U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government
                    Here's how you know **Official websites use .gov**
                            
                            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                            
                            A **lock** (                            
                              A locked padlock                                                      
                            
                            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Menu Agricultural Research Service
						
                    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 Soil Management Research: Morris, MN
 close



    Research

                    Research Projects
                                    Publications
                                    Collaborations
                                    News
                                    Software
                People

                    Staff Listing
                                    CareersSearch small
                    Search
            
            ARS Home
                                About ARS
                                Contact Us




ARS Home Midwest Area Morris, Minnesota Soil Management Research Research Publications at this Location





- ARS National Programs
- Search for a scientific manuscript
- Search for a research project
- ARS Software
- Programs and Projects
- Collaborations
- Subjects of Investigation
- Publications

Title:   Author  item
                                            Gesch, Russell

                                                         - *Russ*item
                                            Forcella, Frankitem
                                            Sharratt, Brentonitem
                                            Olness, Alanitem
                                            Archer, David
  Submitted to: Annual Meeting and Expo of the American Oil Chemists' Society
                                    Publication Type: Abstract Only
                                    Publication Acceptance Date: 5/7/2003
                                    Publication  Date: 5/7/2003
                                    Citation: GESCH, R.W., FORCELLA, F., SHARRATT, B.S., OLNESS, A.E., ARCHER, D.W. PROGRESS IN MOVING FROM RESEARCH TO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF CUPHEA IN THE U.S. AMERICAN OIL CHEMISTS SOCIETY. 2003. ABSTRACT P. 32.Interpretive Summary:
                                Technical Abstract: Several species of Cuphea (Lythraceae) are unique among plants adapted to temperate climates in that they emphasize the synthesis and storage of small and medium-chain triglycerides in their seed. Currently, no crops are grown in the U.S. that meet demands of the chemical manufacturing industry for small and medium-chain oils. During the past decade, success was achieved in developing semi-domesticated lines of cuphea from crossing C. viscosissima with C. lanceolata. However, until recently, little was known about the extent of their agronomic potential, or best management practices for their production. Our work with cuphea focuses on developing management practices for production and identifying agronomic and environmental limitations. In addition to the value of its seed oil, cuphea offers a true alternative crop for rotations which are already suffering from lack of diversity. Results show that present cuphea lines (e.g., PSR23 and PSR57) are best suited for production in the northern Midwest region. Likely, this is linked to soil water holding capacity and water use of plants, and seasonal timing of high temperatures, both of which are crucial in the growth and development of cuphea. Planting with a no-till drill in a minimum-residue seedbed has proven successful, although uniform crop establishment remains elusive. Harvesting is still problematic mainly due to low harvest index and seed shattering. Shattering prior to and during the harvest process may account for seed losses as high as 20 to 40%. Late season broadleaf weed control and nutritional requirements of cuphea require further study. While some obstacles to commercialization of cuphea remain, results appear favorable for agronomic production in the near future.


Return to top


Connect with ARS Sign up


ARS Home
                            USDA.gov
                            Plain Writing
                            Policies & Links
                            Civil Rights Statements
                            FOIA
                            Accessibility Statement
                            Privacy Policy
                            Non-Discrimination Statement
                            Quality of Information
                            USA.gov
                            WhiteHouse.gov