A Crown Viability Test
- Dig 20 to 50 plants for testing from each concerned site, keeping crowns intact. Select plants from representative areas of the field, especially if you suspect damage in certain areas.
- Using cool water, gently rinse soil from plants.
- Clip all the roots off within 1/8 inch of the crown.
- Clip stems about 1 to 1½ inches from the crown.
Approximately where the greenish and whitish areas meet - Wrap the sample in dampened paper towels.
- Place sample in plastic bag and seal.
Sealed to prevent dehydration. - Place sample into refrigerator for 24 hours
Prevent plant shock resulting from temperature differential. - Remove sample from refrigerator and leave at room temperature
for up to 10 days. (Growth activity should be visible as soon as
24 hours) - Examine samples for shoot growth.
No regrowth indicates a dead crown.
Limited regrowth can indicate an unhealthy crown.
A 1 to 1 ½ inch regrowth indicates a healthy crown (may take up to 7-10 days).
Questions or comments, please contact Aaron Esser,
Agronomist, Lincoln-Adams Area Extension, Ritzville at ph: (509)
659-3210 or e-mail: at aarons@wsu.edu