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CHAPTER 4. PLANT COLLECTIONS A. Greenhouses The greenhouses are used for plant propagation, virus testing and elimination, overwintering tender plants, flower forcing for identification or seed production, short-term research projects and permanent collections of non-hardy plants. Post-entry quarantined plants, special permit plants, and some virus collections are kept in Greenhouse 4.

1. Greenhouse Assignments Greenhouse 1 This house is the main propagation house and is heated or cooled all year and equipped with grow lights. Half of the benches have bottom heat. The first four benches are mist beds with biotherm bottom heat for rooting cuttings and acclimatization of in-vitro cultured plants. Benches are available for seedling production, propagation for screenhouse and field collections, plant requests, research projects, plant reserves for IPM projects, and virus indicator plant propagation.

Greenhouse 2 This house is minimally heated (38F) in winter. This house has Vaccinium, species, core and non-hardy Mentha, prostrate Rubus, and non-hardy Ribes.

Greenhouse 3 This house is minimally heated (38F) in winter. This house is used for non-hardy Rubus and pear back-up in d-pots and potted trees.

Greenhouse 4 This house is divided into 6 sections by insect proof screen walls, and is used to house post-entry quarantine plants. It is minimally heated (38F) in winter to accommodate the chilling requirements of these plants. A heat mat in Section 6 can be used to provide bottom heat to a small number of quarantined plants. Section 1 is used as an isolation room and spray room to sanitize plants arriving at the facility, or moving between repository locations. Section 5 contains a collection of germplasm borne pathogens as infected plants, including Corylus, Mentha, Ribes, and Vaccinium.

2. Plant Movement 1. All plants moving into any greenhouse from the field, shadetube, screenhouse, or from outside

the repository must first enter the pest treatment room for inspection and pest elimination. 2. Plants should not be removed from the treatment room until they have been examined/treated

for pests. 3. Bench space should be requested from the greenhouse manager who will assign space and

provide a bench label. 4. Plants are not to be moved from bench to bench or house to house without the permission of the

greenhouse manager or person responsible for those plants. 5. Doors must be kept closed whenever possible to minimize the immigration and spread of pests

into and between the greenhouses.

3. Cultural Practices In general, all plants in the greenhouse will be subject to the following cultural practices to aid in pest management and genetic integrity.

1. Flowers and fruit will be removed. 2. Excess foliage will be pruned. 3. Plants on benches will be at least 1 pot distance apart. 4. Dead plants will be removed as soon as possible.

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5. Plants will be properly labeled with both plant name and local number. 6. Soil stored outside will be pasteurized at 160oF for 1 hour before use. 7. Weeds will be removed from pots, from beneath benches, and from areas immediately outside of

the greenhouses. 8. Pots, bamboo stakes, etc. will be sanitized between uses.

Freezing weather preparations 1. The Envirostep controller will automatically regulate the greenhouse temperature to maintain

a minimum 38F, this maintains enough water circulating in the heating pipes to prevent freezing and breakage.

2. Check that the water supply to the swamp coolers in all greenhouses are shut off and drained for the winter. Water valves are located along same wall as the swamp coolers. The Envirostep controller will automatically turn on swamp cooler fans to prevent the greenhouses from overheating in sunny weather

3. At cold temperatures, the Envirostep controller will automatically close the side and roof vents of the greenhouses.

Labeling Plants for permanent collections must be properly labeled to avoid confusion and loss of valuable plant accessions.

1. Plastic labels in individual pots should be written in pencil, include plant name, accession number, date, and initials of propagator.

2. Plastic-paper labels must include the accession number and plant name. 3. Plants for the permanent screenhouse collections should not be moved out to the screenhouse

until they have a permanent computer generated label. 4. Plants for the field collection should have a metal or plastic-paper label attached to the plant

and/or the pot before they transfer to the tubehouse. Tubehouse plants are exposed to the elements and can easily lose their labels. Placing labels on the pots or low on the plant ensures that the label will not be easily lost if branches or tops break from wind damage.

4. Clonal Propagation for Permanent Collections (Also see annual schedule of greenhouse/screenhouse events)

Corylus Hazelnuts are usually received as scions which are grafted onto virus-free rootstocks in the greenhouse during the winter. We need two trees: one for the field, and one as a backup plant to keep until the field tree is established. Plants for the field must be layered after grafting so that they go to the field on their own roots. Back-up plants may be grafted.

After grafting, the trees are grown in a heated greenhouse a few months until they are well established. The trees are given soluble fertilizer once per week, no other fertilizer is applied as hazelnut leaves burn if fertilized too heavily. The meristem must be kept vertical by staking the growing tips up or the tree will stop growing.

Layering procedure: • girdle the tree above the graft union,

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• apply a solution of IGA @ 750 ppm, • bury the base of the tree until roots develop, • a plastic sleeve filled with sawdust is used to layer grafted trees in the pot.

Trees going through the layering process are kept in greenhouse #2 for the rest of the growing season, the sawdust is kept moist, soluble fertilizer is applied weekly, and the growing tips must be kept vertical. One tree may be left unlayered as a backup in case the layered tree dies in the process. The trees are usually rooted by the end of the growing season. Rooted plants can be separated from the rootstock when they are planted in the field. Back up plants and PEQ plants can be separated from the rootstock and planted in pots during the dormant season.

Fragaria Runners or crown divisions are the standard methods of propagation. During propagation, care has to be taken not to mix accessions.

To propagate strawberries, runners are removed from the screenhouse plants when root initiation is just starting. They are propagated in 100% perlite, or 1:1 vermiculite/perlite, in the mist bed in greenhouse #1 until rooted. Then they are transplanted into standard potting mix in four-inch pots.

Mentha/Pycnanthemun Rhizomes or stem cuttings are placed in propagation media under mist. Mint cuttings and rhizomes are usually ready to pot up within three weeks. Pycnanthemum cuttings take 4 to 6 weeks to root well. Once established the plants are transplanted to standard potting mix.

Pyrus Scionwood is collected during the winter and stored in the walk-in cooler or freezer until it can be grafted. Scionwood is grafted or budded onto virus-free OHxF 333 rootstock in the late winter to early spring in greenhouses, and kept in the greenhouses until established when they may be moved out to the tubehouse. After grafting, rubbers are removed and the graft union should be painted to make it obvious.

Any accessions that need to be self-rooted are treated the same as the hazelnuts for rooting and grown in greenhouses until fall.

Ribes Hardwood cuttings may be collected in the late winter and placed in 1:1 perlite/vermiculite propagation media in the mist bed. Hardwood cuttings have developed good callus when placed in the cooler for up to 90 days. Softwood cuttings may be placed in the mist bed any time the plant has finished blooming. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be rooted later in the summer. Softwood and semi-hardwood cutting form a new root system in about 3 weeks.

Rubus Hardwood cuttings and tip layering is done in late summer or early fall. Cuttings taken earlier in the summer may not root well. Raspberry plants may be divided or root cuttings may be propagated in standard potting mix during the dormant season.

Vaccinium Hardwood cuttings are collected during the winter, placed in the cooler for additional chilling if needed then stored at 4 °C until the first week of May. Then they are placed in propagation media under mist. Rooting hormone treatment is optional. As leaves develop the misting interval and amount will need to be adjusted. Rooted cuttings are potted into potting mix and fertilized with an acidic formulation.

Semi-hardwood stem cuttings are collected in late Spring or Summer when shoot tips are firm. The cuttings are placed in propagation media in the mist bed. Grow lights may be provided as they may root better under 16 hour days. If the shoot tips are too soft when the cuttings are taken the cuttings will

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die from the tip downward. When the shoots are firm enough, the tips should be brittle and snap off when bent back 1-2 inches from the tip. For both hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings the stem should be about pencil-diameter thick and contain as many buds as possible. On some of the species material, stems will not be very thick; however, they should contain as many buds as possible. The most important factor affecting rooting success is the condition of the mother plant.

Minor genera Woody, non-suckering genera received as scionwood such as Asimina, Juglans, Sorbus and Mespilus are grafted or budded, and planted in the field when established. Cydonia should be grafted and then self-rooted for the field as with Corylus. Sambucus is propagated by cuttings.

B. Screenhouses The screenhouses are used to store healthy, pest-free and virus-free plants as permanent collections. The screenhouses are integral to the mission of the repository because they provide plant propagules to distribute to researchers and plant breeders world-wide. People entering the houses are the primary pest vector. Persons should only enter if they are pest free and have not been in a field or other outside area where they can become contaminated with pests.

Screenhouse Assignments: Screenhouse 5. Rubus (blackberry cultivars, and Rubus species) Screenhouse 6. Rubus (red raspberry cultivars) Humulus, Pycnanthemum, Screenhouse 7. Fragaria (core species); virus infected plants and virus collections of

Humulus, Fragaria, and Rubus Screenhouse 8. Fragaria (cultivars) Screenhouse 9. Fragaria (non-core species, virus infected cultivars) Screenhouse 10. Vaccinium (blueberries and cranberries)

1. Plant Movement 1. All plants moving into any screenhouse from the field, tubehouse, greenhouse, or from

outside the repository must first enter the pest treatment room (GH 4-1) for inspection and pest elimination. Because of the possibility of cyclamen mites in the crowns of new Fragaria, all Fragaria must remain in the new room. Only daughter propagations from runners can be released and introduced into the permanent collections. Hot water treatment of the runners may be required.

2. Plants should not be removed from the pest treatment room until they have been examined/treated for pests.

3. Bench space should be requested from the greenhouse manager who will assign space and provide a bench label.

4. Plants are not to be moved from bench to bench or house to house without notifying the greenhouse manager or person responsible for those plants. Inventory locations should be changed when plants are relocated.

5. Keep doors closed whenever possible to minimize insect spread.

2. Pest Control Temperature extremes are greater in the screenhouses than in the greenhouses. The greater temperature and humidity fluctuation aggravates pest problems and limits biological control options. In the absence of natural enemies, pest populations increase rapidly once they gain entry into the screenhouses. This is why "pest prevention" is so important to the screenhouse

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management. The pest management plan for the screenhouses should emphasize prevention and sanitation.

1. We have a zero tolerance for aphids, whitefly, cyclamen mite, and hop powdery mildew. The presence of any of these pests requires prompt treatment.

2. Insure the integrity of screens and other physical barriers. Holes in the screens are routinely inspected and repaired. All screenhouses are inspected thoroughly in early spring after the plastic is removed and all major repairs such as screen replacement completed at this time.

3. Insure that double door entries are functional and used properly by all personnel and visitors.

4. Screenhouses containing genera most susceptible to viruses, such as Fragaria and Rubus are off limits to the public and anyone coming directly from the field. Access to these two houses is limited to only essential personnel.

5. All persons should check their clothing for pests before entering the screenhouses. 6. A strict weed control program is maintained in and around screenhouses. All weeds in

the pots and under the benches are removed at least before they go to seed. Weeds in the pots are removed by hand; weeds under the benches are removed by hand or with a propane torch; weeds around the outside of the houses can be controlled with herbicides or with a propane torch. Weeds can harbor virus vectors, particularly aphids. The key to preventing vector establishment is to maintain clean weed-free screenhouses.

7. Sticky cards are used to monitor flying insect pests in all the screenhouses, particularly whiteflies, thrips, and fungus gnats.

8. Fallen leaves and plant debris are removed from each house during the fall/winter. 9. Dormant oil sprays can be applied to all deciduous woody material during the dormant

period, evergreen Vaccinium can be sprayed with Sunspray to prevent leaf burning.

3. General Cultural Practices Screenhouse-grown plants will be subject to the same cultural practices as the greenhouse plants:

10. Excess foliage will be pruned or staked to keep it out of the aisles and away from adjoining accessions.

11. Plants on benches will be spaced as far apart as possible in the space allowed. 12. Dead plants will be removed as soon as possible. 13. Plants will be properly labeled with both plant name and local number. Special purpose plants

shall have dated care instructions. 14. Soil stored outside will be pasteurized at 160 °F for 1 hour before use. 15. Weeds will be removed from pots, from beneath benches, and from areas immediately outside

of the greenhouses. 16. Pots, bamboo stakes, etc. will be sanitized between uses. 17. All plants are isolated, examined for pests, and treated if necessary before they are moved

into the screenhouses. 18. The collections most susceptible to virus infections (Fragaria and Rubus) are off limits to

tour groups and anyone who has been in the field or landscape during the growing season. In the fall aphids can be numerous on the trees in the orchard and landscape and can easily hitch a ride into the houses.

19. Accessions that are to be treated differently from the rest of the plants must be marked with pin flags in a unique color and the meaning of the flagging is to be noted on the clipboard provided in each screenhouse.

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20. Flagging Codes: • Blue - Requests; generally means do not prune runners or stems. • Pink - Needed in tissue culture, same as above. • Red - Flowers or fruit needed. • Other colors change as needed.

21. Pesticide applications, fertilizer and biological control applications are to be noted and initialed on the clipboards provided. Pesticide applications are recorded on the pesticide application clip board in the wall kiosk outside the pesticide mixing room.

22. Emitters are to be checked in the spring and after mowing mint, pruning strawberries and blackberries or any other activity that may disturb the system. Emitter checking must be noted and initialed on the clipboard provided. The emitters should be delivering as much water as possible.

23. Irrigation filters are removed, cleaned and inspected in the early spring. Main lines along the walls are flushed at this time also.

24. New batteries are installed in the irrigation control boxes that require them. This should be done in the spring before the weather gets hot.

25. In each house is a form for keeping track of the maintenance activities.

Freezing Weather Precautions 1. Roll down the plastic cold weather drapes on the screenhouses and close the doors and vents

on the tubehouse. 2. Check the pots for moisture and water if dry, plants in dry soil are easily damaged from

freezing temperatures. 3. Check that the water to the drip lines is turned off and that the overhead line is drained. If it is

expected to get below freezing inside the screenhouses, turn the main water valve off. These valves are located at the back of each screenhouse in a corner at ground level.

4. Check that the water to the tubehouse is off; the main valve for this line is in a box in the ground in front of the pumphouse. The main valve should be shut and the drain valve opened. The overhead lines in the tubehouses are equipped with valves on the ends which should also be opened to allow the water to drain out of the line so it will not freeze and break.

5. Plants to move into a greenhouse if it’s going to be below −10 °C (14 °F): • Plants designated 'non-cold hardy' should be housed in the screenhouses and

tubehouses. • New plants for the field which are not also maintained in the screenhouse collections.

5. Labeling All plants in the permanent screenhouse collections must have a computer generated label attached to the pot. These labels are printed out on the laser printer by using Microsoft Excel/mail-merge label report. If a temporary plastic label is in the pot also, it need not be removed.

Great care must be taken when labeling or replacing labels so that mix-ups do not occur. If a label is accidentally cut off it must be immediately replaced or a temporary label must be put on the plant.

Plants belonging to collaborative researchers need to be labeled as to what the plants are, how long they are to remain, and who is responsible for them.

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6. Cultural practices by Genus (Refer also to the annual greenhouse/screenhouse schedule)

Early in March all of the plants are fertilized with a slow release fertilizer, either a synthetic urea form or an organic blend, and then again in June. Micronutrients can be applied early in March. If necessary, micronutrients may be applied to the permanent collections once a year, including the plants kept in greenhouse #4. A soluble fertilizer formulated for soilless media may be applied for quick greenup using the Dosatron and applied by hand. Supplemental fertilization with soluble fertilizers may continue throughout the growing season, usually about once per month in the screenhouses. The non-woody plants should be repropagated every 3 years to allow one third of a collection per year to be repropped. The collections that need regular repropagating are the Mentha/Pycnanthemum, Fragaria, and Rubus collections. Nearly all of the genera here are planted in standard potting mix (50% bark, 25% peat, 25% pumice) available from Rexius Forest By-products in Eugene.

a. Mentha/Pycnanthemum Culture: The mint collection is kept in greenhouse 2 and Pycnathemum is kept in screenhouse 6. Flowers are not removed on these plants except during the mowing process. The mint are mowed when they have grown enough to be in danger of rooting into adjoining pots, usually every 4 - 6 weeks depending on weather and rate of growth. Care must be taken to trim off the rhizomes coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pots and to check and fix emitters after mowing.

Mowing can leave plant debris in the pot if done with hand pruners, this should be removed during the mowing operation. They are mowed for the final time in October and the loose moss and debris is vacuumed out of the pots to reduce slug, snail and thrips habitat.

Moss growing in the drainage holes of the pots is removed periodically so it does not block drainage. This is important to do in the fall since the plants are not transpiring as much and may become too wet.

The Pycnanthemum is not pruned until the end of the season when new growth is seen at the base of the plants. These plants do not form rhizomes like the mint so will not tolerate loss of foliage until after they have bloomed and formed new vegetative growth. These are staked up to keep them out of the way and to aid in pest monitoring and control. A single stake in the center of the pot with the stems fastened to it using twist ties works well.

Soil mix and Fertilizing: Early in March and again in June the collection is given 1/2 tablespoon of slow release fertilizer which is scattered over the pot surface so that the emitters will water it in. They are also given micronutrients early in the spring and supplemental soluble fertilizer applications.

Each fall and spring the mint should be checked for weak plants which should be repotted and kept in a heated greenhouse until strong enough to survive in the screenhouse. Plants are potted into short 2 gallon pots in standard potting mix.

Pests and disease: Both are prone to whitefly and fungus gnat infestations. It is also necessary to monitor through the winter. If thrips have been found in the pots in that screenhouse and must be monitored. It may be that allowing these plants to flower promotes thrips (pollen feeders). See the IPM section for control measures. The regular removal of the mint foliage usually keeps the spider

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mite populations under control. The mint is also prone to powdery mildew infections during humid spring and fall weather. When the heat is shut off in the spring the fans can be kept running 24 hours a day to improve air circulation. Fungicides usually must be applied in the spring. In the fall fungicides are not usually needed since the foliage will be removed for winter.

Slugs and snails can destroy the mint over the winter by feeding on the underground rhizomes where they are not obvious. A liquid molluscicide (Slugfest) may be applied after the last mowing and periodically during the winter. Care should be taken to apply it so that it gets into the inside of the pot, between the pot and soil, as this is where the slugs are found.

b. Fragaria Culture: The collection is split into three screenhouses. Screenhouse #8 contains the main cultivars, screenhouse #7 contains core species and the virus isolate collection, and screenhouse #9 contains the non-core species and virus infected cultivars.

Flowers, fruit, and dead leaves are removed weekly during the growing season unless flagged or otherwise requested. Pots must be regularly weeded to remove any strawberry seedlings which occur when fruit is missed and left in the pots. When runners are requested to be left on the plants, they should be trained to grow forward towards the front of the bench and drape over the bench into the aisles (away from adjacent pots).

Plants are usually cut back in the winter, after the leaves have finished dying back. Pruning off the foliage eliminates old, diseased leaves and results in vigorous and healthy regrowth. This aids in sanitation efforts and pest monitoring, and also decreases the spider mite population.

During the growing season strawberries may get irrigated as much as five times a week, typically 3x1 minute per day.

Soil mix and Fertilizer: Twice in the growing season the collection is given 1/2 tablespoon of slow release fertilizer which is buried below the pot surface and watered in. They may also be given micronutrients early in the spring and supplemental soluble fertilizer applications.

Plants should be repropagated every 3 years. Strawberries are potted into 2 gallon pots in standard potting mix. Some accessions, such as F. iinumae FRA 377.001, may grow better with some added perlite for extra drainage.

Strawberries are also prone to whitefly and fungus gnat infestations. Making sure plants are clean before moving them into the screenhouse is usually enough to control the whitefly. Fungus gnats can spread root rot and must be controlled, particularly in the fall and winter when the plants are not actively growing and may become too wet.

c. Rubus

Culture: New growth is trellised to reduce tip layering in adjacent pots. Excess foliage is removed to improve air flow and reduce pest pressures. When the distribution lists are released, plants for collection are trained to produce tip layers when appropriate. After distribution collection all plants are pruned to reduce floricane material.

Soil mix and Fertilizer: House 1: these plants require the most frequent fertilizing since they grow almost year-round. In January, give 1 teaspoon slow-release fertilizer with micronutrients buried in two places in the pot

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and water. Follow approximately monthly with 1 tablespoon organic fertilizer (2 parts feather meal:1 part bone meal) buried in two places in the pot and watered in. Houses 2 & 3: In February give 1 teaspoon slow-release fertilizer with micronutrients buried in two places in the pot and water. Follow approximately monthly with 1 tablespoon organic fertilizer (2 parts feather meal:1 part bone meal) buried in two places in the pot and watered in. Houses 5, 6 & 7: Early in spring and again in 3 to 4 months the collection is given 1 tablespoon of slow release fertilizer with micronutrients which is buried in two locations in the pot and watered in. If leaves are present on the plants the fertilizer should be watered off the foliage to prevent leaf burning. Follow with organic fertilizer (2 parts feather meal:1 part bone meal) approximately every 2 months. Supplemental soluble fertilizer applications can be applied using the Dosatron when organic fertilizer is not being taken up quickly enough for the new growth, especially in the red raspberry cultivars.

Plants are repotted every 3-5 years. Plants are potted into 2.5 or 5 gallon square pots in standard potting mix.

Pests and disease: The major pest of the Rubus collection is spider mites. Miticides are regularly applied to keep the plants healthy. During the growing season, plants moved out to the screenhouses from the greenhouses have all the foliage pruned off to eliminate whitefly coming into the screenhouse. Applications of biocontrol agents are applied to keep the fungus gnat populations under control.

Powdery mildew is rarely a problem in the Rubus, with the exception of one or two species. The plants are cut back to about 12 inches in the fall for overwintering. At least 12 inches of stem should be left, more if the plant is weak, so that the new growth will bloom for identification or other purposes the following year. The dead leaves and debris are vacuumed out of the pots and off the benches and floors after they are cut back.

d. Vaccinium Culture: The plants housed in the screenhouse are the named cultivars and the tender species. This is now the primary collection. The plants are pruned in the late winter after hardwood cuttings are collected. They should be pruned back hard to encourage vigorous sprouts from the base of the plant. Periodic pruning is done during the growing season to keep the aisles clear. Flowers and fruit are removed as needed during the spring and summer. These plants may get up to 15 minutes of irrigation twice daily during the growing season. They tend to wilt on hot days in the screenhouse environment regardless of the soil moisture. They prefer constantly moist (not soggy) conditions. The evergreen types are kept separate from the deciduous types to aid in pest control, and so that dormant oil does not get on the evergreen types and burn the foliage.

Soil mix and Fertilizer: Plants are potted into 2 gallon pots in 100% aged hemlock bark. These are acid-loving plants belonging to the heath family and require a higher amount of iron and a lower soil pH than the other genera. They are fertilized with 1 tablespoon of a slow release fertilizer containing iron (Sierrablen 19-7-10). This is applied early in March and again in June. They also get micronutrients once per year and regular supplemental liquid fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants (Peter's acid special). Individual plants get an additional teaspoon of chelated iron applied to the pot surface if interveinal chlorosis appears.

Pests and disease: The Vaccinium is prone to whitefly, fungus gnats, root weevils and root rots. Careful inspection and elimination of pests before placing plants into the screenhouse prevents whitefly infestations. Pots are drenched with biological agents to control fungus gnats and root

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weevil larvae. Control of root rot is accomplished by controlling fungus gnats, using clean soil, and proper watering. Moss must be removed from the drainage holes of the pots to allow free drainage and the irrigation intervals and amounts must be adjusted as the weather changes. Occasionally one or two plants may get spider mites, however, spider mites are not a major pest. V. ashei and some of the evergreen species tend to get powdery mildew. This usually occurs in the fall and the deciduous types will be dropping their leaves soon anyway. The evergreen plants may need fungicide applications.

e. Miscellaneous Genera (Pyrus, Ribes, Corylus, etc.) Culture: Only the non-coldhardy backup plants and virus collections are maintained in the screenhouses. These plants are pruned both in the winter after scionwood and hardwood cuttings have been collected, and pruned periodically during the growing season to keep the aisles clear. Rootstock suckers must be removed regularly during the growing season.

Soil mix and Fertilizer: Early in spring and again in summer the collection is given 1 tablespoon of slow release fertilizer which is scattered over the pot surface so that the emitters will water it in. They are also given micronutrients and supplemental soluble fertilizer applications as needed. These plants are repropagated by cuttings or grafting and potted in standard soil mix in 2 gallon pots.

Pests and disease: These are prone to the same pests as the other genera here, mainly spider mites and whitefly. The Ribes housed in greenhouse 2 is very susceptible to powdery mildew and may need fungicide applications in the spring and summer.

C. Tubehouse (shadehouse) The purpose of the tubehouse is to temporarily store plant material. This is a low maintenance area and pest and weed tolerances are higher. Temperature extremes may also be higher.

The plants housed in the shadehouses may include all the genera previously listed and cooperative scientists may keep plants in them. These are mainly plants for the field collections, backup plants for the field, virus elimination backup plants, and rootstocks. The basic culture is the same although no attempt is made to maintain a zero tolerance for any pests, including aphids.

All plants are treated in the fall for root weevils. All woody plants receive dormant sprays, and pest outbreaks are controlled to maintain the health of the plants.

Woody plants are pruned in the winter except for the rootstocks which are pruned in mid- summer in order to have the right diameter for grafting. All plants are fertilized with a slow release fertilizer both in March and June. Supplemental liquid fertilizer may be applied during the growing season if needed.

Pear leaf midge has been a problem on the pear rootstock, particularly after it has been grafted onto and brought into the greenhouses. Freshly grafted pears should not be placed in a greenhouse containing other pears until after the leaves have expanded and it can be certain that the plants are midge-free.

D. Walk-In Coolers There are two coolers available for cold storage of plant materials and supplies. They are maintained at 4 °C and equipped with a temperature alarm which is connected to the security system.

Walk-in Cooler 1: Plant materials and supplies.

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Bench space is assigned and labeled for users. This cooler is cleaned annually. It is used for collaborative scientist research, plant request holding, new accession holding and backup, seed stratification, plant chilling and storage, grafting supplies, rubber bands and IPM supplies.

Walk-in Cooler 2: In-vitro culture collection.

E. Field The field collections at the repository have several important purposes that are vital to our mission. These include maintenance for long term conservation, identity verification, plant evaluation and research. These collections provide examples of field-grown plants for scientists and the public to use.

The field collections for Corylus, Pyrus, Ribes, Vaccinium, and Minor genera serve as the primary collections. Requested propagation material for these genera comes from the field plants. The non-hardy plants of these collections are maintained in a screenhouse.

Identity verification is very important to germplasm collections. For accurate verification, mature established field plants are required. Some key plant characteristics used for identification may only be expressed in a field situation. Our fields have become an important asset to outside scientists to use for research. Because of the great genetic diversity of the material and the maturity of the plantings, many of the plantings are used for research. Often this is a direct benefit to the repository because the information gained increases our database.

General Cultural Practices General Field Guidelines: Integrated Pest Management: The IPM program seeks to prevent the loss of germplasm by use of environmentally safe practices. In the absence of a "profit-motive" the tolerance for pests can be much higher. This creates an excellent opportunity for natural control factors such as predators and parasites to aid in control.

Pest Control: Pest control is as ongoing and ever changing feature of the Repository collections. Dormant oil sprays are applied to some dormant woody material each year. Insect pheromones are used for mating disruption in the Ribes. No chemical insecticides are used in the regular spray regime. When a situation develops that has a potential risk to the collections then insecticides are used. Fungicides are used annually in the Corylus collection to aid in controlling Easter Filbert Blight. The fungicide sprays start in March and continue through May. The fungicide products are rotated to prevent resistance developing in the pathogen. The Pyrus and Cydonia collections have begun to show fire blight, Erwinia amylovora, strikes and so antibiotics are being applied weekly at bloom time. The extended bloom period of our collection will entail that more applications are necessary than would normally be needed in a commercial orchard. Pruning is another means used to help reduce the inoculum produced by the pathogens. The Corylus receive late summer pruning and the Pyrus collection is pruned on a weekly basis all summer long.

Turf Care: All the fields have turf strips between the rows. Turf allows year round access into the fields. The turf seed used is a low growing drought resistant, low maintenance variety

Irrigation: Each collection is either irrigated by overhead impact heads and or drip irrigation. The irrigation water on the North Farm has iron bacteria. Drip irrigation systems on the North Farm are run with filters and are drip line or drip tape, depending on the crop. The lines are rinsed with the

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product Drip-A-Tron and allowed to sit over winter each year. This product helps keep the lines from clogging and extends their useful life.

Weed control: Instead of strictly using herbicide control, the weed control program uses an IPM approach. Specialized in-row tillage equipment is used where practical. Some hand hoeing is done in fields with smaller plants or around the base of plants. Weedeaters are also used for clean-up of weedy areas. The use of a zero-turn Kubota lawnmower has proven to be very effective in some fields for weed knockdown. Herbicides are used, but there is less reliance on persistent pre-emergence herbicides and more use of contact and systemic compounds.

2. Cultural Practices by Genus a. Corylus Field Collection The Corylus Field is one of two primary tree collections at the repository, the other being Pyrus. A single Corylus tree, per accession, is maintained in the collection. In the past only self-rooted trees were planted in the field. Because some accessions proved impossible to layer, a row of grafted accessions have been planted in the field. These trees planted on rootstocks are noted in the database as being “Grafted on Rootstock”. The trees are trained to encourage a single leader tree. A seedling sprouting from the base can be detected more readily around single leader tree. Newly planted trees are mulched to aid in moisture retention in summer and root protection in the winter. Trees need to have sucker growth removed from late spring to mid-summer. The contact herbicide, Rely, is sprayed on the suckers, killing them, and the dead suckers are then removed with the weed wacker in late summer. The trees are pruned in late summer to about 12 feet to allow for complete fungicide coverage. Plants are fertilized once a year with a broadcast applicator in mid-March. Valley Agronomics, LLC, is our source of fertilizer, 20-12-8-8 plus micros. This fertilizer is applied at a rate of 10 pounds of nitrogen per acre.

All Corylus plant material for distribution comes from this field. Distribution materials taken from this field are in the form of pollen, seeds, dormant scionwood, and leaf samples.

b. Pyrus Field Collections The Pyrus field is the largest collection. This planting covers nine acres and is the primary collection for this genus. The purpose of this collection includes: verification, evaluations, and distribution. The rootstock is Old Home Х Farmingdale 333. This rootstock was chosen because it does well in heavy wet soils, reduces height, and has some fire blight resistance. The rootstock is not as productive as some but this is an advantage since fruit harvest is a secondary concern. The first row is the row nearest to Peoria Road. Position one is by the fence along the edge of the property. On the upper side of the field is the cultivar collection. The lower side is species and rootstocks. The rows are of different lengths to conform to the irregular field borders. The Asian cultivar block is located in the middle of the species/rootstock side of the field.

The field has been developed as a single tree per accession planting. Fertilizer is broadcast applied at a rate of 10 pounds of nitrogen per acre in mid-March. Valley Agronomics, LLC, is our source of fertilizer, 20-12-8-8 plus micros.

Irrigation is accomplished with drip line at 1.5 foot spacing of the emitters. This irrigation method helps reduce weeds that are not in the drip zone. The herbicide Rely is used for sucker control and then glyphosate is applied afterward. The suckers must be burnt down before a systemic herbicide can be safely applied. The suckers are then removed with a weed wacker.

As the field grown in size pruning has become a huge task. The cultivars have had regular pruning,

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but the species trees have grown unchecked for several years. This has created a grove like effect in the species pears that is heavily shaded and prevents lower branches from growing. Adequate scionwood can only be found in the tops of the trees and with the threat of fire blight all of the trees must have their height reduced. The species pears are being lowered to about 12 feet, with a further reduction to about eight feet next year (2021).

A Pyrus species seedling collection was planted on the North Farm. These trees up until now have been allowed to grow into their natural architecture, but fire blight is beginning to have an impact on their health and whole branches are being compromised. To prevent the loss of trees, all trees have been pruned back to about 12 feet. This height will allow for better antibiotic spray coverage and a clearer view of branches when scouting for fire blight. c. Vaccinium Field Collection The Vaccinium field is for upright or bush type accessions. Trailing or groundcover types are maintained in the screenhouse. The blueberry field has cultivars, species, and breeding line material separated into different areas. This field covers about one acre.

Fir sawdust mulch is applied on a yearly basis in early summer. This material has a low pH that is necessary to blueberry culture. Ideally about two inches of mulch are applied to each plant. The mulch prevents the fibrous root systems from drying out by retaining water and creates a more favorable nutrient rich environment for the plants.

Fertilization starts in mid-March, or just before bud break. Blueberries have a greater need for nitrogen than most berry crops. Valley Agronomics, LLC, is our source of fertilizer, 20-12-8-8 plus micros, and is used at the rate of 100 lbs of actual nitrogen per acre. The 500 pounds of fertilizer is divided into three equal applications. The first application is in April, the second application is in May and the third application is in June. The species accessions receive less fertilizer than the cultivars because of their lower nitrogen requirement.

Pruning is done in the dormant season. The goal is to prune the plants as upright as possible. Lower branches and suckers are removed allowing for clearer access to the bushes with herbicide applications. Pruning methods promote vegetative growth rather than fruit the first several years after planting. After establishment, the pruning techniques aim at a balance between good vigor and fruit production. Older canes are removed to let sun and air enter the center of the bush and aids in rejuvenation.

d. Ribes Field Collection The primary collection for Ribes is grown at the North Farm. Field size is more than two acres with additional expansion room. Two or three plants per accession are grown. The rows are in a south to north direction with a thirty foot turf division between the upper species collection and the lower variety collection. The species collection was integrated into the cultivar block in 2020.

This field is broadcast fertilized in March. Valley Agronomics, LLC, is our source of fertilizer, 20-12-8-8 plus micros. The application rate is 100 lbs of actual nitrogen per acre. Pruning is in the dormant season before the end of February. The field was plumbed for drip irrigation in 2019. This genus has more disease and insect problems than the others. The major disease problem is powdery mildew. There are some very susceptible accessions in the collection. The main insect problems are currant sawflies (Nematus ribesii), currant borer (Synanthedon tipuliformis), and aphids (Cryptomyzus ribis). The sawfly caterpillars can defoliate the plants in a matter of days. The current borer weakens susceptible accessions and the main canes often lodge during the summer months. Aphids are an insect that causes cosmetic damage at very low numbers. They cause cupping of the leaves and the

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leaves turn bright red. It is difficult to determine a threshold for this insect. New IPM methods and reduced pesticides are helping to reduce these problems.

Distribution material for most accessions (except those housed in greenhouse 2) comes from the field. Dormant hardwood cuttings are taken in January.

e. Minor Genera Field The minor genera field an extension of the species pears on the North Farm has the same spacing as the pears. The largest genera in this planting are Cydonia, Mespilus, Sambucus, Sorbus,and Asimina. These field plants are the primary collections and one plant per accession is maintained. The Repository is also responsible for the Butternut, Juglans cinera, collection. This collection grows on the North Farm as a long tree row along the front and northern fence line. All the minor genera get one fertilizer application for of 10 pounds of actual nitrogen per acres applied in mid-March using the 20-12-8-8 plus micros. Cydonia, Sambucus, and Sorbus are usually self- rooted when planted in the field. Juglans, and Mespilus are grafted plants and maintained as single leader plants. Hardy Kiwi, Actinidia, is on its own roots and has developed into a large planting. This planting is on the North Farm in Block C-1, 2. Pruning must be done by midwinter, preferably in late December and January, to avoid a heavy sap flow. The clipping are flailed as soon as the ground permits. In the spring new cuts will flow for weeks.

3. Data Management and Labeling. Data management is very important and great care must be taken when handling all aspects of accession identity and data pertaining to the accessions. The field personnel are responsible for entering accurate field inventory data into the system. Labeling must be done carefully. All labels should have the genus code, local number, plant name, and if it is a permanent label, row and position number. If plastic tags are used they should be written with a #1 pencil. Permanent labels should be attached to a pigtail stake at the time of planting or by the following spring.

4. Pesticide Use in the Field Pesticides are one of the major tools in the farm operations. Persons working in the field and outside users must be aware of pesticide use in our fields. The Repository is committed to the highest level of safety with pesticide use. All persons at the Repository receive annual training for pesticides safety according to EPA Federal Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides. Weather and proper timing effect applications, the final decisions on applications rest with the pesticide applicators. All pesticides used must be posted on the spray bulletin board within 24 hours of application.

5. Farm Equipment Use and Operation The repository has a wide range of farm equipment and tools. Field workers are instructed in the proper operation and use of all equipment. They are made aware of any particular dangers pertaining to a piece of equipment. Farm equipment operators are instructed in routine maintenance of the equipment by the maintenance supervisor or the Farm manager. Equipment operators will check the motor oil, coolant level, fuel level and grease any fittings. The operators need to report any equipment problems to their supervisors.

Equipment traveling on Peoria Road must have a slow moving vehicle sign attached to the back of the equipment in plain view to motorists. Warning flashers, if available, are displayed during road travel. The operators must use utmost care in this situation because traffic on this road can be fast and heavy, with drivers that are not careful when passing slow moving vehicles.

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6. Cooperative Efforts with Oregon State University, Department of Horticulture The field program works in close cooperation with the Lewis Brown Farm personnel. This cooperation benefits both programs. The daily activities revolve around good communications.

Equipment is borrowed back and forth between the repository and the state program. Each program has some unique equipment that the other does not have. Not having to duplicate expensive equipment saves a considerable amount of resources. Workers need to be considerate and ask before borrowing equipment. It must be determined if the equipment needs servicing before it is used. If it is used for a long duration, it should be serviced before it is returned. If a break-down occurs the user should repair the equipment. If the break down is the results of a chronic problem or long-term wear then the repair might revert to the owner. Good communication is the key in this situation, and is necessary to maintain good relations.

F. Integrated Pest Management Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a process consisting of the balanced use of cultural, biological, and chemical procedures that are environmentally compatible, economically feasible, and socially acceptable to reduce pest populations to tolerable levels. IPM recognizes that combining different strategies for pest management is more effective in the long run than a single strategy. This approach to pest management is consistent with the USDA's policy of promoting "sustainable systems" in agriculture.

The task of developing and implementing an IPM program for the repository is dynamic and presents several challenges. Substantially different pest management strategies are required for the greenhouses, screenhouses, and field plantings. The wide diversity of germplasm and corresponding pests means that techniques must be modified or invented in order fit this unique and highly complex situation.

The IPM program for the repository seeks to combine the use of cultural practices, biological control agents, quarantine procedures, physical exclusions and pesticides to effectively manage plant diseases, arthropod pests, vertebrate pests, and weeds in the greenhouses, screenhouses, and fields. It is recognized that for some situations, pesticides may offer the most effective method of managing pests, depending on the particular location and objective.

The objectives of the IPM program for the NCGR include: 1. Provide safe, acceptable plant protection. 2. Prevent the spread of diseases and viruses. 3. Use environmentally sound and sustainable practices. 4. Investigate/develop new pest management methods.

The goal of the Repository IPM program is to maintain pest populations at the lowest acceptable level with a minimum of pesticide use to provide a healthy plant environment and a safe environment for everyone working or visiting our facilities. We use the least toxic material to control pests whenever possible. Light horticultural oils, insecticidal soap and biological controls are used most often when cultural methods alone do not adequately control the problem. The warm and humid environment of a greenhouse provides an ideal habitat for diseases, weeds, and many pests. In the absence of natural control factors, pest management in greenhouses is a constant challenge. Pest problems are compounded by the number of different projects, genera, and traffic in and out.

Key pests are those pests which can occur in large numbers or be very destructive to plant health.

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Secondary pests include other less important pests which usually occur in low numbers. There are eight key pests which occur in our greenhouses and screenhouses each year. A brief explanation of these pests, their damage, monitoring method, and the management strategies follows:

Cyclamen mites (Steneotarsonemus pallidus) can be a serious pest on strawberries.

Damage: In strawberries, the mites are found in the crowns of the plants. Symptoms of an infestation are distortion and blackening of the youngest leaves. Cyclamen mite damage can resemble virus symptoms and if suspected, young, blackened leaves should be checked under the microscope.

Control: Ideally all screenhouse plants and long-term greenhouse strawberry plants should be treated once in late spring or early summer to prevent an outbreak which seems to occur if this preventative treatment is not done. Plant foliage is pruned to reveal the crown which is then drenched with endosulfan or another appropriate miticide. If an infestation is found on a few plants those plants and any nearby plants should be treated 2 more times, at 6 day intervals. Runners may be taken from new plants and rooted for the screenhouse collection as the mites do not spread very rapidly.

Aphids (order: Homoptera, Family: Aphididea) are a potential pest of all the genera cultured in the greenhouses.

Damage: Aphids have piercing-sucking mouthparts and feed by sucking the sap from the stems or leaves of plants. The most important aphid to control in our greenhouses is the green peach aphid Myzus persicae. These aphids are vectors of several important viruses and for this reason immediate action is required whenever aphids are observed in the greenhouses or screenhouses.

Monitoring: All plants are visually inspected throughout the growing season by the greenhouse personnel. All personnel are instructed to report any aphid observations to the greenhouse manager or assistant immediately.

Control: When aphids are found on one or a few plants, the infested plants are treated with an appropriate pesticide. If the infestation is widespread, the entire greenhouse is treated with a pesticide following all safety precautions. An essential element in aphid management is a strict cultural control program which includes sanitation, quarantine and inspection of incoming plant material, and the elimination of all weeds inside and outside in the immediate area of the greenhouses and screenhouses. Weeds such as Little Western Bittercress (Cardamine oligosperma), serve as an alternate host for aphids. Dormant oil sprays are applied to all deciduous woody material in the screenhouses and tubehouses during the winter after all leaves and other debris have been removed. Evergreen Vaccinium should be treated with Sunspray rather than dormant oil to prevent leaf blackening.

Spider Mites The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is the most common spider mite found in our greenhouses.

Damage: Spider mites feed by inserting their stylets into the plant surface and suck up the cell contents, causing white speckles on the leaves.

Monitoring Greenhouses are monitored weekly to detect the presence of spider mites. Since populations can increase rapidly in warm, dry environments early detection and control are necessary to maintain optimum plant health.

Control: Infestations are treated with an appropriate miticide. During high temperatures, plants may also be misted daily with water since spider mites do not thrive in high humidity.

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Greenhouse Whitefly Adult greenhouse whiteflies Trialeurodes vaporariorum are about 1.5 mm long and are powdery white resembling tiny white moths.

Damage: Whiteflies are sap-sucking insects in both the adult and juvenile stages. Heavily infested plants may wilt, turn yellow and grow poorly.

Monitoring: Yellow sticky card traps are used to trap and monitor adults.

Control: Infestations are prevented by the introduction of the whitefly parasite wasp Encarsia formosa prior to a large population buildup of whiteflies. It is recommended that these wasps be introduced when 1 whitefly per 50 plants is counted. If whitefly populations are high, nicotine smoke generators or another greenhouse fumigant may be applied to reduce populations prior to the introduction of the wasp. The female wasp lays an egg inside the immature whitefly scales. The parasite develops inside the scale, turning it black. When fully developed the new adult chews a small, round exit hole and emerges to begin searching for more whitefly scales to parasitize. Heavy infestations are controlled by repeated insecticidal sprays directed at the undersides of the leaves at the top of the plant. Applications of Avid for spider mites have been an effective control. Enstar, a commercially available whitefly growth regulator, can also be used without harming the wasp.

Root weevils Adult weevils are dark brown or black but some individuals appear light brown to chocolate in color. These beetles have long snouts and are unable to fly. Larvae are white legless grubs with brown heads. Root weevils spend the period from September to May in the larval stage in the soil around host plants, pupating and emerging as adults from May through August. In the protected environment of the greenhouses, development is continuous, but there is only one generation of weevils each year. Overwintering adults lay eggs into the late fall and begin laying eggs again in the spring with the onset of longer days and higher temperatures.

Damage: In general, adult weevils are inactive in daylight hours, resting in soil litter or protected areas. At night, temperature permitting, they feed on plant foliage. Adults feed on foliage producing a characteristic scalloping or notching effect along leaf margins. Larvae feed underground on the roots and crowns, often killing the plants. It is the larval stage which causes the most serious damage.

Monitoring: The greenhouses are monitored for evidence of adult weevils (leaf notching). It is too time consuming and disruptive to the plants to monitor for the larval stage.

Control: The larvae are controlled with predatory nematodes which are available commercially under the label Exhibit, CIBA-GEIGY. The nematodes are applied to all greenhouse, screenhouse, and shadehouse material as well as the cranberries. We apply the nematodes in the fall before the soil temperature in the pots falls below 50 °F. If the soil temperature is too low then Orthene drenches are applied. This method of larval control has been very effective. Adults are controlled by exclusion and sanitation in the greenhouses and screenhouses.

Powdery Mildew is the most common disease problem in the greenhouses and screenhouses. This is a seasonal problem in the screenhouses occurring when the nights are warm and humidity is high. It is especially troublesome after the screenhouses are covered with plastic.

Damage: Small gray or white feltlike patches of fungus develop on the foliage and stems. The terminals may become covered with masses of white mycelium and powdery spores.

Monitoring: Powdery mildew is monitored regularly along with other key pests.

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Control: Culture is the primary control for powdery mildew. Plants in the greenhouses are spread apart and may be moved to where there is better air circulation. Air circulation can be increased by running the heating fans in the screenhouses with the hot water supply shut off. Fungicides are used when needed, usually in the spring and fall when the humidity is high.

Thrips Western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis are tiny insects that feed on leaves and flowers. Adult thrips are slender, less than 1/16 inch long, pale to dark yellow in color with feathery wings.

Damage: Both adults and larvae feed by scraping and rasping on plant tissue and sucking the escaping juices. The tissue around the feeding punctures becomes desiccated, giving the leaves or petals a flecked appearance.

Monitoring: Thrips are monitored year round in greenhouses with heating, and seasonally in the other greenhouses and screenhouses. Yellow sticky card traps are used to trap and monitor thrips. Traps are checked weekly and may be supplemented with potato slices placed on the soil for a few hours which attract thrips as well as other pests.

Control: Hot-spots are treated with an appropriate insecticide three times, three to five days apart to break the life cycle. Thrips have shown a tendency to become resistant to pesticides so after treating three times with one, a different pesticide should be used the next time a hot spot develops in the same area or genus. Thrips thrive in plant debris so sanitation is very important.

Fungus Gnats is a general term used to describe tiny flies in the families Sciaridae, Phoridae, and Mycetophilidae.

Damage: The larvae feed on root hairs and roots in the upper strata of the pots and later burrow into the stems resulting in extensive damage to seedlings and small plants. Fungus gnats are known to spread various root rots.

Monitoring: Adult fungus gnats are monitored with yellow sticky cards. Larval soil populations are monitored with potato slices placed on the pot surface which attracts the larvae.

Control: Overwatering and poor sanitation are the primary causes of serious fungus gnat infestations. Therefore efforts are made to insure that plants are properly watered and that good sanitation is maintained. Because our standard potting mix is 75% organic material, fungi, algae and moss are very difficult to eradicate from the pots, therefore fungus gnats find it an ideal habitat and can easily get out of control. Moss and algae growth is discouraged on greenhouse benches, floors and walls. The greenhouses are treated with Gnatrol, a B.t. specific for fungus gnats, or Exhibit. The screenhouse plants are treated with Gnatrol or Exhibit as needed based on sticky card indications of adult populations.

Minor pests: There are a number of minor or secondary pests which occur in the greenhouses and screenhouses occasionally. These pests rarely cause serious damage and are usually controlled by the strategies implemented for the key pests. The minor pests which have been observed in the greenhouses include: slugs, snails, ants, earwigs, leafminers, leafrollers, mealybugs, leaf midges, springtails, sowbugs, millipedes and mice.

Slugs and snails can cause serious damage to herbaceous species particularly during the dormant season when they feed on roots and rhizomes. Potato slices are used to monitor for slugs and will also attract very small snails which may not leave obvious signs even during the growing season. Cultural controls for slugs and snails include removing plant debris from the surface of the pots including

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strawberry fruit.

Pear leaf midge (Dasineura pyri) has been a problem on the pears kept in the shadetubes including the rootstocks. The midge can spread to other pears in greenhouses causing the death of small and newly grafted trees. Pears from the shadetubes should not be placed in a greenhouse containing other pears until it is certain they do not carry the midge. Endosulfan or diazinon should be applied to the pears before leaf rolling occurs. Once the larvae are protected inside the rolled leaf they are very difficult to eliminate.

The shadetube has had damage from mammals in the past. The tubehouse is now fenced to keep squirrels and rabbits out.

G. Greenhouse/ Screenhouse Annual Schedule JANUARY - FEBRUARY Collect hardwood cuttings. Collect scionwood. Graft trees. Apply dormant oil to all woody screenhouse and tubehouse material. Finish vacuuming and cleanup in all screenhouses and tubehouses. Rearrange plants. Prune woody screenhouse plants. Inventory all screenhouse collections. Order supplies for the coming growing season.

MARCH - APRIL Move recently propagated, established plants out to screenhouses while in a dormant, pest- free condition. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in and around screenhouses, tubehouses and greenhouses. Fumigate screenhouses just prior to plastic removal. Fumigate greenhouses. Remove plastic from screenhouses and shadetube #3. Shut off heat in screenhouses. Check all screenhouses for holes and repair. Graft trees. Move non-hardy plants in GH #2 back out to screenhouses. Repot herbaceous plants - 3 year rotation. Apply slow-release fertilizer to all screenhouse plants (March). Apply slow release fertilizer to permanent greenhouse plants. Apply slow release fertilizer to tubehouse plants. Apply micronutrients to permanent greenhouse and screenhouse plants. Begin regular liquid fertilizer applications to all houses. Apply whitewash to greenhouses. Begin regular flower and runner removal in strawberries. Hook up and check all screenhouse irrigation systems. Check all screenhouse emitters. Replace batteries in irrigation control boxes. Layer trees in greenhouse #2. Begin weekly pest monitoring in screenhouses.

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MAY - JUNE Finish repotting. Mark screenhouse plants for T.C. and request collection. Place Vaccinium cuttings in mist early in May. Stake up Pycnanthemum. Begin regular mint mowing. Cut Rubus back before fruit matures (mid-June). Collect softwood cuttings and propagate. Apply slow release fertilizer (June). Begin regular emitter checks in screenhouses. Continue strawberry maintenance. JULY - AUGUST Collect softwood cuttings and propagate. Weekly checking of mist bed and potting up new plants. Weekly checking and repotting of new plants in greenhouse 1. Regular movement of plants out to tubehouses for field planting. Begin trellising Rubus. Continue mint mowing. Continue strawberry maintenance. Prune blueberries and other plants out of aisles. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER Tip layer Rubus and take cuttings for screenhouse collection. Continue strawberry maintenance. Cut back fertilizer to greenhouse plants. Move plants out for fall field planting. Update tubehouse inventory for field planting. Cut back water to screenhouses and tubehouses. Prune Pycnanthemum. Apply nematodes to all screenhouses and tubehouses (Sept.) Cover screenhouses with plastic. Remove shadecloth on tubehouses. Cover Tubehouse #3 sides and ends with plastic. Replastic Tubehouse #3 every three years. Shut off screenhouse water and drain lines. Shut off tubehouse water and drain lines. Turn on screenhouse heat supply. Bring into a screenhouse plants for field that may freeze. Mow mint for the last time. Vacuum plant debris out of mint pots and check for slugs. Cut down Rubus and weed pots. Remove all dead strawberry leaves and check for slugs. Begin vacuuming and cleanup of all greenhouses and screenhouses. Apply pre-emergent herbicides around tubehouses, screenhouses and greenhouses.

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Check screenhouse floors for weeds and control as needed. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER Bring in non-hardy screenhouse plants. Vacuum and cleanup tubehouses. Begin applying dormant oils to woody plants in screenhouses and tubehouses. Update greenhouse and tubehouse inventories. Check greenhouse floors for weeds and control as needed. Begin handwatering of screenhouse and tubehouse plants. Vacuum and cleanup tubehouses and screenhouses Work on projects such as bench, trellis making or irrigation line. Obtain rootstocks as needed. Repot and rootprune existing rootstocks in tubehouses.

H. Field and Farm Schedule This schedule is an outline of the activities that need to take place in the field farm operations. Because of unpredictable weather situations and changing activities in the field this is a guide only. This is not all-inclusive. JANUARY - FEBRUARY Finish pruning the Ribes field collections by mid-February Prune in the Pyrus collection if the weather is cold and dry. Prune minor genera fields after distribution material is taken. In the Corylus field at first greenleaf stage apply the first of six fungicide applications for EFB. During a cold period apply Casoron herbicide to the Vaccinium field. Work on field plant labeling problems detected in fall inventories. Attend pesticide training courses for license recertification. Present pesticide training for EPA Worker Protection Standard. Service and repair field equipment for the next growing season. Apply mating disruption pheromones for currant borer, Synanthedon tipuliformis Clerk. Perform pesticide inventory. Start scionwood collection. MARCH - APRIL Apply second fungicide spray on the Corylus for EFB about two weeks after first application. Follow on a two week schedule additional EFB fungicide applications. Rotate to different groups of fungicides to reduce the chance of resistance developing in the Eastern Filbert Blight fungus. In early April start monitoring for currant sawfly larvae and control as necessary in the Ribes. Mow aisle turf when weather permits. Vacant field areas should be mowed once if field moisture permits. Plant any new accessions that are ready for the field. Apply all fertilizer applications to all fields except for Vaccinium. MAY - JUNE Continue monitoring in the Ribes field for current sawfly larvae and apply control measures. Flush irrigation lines and check emitters in all field that have drip systems. Set pipe out in fields for irrigation.

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Set up an irrigation schedule for both farms coordinating with Lewis Brown Farm manager. Irrigate according to field needs. Continue mowing as needed in all areas. Plant any additional field plants as needed. Use row cultivator as needed. Apply Rely to suckers on Corylus and Pyrus trees. Start supplemental weed control measures such as hoeing, spot sprays, and weed eating. Blackberry vines that are found in rows should be cut to the ground and then apply glyphosate to cut ends. Apply second and third fertilizer applications to Vaccinium one month apart. Summer pruning of fire blight strikes in Pyrus field. Do spring inventories in all field collections and correct database. Make and install any plant labels that are needed following the inventories. JULY - AUGUST Summer pruning of fire blight strikes in Pyrus continues. Continue insect monitoring and apply control measures as needed. Irrigate crops as needed until late August and then taper applications off. Start spraying glyphosate as needed. Monitor Corylus field for Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB) before leaf fall. Prune in the Corylus collection, open centers, and remove EFB strikes on living branches. Spray and remove Corylus and Pyrus suckers. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER Prepare ground for any fall planting or possible spring plantings. Plant any accessions that are ready for the field. Do fall inventories and record results on database. Make and install any plant labels that are needed following inventories. Pick up irrigation pipe and fittings and store for winter. Run Drip-A-Tron through drip lines to extend their life. Store portable drip system valves and filters. Apply fall herbicide applications to all fields. Bring in all tractors from the field and park in storage sheds. Bring in from the fields all farm implements and winterize for winter. Bring in to a heated area all implements with sprayers. NOVEMBER – DECEMBER Apply first dormant oil spray to all woody material. When weather is cold and wet apply Casoron herbicide to Vaccinium field to control Equisetum. Work on relabeling any trees that need new labels. Determine what equipment needs service or repairs and work with maintenance supervisor to correct problems. Prune Actinidia and flail brush in the row.

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Compile irrigation application records and give result of Lewis Brown farm usage to farm manager. Compile irrigation records for North Farm and report to research leader. Start pruning in Corylus collection. Do final winterization on all equipment. Plug in block heaters on equipment as equipped.