Research Programs

Field Crops

The corn research program test over 90 different varieties for yield and quality in the SE region of the state through the OVT-Official Variety Program. In the OVT- Soybean trials tests were run on over 150 different varieties. Another test monitors for disease on soybeans. The peanut test conducted advanced yield trials on over 100 different varieties for yield and quality determinations. Another peanut trial looks at using different crops in a rotation to get the highest yields. Field Crops The corn research program test over 90 different varieties for yield and quality in the SE region of the state through the OVT-Official Variety Program. In the OVT- Soybean trials tests were run on over 150 different varieties. Another test monitors for disease on soybeans. The peanut test conducted advanced yield trials on over 100 different varieties for yield and quality determinations. Another peanut trial looks at using different crops in a rotation to get the highest yields.

Tobacco

The OVT-burley tobacco test was conducted to determine yield and quality in the border belt tobacco-growing region. Flue-cured tobacco trials were done mostly on testing up and coming varieties or released tobacco varieties. There are around 300 varieties that are being grown at this location. Work is being done on determining what varieties of tobacco will last the longest in the field without losing yield and quality. We have a fertility study that test different types and rates of fertilizer. Another test determines the effects of leaching on yield and quality. One test looks at two fertilizer rates on various topping heights and harvest schemes and chemical topping on a non-flowering variety. There is a pesticide study that looks at using DNA’s for sucker control to obtain MH free tobacco.

Future Research

The future plans for this research station is to continue to look for new varieties in the various field crops grown in this part of the state, striving for higher yields, better quality, better disease and insect management, using the best in fertility and crop management procedures that is economical to the farmers with less impact on the environment. We have a plan in place that we will be looking at various oil seed crops to be used for bio-diesel production. This project will involve working with Southeastern Community College and the Columbus County Office of the NC Cooperative Extension Service. The present and future impact of the work done at this research station has helped the farmers to produce higher yielding crops with better quality and safety than in any other time in history.