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Lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], which is one of the most ancient crops among cultivated plants, is a relatively unknown crop in the United States. Lablab is a major source of protein in the human diet in many parts of the world. Even though lablab is a potential alternative food and feed crop in other areas of the United States, it is expected to produce seed in southern United States (Florida, Georgia, and Texas). However, there is a lack of information about production potential of lablab in Virginia and adjoining states. We report the results of a replicated field study that was conducted for 2 years with 17 lablab lines in Virginia. The seed yield varied from 559 to 1678, with a mean yield of 1012 kg·ha−1. The seed protein concentration varied from 20.6 to 28.8, with a mean concentration of 25.4%. Lablab seed contained small amounts of oil (0.54% to 1.13%). Total sugars in lablab seed meal varied from 4.2% to 10.1%. Based on seed yields from other parts of the world and concentrations of protein, oil, and total sugars reported in literature regarding other food legumes, we concluded that lablab is a potential alternative summer crop in Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states.

With a view towards expanding the menu of available summer forages, a study was conducted to characterize forage traits of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.). When grown in Virginia (mid-Atlantic region of the United States) during 2019 and 2020, 60-day old whole vegetative plants of both black-seeded and white-seeded Chia contained approximately 21 percent protein, 1.5 percent potassium, 2.06 percent calcium, 2.4 percent crude fat, 21.2 percent ADF, and 29.4 percent NDF. The fresh and dry biomass yields were 8310 and 814 kg ha-1, respectively. Based on forage quality values of Chia produced in other countries and other forages, it was concluded that Chia is a potential forage crop.

Even though mothbean (Vigna aconitifolia), a drought- and heat-tolerant crop, may have potential in the eastern United States, information about its production in this region is not available. To characterize potential seed yields and preliminary nutritional quality, 54 accessions were grown near Petersburg, VA, during 2011, 2012, and 2013. The seed yields varied from 48 to 413 lb/acre. The mean concentrations of protein, calcium, iron, and zinc in mature mothbean seed were 21.9%, 0.17%, 64.8 ppm, and 37.5 ppm, respectively. These values compared well with those in mungbean (Vigna radiata) and tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius). The results demonstrated that mothbean has considerable potential as an alternative, new food legume crop in Virginia and eastern United States.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), a pseudo-cereal, has potential as a forage crop, cover crop, grain crop for animal feed and human food, honey bee crop, and a smother crop for weed suppression. Even though, buckwheat has a long history in Virginia, currently this crop is almost non-existent in this area. The New Crops Program of Virginia State University started researching buckwheat in 2015 as an alternate food crop and as a plant to support honey bees. These studies led into evaluation of buckwheat as a forage crop. Approximately 30-day old buckwheat tissue of two cultivars (Koto and Mancan), planted on June 22 or July 20 during 2015, yielded 4784 pounds fresh weight and 1000 pounds dry matter per acre. Buckwheat biomass contained approximately 21 percent protein and approximately 6 percent oil. Quality of buckwheat forage compared well with literature values for alfalfa hay, perennial peanut, soybean, white lupin, and Tepary bean forage.

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, Fabaceae] is one of the most important food legume crops in Asia. It is also gaining importance in other parts of the world such as Australia and Canada. The United States imported mungbean worth ≈22 million dollars during 2014. To establish domestic production and to determine if mungbean can be produced in rotation with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), replicated experiments were conducted during 2012 and 2013 using two cultivars (Berken and TexSprout), two planting dates (early and late July), and two row spacings (37.5 and 75 cm). Cultivar and planting date effects on seed yield were not significant, however, narrow row spacing resulted in significant higher seed yield and concentration of protein over the wider row spacing (1.76 vs. 0.86 Mg⋅ha−1 yield and 24.9% vs. 23.7% protein). Early planting resulted in lower sugar and oil concentrations over late planting (4.4% vs. 5.5% sugar and 1.24% vs. 1.99% oil). Average mungbean values for seed yield, seed size, and concentrations of protein, sugars, and oil were 1.31 Mg⋅ha−1, 7.08 g/seed100, 24.3%, 4.91%, and 1.59%, respectively. Low harvest index values (17% to 25%) indicated that potential exists for improvement in mungbean seed yield. The results indicated that mungbean can be easily produced in rotation with winter wheat in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Mean contents of fructose, glucose, raffinose, stachyose, sucrose, and total sugars in whole sesame seed, produced during 2011 and 2012 in mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America, were 0.95, 1.28, 2.22, 0.14, 0.82, and 5.39 g/100 g meal, respectively. Planting time effects were significant for contents of fructose, glucose, raffinose, stachyose, sucrose, and total sugars. Contents of sucrose and total sugars were highest during both plantings in 20 11 as compared to those for both planting dates in 2012. However, differences between two planting dates for total sugar contents during each year were not significant while earlier plantings in both years had significantly higher contents of sucrose. Raffinose content was significantly greater from late planting during 2011 over early planting whereas planting date effects during 2012 were not different. Stachyose content was significantly greater from early planting in 2012 over late planting whereas planting date effects during 2011 were not significant. An increase in row spacing from 37.5cm to 75cm increased the content of fructose by 24.7% but resulted in 8.1% decrease in content of glucose. Cultivar effects were significant only for sucrose. S26 and S32 cultivars had significantly higher content over that of 22K (0.89, 0.89, and 0.69g/100g meal, respectively). These results indicate that sugar contents in sesame whole seed

Evaluation of green immature seeds from ten cultivars of white lupin (Lupinus albus L., Fabaceae), grown in two locations in Virginia (USA) during two years, indicated that physiological mature but green white lupin seeds con- tained 33 percent protein and 7 oil on dry weight basis. Contents of C18:3, saturated, unsaturated, mono-unsaturated, and poly-unsaturated fatty acids in white lupin green seeds were 10, 18, 84, 40, and 42 percent of total oil, respectively. White lupin green seeds contained 0.39, 1.34, 0.20, 0.37, 0.21, and 0.03 percent, dry weight basis, of P, K, S, Ca, Mg, and Na, respectively. White lupin green seeds contained 56, 8, 224, 8, 56, and 22 mg/kg Fe, Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B, respectively. Contents of fructose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, verbascose, and total sugars in green white lupin seeds were 0.25, 0.42, 2.71, 1.17, 6.01, 1.32, and 11.98 g/100 g meal, respectively. Growing locations significantly affected composi- tion of green white lupin seeds whereas effects of cultivars were limited. White lupin green seeds compared well with green peas and vegetable soybean seeds. Results indicated that white lupin green seeds may have potential as human food.

Starches were isolated from Virginia-grown corn, potato, and mungbean, and their resistant starch content, molecular structure and physicochemical properties were investigated for potential applications. All starches, extracted with combination of chemical and physically method exhibited high purity with low protein, fat and ash, and high carbohydrate. Potato starches had the highest resistant starch content, while mungbean starches showed the highest amylose content. Amylose content as well as the starch granule size and structure were responsible for resistance to digestibility. Compared to their mungbean and corn counterparts, potato starches had the highest amylopectin molecular weights and largest granular size. A typical A-and B-type crystalline structure was assigned to corn and potato starches, respectively, while mungbean starches had a CA-type crystalline pattern. Both potato and mungbean starch granules were smooth, oval and irregular ellipsoids, while corn starches had polyhedral granules. The gelatinization transition temperatures (To, Tp, and Tc) of the starches were significantly different, with the order of corn> mungbean> potato. Water absorption capacity of corn starches was lower than that of potato and mungbean starches. The results would assist food scientists in determining the potential end-uses of starches. Key words: Resistant starch, molecular structure, physicochemical properties, starch, Virginia.

Summary Composition and properties of seeds and starches from five Virginia-grown kabuli chickpea cultivars were investigated. The seeds had the average weight of 4.48 g per 10 g and volume of 641.2 mm3, and were rich in carbohydrate with starch as a principal constituent (59.2–70.9%). Resistant starch accounted for 7.7–10.4% of the total starch content. The composition and properties of the starches among the five cultivars were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). All starches had a C-type crystalline structure. The degree of crystallinity ranged from 21.1% to 27.4%, gelatinisation temperature from 7.97 to 11.2 °C and gelatinisation enthalpies from 2.18 to 3.76 J g−1, and water absorption capacities from 90.7% to 117.5%. Different shapes and granule sizes were observed. Molecular weight of amylopectin was in the range of 6.35 × 108–11.6 × 108 Da. Cultivar ‘HB-14’ was superior to the other cultivars, when combining larger seed size, higher resistant starch level and better properties.

Black and navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are economically important crops for US Agriculture and provide nutritious food for humans. These crops are predominantly grown in Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Washington states. We are interested in introducing these crops in Virginia as alternative summer crops. Four cultivars each of black (Eclipse, T-39, Zenith and Zorro) and navy bean (Alapena, Avalanche, Norstar, and Vista) were grown in the field at Randolph Farm of Virginia State University in Ettrick, Virginia during 2016. We planted these twice (May 26 and June 30) by using two inter-row spacings (37.5 and 75 cm). Results indicated that yields of black bean (1691 kg/ha) didn't differ significantly from that of navy bean (1402 kg/ha). Effects of cultivars and row spacings were not significant. Seed yield for May planting date (883 kg/ha) was significantly lower than that for June planting (2210 kg/ha). Concentrations of protein, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Al, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, fructose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, verbascose, total sugar, insoluble dietary fiber, and total dietary fiber in black and navy bean seeds were not different. Black bean had significantly higher soluble dietary fiber concentration (4.46%) as compared to navy bean (3.68%). Nutritional quality traits of black and navy bean seed produced in Virginia compared well with values in the literature. Based on desirable seed yield levels and nutritional quality, it was concluded that black and navy bean are potential new/alternate crops for Virginia and adjoining areas in the mid-Atlantic region of United States of America.

Sprouts from seeds of cruciferous plants, such as brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower (Brassica sp.) are considered desirable for human diets. However, no information is available about sprouts made from seeds of canola (Brassica napus L.), a cruciferous crop that is increasing in acreage in the United States and is considered a source of healthful, edible oil. This study reports contents of aluminum (Al), boron (B), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) in sprouts made from seeds of four canola cultivars (Banjo, KS 8200, KS 8227, and Virginia) grown at three locations (Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk) in Virginia during two crop seasons (2001–02 and 2002–03). The contents of protein, oil, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and Na (expressed as percent on a dry weight basis) in canola sprouts were 27.33, 25.1, 0.61, 0.43, 0.43, 0.31, 0.57, and 0.01, respectively. The contents of B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn (expressed as mg·kg−1) in canola sprouts were 12.35, 5.69, 88.46, 45.44, and 48.98, respectively. Contents of various minerals in canola sprouts were greater than those in sprouts of alfalfa, brussels sprouts, mungbean, and radish reported in the literature. It was concluded that canola sprouts are a potential component of diets for superior human nutrition.

The tropical legume sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) could be a valuable green manure/cover crop for vegetable producers in the southeastern USA because of its rapid growth and large N 2 fixing ability. Planting and termination date effects on biomass and N accumulation are relatively unknown for the region, but would help producers manage sunn hemp between summer and winter cash crops. We determined sunn hemp biomass and N content at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after planting (DAP) for four planting dates (mid-April to mid-July) at a Piedmont and a Coastal Plain location in Georgia. Maximum biomass at a given DAP was produced from May and June plantings in the Piedmont and from April and May plantings in the Coastal Plains. Maximum biomass and N ranged from 8.9 to 13.0 Mg ha -1 and 135 to 285 kg ha -1 , respectively. An equation for estimating sunn hemp biomass as a linear function of cumulative degree days (CDD) and cumulative solar radiation (CSR) was verified with independent data from Alabama, Florida, and Virginia. A similar equation for estimating N content as a quadratic function of CSR was not as accurate but still might be useful. Sunn hemp can fit well into short-rotation sustainable vegetable production systems in the Southeast, and these equations can be used by producers to make reliable estimates of sunn hemp biomass production.

Sesame has potential as an alternative crop for former tobacco farmers in eastern USA to increase agricultural diversification and enhance farm incomes. Oil yield and quality of five shatter-resistant and dwarf sesame cultivars when grown using rows 37.5 cm or 75 cm apart were evaluated. Sesame was planted on 23 May and 8 Jun. (PT1) during 2011 and on 17 and 9 Jul. (PT2) during 2012. Early planting (Late May to early June) resulted in 716.6 kg oil/ha as compared to 479.6 kg oil/ha from late planting (early June to mid-July). The closer row spacing of 37.5 cm out-yielded the wider row spacing of 75 cm by about 34% for oil yield. Early planting increased the contents of C16:0, C20:0, C18:1, and C20:1 fatty acids whereas late planting increased the contents of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids. Contents of total saturated fatty acids and mono-unsaturated fatty acids were also greater after early planting as compared to those after late plantings. Closer row spacing of 37.5 cm resulted in significantly higher contents of C20:1 and saturated fatty acids in the oil as compared to the wider row spacing of 75 cm. Sesame seed produced in Virginia contained 6.8% more oil than that produced in Texas (45. 5 vs. 42.6%, respectively). The results indicated that sesame could be produced in the mid-Atlantic region of USA.

Winter legume cover crops have been successfully used to meet N needs of many summer crops, but they are not being used extensively in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region, especially for specialty crops such as muskmelon and sweet corn. The objective of these studies was to determine the potential of winter legume cover crops in meeting N needs of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) and sweet corn (Zea mays L.). Comparisons of performances of muskmelon and sweet corn, grown after lupin (Lupinus albus L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), Austrian winter pea ([AWP] Pisum arvense L.), and control fertilized with 112 kg N ha–1, and unfertilized control were made during 1999, 2000, and 2001. The interactions between cover crop treatments and years were, generally, significant. The muskmelon fruit yields were 53.6, 45.0, 23.1, 13.0, and 5.6 Mg·ha–1 during 1999; 27.8, 26.3, 8.6, 5.8, and 2.2 Mg·ha–1 during 2000; and 41.1, 39.9, 25.5, 21.4, and 2.1 Mg·ha–1 during 2001 respectively for lupin, hairy vetch, AWP, 112 kg N ha–1, and control. Similar results were obtained for number and size of muskmelon fruits. The sweet corn ear yields (Mg·ha–1) were 8.5, 5.6, 3.1, 1.5, and 0.7 during 1999; 5.2, 3.9, 4.0, 4.8, and 1.2 during 2000; and 2.6, 2.4, 1.9, 2.0, and 0.9 during 2001, respectively for lupin, hairy vetch, AWP, 112 kg N ha–1, and control. White lupin and hairy vetch, as winter cover crops, were superior than AWP and 112 kg N ha–1 for sweet corn ear number and size, and plant height. These results demonstrated that winter legume crops, especially lupin and hairy vetch, can be excellent winter cover crops for meeting N needs of muskmelon and sweet corn.

Multi-environment trials (MET) are an important activity in agriculture to identify superior cultivars for production. Visual evaluation of MET data via GGEbiplot software makes the cultivar recommendation easy. Our objectives were to evaluate performance of 100 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars belonging to five maturity groups (MG II through MG VI) from MET data from Virginia. Analyses of variance revealed significant differences among cultivars in MG II, MG IV, and MG V. The study was conducted in 1993 and 1994 at two locations [Petersburg (PBG) and Suffolk (SFK), Virginia]. Cultivar-by-environment interaction was only significant for MG IV and MG V. In MG II, the highest yielding cultivars were: ‘CN-290’ (at Suffolk in 1993), ‘Sloan’ (at Petersburg in 1993 and 1994), and ‘Vickery’ (at Suffolk in 1994). In MG IV, ‘Union’ was the best cultivar for 93PBG and 94SFK. ‘Stafford’ was superior at 93SFK and Cutler at 94PBG. Being closest to the ideal cultivar, ‘Union’, ‘Morgan’, and ‘Egyptian...

Sunn hemp (Crotolaria juncea L.), a legume plant, has potential in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. as a renewable source of fiber and pulp, due to its biological nitrogen fixation capability that can help reduce/eliminate N pollution of Chesapeake Bay. Most research in this region has focused on kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and little is known about sunn hemp. We evaluated effects of three planting dates (late-May, mid-June, and late-June) and three row spacings (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m) on dry matter yields (DMY) of kenaf and sunn hemp during 1997, and 1998 by using three crop treatments (CT1: kenaf grown with 100 kg N ha−1; CT2: sunn hemp grown without inoculation and with 100 kg N ha−1; and CT3: sunn hemp inoculated with Bradyrhizobium but without N fertilization). DMY following CT1 and CT3 (7.8 and 6.4 Mg ha−1, respectively) during 1997 were similar and greater than that following CT2 (5.7 Mg ha−1). However, DMY following CT1, CT2, and CT3 were similar in 1998 and ranged from 12.6 to 13.4 Mg ha−1. Kenaf planting date did not affect DMY during 1997 but during 1998 the highest DMY was obtained from kenaf planted in late-May. The optimal planting date for sunn hemp during 1997 was mid-June, whereas in 1998 it was late-May. Row spacing effects on kenaf DMY were not significant. Row spacings of 0.3 m were optimal for DMY of N-fertilized sunn hemp during 1997 and 1998, whereas row spacing did not affect DMY of non-fertilized, but affected inoculated sunn hemp. We conclude that both kenaf and sunn hemp could produce similar dry matter yields in the mid-Atlantic region of U.S.

The glucosinolate-free meal from rapeseed can be used as livestock feed, whereas glucosinolate-rich meal can be used as a pesticide. It has also been shown that glucosinolate content in Brassica (rapeseed) seeds can be manipulated by application of chemicals. However, the stage of seed development when potential chemical treatments could be applied has not been clearly identified. Thus, an experiment was conducted to evaluate accumulation of glucosinolate, oil, and erucic acid in developing seeds of rapeseed lines. These included lines that were classified as low or high for glucosinolate content. The florets of eight rapeseed lines were tagged at the 50% flowering stage and were sequentially harvested at 26, 28, 30, 33, 35, 37, 40, 42, 44, 47, 49, and 52 days after flowering (DAF). The oil content in both the high and low-glucosinolate lines increased approximately by a factor of four from 26 to 52 DAF. The oil content accumulation was not affected by glucosinolate content. Erucic acid content in the oil was significantly higher in low glucosinolate lines compared with high glucosinolate lines on 28 and 40 DAF. Developing seeds were most amenable to change in erucic acid content at approximately 37 DAF. The glucosinolate contents in high glucosinolate lines started to increase significantly at 26 DAF and continued up to 33 DAF. However, the glucosinolate content in the low glucosinolate lines increased only from 33 to 35 DAF. This indicates that the greatest accumulation of glucosinolate in developing rapeseed seeds may occur at approximately 26 DAF.

Although there is increasing interest in reducing the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers due to the potential of unused N causing pollution of surface and groundwater, N is a major nutrient for plant growth. Our objective was to determine the potential of using winter legume cover crops to meet the N needs of seedless watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), a potential cash crop for farmers in Virginia. Fruit number, fruit weight, fruit yield, and fruit quality traits (flesh to rind ratio, water content, total soluble solids, sugar content, and pH) of seedless watermelons were evaluated in replicated experiments in Virginia at three locations during 1997-98 and two locations during 1998-99 following cover crop treatments consisting of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), crimson clover + rye (Secale cereale), hairy vetch + rye, and a bareground control treatment that received 100 lb/acre (112 kg·ha-1) of N. At all five locations, the bareground control treatment resulted in fewer fruit [1803 fruit/acre (4454 fruit/ha)], lower fruit weight [9.8 lb (4.5 kg)], and lower fruit yield [8.9 tons/acre (20.0 t·ha-1)] compared to the four cover crop treatments. The crimson clover + rye and hairy vetch treatments resulted in highest numberof fruit [2866 and 2657 fruit/acre (7079 and 6563 fruit/ha), respectively], whereas the highest fruit yield was obtained following hairy vetch [21.2 tons/acre (49.8 t·ha-1)], hairy vetch + rye [20.3 tons/acre (45.5 t·ha-1)], and crimson clover + rye [19.6 tons/acre (43.9 t·ha-1)]. Cover crop treatments did not affect the quality of watermelon flesh. The seedless watermelon fruit averaged 1.4 flesh: 1 rind ratio, 90% water content, 9.5% total soluble solids, 8.0% sugar, and a pH value of 5.9. These results indicated that legume cover crops, such as crimson clover and hairy vetch, can be successfully used to produce seedless watermelons, in a no-till system, without any use of N fertilizers with dryland conditions.

Tepary bean and pigeonpea were highly drought tolerant food legumes and were profitable in arid regions with sustainable productivity. Protein and starch, major constituents of legume grain, were used in various forms for human and animal consumption. Therefore, present investigation was carried out with an objective to evaluate protein content and various factors influencing qualities of starch in pigeonpea and tepary bean. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for protein and starch qualities among the two crops and between the drought responsive cultivars of these crops. The protein content of pigeon pea (22.5-26.2 mg/100 mg) was high compared to tepary bean (17 to 26 mg/100 mg) seed. The resistant starch content of pure starch extracted from drought responsive cultivars varied from 1.09 (TB #7) to 8.75 (TB #31) in teparybean and 14.68% (G2) - 21.35% (W1) in pigeonpea. Amylose content of pigeonpea varied from 7.76 to 12.31% and the degree of crystallinity were 13.42 - 19.30% with X-ray diffraction pattern of the C-type. The pigeonpea starch granules were large, oval to ellipsoidal shape with a smooth surface and mean granule size of 47.6 µm in length X 36.4 µm in width. The transition temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization ranged from 67.25-68.29 oC (To); 71.4-72.49 oC (Tp) and 77.04-78.51 oC (Tc) and 4.80-6.43 J/g respectively. Amylose content of tepary starch varied from 8.08 to 12.38% and the degree of crystallinity were 13.52-18.29% with X-ray diffraction pattern of the C-type. The tepary bean starch granules were round to oval shape with a smooth surface and mean granule size of 39.26 µm in length X30.36 µm in width. The transition temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization ranged from 73.12-74.65 oC (To); 77.71-78.85 oC (Tp); 82.65-84.29 oC (Tc) and 2.21-5.27 J/g respectively. Pigeon pea starches were with low molecular weights of amylopectin (5.26 x 108 Da) and high molecular weights of amylose (4.63 × 105 Da) compared to those in tepary bean (13.6 × 108; 1.35 × 105) on an average. In both crops, the gelatinization showed significant correlation with amylose content, crystallinity and granule size. Pigeonpea grain was superior with quality starch and protein with adequate amounts of digestible fiber without any reduction in quality during extraction of starch compared to tepary bean. Black seed coated tepary had lowest gelatinization energy compared to brown and white. The drought tolerant cultivars identified in teparybean (TB #24) and Pigeonpea (W1) with high resistant starch and protein content will be useful in selection for crop production, developing homozygous line for industrial use in southern USA.

This study was conducted to determine if sesame (Sesamum indicum L., Pedaliaceae) could be grown in Virginia. Five proprietary sesame cultivars (22K, S26, S28, S30, and S32) were planted on May 23 and June 8 during 2011 and on July 9 and July 17 during 2012 using two row spacings (37.5 or 75 cm). Effects of cultivars and row spacings on seed yield, and contents of protein and minerals were, generally, non-significant. Effects of planting dates were significant for most traits under study except for contents of Fe and Al. Contents (averaged over two years, five cultivars, two row spacing, four planting dates, and two years) of protein (%), P (%), K (%), S (%), Ca (%), Mg (%), Na (%), Fe (mg.kg-1), Al (mg.kg-1), Mn (mg.kg-1), Cu (mg.kg-1), Zn (mg.kg-1), and B (mg.kg-1) in whole seed sesame were 26, 0.67, 0.51, 0.32, 1.12, 0.33, 0.02, 110, 24, 29, 17, 68, and 13, respectively. It was concluded that earlier planting dates using either 37.5 or 70 cm space between rows are desirable for sesame production in Virginia. Mean seed yield in these studies was 1282 kg.ha-1. Highest seed yields were obtained using closer row spacings and early plantings. The results indicated that sesame could be easily produced as a commercial crop in Virginia.

Epoxidized oils, manufactured by chemical epoxidation of fats and vegetable oils such as soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.], are useful in reformulation of oil based (alkyd-resin) paints to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds that contribute to production of smog. Other potential markets for epoxy fatty acids include plasticizers, additives to polyvinyl chloride, polymer blends and coatings, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Currently, no oilseed crop has been commercialized as a source of natural epoxidized oils. However, Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less. has been identified to have potential for domestication as a new industrial oilseed source of natural epoxy fatty acids. The main objective of this research was to evaluate feasibility of vernonia production in mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Specifically, we wanted to evaluate available vernonia germplasm for seed yield, oil content, and oil quality, and to determine suitable production practices. The seed yield (kg/ha) in field experiments conducted from 1994, 1995, and 1996 at Randolph Farm of Virginia State University (37°15′N and 77°30.8′W), with a selected group of vernonia lines, ranged from 490 to 1288, 494 to 1394, and 1070 to 1934, respectively. Oil content ranged from 30.2 to 36.7% and 32.1 to 39.2%, respectively for 1995 and 1996 and the vernolic acid content ranged from 68.9 to 74.7% and 69.1 to 75.6%. A significant positive correlation ( r =0.34) between oil content and vernolic acid content indicated that both these characteristics could be improved simultaneously. The highest seed yield was obtained with 100 kg N/ha. A pre-plant-incorporated application of Trifluralin herbicide at 0.5 kg/ha a.i. did not reduce vernonia stand establishment. Seedhead shattering was observed to be a limitation in the evaluated vernonia germplasm. These results indicate that commercial vernonia production in Virginia and other areas in the mid-Atlantic region of United States may be feasible.

The US industry uses ≈18 million kg of high erucic acid oil annually, mostly from imports. Therefore, a large overall market potential exists for development of annually renewable domestic sources of erucic acid. The present research was conducted to characterize the winter hardy rapeseed germplasm for oil, erucic acid, and glucosinolate contents for use in breeding programs to develop commercial production of rapeseed. Significant variation existed among the 455 accessions of Brassica napus L. and the 44 accessions of Brassica rapa L. for oil, erucic acid, and glucosinolate contents. B. napus had significantly higher mean oil content in the seeds (37.4%) than the Brassica rapa (36.6%). The glucosinolate content was higher in napus than the rapa meal (49.2 vs. 43.8 μmol/g). The erucic acid content was higher in rapa (32.6%) than the napus accessions (26.1%). Within species, the correlation between oil and glucosinolate contents was significantly negative among the napus accessions (−0.14), but was significantly positive among rapa accessions (+0.39). The results indicate that plant material from either napus or rapa species could be used in breeding for increasing erucic acid content. Accessions with high, medium, and low contents of oil, erucic acid, and glucosinolate contents were identified.

In recent times, the use of sprouted seeds has become popular in human diets. Considerable information is available in the literature about various types of sprouts such as alfalfa, mungbean, and radish. However, information about canola (Brassica napus L.) sprouts, an oilseed crop that is receiving serious consideration as a source of domestic oil for human consumption, is lacking. We studied the composition traits of sprouts made from four canola cultivars (‘Banjo’, ‘KS8200’, ‘KS8227’, and ‘Virginia’) grown at three locations (Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk) in Virginia for two crop seasons (2001 to 2002 and 2002 to 2003). Two 20-g seed samples (two replications) of each cultivar × location combination were sprouted for 6 d in the laboratory using tap water. Sprouting of canola seeds increased the weight 5.6 times over the original seed weight. Canola sprouts, on average, contained 27.3% oil, 25.1% protein, and 10.8% crude fiber on dry weight basis. Fresh yield of canola sprouts, from 20-g seed, averaged 111.1 g, whereas moisture content averaged 80.3%. Effects of cultivars on fresh sprout yield and moisture content were not significant. Locations where seeds were grown had significant effects on all traits of canola sprouts except for fresh sprout yield. Canola sprouts made from seed of ‘Virginia’ cultivar had the highest protein content (26.2%), whereas those made from seeds of ‘KS8227’ cultivar had the highest oil content (28.7%). Based on traits under study, canola sprouts compared well with alfalfa, brussel sprouts, mungbean, and radish sprouts for overall nutritional quality.

Currently, white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is gaining importance due to its high nitrogen fixation capability and potential in sustainable crop production systems. Even though research conducted in Australia, Chile, Germany, New Zealand, and Portugal has indicated lupin's positive potential as human and animal food, such information from Virginia and adjoining areas of the United States is not available. In addition, effects of growing environment and genotypes on lupin seed composition need to be characterized to evaluate lupin's potential as a food and feed crop. Towards this end, seed of 12 lupin genotypes produced in Maine (USA) and Virginia (USA) were compared to determine genotypic and environmental effects on contents of protein, sugar, oil, various fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals. The protein content of dry seed was not affected by growing environment. However, growing environment had significant effects on contents of total sugar, amino acids, oil, fatty acids, and minerals. Significant variation existed among 12 lupin genotypes for various traits when composition of seed produced in Virginia was evaluated. The results indicated that site-specific evaluation of adapted lupin genotypes for chemical composition should be included in efforts to evaluate lupin's overall potential as a food or feed crop.

Information about oil and fatty acids in tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) seed, a promising alternative crop for the mid-Atlantic region of U.S., is largely unknown. Such information is needed to assess the food and feed potentials of tepary bean seed. We determined the concentrations of oil and fatty acids in seed produced by eight tepary bean genotypes planted at three different dates each during 1997 and 1998 at Ettrick, Va. Tepary bean seeds contained 1.8% oil as compared to literature values of 1.3%, 1.1%, and 1.1% for navy, kidney, and pinto beans, respectively. Tepary bean seed oil contained 33% saturated, 67% unsaturated, 24% monounsaturated, and 42% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Planting dates and genotypes did not affect oil concentration. Neb-T-14 was identified to be a desirable genotype based on a low concentration of saturated and a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Based on concentrations of oil and fatty acids, tepary bean seeds compared well with those of navy, kidney, and pinto beans.

There is a lack of crop options for planting when summer crops, such as corn and soybean, fail due to drought during late summer period. This study evaluated the potential of using tepary bean as a short-duration forage crop when planted late during summer period. Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray), a short-duration, drought-tolerant, summer crop, is a potential candidate forage crop for this situation. A study with 31 tepary bean lines indicated that 59 days old crop can be harvested as forage with mean fresh and dry matter yields of 22.2 and 4.4 Mg.ha-1, respectively. Tepary bean forage contained 21.4 percent protein, 37.5 percent ADF, 41.1 percent NDF, 0.48 Mcal/pound NE, 60.8 percent TDN, and 1.12 percent fat. Mean values of P, K, S, Ca, Mg, and Na (% dry matter) in tepary bean forage were 0.28, 2.5, 0.28, 2.11, 0.54, and 0.05, respectively. Mean values of Fe, Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B (mg.kg-1) were 307, 229, 359, 9.3, 39.5, and 20.9, respectively. Tepary bean forage quality compared well with that of alfalfa hay, perennial peanut hay, and soybean forage. These results indicated that tepary bean has potential as a short-duration forage crop.

Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray), a native of southwestern U.S., is a promising plant for crop diversifi cation and for production in short rotations with wheat. However, protein and mineral concentrations in tepary bean seed produced outside the southwestern U.S. are largely unknown. We evaluated concentrations of protein and various minerals in seed produced by eight tepary bean genotypes planted at three different dates each during 1997 and 1998 at Ettrick, Virginia. Signifi cant year ◊ planting date and year ◊ genotype interactions existed for protein and other traits. Protein and zinc concentrations increased and calcium concentrations decreased with later plantings during both years. Mid-June planting had 14% higher protein concentration (24.5%) than late-May planting (21.4%) and mid-July planting had 6% higher protein concentration (25.9%) than mid-June planting. Color of seedcoat was not associated with concentrations of protein or minerals. The average concentrations of boron, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, man- ganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc (mg/100g) were: 1, 184, 1, 11, 1531, 192, 3, 451, 311, 4, respectively. Tepary bean seeds contained 24% protein as compared to reported average values of 22.3% in navy, 22.5% in red kidney, and 20.9% in pinto bean. The average iron concentration (mg/100g) in tepary bean seed (10.7) was higher than that in navy (6.4), red kidney (6.7), and pinto (5.9) bean. Based on protein and mineral concentrations tepary bean seed compared well with seeds of navy, red kidney, or pinto bean. American agriculture has traditionally relied upon a few crops, and a need exists for diversifi cation of cropping system. Fletcher (2002) indicated that at least 67% of the in- creased value of crop production in Australia, over the period 1950 to 1992, was derived from new crops. Blade and Slinkard (2002) cited the recent successful development of many new crops in Canada such as canola (Bras- sica campestris L. and B. napus L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), fi eld pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), mustard (Brassica juncea L.), canaryseed (Phalaris canariensis L.), sunfl ower (Helianthus annuus L.), and many spice crops that can be used to achieve crop diversifi cation.

Mungbean [(Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, Fabaceae] is becoming an important food crop in the United States of America. This crop has previously been produced in the US states of Texas and Oklahoma but this production is currently not significant. Recent efforts have established that mungbean can be easily produced in Virginia, located in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. However, there is a complete lack of information related to nutritional quality of mungbean produced in this region. We grew mungbean during 2012 and 2013 using two cultivars (Berken and TexSprout), two planting dates (early and late July), and two row spacings (0.375 and 0.75 m) to characterize composition of mungbean seed produced in Virginia. Mungbean seeds produced in this study averaged 1.59, 24.3, and 4.91% oil, protein, and sugars, respectively. These mungbean seeds also contained 38.8, 61.2, 5.79, and 55.1% in saturated, unsaturated, mono-unsaturated, and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Predominant fatty acids in the mungbean seed were C16:0 (26.1%), C18:0 (6.11%), C18:2 (36.8%), and C18:3 (18.3%). Iron and zinc contents of the mungbean seed were 8.42 and 3.88 mg·100 g-1. Concentrations of fructose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose sugars in mungbean seed were 0.45, 0.30, 0.70, 0.24, 0.84, and 2.37%, respectively. Effects of cultivars, planting dates, and row spacings on mungbean seed composition were, generally, not significant. Overall, mungbean seed compared well with nutritional quality of kidney bean, pinto bean, navy bean, and tepary bean.

Lack of adequate processing facilities has been a major hindrance in the adoption of canola (Brassica napus L. and Brassica rapa L.) as an alternative oilseed crop in the southern United States. Therefore, development of alternative uses could be instrumental in facilitating adoption of canola by American farmers. We evaluated chemical composition of greens from four canola cultivars ('Dixie∑ , 'Falcon∑ , 'HN120-91∑ , and 'Jetton∑ ) grown during 1995-96 and 1996-97 at Petersburg, Va., to determine their potential as a food and feed source. The results indicated potential yield of s 11 t·ha -1 of fresh greens and s 1 t·ha -1 of dry matter. The canola greens contained 3.4% oil and 30.6% protein on a dry weight basis. Canola greens contained 0.52%, 4.14%, 0.35%, 1.59%, and 0.20% (dry weight basis) of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium, respectively. Canola greens also contained 0.94, 2.02, 5.47, 14.65, 28.61, 0.74, and 31.92 (mg/100 g dry weight basis) of sulfur, boron, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and aluminum, respectively. The oil in canola greens contained 18.79%, 81.14%, 15.36%, and 65.78% saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Based on these values, canola greens compared favorably with mustard and turnip greens. The demand for canola oil, which is considered healthy for human nutrition due to its low concentration of saturated (5% to 8%) and moderate concentration of polyun- saturated fatty acids (FA), is increasing in the United States at a tremendous rate. Canola is a genetically altered form of rapeseed with low erucic acid, a 22-carbon chain fatty acid, and low glucosinolate concentration. Canola (CANada-Oil-Low-Acid) is an international registered trademark owned by the Canola Council of Canada. Canola and rapeseed (Brassica napus L. and Brassica rapa L.) are members of the mustard family and are closely related to turnip (Brassica rapa L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., var. capitata), cauli- flower (Brassica oleracea L., var. botrytis), broccoli (Brassica oleracea L., var. italica), and mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Even though canola evaluations in Virginia have been on- going since 1985, a concerted effort has been under way at two land grant universities in Virginia since 1993, with support from the Na- tional Canola Research Program of the U.S. -1 of N, P, and K. No insecticides were used prior to har- vest of these plots for greens. The total foliage was harvested, s 5 cm above the ground level, before appearance of yellow petals, from a 2-m length of the middle row of each plot . Fresh weights were recorded and converted to fresh yield in t·ha -1 . The foliage was dried at 70 °C for 72 h before recording of dry weights. The moisture concentration and dry matter yield

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a well-known economically viable crop with excellent nutritional qualities.The nutritional potential of flax seed sprouts has not been studied to date. Therefore, the current study was conducted to analyze nutritional qualities of sprouts of three flax cultivars (Rahab-94, Pembina and Linott) and to compare it with those of flax seeds. The results indicated lack of significance difference among the three cultivars for several traits. The sprouts were significantly different for protein with highest protein composition (25.2%) in Rahab-94. Sprouts were rich in glucose (5.1%) and fructose (2.6%) compared to sucrose (0.4%). Significant differences were observed for nitrogen (4.1%), calcium (0.27%), phosphorous (0.72%), zinc (51%), copper (23%) among sprouts of three cultivars. There were no significant differences for potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) contents among the sprouts of three cultivars. Sprouts had higher protein content (22.3%) and lower crude fiber content (17%) as compared to that of seeds (21.7%, and 19.4%, respectively). Sprouts contained higher total sugars as compared to seeds (8.08% and 2.6%, respectively). The macronutrient and micronutrient compositions were comparatively high in seed and sprout respectively. The micronutrient values were relatively high in sprouts for boron (16.3%), iron (63.4%), manganese (52.9%) and zinc (44.4%). Flax sprouts were a good source of protein, crude fiber, simple sugars and essential micronutrients compared to flax seed and other crop sprouts.

Mature white lupin (Lupinus albus L., Fabaceae) seeds have been used as food for over 3000 years around the Mediterranean and for as much as 6,000 years in the Andean highlands. However, no information is available about use of immature green lupin seeds as human food similar to that of vegetable soybean (Edamame) and green peas. We studied yield and protein content of green immature seeds of ten white lupin cultivars grown at two locations in Virginia over 2005-06 and 2006-07 crop seasons. Location effects were, generally, non-significant whereas cultivar effects were significant for pod yield and number of pods per hectare and non-significant for number of seeds per pod, shelling percent, and protein content whereas location effects were significant only for protein content. The mean values for pod yield (kg.ha-1), number of pods per hectare, number seeds per pod, shelling percent, and protein content of green immature white lupin seeds were 18098, 3402899, 4, 32, and 33, respectively. These results, when compared to literature values for Edamame and green peas, were encouraging and indicated that green immature white lupin seeds may have potential as human food.

Recent recognition of indigestible starch component named as “Resistant Starch” in the human small intestine raised our interest to execute the current study to identify the best cultivar to produce high-quality pigeonpea seed to incorporate in ongoing pigeonpea breeding program. Though pigeonpea was identified as one of the food legumes with high RS, there were no published reports for pigeonpea resistant starch accumulation as influenced by planting time. The experiment was conducted twice in replicated block design with four varieties and two planting times. The resistant and non resistant (hydrolysable) starch components of ground seed powder of four pigeonpea varieties were analyzed to identify the best planting time and best cultivar for high-resistance starch accumulation. Planting time and varieties showed significant influence on resistant starch (RS), total starch (TS), and hydrolysable starch (HS) accumulation. The pigeonpea variety W1 was significantly superior from other three varieties and has highest RS value (21.4 g/100 g) with 70 per cent RS out of its total starch (28 g/100 g). The planting time 2 (June 11) produced seed with highest values for RS (18.7 g/100 g), HS (6.5 g/100 g), and TS (25.2 g/100 g). The cultivar W1 is the better one followed by GA1 for use in further crop improvement.

Use of mature lupin seeds for human nutrition has been prevalent since ancient times. Lupin seed have been used as food for over 3000 years around the Mediterranean and for as much as 6000 years in the Andean highlands. However, no information is available about value-added products from lupin, especially white lupin ( Lupinus albus L.), for human consumption. We prepared sprouts from seed of eight white lupin genotypes, grown at two locations in Virginia during 2003-04 crop season. These sprouts were analyzed for various traits. Location effects were significantly for all traits except for moisture content of sprouts whereas genotypic effects were significant only for fresh sprout yield. The mean values for fresh yield (g) and contents (percent on dry weight basis) of moisture, crude fiber, oil, and protein, in white lupin sprouts were 74.8, 78.4, 16.7, 7.6, and 41.3, respectively. Oil and protein contents of white lupin sprouts were similar to alfalfa sprouts whereas white lupin sprouts had higher contents of oil and protein than mungbean sprouts. Based on crude fiber content, white lupin sprouts were superior to alfalfa and mungbean sprouts. Results indicated that white lupin sprouts have potential as human food.

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.), a winter legume, is being evaluated in Virginia as a grain and a winter legume cover crop. There is however scanty information available about lupin’s potential to provide forage. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the potential of white lupin as a forage crop and to characterize effects of genotypes and growing locations on forage yield and quality. Twenty lines were grown at three locations in Virginia (Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk), during 2003-04 crop growing season using four replications of a Randomized Complete Block Design. Data on fresh and dry matter yield, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were recorded. The fresh matter yields varied from 6.5 to 12.6 Mg/ha with Petersburg location exhibiting the highest fresh matter yield whereas Orange location exhibited the lowest fresh matter yield. This was also true for dry matter yields which were 0.8, 2.0, and 1.1 Mg/ha for Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk locations, respectively. The mean crude protein contents were 16.7, 21.3, and 18.1 percent whereas the mean ADF contents were 18.9, 21.2, and 30.4 percent for the Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk locations, respectively. These differences were attributed to differences in temperatures during lupin growth and soil types at different locations. The Orange location is considered a cooler environment whereas Suffolk is considered a warmer environment with Petersburg being intermediate in temperature. The soil type and soil pH at Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk locations were Star silty clay loam and 6.9, Abel sandy loam and 6.2, and Rains fine sandy loam and 5.6, respectively. Auburn-04 was identified to be a high yielding white lupin lines for forage yield (10.7 Mg/ha) and protein content (19.1 percent). The results of this preliminary study indicated that white lupin is a potential forage crop for the mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. We suggest that further studies be conducted to confirm our results and to determine lupin’s forage yields under additional environments in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America and elsewhere.

Even though lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is known to potentially fix 150-200 kg/ha nitrogen for the use of a succeeding crop, precise information about lupinxBradyrhizobium strain interaction under the climatic conditions prevalent in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States is unknown. We conducted two greenhouse experiments with the objective of characterizing this symbiotic relationship and to evaluate potential interaction between Bradyrhizobium strains and lupin lines. In the first experiment, performance of 60 bradyrhizobial strains was evaluated by inoculating three lupin cultivars and using combined score, which consisted of an arithmetic total of plant vigor, nodulation scores from crown root, nodulation scores from fibrous roots, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. In the second experiment, performance of 80 lupin lines was evaluated by inoculating with three selected Bradyrhizobial strains and using the combined score, which consisted of an arithmetic total of plant vigor, acetylene reduction activity, nodule number per plant, nodule weight per plant, and dry shoot weight. Significant variation existed for all traits in both experiments except for nodule number in the second experiment. Significant Bradyrhizobial strain by lupin line interaction existed for nodulation score, shoot and root dry weights, and the combined scores. Comparison of relative ranks indicated that nodulation effectiveness was dependent on specific strain and lupin line combinations. It was concluded that specific Bradyrhizobial strain and lupin line combinations would need to be identified for successful utilization of lupin's capability to fix atmospheric nitrogen for use in low-input and sustainable agriculture.

Ozone sensitivity, nutritional quality, seed characteristics, and growth habit of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were evaluated in two separate experiments. In the first experiment the data showed a significant variation among 34 bean accessions for ozone sensitivity following acute exposure of 18-day-old plants to 0.6 microliters/l O3 for 2 hours under environmentally controlled greenhouse conditions. PI-163579, PI-169735, PI-171790, PI-176684, PI-201374, PI-310711, PI-345576, PI-370569, PI-379435, and PI-414831 were identified as tolerant to acute ozone exposures. Protein, oil, starch, sugar, and ash contents in the seed of selected germplasm were determined and no correlation was found between these components and ozone sensitivity. Seed size and growth habit varied considerably among the 34 accessions but were not correlated to ozone sensitivity. In a second experiment, ten accessions, selected from the tolerant ones identified in the first experiment, were subjected to chronic ozone exposure in open-top chambers at 0.04 and 0.08 microliters/l concentrations for 7 hours/day 44 days after transplanting. Based on foliar injury and yield reductions, only PI-370569 and PI-414831 were tolerant to prolonged ozone exposure (0.08 microliters/l). A significant positive correlation (r = 0.83) existed between foliar injury rating from chronic treatments involving 0.04 and 0.08 microliters O3/l and acute exposure (0.6 microliter O3/l/2 hours). The data indicated that acute ozone exposure can be used to initially screen a large number of bean accessions, however, this is an imperfect indicator of ozone sensitivity with chronic exposure.

Sprouts from various seeds are considered healthy for human consumption. However, no information is available about sprouts made from canola (Brassica napus L.) and white lupin (Lupinus albus L.), two new potential alternate crops in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Canola sprouts, on an average, contained (g/100 g, dry weight basis) 38.9 oil, and 61.5, 18.6, 9.2, 7.4, 92.6, 64.8, and 27.8 percent of 18:1, 18:2, 18:3, total unsaturated, total saturated, MUFA, and PUFA fatty acids, respectively, in the oil. Corresponding values for white lupin sprouts were: 6.5, 43.0, 24.9, 9.3, 17.9, 82.1, 47.9, and 34.2. Canola sprouts contained 26.9% protein, whereas white lupin sprouts contained 26.3% protein. Details of these experiments and further results would be presented.

An on-farm animal manure, such as chicken manure, can be a source of nutrients for the growth and production of agricultural crops. However, use of manures at rates that are considered adequate for crop production may cause excessive accumulation of phosphorus (P) and also result in leaching of nitrogen (N), thus leading to potential pollution of ground and surface water. Composting of manures with a carbon (C) source can reduce P and N to manageable levels to support production of crops. In order to determine the potential of composted manure for crop production, we studied growth and production of sweet corn by using poultry manure composted with a carbon source of crimson clover hay or wheat straw. These experiments, conducted during 2002 and 2003, compared six treatments: 1) uncomposted chicken manure alone; 2) composted with wheat straw turned weekly; 3) composted with wheat straw turned bi-weekly; 4) composted with crimson clover hay turned weekly; 5) composted with crimson clover hay turned bi-weekly; and 6) a control with a commercial recommendation rate of N fertilizer. These treatments resulted in 9244; 13,866; 15,688; 16,734; and 11,977 marketable ears/acre, respectively, indicating significant superiority of treatments 4 and 5 over all others. Similar results were obtained for ear length, ear fresh weight, and plant height. Results indicated that composting of poultry litter with wheat straw or crimson clover hay is a viable way to utilize poultry manure for production of sweet corn and other agricultural crops. This study implies that composting of on-farm animal manure with organic material, such as hay and straw, could play an important role in development of an environmentally friendly, economically feasible, and sustainable organic production of agricultural crops.

Alternative to the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers can be the utilization of a natural organic source of on-farm animal manure nutrients for the growth, development and production of agricultural crops. The main objective of this research was to compost the poultry manure with organic amendments and utilize for sweet corn production. The composition of composted and uncomposted poultry manure was compared and field experiments were conducted during 2002 and 2004 at Randolph farm of Virginia State Univ. located near Petersburg, Virginia. The field experiments included seven treatments: control with un-composted manure, four treatments with manure (composted with wheat straw turned weekly, composted with wheat straw turned bi-weekly, composted with clover hay turned weekly, and composted with clover hay turned bi-weekly), recommended rate of N fertilizer, and a control without any treatment. Results indicated that composting of poultry manure with an organic amendment such as wheat straw or clover hay helps poultry manure's transformation into a usable fertilizer material for supporting crop production. However, use of clover hay was observed to be desirable than wheat straw for sweet corn production. Addition of clover hay resulted in significantly increased ear fresh and dry weight and also resulted in taller plants. The affects of biweekly vs. weekly turning compost on performance of sweet corn were not significant.

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a potential alternative winter grain legume crop for the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. However, information about suitable production technology and nutritional quality of lupin grown in this region is unavailable. We studied the performance of a determinate cultivar (Lucyanne) and an indeterminate cultivar (Lunoble) during 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 growing seasons to identify optimum planting time and row spacing and to examine the nutritional quality of lupin. Three row spacings (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m) were evaluated in each of the three planting dates: early October, late October, and mid-November. The indeterminate cultivar was taller and had a 26% higher seed yield (4.8 Mg ha -1 ) than the determinate cultivar (3.8 Mg ha -1 ). A delay in planting time from early October to late October or mid-November decreased both seed yield (5.6, 4.1, and 3.2 Mg ha -1 , respectively) and plant height (0.77, 0.64, and 0.53 m, respectively). The highest seed yield (5.9 Mg ha -1 ) was recorded for the row spacing of 03 m. Row spacing did not affect seed size or plant height. Cultivar, planting date, and row-spacing effects on protein and sugar concentrations were not significant. Delayed planting reduced, whereas narrow row spacing increased, oil concentration. The mean protein, sugar, and oil contents in Virginia-grown lupin seed were 347, 73, and 75 g kg -1 , respectively. These preliminary experiments Indicated that indeterminate cultivar had a yield advantage over the determinate cultivar, the optimal planting time was early October, and the optimal row spacing was 0.3 m.

Cover crops offer an excellent source of nutritional requirements for production of vegetables in sustainable agricultural system. By using this concept, field experiments were conducted in l998 at three locations in Virginia; Petersburg, James City, and King and William County, and five cover crop treatments; Hairy Vetch (HV), Crimson Clover (CC), HV+Rye, CC+Rye, and a conventional bare-ground control were used for their potential support of nutritional requirements for production of a seedless watermelon crop. The results indicated that the yield levels of seedless watermelon following cover crop treatments had significantly higher number of fruits per acre and the crimson clover treatment had higher fruit size in one of the sites (King William County) as compared to the other four treatments and two sites suggesting that cover crop/crops alone have the potential to support nutritional requirements for seedless watermelon to sustain production, thus becoming a viable and profitable alternative to using inorganic nitrogen source. The effects of cover crops on chemical composition of seedless watermelon were generally not significant. The results also indicated that watermelons produced using sustainable crop production methods are comparable to those produced using conventional methods. Our studies support using seedless watermelon as a viable alternative and high-value cash crop for Virginia farmers' especially tobacco growers, other small-scale producers, and limited resource farmers.

A collection of 35 mint (Mentha spp.) lines was evaluated during 1996 for fresh and dry yield, percentage of leaves, leaf moisture, and stem moisture to study suitability for fresh markets. These lines were categorized based on geographic origin (domestic vs. foreign), ploidy level (diploid vs. polyploid), mint type (peppermint vs. spearmint), and genetic makeup (pure lines vs. hybrids), and statistical comparisons were made between these categories. Fresh yield and proportion of fresh leaves in the total harvest were affected by type and genetic makeup of mint accessions. Spearmint had significantly greater yield than peppermint (4.1 vs. 2.5 kg/m2) and higher proportion of leaves (69% vs. 63%). Species had higher fresh yield than hybrids (4.1 vs. 2.7 kg/m2) and higher proportion of leaves (69% vs 65%). Domestic accessions, peppermint, and hybrids had significantly higher leaf moisture than foreign accessions, spearmint, and species (26% vs. 22%, 28% vs. 23%, and 27% vs. 24%, respectively). None of the categories affected moisture content in the total plant harvest or stems. Further details of these data will be presented and discussed.

Thirty-five mint accessions were evaluated during 1993 for agronomic characteristics (leaf texture, color, and pubescence), plant vigor, cold hardiness, insect population interactions, and contents of essential oils, ash, and total protein. These accessions were obtained from National Clonal Germplasm Repository, Corvallis, Oregon during 1992. The rhizomes were planted in the greenhouse on April 2, 1992 and transplanted to the field on May 29, 1992 as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The chemical composition data from whole plants indicated that ash content was dependent upon location from which an accession was collected, ploidy level (diploid vs. polyploid), type of mint (peppermint vs. spearmint), and genetics (hybrid vs. non-hybrid). Diploid accessions had significantly higher essential oil content. The protein content was higher in peppermint types than spearmint types. The hybrid accessions had lower protein content in comparison to non-hybrids.