CROP INFORMATION

· Isolation Calculation Examples

This link provides examples that are relevant to perennial crops such as alfalfa, clover, and grasses. In most of those crops, a specific distance from other seed fields of species that will cross is provided, but there is also the “10% Rule,” which allows for calculations that can qualify fields or portions of fields that do not meet the distance requirement. WSCS staff will be glad to help you determine the potential isolation issues of fields prior to planting decisions, and will use the same calculations when assessing isolation during the inspection season.

· Bloom Inspections for Alfalfa Seed Fields

Forage fields can be a source of contaminating pollen if they are not cut before 10% bloom, which is defined as one stem out of ten with an open bloom. The same isolation principles that are discussed in the Isolation Calculation Examples above hold true for forage fields, with one twist. Forage fields typically only produce contaminating pollen that is a concern for seed production fields up to the first cutting of hay, and after that, they are not a significant contributor. The other factor that comes into play is the person managing the seed production field may not be the person managing the forage field. A bloom inspection can be done at the time of pollinator release if a forage field is impacting the isolation of a seed field, but a special application must be completed submitted by July 1^st. Select this link for a Bloom Inspection Application or contact the WSCS office and we will mail one to you.

· Hybrid Alfalfa Pollen Counts

Wyoming uses a modified version of pollen counts to assess if fields of hybrid alfalfa will produce seed that meets the minimum 75% hybridity required by the Federal Seed Act. The linked document explains the methods used in Wyoming, and compares them to the methods stated in the AOSCA Genetic and Crop Standards, the Federal Seed Act, and the OECD Seed Schemes. Select this link to view a thorough discussion of the issue.

· Lab Testing For Dry Bean Diseases

Testing dry bean samples collected during the course of field inspections has been provided by the Plant Sciences Department of the University of Wyoming for many years, but starting with the 2008 inspection season, samples will be sent to STA Laboratories in Longmont, Colorado. STA labs will use the same protocol for testing samples that was used by Gary Franc, and should be able to provide the same level and quality of service we experienced in the past. There will, however, be a change in the cost for testing samples. In the past, the WSCS paid for the cost of testing all samples, in part because the Plant Sciences Dept. kept testing fees relatively low. STA Laboratories is a private, for-profit entity, and their fees will be higher, forcing a change in policy regarding who pays for the testing of disease samples. The new policy is that samples that are found to be positive for bean diseases will have testing fees charged to the contractor, or the grower if there is no contractor. The WSCS will pay for tests that are negative.