Home » Potential of alternative oilseed crops to be discussed at April 16 seminar

Potential of alternative oilseed crops to be discussed at April 16 seminar

Mar 27, 2008 10:15 AM, By Blair Fannin
Texas A&M University

A seminar focusing on cool-season oilseed crops is scheduled April 16 at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Corpus Christi.

The free seminar will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by the program from 9 a.m. to noon.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists are evaluating seven different cool-season oilseed crops for their potential development as a viable crop in the Coastal Bend, said Jeff Stapper, AgriLife Extension agent for Nueces County.

“Since last fall, prices have more than doubled for some of these cool season oilseed crops. In fact, gross income for a canola crop of 1,600 pounds per acre could approach $360 per acre,” Stapper said. Besides canola, the crops include mustard, radish, rapeseed, flax, camelina and safflower.

Seminar topics are: “Canola Production” led by Stapper; “Overview of Cool Season Oilseed Crops” by Dr. Gaylon Morgan, Extension agronomist; “Potential Insect Pest Problems and Management” by Dr. Roy Parker, Extension entomologist; “Disease Management of Oilseed Crops” by Dr. Tom Isakeit, Extension plant pathologist; and “Economic Viability of Cool Season Oilseed Crops” by Dr. Larry Falconer, Extension economist.

Following the indoor seminar, participants will tour test plots of all seven oilseed crops. Pesticide applicators will receive two continuing education units for participation in the seminar.

The AgriLife Research and Extension Center is located on U.S. Hwy 44 west of the Corpus Christi Airport.