univ.
Projected Participation
View Appendix E: ParticipationEducational Plan
Results will be disseminated by traditional extension routes such as field days, grower meetings, extension bulletins and circulars, web-based publications within interested states. Canola scientist in Georgia, Arkansas and North Carolina have developed production guides for there area that are available on-line and updated periodically. Scientists at Alabama A&M Univ. specially target serve minority growers in Alabama and surrounding states.
Organization/Governance
Standard governance procedures will be used. The group meets annually usually in the spring. However, the group met in conjunction with the National Canola Research Meeting held at the American Society of Agronomy meeting in November, 2006.
Current Chair: G. David Buntin, University of Georgia
Secretary/Treasurer: Robert Bacon, Univ. of Arkansas
Administrative Advisors:
Reuben Moore, Mississippi State Univ.
Jim Barrentine, Clemson Univ.