Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station
In previous years production of foundation sweetpotato seed for sale to growers has been one of the primary functions of the Pontotoc Station. Today we propagate virus-indexed slips in the greenhouse from November through May. These slips are provided to a local grower for seed increase in the field. The seed produced are commercially available to growers as certified G1 virus-indexed foundation seed stock. This allows Mississippi State University, the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Mississippi Seed Improvement Association to maintain a high quality foundation seed program with a quantity large enough to supply the growing Mississippi sweetpotato industry.
Sweetpotato studies to evaluate cultivars, pest management, plant nutrients, and other associations with plant physiology are conducted on the Flatwoods soil type due to its similarity to soils in the primary sweetpotato growing area of the state. Studies are also conducted in the Delta of Mississippi due to the increase in sweetpotato production in that area of the state.
Field-scale studies utilizing remote sensing and precision technology is being conducted in cooperating producer fields across north Mississippi. This type of research has become increasing important due to the costs associated with crop inputs. Currently, we are developing management zones to apply variable rates of lime, phosphorous and potassium fertilizer. In addition, we are conducting basic research to determine additional crop inputs that could be used with this variable rate technology. The overall objective is to help growers’ producer a more uniform yield of No. 1 grade sweetpotato across the field, while minimizing any adverse effects that can be associated with traditional broadcast applications of crop inputs.
Research in the growth and management of warm season perennial grasses for use as a biomass feedstock is being conducted with the effort to reduce the dependence on petroleum-based fuels in the United States.
Corn research at the station includes weed management strategies for conventional and herbicide tolerant varieties. A no-tillage corn hybrid demonstration is established every season to provide local growers with information for making hybrid selection decisions.
Cotton research includes the use of poultry litter as a fertilizer source, pest management, and environmental impact in regard to management practices. A no-tillage cotton variety trial is also conducted. Several projects involve collaboration with USDA-ARS research scientist.
No-tillage soybean variety trials are conducted on the station with maturity groups III, IV and V to aid producers in making variety selections. Additional research includes the use of foliar fertilizer and pest management projects.
A field day is held annually to discuss trials, as well as the latest crop alerts and news by MSU experts.
