August 10, 2007

These plots demonstrating different systems for controlling volunteer corn in dry edible beans will be featured during the August 21 Dry Bean Field Tour at Scottsbluff.

"Keeping Nebraska Dry Bean Growers in the Lead" is the theme of the 2007 Annual Nebraska Dry Bean Field Tour Aug. 21 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Panhandle Research and Extension Center near Scottsbluff.

The field tour is co-sponsored by the Nebraska Dry Bean Grower's Association and UNL Extension. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Center Auditorium with an update by industry representatives on tractor guidance systems.Morning field tours will include seven field research projects specifically directed to dry edible beans:

— new variety development

— ascochyta blight resistance in chickpea

— options for managing Mexican bean beetle

— systems to eliminate volunteer corn in dry beans

— a new dry bean herbicide

— Enola bean issues, and

— how to best use limited irrigation water on dry beans.

Lunch will be sponsored by HorizonWest Implement and 21st Century Equipment. Immediately after lunch, the tour will move to the Mitchell Station to view five research projects:

— new university great northern and pinto lines

— Cruiser influence on plant stand and insects

— zone-till placed nitrogen vs. broadcast nitrogen

— dry bean response to furrow, sprinkler and sub-surface drip irrigation

— how irrigation method affects bacterial wilt

MacDon Industries will show and discuss the company's new swather and direct harvest combine header designs for dry bean harvest. A stripper header will be demonstrated in wheat and its application discussed for dry bean direct harvest. Tractors equipped with guidance systems will be available for driving and one-on-one visiting with manufacturer's representatives.

For more information, view a tour agenda on UNL's Panhandle Research and Extension Center Web site at www.panhandle.unl.edu' or call (308) 632-1230.

IANR News Release