Weed control, chemical residue and growth regulator studies are designed to examine economical means by which various chemicals can be utilized to lower production costs. Plant population studies provide essential yield and quality information necessary for optimizing farming productivity on a per acre-basis. Breeding and variety studies are necessary for the genetic engineering varieties which have disease resistance, decreased sucker growth and increased standability. As global tobacco markets develop, tobacco research must supply farmers with the necessary technology for production of a wide range of yield and quality tobacco crops. Field Crop and Horticulture Field crop studies are designed to enhance cultural practices, weed control, crop rotation and alternative crop studies.
Corn is grown and harvested for corn silage.
Wheat and soybeans are used to maintain soil conservation rotations following corn and tobacco crops. Our 200 varieties of blueberries and brambles are grown to test regional adaptability. Strawberry breeders test new crops for climatic adaptability, growth and quality scores. Organic broccoli is being produced and experiments are underway to test cover crops better suited for organic situations. The hills of the northern Piedmont area of North Carolina are plagued with highly erodible top soils.