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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Morris, Minnesota » Soil Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #157280
Title: HARVESTING TECHNIQUES FOR CUPHEA, A NEW OILSEED CROP

Author
item Peterson, Dean
item Boots, Dana - Joe
item Gesch, Russell - Russ
item Forcella, Frank

Submitted to: North Central Weed Science Society US Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/4/2003
Publication Date: 12/4/2003
Citation: Peterson, D.H., Boots, D.E., Gesch, R.W., Forcella, F. 2003. Harvesting techniques for cuphea, a new oilseed crop. North Central Weed Science Society. 58:6.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cuphea is a potential alternative oilseed crop that produces medium chain-length fatty acids (capric and lauric acids). These fatty acids are feedstocks for non-food products, such as lubricants and detergents, all of which currently are derived from imported coconut and palm kernel oils. Cuphea grows well in the upper Midwest of the United States, and it potentially could become a domestic source for medium chain-length fatty acids. However, harvesting this non-determinant crop remains a challenge. In particular, the best times and methods of harvesting to minimize cuphea seed shattering are unknown. To overcome these limitations, we tested a range of harvesting aids on "PSR-23" of cuphea (C. viscosissima x C. lanceolata) in bulk-planted fields. In late August to early September when cuphea was at the mid-seed development stage, the following desiccants were applied in 3-m wide replicated plots: paraquat, glyphosate, sodium chlorate, and paraquat + sodium chlorate. Plots were combine-harvested about one week after treatment. Additionally, 28 plots, each 1.5 x 5 m, were combined after being cut in mid August and drying in windrows for one to seven weeks. Paraquat + sodium chlorate desiccated plants most rapidly and allowed quick combining that minimized seed losses due to shattering and chaff contamination of combined seeds. Windrowing for about two to three weeks after cutting allowed plants to dry thoroughly, permitted efficient combining, and minimized seed losses. Thus, both desiccants and swathing can be used to increase the harvesting efficiency of this partially domesticated crop.