Cultural practices for Lesquerella production

WhileLesquerella fendleri has good potential of becoming a domestic, water‐efficient source of hydroxy fatty acids in the United States, little research has been done outside of Arizona to determine its environmental response and cultural requirements. This study examined the effects of planting date, irrigation rate and fertilizer on growth and yield in Oregon, and it also evaluated tolerance to existing herbicides as a first step in developing cost‐effective weed control programs. An October planting failed, while a March planting generally out‐yielded a May planting. Seed yield was maximized at irrigation plus precipitation in the range of 959 to 1111 mm. Fertilizer response was indefinite, although response to phosphorus sometimes occurred. Herbicides with excellent potential include trifluralin and benefin pre‐plant incorporated, and fluazifop post‐emergent. Potential herbicides also include pendimethalin preemergent, and oxyfluorfen, dicamba and clopyralid postemergent. In addition to further studies on herbicide, irrigation, fertilizer and planting date effects, studies to optimize other cultural practices (e.g., row width, plant density, seed source, varietal development) that increase oil yield and quality while reducing input cost are required if lesquerella production is to occur in Oregon.