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https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/coping-with-restructuring-or-sale-of-the-family-farm.html | Coping with Restructuring or Sale of the Family Farm - Oklahoma State University | Oklahoma State University | [
"Rodney Jones",
"Courtney Bir",
"Brent Ladd"
] | 2023-01-07 | [] | OK | ## Coping with Restructuring or Sale of the Family Farm
Published Jul. 2023 |
Id: AGEC-197
By Rodney Jones, Courtney Bir, Brent Ladd
Print-friendly PDF (/factsheets/print- publications/agec/coping-withrestructuring-or-sale-of-thefamily-farm-agec-197-a.pdf)
A job search is difficult under any circumstances. For farms, financial stress may be caused by low commodity prices, high input prices, crop failures, natural disaster, disease, fluctuating asset values, loss of an off-farm job, injury or illness. It is important farm families recognize that these problems are felt to varying degrees by many farmers in several farming states at different times. It is also important that farm families recognize some factors affecting the farm situation are out of the family's control: monetary and fiscal policy, weather, export demands and creditor policies.
If after exploring your alternatives and seeking help from the appropriate professionals, your family decides to scale down your existing operation or discontinue farming, remember you are not alone in this decision. In 1972, there were 2.9 million farms averaging 382 acres in size. Today, there are two million farms averaging 446 acres in size. These figures emphasize that many other family farms have experienced the trauma of giving up all or part of their farm.
Leaving farming can be a traumatic event affecting the life of every member of the family. Adjustments have to be made in almost every facet of family life. Handling the stress of these changes is difficult. The stress can be minimized by understanding and preparing for those changes, preserving and learning from the past. Learning is a built-in process that we use to make sense out of an ever-changing world. To
survive, it is imperative to learn and grow in order to respond, adjust to circumstances, seek solutions and remain in control of your life.
Selling part or all of the family farm is a traumatic experience, which can cause sudden and unpleasant changes in a family's lifestyle. Other changes in the farming operation and/or family routine such as partial liquidation of equipment, renting part of the farmland for a period of time and adjusting to off-farm employment are among the many situations that may trigger feelings of loss, anxiety and stress. The feelings experienced during adjustment to these operational and/or family routines are very similar to those experienced by a farm family faced with the realization that they actually may have to sell part or all of their farm.
How well a family survives depends on how each member handles the crisis. This article addresses why families grieve when they lose part or all of their farm or face significant adjustments in their farm operation. It also lists positive ways of coping with the change.
## Emotions
Economic hardship produces many consequences. Emotional stress is one major consequence. This stress is rooted primarily in the added burden of financial difficulties. At the same time, linkages and communications deteriorate with traditional advisors and support groups such as lenders, farm supply merchants, machinery and equipment dealers, and other farm families.
An Iowa study on stress among farm families facing financial difficulties revealed that "in general, farm families facing severe financial difficulty appear to be a fairly emotionally healthy group of people whose major symptoms are linked to economic hardship and related trauma loss. Chronic exposure to these circumstances has worn down their coping devices and brought on anxiety, interpersonal problems and grief."
A family farm is more than just a business or place of employment. It provides the family not only with basic needs of food, shelter and income but with a shared profession, dreams and goals. The farm often links the family to past generations and is a legacy for future generations. When a farm fails as opposed to another type of business operation, a
farm fails as opposed to another type of business operation, a way of life comes to an end, as well as a business. One man who lost his farm had been laid off from a satisfactory job before he started farming. He noted the sharp differences between the two experiences:
"I've been laid off before. It was from a good job that I liked. Losing the job was hard for me to handle. It took me a while to feel good about myself again. But losing a farm is worse. You lose more than your job; you lose a way of life."
## Stages of Adaptation
A first step in reducing the destructive effects of stress triggered by the partial or complete loss of the farm is communication. Now is the time to work through possible feelings of denial or shock, confusion, anger, blame, guilt, depression and recovery. Associating the stages experienced in the grieving process to the stages experienced in the partial or complete loss of a farm helps in understanding the feelings and thoughts experienced during this time.
## Stage 1: Anticipation
This stage is the longest for most and is characterized by a gradual increase in tension, depression and worry. Persons sense that "all is not right" and "I might be affected." Often persons experience foreboding gloom, agitation or fear that conditions could worsen, yet also deny that conditions could have an immediate personal impact. Typical statements of persons at this stage are:
'Sure things are tough, but not that tough ... I don't think we are in as bad shape as a lot of others ... things could be worse.'
## Stage 2: Realization that Liquidation or Restructuring is Necessary
The anticipatory stage gradually merges into a realization that liquidation or restructuring is necessary. This stage is characterized by increased desperation, bargaining, signs of incapacitation, hopelessness. Often, people exhibit complaints such as sleeplessness, anxiety, stomach upset and other physical problems. Many feel that there is little they can do besides farming and construction of outlook is marked. Typical statements include:
"But all I know how to do is farm ... If only I can get a loan for one more year ... The government doesn't care about us."
This stage is similar to the stage of denial or shock associated with the grieving process. The thought of losing all or part of the farm is so frightening and overwhelming that family members often try to deny the severity of their problems. "Although my wife kept telling me that the books showed some serious problems and going out might be for us, I just couldn't even think about it. All I could think about was keeping the farm no matter what."
## Stage 3: Actual Liquidation or Restructuring Period
Leaving a family farm or partially reducing the size of a farm can be a great loss. Income may be lost but a greater loss may include shared family goals, a lifestyle and sometimes a home. A sense of loss may also be experienced by family members due to adjustments in their current farm operation or lifestyle that are significantly different from the way in which their operation and lifestyle functioned in the past.
Continuing operations on less farmland because some farmland had to be sold to pay existing debts or adjusting to working off the farm are examples of other circumstances,
which can trigger feelings of loss, anxiety and confusion. The feelings of loss may be similar to the grief one feels when a family member dies. Cattle, equipment and land can, in a sense, become part of the family.
When a farm family's financial situation dictates that cattle, equipment or land must be sold, feelings of loss are a normal emotional response. Family routines and roles which are abruptly changed, for example, when a spouse decides to seek off-farm employment, can cause feelings of uneasiness and uncertainty in the home.
"When those cows are gone and everything has stopped, you feel like someone in the family has died."
Being forced from a family farm or significantly change the farm operation in some way affects every facet of life. Adjustments have to be made to new jobs, new communities and new lifestyles, which can be very stressful.
Once the farm is partially or completely liquidated and life as farmers changes (often through dramatic operational changes), most people feel a sense of shock and numbness. People at this stage exhibit the most extreme symptoms and mixture of feelings. Often conflicting in nature, feelings range from angry outbursts to a sense of relief. They include grief, depression, guilt and a sense of failure. Statements associated with this stage might include: "How come I failed when my parents made it? ...I can't take it anymore." Family maladjustment and potential for suicide can be high at this stage, as are the greatest chances of substance abuse and acting out of frustration.
This stage is similar to the stages of confusion, anger, blame, guilt and depression associated with the grieving process. Confusion, often accompanied by shock, is common during this stage. Life on a farm is a predictable routine of chores and seasonal events, day after day, year after year. Once the farm ceases operation or is dramatically reduced in size, family members suddenly feel empty. Without a schedule to structure their activities, they feel out of touch with normal
life events. They feel a very uncertain sense of urgency to do something, yet they don't know where to go or what to do. Their anchor has been cut, leaving them drifting aimlessly.
With time, the shock and confusion diminish and it is easier to think more clearly. Typically, feelings of anger surface. Usually the anger is directed at a person or institution one can blame for the loss. Blaming gives the grievinger person something to hold onto at the time when his or her emotions and life are in turmoil. Misdirecting one's anger toward people to whom one is close is a common, normal reaction when it is impossible to vent the anger at the true source. Parents who bought the farm often accuse their children of losing the fam-ily's heritage. Children blame their parents for the decisions they made while farming. And, finally, communities may subtly blame the farmers for being "bad managers." This onslaught of blame can leave a husband and wife feeling completely responsible for their farm's financial problems.
Pointing a finger at this person or that institution as the cause of problems focuses farmers' energies on the problems, instead of finding solutions. Generally, there are many circumstances that contribute to an individual family's crisis. Unfortunately, few of these were under any single person's control. This makes it difficult to put the blame for one's circumstances on any specific individual. Blaming others does not solve the problems, and without solutions, it is very difficult to resume meaningful lives.
Once anger subsides, feelings of guilt take over. Thoughts of "I should have" and "if only" pervade the farmer's thinking, acting as constant reminders of presumed mistakes, misjudgments and failures. The guilt can become so overpowering that the farmer starts thinking of himself as a failure. Some feelings of guilt are normal, but it is important to recognize that many conditions are beyond the individual farmer's control.
Depression is common once the full weight of the loss is felt. Typically, people have little energy and withdraw from friends, family and activities. The mere fact that the operator and/or
spouse must seek off-farm employment, perhaps for the first time in their lives, can trigger not only the normal feelings of stress associated with job hunting, but may also trigger feelings of inadequacy on the part of the operator to provide for a family. Feelings of overwhelming sadness or numbness are common. In severe cases, people become restless and agitated. Putting one's life back in order and starting over seem impossible.
## Stage A: Realignment and Acceptance
During this phase, there is a growing sense that life goes on after the restructuring or liquidation. With this comes a gradual return of hope and sense of having something to live for. During this phase, new employment opportunities become possible, including returning to farming again at some point in the future, perhaps by slowly building back up to the size of farm operation you would ultimately prefer to manage.
This stage is similar to the stage of recovery in the grieving process. Wanting to talk about one's feelings and what has happened is the first step toward recovery and a sign that one is beginning to accept the loss. People in the recovery stage begin to plan their new lives and to feel that there is a "light at the end of the tunnel."
"I felt I was in a rut and couldn't get out. Half of me didn't want to open up to anyone. I think I was afraid people would think I wasn't able to solve my problems. The other half of me desperately needed someone to talk to who could help me work out losing the farm. When I finally opened up, I felt like a weight had been taken off my shoulders."
Being forced out of farming or forced to scale down your operation for financial reasons can be a crisis for a family. As with most crises, active and strong support from friends, family and community members helps facilitate recovery.
The recovery stage is a time of assessment when people often reorganize their priorities. As one former farmer described:
"Finding out what our priorities were helped us find a direction to our lives again. Our pastor helped us see this. He said we needed to find our foundation again and find out what was important to us. We discovered that our family was the most important thing in our lives. If we have that, it doesn't matter what house we live in, where we live or what type of job we have."
Feelings of anger and guilt and bouts of depression can recur. In time, however, these emotions are felt with less intensity and less often. Each person progresses through the stages of grief at their own pace. One person may move through a stage in a few weeks, whereas another may need several months or years. How quickly progress occurs depends on a person's personality, background and individual situation and efforts expended on accepting the loss.
## Understanding the Grief Process
## Helping Children Cope
Farm families with children during a major restructuring or transition off the farm may want to become familiar with a wide variety of techniques and ideas to help their children adjust. The following are a few suggestions. Be sure and seek assistance from the appropriate professionals as needed.
Recognize when a child is stressed. Be alert to changes in behavior, increased quarrels with friends and siblings, poor concentration, problems at school, etc. Do your own research on how to help your child work through this stressful period. Information is available at your county Extension office, libraries, online and from health professionals.
Demonstrate self-control and positive coping skills yourself. If parents exhibit exasperated, hiny and angry coping attitudes, children will adopt similar coping mechanisms. Evidence of your confidence or faith that things will work out
contributes to your children's effective coping. Try to explain your circumstances to the children. Often, they will imagine much worse problems than are occurring.
Enhance children's self-esteem wherever and whenever possible through encouragement and caring, focused attention. Acknowledge children's feelings and encourage verbal interaction. Help children learn that they are not alone in having uncomfortable feelings. Give them permission to feel scared, lonely or angry.
You may want to discuss the positive implications of your situation. Explain how the sale of some of your land or equipment will help in paying debts and may improve the profitability of your farm in the long run. Help them develop a positive outlook on the future.
## Recovery
Knowing the stages of grief and accepting each stage as natural and normal is critical. Farmers do not usually expect to experience guilt, blame, anger and depression when they lose their farms or otherwise seem to have "failed." When they do, they often think something is "wrong" and ignore or deny what they are experiencing. Such feeling of denial can seriously delay the process of resuming meaningful lives, and as mentioned above, lead to emotional problems months or years later.
Farmers often avoid seeking professional help because they consider it a sign of weakness, yet most would not hesitate to consult a lawyer for help in setting up a will or negotiating the sale of a property. Likewise, the family may need the help of a professional counselor in dealing with the stresses and grief of leaving farming. Sometimes people get "stuck" in one of the first stages described in this article. While each person will progress through this process at a different rate, for recovery, it is important that a person not remain indefinitely in one of these three stages. If you notice a family member or friend stuck in one of the pre-recovery stages, you may try talking with that person and helping them to a counseling expert.
Working through all the stages of grief is essential to recovery. If family members accept their feelings, talk about them and look for solutions to their problems, they are likely to emerge as well as or stronger than before. With understanding, perseverance, support from others and acceptance of the grief, everyone in the family can expect to resume a full and meaningful life.
## Recommended Books
The following books offer additional information on coping with losses and are available in most bookstores, libraries and college placement offices. They can also be ordered from the publisher.
Kushner, Harold. "When Bad Things Happen to Good People." New York: Anchor 2004.
Westberg, Granger. "Good Grief." Philadelphia: Forestress. 2019.
## Other OSU Fact Sheets in this series:
- . AGEC- (/fact-sheets/farmers-in-transition-taking-charge-in-
```
stressful-times.html)
Taking Charge
```
- . AGEC- ( /fact-sheets/farmers-in-transition-finding-a-new-
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career.html)
```
Finding a New Career
- . AGEC-198(/fact-sheets/negotiation-strategies.html) Negotiation Strategies
- . AGEC- ( /fact-sheets/farmers-in-transition-evaluating=
```
options-for-change.html)
```
Evaluating Options for Change
·
AGEC= ( /fact-sheets/farmers-in-transition-farm-family-
decision-making.html)
Farm Family Decision-Making
## Print-friendly PDF sheets/print- publications/agec/coping-withrestructuring-or-sale-of-thefami family-farm-agec-197a.pdf)
## Topics:
Disease Management ( /topics/youth-family-health-and-home/health-nutritionand-wellness/disease-management/)
Farm & Ranch Finances ( /topics/business-and-community/farm-and-ranchfinanc es/)
Health, Nutrition & Wellness ( /topics/youth-family-health-and-home/health nutrition-and-wellness/)
Mental Health ( /topics/youth-family-health-and-home/health-nutrition and - wellness/disease-management/mental-health/)
Natural Disaster Recovery ( /topics/environment-and-natural-resources/weatherndisaster-preparedness/natural-disaster-recovery/)
Restructuring & Sales ( /topics/business-and-community/farm-and-ranch finances/restructuring-and-sales/)
Weather & Disaster Preparedness ( /topics/environment-and-natural resources/weather-and-disaster-preparedness/)
## Was this information helpful?
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https://site.extension.uga.edu/greenway/2013/08/08/jamaica-bay-nyc-georgia-teens-as-planners/ | Jamaica Bay – NYC Georgia Teens As Planners | University of Georgia | [
"Pamela Turner"
] | 2013-08-08 | [
"Children",
"Climate Change",
"community",
"Conservation",
"Environment",
"Extension",
"Family",
"Giving",
"National Parks",
"Neighborhoods",
"Sharing nature",
"Sustainability",
"Working Together"
] | GA | ## Jamaica Bay - NYC Georgia Teens As Planners
Written by
August 8, 2013
Pamela Turner
Get ready to feel really good about young people. This video is a snapshot of Teens As Planners (TAP) a service-learning and dropout prevention programing developed and implemented by UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Through TAP youth have the opportunity to grow and become caring contributing members of society.
The teens in this youth development and community capacity building program are not the youth who are usually tapped to participate in efforts like this. These kids come from high poverty rural communities.
This video focuses on the first class of graduating seniors who have been participating in Teens As Planners since entering high school. Teens As Planners is funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Posted in: Children, Climate Change, community, Conservation, Environment, Extension, Family, Giving, National Parks, Neighborhoods, Sharing nature, Sustainability, Working Together
Tags: Cooperative Extension, CYFAR, Georgia Youth, Hurricane cleanup, Hurricane Sandy, Jamaica Bay, Littoral Society, New York City, NYC, Teen volunteers, UGA, USDA, Volunteer, Wetlands, Youth volunteers
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https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/arthropod-pest-management-in-greenhouses-and-interiorscapes.html | Arthropod Pest Management in Greenhouses and Interiorscapes - Oklahoma State University | Oklahoma State University | [
"Eric J. Rebek",
"Michael A. Schnelle"
] | 2017-01-04 | [] | OK | ## Arthropod Pest Management in Greenhouses and Interiorscapes
Print-friendly PDF sheets/printpublications/e/arthropod-pestmanagement-in-greenhouses-andinteriorscapes-e-1011.pdf)
```
JUMP TO: Aphids /
Fungus Gnats and Shore Flies /
Scale Insects and Mealybugs / Whiteflies /
Thrips / Mites / Leaf Miners / Caterpillars /
Springtails / Slugs and Snails /
General IPM Practices for Greenhouses and
Interiorscapes
/
Oklahoma Pest Control Supply Companies
```
Insects and their relatives cause major plant damage in commercial greenhouses and interiorscapes. Identification of key pests and an understanding of appropriate control measures are essential to guard against costly crop losses. With tightening regulations on conventional insecticides and increasing consumer sensitivity to their use in public spaces, growers must seek effective pest management alternatives to conventional chemical control. Management strategies centered around the concept of integrated pest management (IPM) can provide growers powerful tools for preventing pest problems before they occur or at least mitigate their ornamental/economic consequences. This circular describes
key arthropod pests encountered in Oklahoma greenhouses and interiorscapes and provides information on IPM practices for their control. Specific pesticide recommendations are not provided but can be found in Oklahoma Cooperative Extension publications CR-6718, Management of Insects and Mites in Greenhouse Floral Crops and E-832, OSU Extension Agents' Handbook of Insect, Plant Disease, and Weed Control. This circular replaces E-909, Commercial Greenhouse Pests.
## Apidus
Aphids feed on a wide range of greenhouse crops. They are soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects with somewhat long legs and antennae. There are winged and wingless forms, varying from yellow-green to red or brown, depending on species, life stage, and reproductive stage. Regardless of species, aphids are normally 1/8 inch or less in length. Most have a pair of cornicles (structures resembling tailpipes) protruding from the upper surface of the rear end that can be seen easily using a hand lens.
Aphids feed on buds, leaves, stems, and roots by inserting their long, straw-like, piercing-sucking mouthparts (style's) and withdrawing plant sap. Expanding leaves from damaged buds may be curled or twisted and attacked leaves often display chloridic (yellow-white) speckles where cell contents have been removed. A secondary problem arises from sugary honeydew excreted by aphids. Leaves may appear shiny and become sticky from this material, which supports the growth of black soty mold (a common greenhouse fungus). Aphids are also notorious for their role as vectors of many viral diseases. However, of primary concern in the greenhouse is their direct feeding damage to plant tissues and overall reduction in aesthetic quality of plants.
Aphids have great reproductive potential and can achieve damaging numbers quickly. They typically give birth to female nymphs that can mature and begin reproducing in seven to ten days in greenhouse conditions. Each aphid gives birth to between 50 and 100 nymphs during a thirty-day period, which can all occur in the absence of mating.
Winged females appear when overcrowding occurs or food supplies become depleted. When cold weather is imminent, males and females appear outdoors and mate. Eggs are laid on vegetation and often overwinter successfully in Oklahoma. Under greenhouse conditions, however, activity is continuous and overwintering can occur in any life stage.
The most common aphid in greenhouses is the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Figure 1). Adults are light to dark green, although pink or orange individuals occasionally occur. Three very faint lines are visible running down the upper surface of the body and a dark spot can be seen on the abdomen. Using a hand lens, a distinguishing feature can be observed: a small indentation is present at the front and top of the head. Also, the antennae are long enough to reach the cornicles, and the base of each antenna bears an inwardly projecting bump (tubercle) that is only visible with a compound microscope. Green peach aphid feeds on more than 100 plant species, including a wide variety of vegetable and ornamental plants.
## Figure 1a . Green peach aphid winged adult
Key plants susceptible to aphids include: ageratum, alyssum, aster, celosia, chrysanthemum, dahlia, gerbera daisy, Easter lilies, fuchsia, hydrangea, impatiens, monarda, pansy, pepper,
tomato, verbena, viola, and zinnia. Virtually all greenhousegrown crops are susceptible in varying degrees to aphids.
## Integrated Pest Management Strategies
## Cultural/Mechanical Control and Monitoring
- · Inspect all plants brought into the greenhouse from outdoors.
Aphids can also enter the greenhouse on clothing or through open doors and vents.
- · Weeds can harbor aphids, so control weeds growing under benches and outside around greenhouses to prevent recurring infestations.
- · Monitor aphid populations in floral crops weekly prior to flowering.
Thorough plant coverage with insecticides is more difficult to achieve when flowers are present, and some insecticides can be phytotoxic to flowers as well as other plant parts.
- · Place yellow sticky cards near doors and vents to detect adult aphids. Inspect randomly selected plants for nymphs and wingless adults. Be sure to examine lower leaf surfaces, stems, and buds. Look for white, cast skins (molts) and honeydew on upper leaf surfaces.
- · In some cases, high aphid mortality can be inflicted using a gentle stream of water to dislodge aphids from exposed plant surfaces.
## Biological Control
- · Natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) are commercially available and can be released in the greenhouse. Predators
include ladybugs such as Adalia bipunctata, the predatory midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza, and green lacewings such as Chrysopa carnea. Parasitic wasps include Aphelinus addominalis, Aphidius colemani, and A. ervi.
## Chemical Control
- · Widespread resistance to insecticides has been reported for many common aphid pests in the greenhouse. However, several
products with novel modes of action are available that can be rotated to manage aphids, while minimizing development of resistance. Many insecticides are harmful to natural enemies, so if a biological control program is in place, choose narrow-spectrum insecticides that minimize negative effects on beneficial insects. For example, some products contain insect pathogens that specifically target the pest insect but cause only minimal harm to non-target organisms.
## Fungus Gnats and Shore Flies
Fungus gnats, Bradyysia spp. and Sciara spp., and shore flies, Scatella spp., were once considered minor nuisance pests in the greenhouse. Production systems that employ misting equipment or are otherwise heavily irrigated create a continuously wet soil environment favorable to fungus gnat development. Plants grown in soil rich in organic matter are also susceptible to fungus gnats. Damage is caused by the larvae, which feed on organic matter and attack bulbs, roots, and other fleshy plant parts. Larvae initially feed on root hairs and eventually tunnel into the plant stem. Delicate seedlings of many greenhouse species can be killed, with plants yellowing and often wilting rapidly before death. Adult fungus gnats and shore flies have been implicated in transmission of economically important plant pathogens including the oomycete, Pythium, and the fungi, Verticillium, Botrytis, and Fusarium. Fungal spores are typically carried from plant to plant on the bodies of adult flies, but may also be present in feces of fungus gnats. Fungus gnat larvae may also transmit Pythium, Verticillium, Fusarium, and Phoma.
Fungus gnats are delicate, dark gray to black flies with long legs and antennae (Figure 2). These insects reside on the soil surface and will fly about when pots are disturbed or watering occurs. Adults measure about 1/8 inch long and possess one pair of transparent wings. Females lay clusters of 20 to 30 eggs on moist soil surfaces, particularly soils high in organic
matter. Adults live for approximately ten days, but during that period females may lay 250 to 300 eggs. Eggs hatch five to six days after oviposition (egg laying). Larvae are translucent, legless, 1/4 inch long white maggots with shiny blackheads (Figure 2). They feed for 10 to 14 days before pupating in the soil. After another five to six days, adults emerge from their pupal cases, completing their life cycle within four weeks.
Shore fly adults measure approximately 1/4 inch long, have black bodies, reddish eyes, and gray wings that contain several clear spots (Figure 3). Though often mistaken for fungus gnats, shore flies have larger, more robust bodies and relatively shorter legs and antennae. Eggs are laid in areas of algal growth and larvae hatch within four to six days following oviposition. There are three larval stages; mature larvae measure about 1/4 inch long and are opaque, yellowish brown, and lack a head capsule. The life cycle is complete in 15 to 20 days, depending on temperature. Larvae feed primarily on algae and are not known to feed on plants, but adults deposit feces on leaves, causing a reduction in aesthetic quality. Additionally, adult shore flies are known to transmit black root rot and water-mold fungus in their feces, especially under wet conditions.
Figure 3 . Shore fly adult caught on a yellow sticky card. Note: clear spots on wings.
## Strategies
Cultural/Mechanical Control and Monitoring
- · Avoid accumulation of water, organic matter, weeds, or debris on or under benches. Algal growth should be controlled to manage shore flies.
- · Use pasteurized soil (start with clean soil and do not store or stockpile soil outdoors or uncovered).
- · Inspect new plant materials carefully, especially the roots. Look for larvae, particularly in the upper inch of media in the container. It is cheaper to rogue a few plants than to control infestations later.
- · To monitor adults, place yellow sticky traps horizontally and directly above the soil surface for maximum effectiveness.
Fungus gnat larvae can be monitored by placing potato disks or wedges on the soil surface; wedges should be examined every two to three days for the presence of larvae.
- · Avoid excessive watering and keep soil slightly dry, especially when trying to control infestations.
## Biological Control
- · For fungus gnat control, use the predatory mite, Hypoaspis miles, and the parasitic nematode, Steinernema feltiae. Nematodes are
applied in water as a soil drench in pots or below the bench. The rove beetle, Atheta coriaria , is an effective predator of shore fly larvae.
## Chemical Control
- · Rotate insect growth regulators (IGR's) with other products to control fly pests. IGR's interfere with development and growth of immature fungus gnats and shore flies. Also, use formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti).
## Scale Insects and Mealybugs
Greenhouse plants can serve as hosts to a wide variety of scale insects. These pests are closely related to aphids and are highly variable in shape, color, and size, although most species are less than 1/4 inch long. Scales feed by inserting their long, needle-like mouthparts into plant tissue and extracting plant sap, resulting in reduced plant vigor, stunted growth, reduced photosynthesis, and dieback. Scales are highly specialized insects that most people misdiagnose as abnormal growths or disease symptoms due to their concealment within hardened bodies or beneath dome-like, waxy covers. Common greenhouse species in Oklahoma include black scale, Saisseta osteae, hemispherical scale, Saissetia coffeae, and brown soft scale, Coccus hhesperidum (Figure 4). These species belong to a family of scales called soft scales (Coccidae). Like aphids, soft scales excrete honeydew, which can accumulate on upper leaf surfaces and support the growth of black soyty mold. Other scale pests in the greenhouse include armored scales (Diaspidisae) and pit scales (Asterolecanidiidae).
While feeding, adults inject toxic saliva into the host plant, causing cellular damage within affected tissues. Adult females are sac-like, wingless, and typically legless. Adult males have legs and one pair of wings, but lack mouthparts and, thus, do not feed. As such, upon emergence they seek out and mate with available females, then die. In some species, males are rare or entirely lacking, and virgin females produce clones of themselves. Live young or eggs are produced under the female's body or waxy cover. First stage nymphs are called crawlers because they have legs and move about for one or two days in search of prime feeding areas on the plant. Crawlers then insert their mouthparts into plant tissue and settle, forming their waxy cover as they feed. Most species are
immobile for the remainder of their lives. Settled crawlers develop through several molts, losing their legs during the first molt. One to eight generations can occur within a year, depending on species and temperature.
Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) are soft-bodied insects that measure about 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. All mealybugs are covered by a white granular or cottony layer of wax. Many species possess long, waxy filaments or shorter tufts projecting outward from the body. The life cycle of most species is similar with females laying 300 to 600 eggs in cottony sacs usually located beneath the female. Following oviposition, eggs hatch in seven to ten days into tiny yellowish nymphs (crawlers). The long-tailed mealybug is slightly different because females give birth to living young. Mealybugs injure plants by sucking sap from tender foliage, flowers, stems, fruits, and roots. Heavy infestations result in stunted and distorted new growth. Like soft scales, mealybugs excrete honeydew, which can give rise to black sooty mold. Depending on species and temperature, the complete life cycle can take six weeks to two months, though mealybugs can be found in the greenhouse year round.
Many species occur on greenhouse floral crops, but perhaps the most common is the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Figure 5). Citrus mealybugs have a white, powdery substance covering their bodies and white, waxy filaments projecting from the end of their abdomen. They also have shorter filaments of wax along the body margins and a faint, gray stripe running down the length of their body. This pest feeds on more than 27 families of host plants, including amaryllis, begonia, coleus, cyclamen, and dahlia.
## Integrated Pest Management Strategies
Cultural/Mechanical Control and Monitoring
- · Monitor for scales and mealybugs by closely examining stems and both sides (especially undersides) of leaves at least once per week. Look for deposits of honeydew and black sooty mold on upper leaf surfaces.
- · Examine new plant material carefully for the presence of scales and mealybugs on stems and leaves.
## Biological Control
- · Soft scales are controlled with parasitic wasps released into the greenhouse. Many wasp species specialize on one or several scale insects, so be sure to properly match the biological control agent with its scale host. For instance, Metaphycus luteola is very effective at controlling brown soft scale, but M. helvulus is better suited to controlling hemispherical scale.
- · Various parasitic wasps for controlling mealybugs are available commercially. Citrus mealybug is effectively controlled using Leptomastix dactylopii in conjunction with the ladybug predator, Cryptoalemaus montrouzieri, known as mealybug destroyer.
## Chemical Control
- · Most scale species, especially soft scales, and mealybugs are effectively controlled with systemic insecticides. Armored scales can be controlled or at least suppressed with certain systemic insecticides, but horticultural oil can be used very effectively against armored scales.
- · Commercially available insecticidal soaps are also an effective option.
- · Minor mealybug infestations are often controlled with a 50/50 mixture of common rubbing alcohol and water.
Whiteflies are not true flies, but are close relatives of aphids and scales. They measure 1/16 inch long, have four wings, and are orange underneath. They resemble small white moths due to the white, waxy powder on top of their bodies (Figure 6). Whiteflies reside on the underside of leaves and will fly readily when disturbed. During heavy infestations, a "white cloud" appears during watering or when plants are disturbed. These insects feed through piercing-sucking mouthparts, sometimes causing stippling (small, discolored spots) on
leaves. Plants eventually lose vigor as essential nutrients are
withdrawn with the plant sap. Like their close relatives, whiteflies excrete honeydew, supporting the growth of black sooty mold on plant surfaces. Whiteflies are problematic for several reasons: they have high reproductive rates, rapidly develop resistance to insecticides, some can transmit plant viruses, and they attack a wide range of major ornamental crops. Poinsettia, chrysanthemum, fuchsia, many bedding plants, and tomatoes are particularly susceptible to whiteflies.
Despite the fact that they are tropical insects, whiteflies are found in greenhouses year round. They spread from greenhouse to greenhouse via transport of host plants and by attaching to workers' clothing. Yellow clothing should not be worn by workers as this color is particularly alluring to whiteflies. Several species are of economic importance to greenhouse production, including greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci biotype B (also known as silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii), and sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci biotype Q. Biotypes B and Q of sweetpotato whitefly cannot be distinguished based on
physical traits, so only DNA tests can confirm their true identity. It is important to make the correct determination because biotype Q is resistant to several classes of insecticides. Contact your county Extension office to inquire about how to determine the predominant biotype present in your greenhouse.
Female whiteflies usually deposit eggs in a circular pattern and most frequently on the underside of younger, upper foliage. Adult females may lay as many as 150 to 250 eggs in their lifetime. Eggs are tiny, spindle shaped, and attached to the leaf surface by a thin stalk. Eggs appear creamy when laid but eventually darken. Newly hatched nymphs emerge from the eggs in five to ten days and seek feeding sites. After inserting their mouthparts into leaf tissue, they remain stationary for three weeks, during which three molts occur. All nymph stages are flat, transparent to yellow-green, and appear scale-like. At the end of this period, the whitefly transforms into a non-feeding, yellowish-green "pseudopupa" with two conspicuous eyes. About one week later, the winged adult emerges and begins laying eggs within a week. The entire life cycle is complete within four to five weeks, depending on temperature.
Sweetpotato whitefly holds its wings closer to the body and appears smaller than greenhouse whitefly. Damage is similar to that of greenhouse whitefly, but sweet potato whitefly can reproduce more aggressively, particularly because insecticide resistance is acquired rapidly with this species. Poinsettias are extremely susceptible to sweet potato whitefly. Because whitefly populations can increase quickly, it is essential to monitor their populations early in the production schedule. Early vigilance in poinsettia crops is also important, because plants are susceptible to pesticide damage once they begin showing color.
## Integrated Pest Management Strategies
## Cultural/Mechanical Control and Monitoring
- · Monitor for sessile stages of whitefly and their eggs by closely examining undersides of leaves, especially early in the production cycle. Look for deposits of honeydew and black sooty mold on upper leaf surfaces.
- · Weeds can be an important source of whiteflies, so control weeds growing under benches to prevent recurring whitefly problems.
## Biological Control
- · Several parasitic wasps are commercially available for whitefly control. Encarsia formosa attacks greenhouse whitefly larvae and
Eretmocerus eremicus parasites both greenhouse,and silverleaf (current name for sweet potato) whitefly. Eretmocerus mundus specifically controls silverleaf whitefly and can survive under a variety of climatic conditions. This wasn cap been introduced into the greenhouse at any time, including early in the season. The predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii , feeds on whitefly eggs and larvae as well as thrips. This predator performs best when both prey items are available. Delphastus catalinae, a small black lady beetle, is also commercially obtainable.
## Chemical Control
- · Systemic and some contact insecticides have provided effective control of whiteflettes, but be sure to rotate among chemical classes to prevent the development of resistance. Contact insecticides should be directed at the underside of leaves and applied when first- and second-instar whitefly larvae are present.
## Thrips
Most thrips species measure no more than 1/8 inch long, have slender bodies, and have two pairs of stalk-like wings fringed with long hairs (Figure 7). Populations often proliferate on weeds growing around greenhouses during summer months and may be carried in by air currents through open vents or doors (especially during wheat harvest in Oklahoma). Thrips attack a wide range of crops and can be found in buds, on flower petals, and in axils of leaves. While adults can be seen without a hand lens, they usually hide in buds or flowers. Thrips can be detected by thorough visual inspection of plants and by tapping foliage, buds, or flowers over white paper. Adults can be yellow, brown, tan, or black, depending
Using their saw-like ovipositor, adult females lay their eggs in leaves and other plant tissue. In two to eight days, eggs hatch, and larvae immediately begin to feed. After feeding for ten to fourteen days, larvae burrow into the soil and pupate. Adults emerge about four days later. The life cycle is complete in as little as two weeks, though cooler temperatures may delay completion of the life cycle up to a month.
Thrips have rasping mouthparts that scrape tender leaves and petals, creating a wound allowing them to suck exuding plant sap. Thrips injury appears as white or silver streaks on affected plant parts, which turn tan or brown as cells die. In addition, thrips feeding on newly expanding leaves can distort tissue severely, resulting in cupping (curled leaf margins) or irregularly shaped leaves, buds, and flowers. A sign of an infestation is the presence of green to black fecal droppings on leaves and petals.
Adults and larvae transmit two important tospoviruses, tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV). The predominant vector of these important plant diseases is western flower thrips, Franklinella occidentalis. Male western flower thrips are pale yellow and have a narrow abdomen; whereas females are larger, yellow to dark brown, and have a more rounded abdomen. Each female may live up to six weeks, and may produce 150 to 250 eggs during her lifetime. Larvae develop through two instars and are yellow.
Thrips attack at least 300 species of plants. New Guinea impatiens, chrysanthemums, and gloxiinas are especially susceptible to tospoviruses, and symptoms vary with host plant from bulls-eye patterns on foliage to brown sap ooz ing from lesions on stems. Plants infected with TSWV or INSV must be destroyed because the diseases are incurable.
Therefore, controlling thrips is important in preventing transmission of these economically important diseases as well as reduced aesthetic quality due to feeding. Plants showing symptoms of disease can be submitted to the Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Lab at Oklahoma State University for evaluation. Instructions for preparation and submission of samples can be found at
Plant Disease and Insect (http://entoplp.okstate.edu/pddl/) Diag Lab (PDIDL)
## Integrated Pest Management Strategies
## Cultural/Mechanical Control and Monitoring
- · Know your source of plants. Do not introduce new plants that may have the virus into a greenhouse containing healthy plants.
- Thrips can quickly spread the virus to epidemic levels.
- · Eliminate sources of thrips by removing weeds growing under benches and outside around greenhouses.
- · Exclude thrips from the greenhouse by installing vent/fan screens and double doors.
- · Monitor for adult thrips with blue or yellow sticky cards placed just above the plant canopy and check cards at least once per week. If adults are detected, closely examine plants around the sticky card for thrips and plant damage.
- · Thrips can also be detected by tapping foliage, buds, or flowers over white paper.
damaging levels. The soil-inhabiting mite, Hypoaspis miles, is available for release against thrips pupae, root-infesting aphids, and fungus gnat larvae. The parasitic nematode, Steinernema
- · Thrips are normally controlled with contact insecticides, but acceptable levels of control are often difficult to achieve because thrips inhabiting flowers are often well protected from sprays.
Systemic insecticides will not work against thrips feeding on flower buds or petals because the active ingredients cannot be transported to those tissues.
- · If a biological control program is in place, choose selective insecticides such as IGR's or products containing the insectkilling fungus, Beauveria bassiana, to minimize harmful effects on natural enemies, especially predatory mites.
## Mites
Mites are arachnids, not insects, and thus are more closely related to scorpions and spiders. Unlike insects, adult mites have four pairs of legs regardless of the species. However, immature mites can have three pairs of legs early in their life cycle, so be careful when trying to diagnose a pest problem.
Probably the most common mite in the greenhouse is the two-spotted spider mite, Tetrahychus urticape. This mite measures about 1/50 inch long, requiring at least a 10X hand lens to aid in its identification. Two-spotted spider mites may be yellow or green with two, and occasionally four, dark spots on their bodies (Figure 8). This mite feeds by piercing leaf tissue with its thin, whip-like mouthparts and sucking the plant sap exuded at the wound site. Feeding causes chlorotic stippling of leaves, giving the appearance of fine, yellowish to
white speckling on the foliage. Stippling is distinctive and is readily recognized by experienced growers. Spider mites are most likely to be found on the underside of leaves and in the flowers. As populations increase, spider mites often spin webbing over foliage and flowers (Figure 8).
Duration of the life cycle varies greatly with temperature in the greenhouse. But under hot, dry conditions, it may take as little as seven days for mites to develop from egg to adult. At 70°F the life cycle is twenty days but only half that when
temperatures are at 80°F. High temperatures and low relative humidity favor mite development. In two to five days, eggs hatch into six-legged larvae that feed for a short time. Larvae then develop into eight-legged nymphs that pass through two stages, the protonymph and deutonymph. Between each stage, larvae and nymphs enter an inactive resting stage that lasts a short time. The eight-legged adult finally emerges from the last resting stage. Because each female may deposit 100 eggs or more during her lifetime, there is a high potential for rapid population growth.
Cyclamen mites, Phytonemus pallidus, are only 1/100 inch long at maturity. These mites cannot be seen without high magnification and are translucent with a brownish tinge. Cyclamen mites attack a wide range of plants, feeding on buds and adjacent immature leaves. They attack growing points of plant tissue, which causes twisting and stunting of affected tissue, and new growth may appear purplish.
Damaged leaflets curl from outside inward because feeding causes small depressions to form in young leaves. Damaged flower buds may grow into distorted flowers or may not open at all.
High humidity (80 percent or more) with a cool temperature (60°F or less) favors their development. The life cycle from egg to adult can occur in only two weeks, with the female living up to four weeks and laying up to 100 eggs in her lifetime.
## Integrated Pest Management Strategies
## Cultural/Mechanical Control and Monitoring
- · Monitor for mites by examining plants closely for stippling, webbing, and/or herbicide-like damage. Be especially vigilant
when ambient conditions are conducive to the development of spider mites (hot and dry) and cyclamen mites (cool and wet).
- · Like thrips, spider mites can be detected by careful visual inspection and by tapping foliage, buds, or flowers over white paper.
- · Highly susceptible plants can be used as indicator plants to a developing cyclamen mite problem. For example, African violets will not bloom, followed by the development of hairy, stunted leaves. Impatiens and petunias will exhibit distorted terminal growth.
## Biological Control
- · Amblyseius californicus, Phytoseiulus persimilis, and Neoseiulus fallacis are predatory mites that can be used to control twospotted spider mites. A predatory midge, Feltiella acarisa , is also available for spider mite control. While relatively new, a small lady beetle, Stethorus punctillum , is now available and has the advantage of flying to its prey.
## Chemical Control
- · Several miticides are available for mite control, but be sure to check which life stages are controlled by each product. Resting stages tend to be more tolerant of miticides, but some newer products can kill eggs as well as other life stages.
- · Repeated applications of contact insecticides may be necessary when mites are abundant. However, care must be taken in choosing a product when biological control programs are in place.
- · During hot Oklahoma summers, it may be necessary to schedule pesticide applications as often as two days apart or to be as aggressive as the label permits.
## Leaf Miners
A variety of insects mine leaves in nature, but several species from a family of flies (Agromyzidae) are the primary leaf miner pests in greenhouses. Adult leaf miners are stocky flies that measure about 1/12 inch long (Figure 9). Using their ovipositor, females puncture the leaf surface and insert tiny eggs within the leaf. Each female can lay up to 100 eggs in her two- to three-week life span. These puncture wounds turn white shortly after oviposition, giving the leaf a speckled appearance following multiple attacks. In five to seven days, eggs hatch into white maggots that grow to 1/10 inch long at maturity. Larvae tunnel within leaves for about two weeks, then become pupae. Depending on species, pupation takes place in or on the soil, in leaf mines, or on leaf surfaces. About two weeks later, the adult fly emerges from the pupa, repeating the life cycle. Leaf miners can survive transport of cuttings in the egg, larval, or pupal stage, so infestations may result from shipment of infested material.
Tunneling maggots feed just under the outer cell layer of leaves, causing unsightly runs or mines as they feed. Damage causes reduced aesthetic quality, but tunneling usually does not kill the plant. Problematic greenhouse species include the serpentine leaf miner, Liromyza trifolii, and the chrysanthemum leaf miner, Phytomyza atricornis. Adult serpentine leaf miners have a black body with yellow markings, a yellow head, and brown eyes. As its name suggests, mines created by this species are serpentine in appearance. Adult chrysanthemum leaf miners are larger and grey to black with many hairs on their body. Their mines can appear blotchy as well as serpentine and tend to be found near the leaf mid-vein.
## Integrated Pest Management Strategies
## Cultural/Mechanical Control and Monitoring
- Regularly monitor susceptible plants, including aster,
chrysanthemum, dahlia, and gerbera daisy. Remove mined leaves before adult flies emerge and be sure to destroy infested foliage.
## Biological Control
- Three parasitic wasps, Dacnusa sibirica, Opius pallipes, and Diglyphus isaea, have been used successfully for leaf miner control.
## Chemical Control
- Serpentine leaf miner is highly resistant to organophosphate, carbamate, and pyrethroid insecticides. In general, some systemic insecticides and IGR's can effectively control leaf miners.
## Caterpillars
Larvae of several species of moths (caterpillars) can attack greenhouse crops. Caterpillars vary in appearance, but all have chewing mouthparts, three pairs of segmented "true" legs on the first three body segments behind the head, and five or fewer pairs of fleshy, unssegmented, abdominal prolegs (Figure 10). These prolegs have tiny hook-like structures called crochets at the tips that allow the caterpillar to grip stems, petioles, and foliage.
Feeding damage occurs on leaves when the caterpillar chews holes or "skeletonizes" leaf tissue (feeding only on tissue between veins). A severe infestation of caterpillars can quickly defoliate entire plants. Injury may not be noticed when caterpillars are young, but damage becomes increasingly evident as these pests develop and grow. Caterpillars are particularly troublesome during the summer months when moths are active outdoors. Most moths are nocturnal and
attracted to lights, entering a greenhouse through open doors or vents. Mated female moths then proceed to lay eggs on greenhouse crops. Beet armyworm, corn earworm, European corn borer, and various cutworms, leaf tiers, and leaf rollers are a few of many caterpillars that can occasionally damage tender plants.
Control is similar for most caterpillar pests, with stomach poisons being commonly used. Control with Bacillus thuringiensis is often effective, but efficacy is greatest against young caterpillars. Repeat applications of this bacterium are necessary to keep new growth surfaces covered as plants grow. If caterpillars enter stems or buds, they become very difficult to control.
## Integrated Pest Management Tactics
## Cultural/Mechanical Control and Monitoring
- · Exclude moths by installing vent screens and keeping doors closed at night.
- · Regularly monitor plants for symptoms of feeding damage and signs of caterpillars such as egg masses, cast skins, frass (solid waste), or the insects themselves.
- · Remove and destroy any caterpillars or foliage containing egg masses.
## Biological Control
- · Parasitic wasps in the genus Trichogramma are commercially available and will attack moth egg masses.
## Chemical Control
- · Reduced-risk "biopesticides" contain insect-killing pathogens that can be highly effective against caterpillar pests and are safe for greenhouse workers and natural enemies. Choose insecticides containing the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) var. kurstaki, the fungus, Beauveria bassiana , or the active ingredient,
spinosad. These products are most effective against young caterpillars. Other insecticides can be used to control older larvae and adults.
## Springtails
Springtails are very small, white, gray, black, brown, or purple insects that lack wings (Figure 11). A specialized structure beneath the tip of the abdomen enables them to jump an inch or more into the air. Springtails prefer dark, damp areas high in organic matter. They feed primarily on fungi, algae, and decaying organic matter in growing media. However, feeding may occur on tender roots of some crops. Damage may occur to seedlings, but springtails rarely cause enough harm to be considered major pests. When large populations occur, they are easily found on the soil surface or can be seen "springing" about during watering or moving a crop. Springtails may be spread in unpasteurized potting soil, transported on clothing, via plant contact, or simply migrating indoors from nearby habitats.
## Integrated Pest Management Tactics
Sanitation and soil pasteurization are most helpful in preventing or controlling springtails. The predatory mite, Hypopsis mites, will feed on springtails as well as other soildwelling pests.
## Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks rather than insects and are related to clams and oysters. Whereas snails have a hard shell, slugs lack a shell (Figure 12). Both vary greatly in size, ranging from one-half to four inches in length. Clusters of 20 to 100 eggs are laid by slugs or snails in moist crevices in the soil or in containers. Eggs hatch in ten days or less, with maturity occurring within three months to one year. Using their rasping mouthparts, slugs and snails feed at night on tender seedlings and leaves. Feeding damage appears as irregularly shaped holes with smooth edges, and may be confused with injury caused by caterpillars. Seeding plants can be completely consumed. During the day, slugs and snails hide beneath pots, benches, plant debris, or other concealed locations. Both prefer moist areas, so greenhouses can be ideal environments for their growth and development. Slugs and snails exude a slippery liquid from a muscular "foot" as they travel. When this substance dries, a shiny track is left behind. Besides feeding damage, this track is usually the best way to detect the presence of these pests.
## Integrated Pest Management Tactics
Cultural/Mechanical Control and Monitoring
- Practice good sanitation and keep problematic areas as dry as possible.
- Inspect incoming plants and pots for slugs and snails.
- Eliminate sources of slugs and snails by removing weeds growing both inside and outside around greenhouses.
- Slugs avoid copper, so wrap copper tape around bench legs or install copper flashing around raised beds.
## Biological Control
- No predators or parasites are commercially available in the U.S., although research is ongoing in this area.
## Chemical Control
- Chemical baits are commercially available for slug control. Bafts are usually formulated in bran and must be eaten by slugs to be effective. Place baits in the evening when slugs are most active and irrigate prior to bait placement to draw out slugs, leading to more frequent contact with the bait.
## General IPM Practices for Greenhouses and Interiorscapes
- 1. Establish and maintain a thorough record-keeping system for all pest management practices.
- 2. Become familiar with each crop's potential pest problems.
- 3. Conduct a pre-crop inspection of production areas for potential pest problems.
- 4. Always inspect incoming plants for pests immediately upon arrival. Reject the shipment rather than treating or accepting "slight" infestations.
- 5. Inspect crops for signs and symptoms of pests on a regular basis.
- 6. Choose appropriate control methods carefully and know when to apply them.
- 7. Discard and destroy severely infested plants.
- 8. Physically exclude or confine pests.
- 9. Always pasteurize media that has soil as a component.
- 10. Consider using biological controls whenever possible.
## Oklahoma Pest Control Supply Companies
- · American Plant Products and Services, Inc. 9200 Northwest 10th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73127 405-787-4833 American Plant Products (https://americanplant.com/) and Services,Inc.
Winfield United(https://www.winfieldunited.com/)
```
1819 NW 5th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
405-232-2493
11391 East Tecumseh St.
Tulsa, OK 74116
918-234-0560
801 North 54th St.
Enid, OK 73701
580-234-8004
```
- · Trécé, Inc.
7569 Highway 28 West
Adair, OK 74330
918-785-3061
Trece, Incorporated(https://trece.com/)
## Other Companies Outside Oklahoma:
- · Alpha Scentes, Inc. 1089 Willamette Falls Drive
West Linn, OR 97068
(503) 342-8611
Alpha Scentes, Inc.
- · BioWorks
100 Rawson Road
Suite 205
Victor, NY 14564
800-877-9443
BioWorks,Inc.(https://www.bioworksinc.com/)
- · IPM Laboratories, Inc. Locke, NY 315-497-2063
IPM Labs(https://www.ipmlabs.com/)
- Hydro-Gardens 8765 Vollmer Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80908
888-693-0578
Hydro-Gardens(https://hydro-gardens.com/)
Eric J. Rebek
Extension Entomologist/ Ornamental and Turfgrass Specialist
Michael A. Schnelle
Extension Ornamental/ Floriculture Specialist
Print-friendly PDF ( /fact sheets/print- publications/e/arthropod-pest management-in-greenhouses-andinteriorscapes-e-1011.pdf)
## Topics:
Gardening & Lawn Care ( /topics/plants-and-animals/gardening-and-lawn-care/)
Greenhouses & Indoor Gardening ( /topics/plants-and-animals/gardening-and lawn-care/greenhouses-and-indoor-gardening/)
Insects, Pests, and Diseases ( /topics/plants-and-animals/insects-pests-ands diseases/)
Lawn & Garden Insects, Pests, & Diseases ( /topics/plants-and-animals/inspects -pests-and-diseases/lawn-and-garden-insects-pests-ands-diseases/)
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https://extension.okstate.edu/announcements/extension/doye-aplu-committee.html | Doye elected committee chair for national Extension Committee on Organization and Policy - Oklahoma State University | Oklahoma State University | [] | 2023-10-12 | [] | OK | ## Doye elected committee chair for national Extension Committee on Organization and Policy
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Damona Doye will lead a committee for the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities that serves as the executive board and representative body of the Cooperative Extension System. (Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agriculture)
Damona Doye(https://experts.okstate.edu/damona.doye), associate vice president of Oklahoma State University Extension( /index.html ), has been elected chair of the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy for the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.
Doye will begin her year of leadership service at the National Extension Directors Association meeting this month. The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy serves as the executive board and representative body of the Cooperative Extension System with a mission to strengthen Extension at national, state and local levels.
She will collaborate with her counterparts across the country to advance the collective Extension mission and achieve the following:
- · Develop policy and administrative guidance that facilitates system advancement.
- · Engage the Extension system and the public as partners to reflect priorities for the people it serves.
- · Actively communicate policy, functions and actions of the system.
- · Collaborate and communicate with external groups important to the system's mission.
- · Implement efficient and effective mechanisms to address Extension needs.
- · Support a mechanism by which members collaborate in program identification, development and delivery for access to audiences any time and any place.
- · Identify opportunities and coordinate efforts to expand resources available to Extension.
Learn more about the Extension Committee on organizationsection/ecop-members/) and Policy
in the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. |
https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/beef/managing-a-successful-calving-season/ | Managing a Successful Calving Season | Alabama Cooperative Extension System | [
"Taylor Gwynn",
"Soren Rodning",
"Michelle Elmore",
"Paul Dyce",
"Julie Gard Schnuelle",
"Misty Edmondson",
"Andrew Lovelady",
"B. J. Newcomer",
"Kim Mullenix"
] | 2018-09-19 | [
"Beef",
"Farming",
"Livestock"
] | AL | A successful calving season is the result of good planning and hard work. A defined calving season, or one restricted to a certain period of time, begins with a defined breeding season, allowing you to concentrate your efforts on successful calving management. Before the calving season begins, identify the areas where you plan to calve, make a list of the cows and heifers expected to calve, and procure all the supplies required for calving. Check fences and corrals to ensure that they are suitable for cows, heifers, and calves, and develop an emergency plan for family members and employees to follow.
Supplies you need for calf delivery are as follows:
- · Obstetrical (OB) chains for pulling on the calf's legs (fig. 1). OB chains are preferred over other devices designed for the same use because they can be easily disinfected after each use and they do not damage the hide.
- · OB handles for pulling on the OB chains.
- · Mechanical calf puller (calf-jack) that can exert substantial force on the cow or heifer and the calf. Use caution. If used improperly, the cow, heifer, and/or calf can be injured or killed.
- · OBD lubricants.
- · Plastic gloves.
- · Water buckets for cleaning and disinfecting.
- · Towels and paper towels.
- · Iodine or another appropriate disinfectant/drying agent for the calf's nauel.
## Calving Stages
Normal calving is divided into three stages: preparatory (dilation of the cervix), delivery of the calf, and expulsion of the placenta.
As the preparatory stage begins, the cow or heifer may become nervous and isolate herself from the rest of the herd. She may also have a decrease in appetite and be found lying down but not chewing her cud. During this stage, uterine contractions begin, the colostrum (first milk) drops into the teats, and the fluid-filled placental membranes (water sacre containing the calf appear in the cervix). The preparatory stage typically lasts 4 to 8 hours for cows and 6 to 12 hours for heifers. When the water sacre breaks, the next stage begins.
During the delivery stage, the cow or heifer begins actively straining. In normal partition, the calf's forelegs and head protrude first about 70 percent of the time, and the hind legs and tail come first about 30 percent of the time. This stage typically lasts less than an hour for cows and 1 to 24 hours for heifers. It is over when the calf is fully delivered.
In the final or expulsion stage, the straining decreases, but the uterine contractions continue in order for the placenta to be expelled. This stage may last up to 12 hours but should occur within the first few hours after delivery of the calf. If the placenta is not expelled soon after birth, do NOT manually remove the placenta by pulling it out. Contact your veterinarian. For more information about retained placenta and other complications that may occur during calving, refer to Extension publication ANR1404, "Complications Associated with Calving."
If parturition does not proceed as described, you may need to assist the cow or heifer with the birth or even seek assistance from a veterinarian or experienced cattle producer. Early intervention is the key to a successful outcome. Waiting too long unnecessarily risks the life of the cow or heifer and her calf.
## Cookie Notice |
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2023/04/21/las-inundaciones-y-las-calidas-temperaturas-promueven-la-reproduccion-de-mosquitos-un-experto-de-uf-ifas-explica-que-esperar-y-como-protegerse/ | Un experto de UF/IFAS explica qué esperar y cómo protegerse cuando las inundaciones y las temperaturas cálidas promueven el crecimiento de las poblaciones de mosquitos | University of Florida | [
"Luz Bahder"
] | 2023-04-21 | [
"UF/IFAS",
"aedes aegypti",
"agua estancada",
"chikunguña",
"dengue",
"Español",
"Eva Buckner",
"fiebre amarilla",
"insecticidas",
"inundaciones",
"lluvias",
"mosquito",
"precipitaciones",
"Spanish",
"virus del Nilo Occidental",
"Zika"
] | FL | Home » News » Un Experto De UF/IFAS Explica Qué Esperar Y Cómo Protegerse Cuando Las Inundaciones Y Las Temperaturas Cálidas Promueven El Crecimiento De Las Poblaciones De Mosquitos
## Un experto de UF/IFAS explica qué esperar y cómo protegese cuando las inundaciones y las temperaturas cálidas promuye en el crecimiento de las poblaciones de mosquitos
Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS.
Las lluvias intensas, las inundaciones y los escrombos dispersos que retenen el agua pueden llevar al desarrollo de mosquitos.
"Se podría esperar un aumento en el número de mosquitos en las semanas posteriores a los extensos eventos de lluvia que tuvieron lugar en el sur de Florida la semana pasada", dijo Eva Buckner, profesora y entomóloga médica de University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
Buckner es una profesora y especialista de Extensión en el Laboratorio de Entomología Médica de UF/IFAS, localizado en vero Beach, que permanece en estrecho contacto con muchos de los más de 65 programas de control de mosquitos en Florida. Ellos brindan capacitación, soluciones e información sobre temas que incluyen resistencia a los insectcidas en mosquitos, las enfermedades que transmiten, su manejo integrado, entre otros. Es parte de su labor también educa al público sobre cómo evitar las picaduras de mosquitos.
Buckner ofrece la siguiente información y consejos para ayudar a evitar que los habitantes sufran de picaduras, sobre cómo eliminar los sitios de producción de mosquitos después de una inundación y a clarificar los mitos sobre las enfermedades transmitidas por mosquitos.
## ¿Pueden las inundaciones promover el crecimiento de las poblaciones de mosquitos?
Sí. Las inundaciones pueden hacer que los huevos de mosquitos, los cuales habían sido depositados en el suelo durante inundaciones anteriores, eloscionen. Esta situación puede resultar en poblaciones muy grandes de mosquitos debido al agua de inundación. La mayoría de estos mosquitos se consideran molestos porque primeramente pueden picar, pero no transmitir virus a los seres humanos. Además, si las aguas de la inundación no retroceden, los mosquitos de agua estancada pueden comenzar a poner nuevos huevos en esta agua.
¿Algunos de estos mosquitos pueden transmitir virus como el Zika y el del Nilo Occidental?
En general, los mosquitos de las inundaciones se consideran solamente molestos y no peligrosos, excepto por Aedes aegypti , el mosquito de la fiebre amarilla. Esta especie puede transmitir el virus del chikungúa, Zika y dengue.
En Florida, esta especie puede encontrarse en zonas urbanas y suburbanas en el área peninsular del estado. En zonas con Aedes aegypti , el incremento de las precipitaciones puede resultar en un aumento de la ecolisón de sus huevos en recipientes y escombros que contienen agua.
Este año, no hemos tenido casos del virus del chikungúa o Zika relacionados con viajes, por lo que no se espera la transmisión de estos virus. Sin embargo, el riesgo de infectarse con el virus del dengue por Aedes aegypti puede aumentar levemente en areas donde esta especie de mosquito está presente y los casos de dengue asociados a viajes ocurren, como es el caso de Miami-Dade. Hasta la fecha, sesenta casos de dengue relacionados a viajes se han documentado en Miami-Dade este año.
Además, algunas especies de mosquitos de agua estancada pueden transmitir el virus del Nilo Occidental , por lo que debemos de protegernos de sus picaduras.
¿Qué medidas preventivas pueden tomar los habitantes para protegerse de las picaduras de mosquitos?
El consejo más importante que debe recordar es utilizar los repelentes registrados en la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) que contienen uno de los siguientes ingredientes activos: DEET, picaridina, IR3535, aceite de eucalipto limón (OLE, por sus siglas en inglés), paramentanodiol (PMD) o 2undecanona. Vestir camisas de manga larga y pantallones holgados también puede ayudarle a protegerse de las picaduras de los mosquitos.
¿Qué medidas pueden tomar los habitatantes para controlar los mosquitos en su propiedad?
Para reducir la producción de mosquitos, elimine el agua de recipientes que se encuentran comúnmente en su patio, como tazas para mascotas, jarrones, bebederos para aves, baldes, juguetes, platos que se colocan debajo de los maceteros y latas. Usted puede reducir el riesgo de contraer estas enfermedades con solo eliminar o darle tratamiento a esta agua estancada.
Utilice granulos o pastillas que contengan la subespecia de bacteria denominada Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) para matar a los mosquitos inmaduros en contenedores a los que no se les puede eliminar el agua fácilmente, como en el caso de los bebederos para aves o bromelias. El agua tratada con Bti es segura para el consumo animal. Productos con Bti se pueden comprar en ferreterías o en almacenes.
Para áreas de agua de mayor tamatoña, es mejor que el manejo de las poblaciones y el tratamiento del agua sean realizados por agencias de control de mosquitos. Comuniquese con su programa local de control de mosquitos para solicitar un tratamiento.
## ###
Traduciado al español por Luz Bahder luzdenia@ufl.edu
To access the English version,.please use this link
## ACERCA DE UF/IFAS
La misión de University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) es desarrollar conocimientos relevantes para los recursos agrícolas, humanos y naturales, así como hacer que este conocimiento esté disponible para mantener y mejorar la calidad de vida humana. UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences cuenta
con más de una docena de centros de investigación, 67 condados con oficinas de extensión, así como estudiantes y profesores galardonados. UF/IFAS orfrece soluciones basadas en la ciencia a las industrias agrícolas y de recursos naturales del estado, así como a todos los residentes de Florida.
## ifas.ufl.edu / @UF I FAS
O
by Luz Bahder
Posted: April 21, 2023
Category: UEF/IFAS
Tags: Aedes Aegypti, Agua Estancada, Chikunguña, Dengue,
Espanol, Eva Buckner, Fiebre Amarilla, Insecticidas, Inundaciones,
Lluvias, Mosquito, Precipitaciones, Spanish, Virus DelNilo
Occidental, Zika
## More From Blogs.IFAS
UF/IFAS Extension faculty produce videos to educate Latinx population during pandemic
Ayude a combatir la inseguridad alimentaria donando frascos de mantequilla de mani a su oficia loca... |
https://site.extension.uga.edu/greenway/2015/07/21/malta-locally-grown-foods/ | Malta – Locally Grown Foods | University of Georgia | [
"Pamela Turner"
] | 2015-07-21 | [
"Europe",
"Food",
"Gardening & Farming",
"Travel"
] | GA | ## Malta - Locally Grown Foods
Written by Pamela Turner
While in Malta I had the opportunity to see several locally grown foods. I visited an eco-friendly family farm that grew tomatoes in a greenhouse. After growing season they sterilized the soil by flooding the greenhouse and allowing the heat of the sun to kill the pests. This farm, like most farms in Malta, is small. Farms in Malta are often less than 2 hectares (4.9 acres), so they need to be very efficient and produce a variety of crops. The farm I visited also processed and sold products made from local produce, including lemon marmalade, olive oil, honey, fig jam, sundried tomatoes, and lemon liqueur. Their company is called Sunripe (https://www.maltasunripe.com/). In 2010, agriculture workers account for about 10.6% of the economically active population. In the United States less than 2% of the population are engaged in agriculture.
Since Malta is an island one would expect fishing to be a major employer. In reality, it comprises a rather small part of the economy. In 2004 there were 455 full-time professional fishers and 848 part - time, with less than 1% being females. The village of Marsaxlokk is home to most of the fishers. The traditional fishing vessel is the luzzu. It is pointed at both ends and painted bright colors. Boats have a pair of eyes painted on each side to protect the boat from danger and ward off evil spirits. They are referred to as the "Eye of Osiris or Horus."
A feature of the Maltese countryside is the Prickly Pear Cactus. It is native to the Americas and was brought to Europe by the Spanish. Prickly Pears are quite large and prickly, so they provide a natural barrier against intruders and the wind. They thrive in the hot, dry and sunny summers, producing fruit in August and September. The fruit can be eaten or fermented to produce bajtra, which is a popular Prickly Pear liqueur.
Gelato has less fat than ice cream. While ice cream is normally heavy on the cream and has a fat content of at least 10 percent, gelato uses more milk than cream, and generally also uses less egg yolks - if any.
- · Ice creams are churned faster and harder than gelato. Ice creams typically increase in volume (with air, through churning) by at least 25 and up to 90 percent. This makes them a little fluffier. Gelato is churned at a much slower pace, keeping it dense (and sometimes more flavorful).
WATCH FOR NEXT BLOG…. Recycling in Malta andEurope
Posted in: Europe, Food, Gardening & Farming, Travel
Tags: bajtra, fishing, locally grown, luzzu, Malta, Malta Sunripe, Marsaxlokk, prickly pear, tari tari
Sharon mS Gibson
July21,2015
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Kutch
April 29,2023
Great article, thank you
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https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/update-on-beef-industry-alliances.html | Update on Beef Industry Alliances - Oklahoma State University | Oklahoma State University | [
"Clement E. Ward",
"Kellie Curry Raper"
] | 2017-01-03 | [] | OK | ## 'te on Beef Industry
Ices
lar. 2017
|
Id: AGEC-614
E. Ward,
Kellie Curry Raper
t-friendly PDF
sheets/print-
cations/
·industry-alliances-agec-
614.pdf)
, Definition and Essential Components /
of Beef Industry Alliances /
. for Alliances / Characteristics /
. ents / Production Requirements /
Required Producer Changes /
r y and Conclusions / References
,completed at Oklahoma State University in 1999,
xtension fact sheet on beef industry alliances.
,other studies have been completed, and several
, of data are available on various aspects of
, the beef industry. This fact sheet updates much
available about beef industry alliances.
, it addresses the extent of alliances, motivation
,em, common characteristics of many, what
may have to do to participate in them, and
if their success and impact.
> earlier fact sheet, an important source of n is Beef magazine's annual list of alliances, as the "Alliance Yellow Pages" (available at
6:00 p.m.
Coatl
(
https://calendai
Catlemen'strumbaEmbed=v
Meeting
Sat 4/5
12:00 p.m. Cleveland
Quality (https://calendar.
AssurancetrumbaEmbed=vie
BQA Training
JOSJ Cattle & Quarter Horses, 4100 48th Ave. NW., Norman, OK
TUE 4/8
8:00 a.m.
Calf (https://calendar.oksta
Boot (trumbaEmbed=view%3
Camp
Kingfisher County Fairgrounds
300 S 13th St, Kingfisher, OK
73750
THU 4/17
Oklahoma
Beef
Cattle
Summit
Pontotoc County Agri-Plex &
Convention Center
(HTTPS:// CALENDAR.OKS
fmagazine.com/markets/alliance-yellow-pages/). il list has enabled tracking and assessing selected alliances over time.
## nce Definition and ntial Components
it a universally agreed upon definition of an the essential components of an alliance. Here, it is n alliance consists of two or more firms in tages of the vertical cattle or beef supply chain, om cow-calf producers to retail or food service s, who agree to cooperate for their mutual benefit. y remains independent, but they share n necessary to jointly coordinate the flow of cattle etween sellers and buyers.
s or organizations call their coordinated effort an strategic alliance, but others may refer to s as a partnership, cooperative or program. More than the term used to describe their organization :se arrangements are attempting to accomplish :heir mutual benefit and how they do it.
orts have been made to place alliances into tegories. Two such efforts are similar: p-based alliances versus equity-based alliances and Chaddad, 2005); and equity and non-equity ;rocheder and Kovanda 2003). In both cases, :ed alliances require a substantial investment in cilities or management. Participants have an t stake in the success of the alliance organization. Id argue the investment requirement increases tment by participating individuals and firms. Nonnces typically only require a fee, usually on a perfor ns for services provided by the alliance .n. Relationship-based alliances and non-equity re similar in organization and operation. They developing relationships, which improve vertical
on among supply chain firms. Coordination is y the exchange of information, which enables quality, quantity, time, and location of the physical : of cattle and beef through the supply chain.
## nt of Beef Industry nces
e of the 1990s was a major development period industry alliances. About two-thirds of those n 2008, and reported by Beef magazine, were in the 1990s. The earliest alliance in the Beef ist for 2008 dates back to 1978, and the most once the list was organized in 2004.
data exists on the volume of cattle marketed liance-type programs. Using Beef magazine's about 3.3 million cattle were marketed through i 2000 and that number has increased to nearly 4 d based on the 2008 data. Again, it should be e are rough estimates. However, it suggests 15 more of fed cattle that are marketed annually gh some type of alliance organization.
ices are quite small and primarily local in nature, s involve large cattle operations and are national lost published lists by magazines or industry to account for the many local community or ances that exist throughout the U.S. These ore localized alliances may consist of several beef providing beef to local restaurants, retail grocers to consumers. While each such alliance may not used on either number of producers or number of / can have a positive influence on the local r beef, beef quality and producer returns.
## 'ves for Alliances
tion for organizing alliances varies and involves ide motives in some cases and individual producer y motives in others. Industry wide, alliances are help reduce a two-decade decline in U.S. beef / enabling producers to respond better and more changes in beef demand. This could be
quality components of beef products, such as ity grade, yield grade and tenderness. Premium might arise from a specific production process, inducing natural beef, for which demand appears asing. Additionally, price premiums may result export marketing programs, such as source and ation programs.
gh ranking motive is higher producer profits from enterprise. These may occur from premium prices, needs to be recognized that to get some price higher costs of production may be required. For o improve herd quality, a producer may have to utter quality heifer replacements and breeding ceive a price premium for natural beef, producers gnize the higher cost of producing natural beef with producing conventional beef because erformance is lower without such practices as plants. There also are costs associated with g source and age records for verification. in some cases, more than cover the added t and added costs. However, producers need to d that receiving "a" premium does not ensure fits, depending on the higher costs incurred to > premium.
an contribute to profits for some producers in s. Rather than seeking premiums, alliances may be uce cost duplication in areas such as animal cinations at the cow-calf, stocker and feedlot me transportation and transaction costs may be so, which can reduce coordination costs between buyers. Rust (1996) estimated these savings to per head.
to citing higher prices, added value and improved y as key motives for forming alliances, several cited quality-related motivations (Raper et al., ances are expected to assist producers in cattle quality and improving quality consistency. s of doing this is by gaining access through
'carcass data, which producers can use to guide vement and management decisions. Direct production and carcass performance data and n, enables producers to respond more quickly and to demand signals, thereby more rapidly cattle quality and ultimately improving supply dination.
## 'acteristics
stics of alliances could be categorized in several , we discuss alignments or cooperating stages, i requirements, and marketing and pricing
## iments
ion we chose for an alliance indicates firms at two ages of the vertical supply chain work together for al benefit. In some cases, an alliance may consist f producers and one or more cattle feeders. In s, it may be cattle feeders and a beef packer. > alliances involve just two stages in the vertical in. A few alliances include partners or ts at virtually all stages from the production stage, stage, which is retailers and food service s. However, nearly all alliances involve some sort ng arrangement with a beef packer.
ices involving producers, feeders and packers are development and growth of branded beef :hough some still involve marketing cattle largely odity. Those alliances that involve the final stage ]ly chain typically are marketing branded-beef n those instances, the concept is to target a segment with branded beef from the beginning of ng program and at each stage through the supply es.
## l uction i r e m e n t s
n
ing or participating in an alliance, involves re equired production practices. These range fic genetic requirements to size of operation. cars that we have had access to information 'industry alliances, there has been a noticeable rfis specifying genetics to participate in a given the first research on alliances (Estrada 1999), one-half of the alliances in the study specified
tic requirements. In the 2008 Beef magazine list, alliances indicated some specific genetic nts. Exactly how genetics are specifi ed differs. of genetic requirements include: 50 percent or gus; 100 percent British; less than 25 percent Bos jh percentage Continental; and Wagyu. The most plication for beef producers as potential alliance ts is the need to match their production system, in 'eeding program, with a specific alliance.
'ration is important, also. About one-third of all i the 2008 Beef magazine list speci fi ed no i size or just one head. These could be called size cause they are open to smaller producers, as well roducers. Another one-third of the list indicated im size is one or more truckloads, or equivalent ' cattle. Usually, this minimum also will mean single-sex of cattle in truckload size lots. The i is pretty clear for beef producers: many smaller are excluded from these alliances. A cowherd size i cows would be required to market a truckload ex cattle from a feedlot. Even larger cow numbers y be required to ensure a uniform lot of cattle in je, weight and carcass characteristics.
ate in alliances requiring larger numbers of similar jucers need to give consideration to commingling neighbors or others with like cattle. Some local producers have been organized to coordinate the
rogram, both bull genetics and breeding timing, : more uniform calves that can be commingled for ce specifies a target or standard for carcass stics. Most still target Choice quality grade, yield rcases weighshing 600 to 900 pounds. Several
arget yield grades 1 and 2 carcasses, and a very 'yield grade 4 carcasses. Some alliances allow lity grade carcasses with Choice carcasses, and a Select carcasses. Carcass weights may be as .000 pounds in some cases and as light as 550 others. Producers need to know how their cattle arcess form to the standards or target stics of the alliance.
'he number of alliances listing no specific i practices has declined in the past several years. practices include weaning calves a specified days before marketing, following a nning protocol, and source verification. Typically, ifcation entails age verification and some specify a third-party certification requirement. 'elated to weaning and preconditioning improve Ith and performance, reduce costs and improve tributes (Lalman and Smith 2002).
'oup of specified practices are required when arget the natural beef market. In these cases, oecify never using implants, other growth s, antibiotics or feeding animal byproducts. More y, producers need to be aware of these required i practices. Many of these practices not only entail jduction costs but also added marketing benefits. must compare the expected added benefits from e to the expected added costs, then answer the Do added benefits exceed added costs?"
'very alliance uses grid pricing, and most alliances a quality grade grid and a yield grade grid. Quality s put more emphasis, or larger premiums, on
lity grade cattle, which is Choice or above. This :urs with some minimum yield grade standard. ¾ grids put more emphasis on cattle with better ½s of one or two. This usually occurs with some quality grade standard. Some alliances initially i ther higher quality grade or better yield grade r time, most alliances moved toward accepting a y of cattle quality by using different grids for arcass characteristics. Producers need to know : and how they perform in carcass evaluations.
able information for producers to make necessary ¾ their breeding, management and marketing ¾ or the alliance they are considering.
## S
articipating, in most alliances, are small if g out-of-pocket membership fees. Other types of ¼h may be substantially higher, are discussed ¾mber, equity alliances have a substantially higher e case, $3,000, and potentially higher in other vever, about one-half of the alliances in the 2008 ¾ciciated there are no costs to participating. A few ¾ cified a cost of $5 per head or less. Thus, for many ¾ membership costs should not be a constraint. ¾ j factor for many would be something else, such ¾ enetics, cattle quality, production practices or size ¾n.
## jired Producer 1ges
dvice given to producers who are considering ¾ alliance is to first understand your specific ¾ system. Producers need to develop a sustainable ¾ system that fits the natural resources and ¾resources they have available. It also is advised ¾ cers know the quality of calves and beef ¾ being produced, to know where breeding and
„nt changes are needed. Ultimately, producers ¦ a choice between two alternatives. A producer t look for an alliance that matches his or her ¦ duction system, or a producer must change the ¦ system to match a specific alliance. Regardless, ¦ agement changes are likely necessary. But for the ¦ e, those changes could be very significant and ¦ f producers by Raper et al. (2005) asked what ¦ roducers had to make to participate in an alliance. ts for most frequent changes required are listed ¦ anked in most frequently noted by producers. Of ¦ ing these changes, some practices were more of a ¦ for producers to implement than others; some ¦ serious impediments to participating in the ¦ an others. However, producers were able to get ¦ lle assistance from the alliance organization. ¦ ated highly as challenges or impediments are ¦ ble 1, as well as those practices receiving the most ¦ during on-ranch implementation. Responses for ¦ assistance ranged from 50 percent to 94 percent.
¦ serious impediments to participating in the ¦ an others. However, producers were able to get ¦ lle assistance from the alliance organization. ¦ ated highly as challenges or impediments are ¦ ble 1, as well as those practices receiving the most ¦ during on-ranch implementation. Responses for ¦ assistance ranged from 50 percent to 94 percent.
should ask questions about the alliances they are ¦ g. They also should study the business plan, ¦ nt team, past operating experience, potential ¦ o financial risk, current and past members' ¦ is and satisfaction, and compatibility with their ¦ and long-term farm or ranch objectives.
oducer responses to production changes ¦ ) participate in alliances
| Most Frequent Changes Required | Greatest Challenges | Gre: Imp |
|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-------------|
| Animal health practices | Sorting Methods | Anim Pract |
| Cattle Tracking/Information Systems | Cattle Tracking/Information Systems | Sortii |
$^{ }$
## Most Frequent
Changes Required
Greatest Challenges
Gre Imp
Marketing Schedule
Marketing Schedule
Mark
Feeding Methods
Feeding Methods
Feed
Type of performance data collected
Type of performance data collected
Type data
New genetics
New genetics
track syste
Sorting methods
Practices
nges are listed in order of most frequent changes
## nce Performance eence
ons can be asked about beef industry alliances. ey worth the effort for producers? Second, have industry wide improvements as originally Øsome evidence exists regarding the first question, Øers must be careful about using or interpreting stry-reported data. Evidence to answer the latter Øhard to find and may be more difficult to attribute alliances.
ance organizations report average premiums paid 1 by alliance members for Beef magazineÕs annual Øst. Care must be exercised in relying on these nd comparing them across alliance organizations. alliance computes their average premium may Øasionally, an average premium is reported that
New
e organization reported its first-year average aid/earned at $6.19 per head in 1998. Since then, d premium has trended upward, reaching a high 2008 of $27.42 per head. Unlike some other his organization requires a substantial investment embers. Market value or appreciation of the initial sis not included in the annual reported Our purpose in citing this one case is to illustrate ss of an alliance may be tied to long-term nt. It often takes time to penetrate markets, build g infrastructure, and develop buyer confidence as supplier.
joint should be made. Success is not guaranteed. ances on the Beef magazine list in early years are present in 2008 as the same organization. Some ed with others to gain efficiencies or to just me have changed their name and purpose, and :failed. Whipple and Frankel (2000) report that a nining factor of alliance success is participants' benefits of the relationship. Raper, Black, and I8) reported 59 percent of alliance participants perceived their alliance was "successful," given lefinied success.
ef industry changed appreciably as the result of Many analysts would say yes. However, hard ; difficult to document, especially finding a direct ßces. Anecdotal evidence suggests coordination
red with the increased exchange of information, ferings in the meat case have better matched preferences, and some adversarial relationships uyers and sellers seem to have moderated.
## mary and
'leet updates information about alliances that was based on earlier research. There are several r organizing alliances. Most important to is adding value to cattle and receiving price for their efforts. Volume marketed through ontinues to increase slowly, but growth of new ns has slowed sharply. Most alliances operating in ve a beef packer but considerable variation exists hain levels involved in alliance organizations.
there appears to be a slow trend toward more requirements to participate in alliances. One the move toward more specific genetics nts. However, costs of joining an alliance and size nts have not changed appreciably.
ucers accomplished their primary motivation? The uld appear to be yes. Average premiums reported s easily outweigh the added cost of belonging to . Although, a producer must recognize that our it does not consider what might have to be change genetics or the added cost of using management practices. Success is not assured. ral alliance organizations appear to be thriving, can be found of those no longer in operation.
## rences
inya. "Analysis of Strategic Alliances and Vertical in the Beef Industry." Unpublished master of esis, Oklahoma State University, 1999.
ivid, and Robert Smith. "Effects of Preconditioning Performance and Prices of Weaned Calves." State University, Extension Fact Sheet, AFS-3529,
e Curry, J.Roy Black, Michael Hogberg, and James Assessing Bottlenecks in Vertically Organized Beef Journal of Food Distribution Research :151-155.
e Curry, J. Roy Black, and James H. Hilker. ns of Vertical Marketing Arrangement ce: Cow/Calf Producers versus Multiple 1 Level Operators." Selected Paper presentation at Agricultural Economics Association annual irlando, Florida, July 2008.
- a. "Retained ownership- How much will it save?" tate University, Animal Science Paper 341, 1996.
. Ted C. and Joseph Kovanda. "Befc Alliances: s, Extent, and Future Prospects." Stephen R. . The Veterinary Clinics of North America Food actice, July 2003.
M. and R. Frankel. "Strategic Alliance Success journal of Supply Chain Management 36(Summer 30.
Ward
Emeritus
r Raper
Professor and Extension Economist
```
t-friendly PDF (/fact- sheets/print- cations/agec/update-on-
```
·industry-alliances-agecBeef Cat614pdfants-and-animals/livestock/beef-cattle/) Strategy & Marketing ( /topics/business-and-community/businessstrategy-and-marketing/) topics/plants-and-animals/livestock/)
## Nas this information helpful?
YES
NO |
http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/common-insect-pests-of-ash-in-north-carolina | Common Insect Pests of Ash in North Carolina | NC State Extension | [
"Rebecca Eshleman",
"Kelly Oten"
] | null | [] | NC | ## Common Insect Pests of Ash in North Carolina
Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis) is a devastating pest of all ash species in North Carolina: white ash (Fraxinus americana), green ash (F. pennsylvanica), pumpkin ash (F. profunda), and Carolina ash (F. caroliniana). The insect was introduced from Asia via wood packing materials and was first detected in the U.S in 2002 near Detroit. It has since spread to many states, including North Carolina, where it was detected in 2013. Since its introduction, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees. When EAB is introduced to an area, adult beetles will fly to ash trees and lay eggs. The eggs will hatch, and the immature insects will feed in the inner bark (phloem) and outer wood (xylem). This results in a thinning canopy, branch dieback, and epicomnic branching from the tree's trunk. Distinct signs of EAB include D-shaped exit holes (%' inch) and galleries (serpentine tunnels) under the bark. Trees usually die within five years of infestation, or two years from symptom onset. High-value trees may be treated with insecticides. More information about EAB in North Carolina is available from NC State Extension.
Adult EAB insects are metallic green and are about ½ inch long. Their bodies underneath their wings are purplish-red.
Attribution: David Cappaert, Bugwood.org
## Redheaded Ash Borer
The redheaded ash borer ( Neoclytus acuminatus ) primarily targets newly planted, stressed, and dying trees. They attack several species of dead and dying hardwoods, but appear to favor ash, oak, hickory, hackberry, and persimmon. The larvae as they feed in both the sapwood and heartwood, damaging transportation tissues beneath the bark, which leads to branch dieback and eventually tree death. The "tunnels" (called galleries) often follow the direction of the wood and are packed with insect frass, or excrement. In young trees, the larvae move both vertically and horizontally through the trunk. Once the redheaded ash borer is inside a tree, there is not a recommended control method. The best method is prevention; keeping trees healthy can prevent infestation altogether. More information about the redheaded ash borer is available from NC State Extension.
Redheaded ash borer adults are beetles with reddish heads and four yellow bands across the thorax/ The two middle bands are chevron- shaped.
Attribution: Howard Ensign Evans, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
The redheaded ash borer leaves round exit holes when it emerges from the tree.
Attribution: James Solomon, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
## Clearwing Borers (Lilac Borer and Banded Ash Clearing Borer)
The lilac borer (also known as the ash borer; Podosesia syringae ) and the banded ash clearing borer (Podosesia aurecincta ) are clearing moths that infest ash trees. The banded ash clearring broer attacks ash trees exclusively while the lilac borer also attacks other plants, including lilac (Syringa vulgaris ) and privet ( Ligustrum ). Larvae tunnel into trunks and lower branches of trees and shrubs, causing wounds under the bark. This causes foliage wilting, branch breakage, and swelling/cracking of infested areas due to invasion of the sapwood. Additionally, the wounds create a path of entry for a wood-destroying fungus ( Polyporus verticolor ) to invade. The borers pupate inside the tree close to the surface and emerge as adults via round exit holes roughly ¼ inch in diameter. It is common to see pupal skins right outside the bark during this phase. The lilac borer emerges as an adult early in the season and the banded ash clearing borer emerges in the fall or early winter. Control includes destroying infested branches and stems and sometimes insecticides such as permethrin. More information about the lilac/ash borer is available from NC State Extension.
Galleries of the ash bark beetle are generally perpendicular to the trunk or infested branch.
Attribution: James Solomon, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood org.
Attribution: Bob Parks, Museum Collections: Coleoptera, USDA APHIS PQ, Bugwood.org.
## Flatheaded Apple Tree Borer
The flatheaded apple tree borer ( Chrysobothris femorata ) attacks several deciduous trees, including apple, oak, maple, ash, hawthorn, and dogwood. Weakened and damaged trees are most susceptible. The larvae damage the tree by forming tunnels (galleries) in the camblium tissue and feeding in the phloem and outer sapwood. The metallic adult beetles lay orange/red-brown eggs in bark crevices or under bark scales. The flatheaded apple tree borer is considered a minor pest since it infests stressed or dying trees; however, tropere tree care can help prevent damage. This insect is often confused with emerald ash borer (EAB) due to their similar D-shaped exit holes. Flatheaded apple tree borer exit holes are much larger than EAB exit holes (EAB exit holes are 1/8"). More information about the flatheaded apple tree borer is available from NC State Extension.
## Ash Flower Gall Mites
Ash flower gall mites ( Eriophysa xifaxiflora ) are small, carrot-shaped mites with two pairs of legs. Female mites feed upon and lay eggs in male flowers, causing % to 1 inch indiameter galls to form. Galls are lumpy, round, and green and often accompanied by leaf distortion. Though the galls can be unsightly and cause strained branches during large infestations, the damage is generally not serious and does not impact the health of the tree. If treatment is deemed to be necessary, oils or other chemicals may be sprayed shortly before bud break. More information about ash flower gall mites is available from the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension.
Galls and distortion on stamineate ash flowers.
Attribution : Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org.
## Oystershell Scale
Oystershell scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi) is a damaging insect that affects over 125 species of plants, including ash, maple, willow, poplar, and ilac. They are armored scales, with a hard shell (called a "test") covering and protecting the insect. Eggs are laid beneath the test and hatch in early spring. Emerging first-stage nymphs (also referred to as 'crawlers') find a place to settle on the bark, where they insert their mouthparts to feed, retrieving nutrients. Females remain in this position for the remainder of their lives; males remain in this position until the adult stage, when they emerge as a winged insect and seek out females. Oystershell scales can accumulate in alarming numbers, causing twig and branch dieback. Heavy populations are capable of killing entire trees. Management strategies include pruning out heavily infested branches, physical removal of insects with a scrubber, or insecticides during the crawler stage. More information about oystersshell scale is available from NC State Extension.
Female oystersshell scale coverings resemble oyster shells. They are gray to brown in color with a series of ridges along the back.
Attribution: U.S National Collection of Scale Insects Photographs, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org.
Distorted flowers often persist on the tree through the winter, even after all of the leaves have fallen.
Attribution: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org.
Female oystersshell scale surrounded by tiny, yellow nymphs.
Attribution: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org.
## Cankerworms
Spring cankerworms ( Palaecirta vernata ) and fall cankerworms ( Alosphila pometaria ) are abundant defoliators of many species of hardwood trees, including maple, oak, beech, elm, ash, dogwood, and cherry. The female insects emerge in the spring (spring cankerworm) or fall (fall cankerworm) and lay eggs on the twigs in clusters. In the spring, the eggs of both species hatch and young caterpillars skeletonize the leaves, often leaving only the midrib. The caterpillars are sometimes called "inchworms" since they have a gap between their two sets of legs that gives them the appearance of "inching" as they crawl. Depending on the age of the caterpillar, they can be green with pale stripes or green with dark stripes. Adult moths are gray. Females are flightless and must crawl up the tree truck to lay eggs, a behavior that is taken advantage of for management purposes. Management strategies may include banding the trees with sticky material to intercept female trunk ascension and applications of pesticides. In severe infestations, municipalities may spray large areas. More information about spring-cankerworms and fall-cankerworms is available from NC State Extension.
Young fall cankerworm.
Attribution: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org.
## References
Ash Bark Beetle . (n.d.). USDA Forest Service.
Baker, J. (2018, November 15). Flatheaded Appletree Borer. NC State Extension.
Baker, J. (2013, April 4). Lilac Borer/Ash Clearing Borer, NC State Extension.
Baker, J. (2017, August 7). Oystershell Scale Insect on Ornamental Plants. NC State Extension.
Baker, J. (2017, September 29). Redheaded Ash Borer. NC State Extension.
Cranshaw, W. S. (2014, May). Lilac/Ash Borer: A Common Wood Borer of Colorado's Street Trees. Colorado State Extension.
Cranshaw, W. S. (n.d.). Recognizing Wood Boring Insects of Ash Trees in Colorado. Colorado State
Extension.
Emerald Ash Borer Beetle. (n.d.). USDAAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Emerald Ash Borer Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.). NC Forest Service.
Frank, S., Baker, J., & Bambara, S. (2013, March 27). FallCankernowm. NC State Extension.
Oten, K. (2020, December 16).\_Emerald Ash Borer. NC State Extension.
Oystershell Scale. (n.d.). USDA Forest Service.
Pellitteri, P. (2012, August 6). Ash Flower Gall. Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension.
## Authors
Rebecca Eshelman
Student Research Assistant Forestry and Environmental Resources
Kelly Oten
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Forestry and Environmental Resources
Publication date: May 16, 2022
Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center.
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.
This publication printed on: March 27, 2025 |
http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/north-carolina-soybean-production-guide/soybean-variety-selection | Variety Selection | NC State Extension | [
"Katherine Drake Stowe",
"Ryan Heiniger"
] | null | [
"Soybean Production",
"Agriculture",
"Crop Management"
] | NC | ## Variety Selection
Proper variety selection is one of the first steps in producing a high-yielding, healthy crop. Choosing an appropriate variety is one of the most important decisions a soybean producer will make and one of the hardest because there are so many varieties available. Each variety has specific strengths and weaknesses that make it more - or less-suited for a given environment. Maturity group, yield potential, disease tolerance, and herbicide technology are all important to consider when selecting a variety.
## Maturity Group
One of the first steps in variety selection is to choose the relative maturity. Even if you plan to plant a range of maturities, focus on one relative maturity at a time to help reduce the list of options. Understanding and selecting the appropriate maturity for a given area are critical to maximizing soybean yield. A variety is classified based on the geographical range where it utilizes the available growing season but still reaches physiological maturity before the first frost. We recommend selecting a variety that maximizes growth prior to entering reproductive stages but still flowers early enough to reach physiologically maturity before the first killing frost.
## Herbicide Tolerance Technology
The next step in choosing a variety is to select the herbicide tolerance trait(s) you plan to use. The majority of soybeans grown in the United States contain at least one genetically engineered herbicide-tolerance trait. Herbicide tolerant classes include Roundup Ready (RR), Roundup Ready 2 Yield (RR2), Liberty Link (LL), sulfonylurea-tolerant soybeans (STS), Xtend, and 2,4-D (Table 4-1). The RR, RR2, LL, Xtend, and 2,4-D traits are genetically modified, while the STS trait was developed using conventional methods and is not considered genetically modified. In addition, many of these herbicide traits are now being stacked to allow for multiple modes of action for weed control (XtendFlex and LibertyLink GT27).
| Seed | Traits | Herbicide Chemistry | Approval Status |
|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Enlist TM Soybeans | Tolerance to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate, and glyphosinate | 2,4-D choline and glyphosate | Approved for use in United States. |
| Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® | Tolerance to glyphosate & dicamba | Dicamba and glyphosate | Approved for use in United States. |
| LibertyLink® | Tolerance to glyphositate | Glufosinate | Approved for use in United States. |
| Roundup Ready® or Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® | Tolerance to glyphosate | Glyphosate | Approved for use in United States. |
| XtendFlex | Tolerance to glyphoslate, dicamba, and glyphosinate | Dicamba, glyphosate, and glyphosinate | Approved for use in United States. |
| LibertyLink GT27 | Tolerance to glyphositate, glyphoslate, and HPPD/Group 27 herbicides | Glufosinate, glyphosate, and glyphosate, and HPPD/Group 27 herbicides | Trait approved for use in United States. HPPD/Group 27 herbicide pending approval. |
The herbicide tolerance technology used should be based on the most problematic weeds present in a field and more important, on what kind of resistance those weeds possess. In fields with glyphosate resistant weeds, switching to the Liberty Link, dicamba, or 2,4-D technology may help combat those weeds.
## Disease Tolerance
Tolerance or resistance to disease is another important factor to consider when selecting a soybean variety. Genetic resistance is probably the most cost-effective way to manage disease. A wide range of environmental conditions occur across the state of North Carolina during the growing season, and these conditions often influence the occurrence and severity of soybean diseases. While no single soybean variety can provide complete protection against all the diseases that may occur, knowing
the history of disease in a particular field will help select a variety with the most appropriate disease resistance package. Fields with a history of disease are likely to have those diseases again; therefore, resistant soybean varieties should be chosen for those fields.
Common diseases occurring in North Carolina for which genetic resistant varieties are available include frogeye leaf spot (FLS), sudden death syndrome (SDS), and stem canker (SC). Information on which varieties possess resistance to which of these three diseases is available in the North Carolina Soybean Variety Information book. In addition, the disease resistance package of a variety is available from your seed dealer.
Nematodes are pests that can also cause significant yield losses to North Carolina soybean growers. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is likely the most serious disease problem in North Carolina and is found in fields across the state. Other common nematodes, such as root knot nematode, can also significantly reduce producers' yields. Many varieties possess resistance to some nematodes, and that information is available from your seed dealer or the North Carolina Soybean Variety Information book.
## Yield Potential
Finally, once you have narrowed down the list of varieties, yield can be considered. Yield potential is probably the most important factor when selecting soybean varieties. Selecting a variety that is high yielding is important, but yield stability across multiple locations and years is an even more important consideration.
Yield potential is highly sensitive to environmental conditions, so multi-year, multi-location data will provide the most accurate indications of a given variety's "true" performance. It is an natural tendency to want relative yield data from close to home, on similar soils, and with similar weather. Since there's no way to forecast next year's weather, the more environments the data encompass, the better. Next year's yield in county X is better predicted by the statewide averages from last year than by the county X results from last year.
To provide unbiased, sound estimates of soybean variety yield, NC State Extension conducts official variety testing (OVT) each year and compiles this information on both the NC State Extension OVT website and the Variety Selection Tool . This is a valuable source of multi-environment data that can be used to aid in variety selection. Using the Variety Selection Tool, you can filter and search for soybean variety characteristics that are important for your specific operation and that will maximize your yield potential. A video overview of how to use this tool can is available at the NC OVT Variety Selection Tool Webinar. In addition, training on this tool is held each December coinciding with release of the current year's data. Data reports from the tool are also provided on the NC State Extension OVT website for anyone unable to access the Variety Selection Tool.
## Other Factors
If you still have more than one variety on your list of possibilities after considering the above characteristics, consider price. See is a significant expense, but there is a limited range of prices among varieties. If two varieties differ enough in yield that you can tell the difference, the yield difference probably contributes more to profits than seed price does.
Some varieties shatter more readily than others, but this is not nearly as big a problem as it used to be. It might still be worth considering if you anticipate that harvest may be very late (for example, after Thanksgiving) or if you are planting an earlier maturing variety.
Some varieties lodge (fall down) more readily than others, especially at higher populations. It makes more sense to reduce the population with these varieties than to refuse to use them.
Some varieties grow taller than others, but unless the soybeans are being grown for forage, this trait is of little consequence. It seems logical that relative height would be a useful characteristic for double-crop situations, but examining which varieties yielded relatively higher with late planting dates is probably a more useful approach.
Within the range of seed sizes that seed dealers are willing to put on the market, seed size is of almost no consequence. Larger seed requires more energy to pull the larger seed out of the soil, but it has more energy in the larger seed to tackle the greater task.
Flower color (purple or white), pusecence color (gray or brown ['tawny']), hilum color (black, brown, buff, or variable), and pod wall color (tan, brown, or black) appear to be of no consequence in how a variety performs. While you may have a personal preference, these should not factor into your decision for selecting the most appropriate varieties for your farm.
## Resources Available
The key to determining the best variety for a field depends upon individual production systems. Before selecting a variety, you must understand the type of variety needed to maximize yield. Recording information about each field allows you to understand its history related to pests and pathogens and what specific needs it has. This will allow you to select the best variety for each environment.
Data can be obtained at the NC State Extension QVT website and via the Variety Selection Tool . The Variety Selection Tool also contains links to technical sheets on specific varieties. Spending time and effort reviewing these resources to select the right variety is a good investment. For more on how to use the Variety Selection Tool, including information on upcoming training opportunities, please contact Ryan Heiniger.
## Authors
Katherine Drake Stowe
Research Coordinator North Carolina Soybean Producers Association
Ryan Heiniger
Official Variety Testing Program Director Crop & Soil Sciences
Publication date: Jan. 6, 2022 AG-835
## Other Publications in North Carolina Soybean Production Guide
The Soybean Plant
Soybean Production and Marketing in North Carolina
Rotational Considerations
Variety Selection
Planting Decisions
Fertilization and Nutrient Management
Weed Management
Disease and Nematode Management
Insect Management
Key Management Strategies to Increase North Carolina Soybean Yield: What We Have
Learned From 877 Soybean Yield Contest Entries
Harvesting, Drying, and Storage
Soybean Facts
Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center.
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.
This publication printed on: March 27, 2025
URL of this page |
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/2024/08/27/blueberry-root-flush-research/ | Blueberry Root Flush Research | University of Florida | [
"IFAS Communications Video"
] | 2024-08-27 | [
"Agriculture",
"Change Category",
"Crops",
"UF/IFAS Extension",
"UF/IFAS Research",
"blueberries",
"blueberry research"
] | FL | ## Blueberry Root Flush Research
UF/IFAS researchers are continuously searching for ways to support the Florida blueberry industry. One example of research has been by UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences researcher Dr. Gerardo Nunez and Lauren Goldsby, a graduate student in the Small Fruit Horticulture Lab. Their research project was to improve the nitrogen-use efficiency in blueberry farms in the Southeast.
Nitrogen is a chemical element, and it is a component of all the proteins in plants, in humans, and in animals. Plants take up nitrogen from their fertilizer, so nitrogen is very important for plant nutrition. There are two forms of nitrogen used in fertilizers: Ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen. Blueberries prefer ammoniacal nitrogen, but ammoniacal nitrogen can be converted to nitrates in the soil. Dr. Nunez relayed that
" Nitrates are particularly problematic because they don't stick around in the soil. So when we fertilize with excess nitrogen fertilizer, those nitrates can leach deeper than the plant and end up in water sources. When nitrogen leaves the farm, it's going to lead to degradation of aquatic ecosystems. In addition,
degradation of aquatic ecosystems. In addition, nitrogen fertilizer is expensive, so leached nitrogen leads to higher expenses for growers."
Nunez continued, "Roots are the plant organ that specialize in nutrient uptake, so learning more about roots allows us to make better fertilization decisions. We started investigating root flushes, which would be a period of root growth because we didn't have any information about that for Southern Highbush Blueberries. Root flushes are periods where there's more abundant roots. And in the time when there's more roots, there's more nutrient uptake. Therefore, we think that the root flushes represent an opportunity for efficient fertilization in Florida and beyond."
Goldsby explained the research process: "A root flush is essentially a growth spurt for the plant. We observed root flushes by using root observation boxes, which we built for this experiment in order to see the roots under the surface. These boxes have two acrylic windows which face either side of the plant that they're placed in between. These windows allow us to observe what the roots are doing over time.
By taking photos of these windows at different periods throughout the experiment, we were able to analyze them using image trace software in order to create quantitative data that we can use to compare the root lengths."
From this research, they were able to determine there were root flush periods in the late Spring and in the Fall. And once they knew when these root flashes were occurring, they observed nitrogen uptake before and during this root flush period.
By using isotopes, a chemical tracer, they were able to measure nitrogen uptake during and after the root flush period. After two years of research, Nunez and Goldsby found that blueberries, like other plants, are going to have root flushes. And that during these root flushes, nutrient uptake is greater than when the plants are not in the root flush. By using this information, the researchers will be able to inform decisions on the timing of fertilizer applications in Southern Highbush Blueberry production.
Funding for this project was provided by the USDA Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Video production: Kat Anutes
o
by IFAS Communications Video
Posted: August 27, 2024
Category: AGRICULTURE , Crops, UE/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS
Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Blueberries, Blueberry Research
## More From Blogs.IFAS
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http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/sampson-county-forestry-impacts-2018 | Sampson County Forestry Impacts 2018 | N.C. Cooperative Extension | [
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] | null | [
"Forestry",
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"Publications"
] | NC | ## Sampson County Forestry Impacts 2018
## Forestry Impacts
Department
Forestry & Environmental Resources
Series
Forestry Impacts
Publication Date
July 13, 2020
Authors
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Stephanie Chizmar
Morgan Hoy
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https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/economic-contribution-new-broiler-house-mississippi | Economic Contribution of a New Broiler House in Mississippi | Mississippi State University Extension Service | [
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https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/wheat-research-and-extension/varieties-characteristics/smiths-gold.html | Smith's Gold - Oklahoma State University | Oklahoma State University | [] | 2022-04-27 | [] | OK | ## SMITH'S GOLD
A solid dual-purpose variety, Smith's Gold features excellent yield potential with strong greenbug and Hessian fly resistance as well as protection against stripe rust earlier in the spring and after flowering in the adult-plant stages. Its parentage includes Gallagher, a popular variety also developed by OSU. The first Gallagher progeny with better canopy hygiene, later pull-off, and improved baking quality affirmed by Wheat Quality Council. This variety exhibits exceptional baking and milling qualities.
Below are some benefits of Smith's Gold:
- · First Gallagher progreny with better leaf hygiene, later pull-off date and improved baking quality as verified by Wheat Quality Council
- · Resistant to Hessian fly
- · Resistant to greenbug
- · Improved resistance to stripe rust over Gallagher
| Grain-only yield | Yield |
|--------------------|-------------------------|
| Dual-purpose yield | Forage yield |
| Test weight | Leaf rust |
| Disease | Stripe rust |
| Powdery mildew | SB/SS complex |
| Hessian fly | Shattering |
| Other traits | Standability |
| Acid soils | Kernel size |
| Bread baking | Average or intermediate | |
https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/renova-covid-19-sales-subject-sales-tax-analysis | Renova COVID 19 Sales Subject to Sales Tax Analysis | Mississippi State University Extension Service | [
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"Economic Development",
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] | MS | " Publications " Publication s Renova COVID 19 Sales Subject to Sales Tax Analysis
## Renova COVID 19 Sales Subject to Sales Tax Analysis
| PUBLICATIONS | Filed Under: Economic Development |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
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## Related Publications
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P3842 Understanding Farm Asset Depreciation and Tax Implications
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P3998 Economic and Community Development Programming in Mississippi
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P3374 Recommended Oil and Gas Pre-Drill Parameters
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https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/row-cover-crop-soils/about-cover-crops/ | About Cover Crops | Alabama Cooperative Extension System | [
"Audrey Gamble"
] | 2018-07-30 | [
"Cover Crops",
"Farming",
"Healthy Soils"
] | AL | Properly managed cover crops protect the soil surface from water/wind erosion and remediate soil compaction. Growing plants feed the soil ecosystem by exuding compounds from their roots-sugars, organic acids, amino acids, and more. These materials also glue soil particles together into aggregates, improving soil structure. Decomposed plant residue becomes
soil organic matter that provides food for soil organisms bacteria, fungi, arthropods, and others--and increases the water storage capacity of the soil.
Cover crops can improve soil fertility in several ways. Unused nutrients from the previous crop are taken up by the cover crop, reducing leaching and volatilization losses. Similarly, legumes and their associated bacteria produce nitrogen that can become available to subsequent crops as plant residue decomposes. Deep-rooted cover crops also scavenge nutrients from deep in the soil. These nutrients become available to crops the next growing season as the residue decomposes.
Cover crops often affect pest pressures in the cropping system. Thick plant residue suppresses weed growth on the soil surface, which blocks sunlight and physically slows weed seedling growth. Some covers produce allelopathic chemicals that hinder weed seedling growth; others suppress nematode activity by repelling, confusing, or starving the nematodes. However, some cover crops provide support for diseases and nematodes that are harmful to following crops. Producers must choose a cover crop carefully in order to support the desired cash crop. |
http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/fortress-isoxaben-dithiopyr | Fortress (isoxaben + dithiopyr) Herbicide Information Factsheets | NC State Extension | [
"Joe Neal"
] | null | [
"Weed Management",
"Turf",
"Nursery Crop",
"Lawn",
"Pesticide"
] | NC | ## Fortress or Crew (isoxaben + dithiopyr)
Herbicide Information Factsheets
## Introduction
| | Trade Name: Fortress Common Name: isoxaben + dithiopyr | Formulations: 0.75GR (0.5 + |
|-----|----------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Use | Sales | 0.25% |
Fortress and Crew are used for preemergence control of many annual broadleaf weeds and annual grasses in woody and herbaceous ornamentals. Fortress is labeled for used in container or field grown nursery crops, and some field grown cut flower plantings. Crew is labeled for use in landscape plantings and turfgrass. May be used on many woody and herbaceous ornamental species, but few bedding plant species. Check the label for the safety of specific species / varieties.
| | Amount of Active Ingredient | Amount by Formulation* |
|-----------------|----------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| | 0.5% isoaxen + 0.25% dithiopyr | 0.75GR |
| Per Acre | 1.125 lb (0.75 lb isoaxen + 0.375 dithiopyr) | 150 lb |
| Per 1,000 sq ft | 3.44 lb | |
## Major Weeds Controlled
Broad spectrum control of annual broadleaf and grass weeds including bittercress, spurge, chickweed, henbit, groundsel, annual bluegrass, crabgrass, carpetweed, and many others.
## Major Weeds Not Controlled
Perennials and established weeds. Weak on dogfennel, eclipta, phyllanthus, doveweed, morningglory and rice flat sedge. Does not control nutsedge.
## For Best Results
Apply to dry foliage and shake plants to remove granules from growing points. In newly potted or planted crops, the soil or substrate should be settled by irrigation before herbicide application. In established container crops, hand weed before treatment and irrigate immediately after application.
## Cautions and Precautions
Do not apply to new transplants until soil has settled and there are no cracks. Do not apply to nursery seedbeds or transplant beds or to unrooted liners or cuttings. Delay applications to bare-root transplants for three weeks. Do not use in enclosed structures (such as greenhouses, poly-covered overwintering houses, or similar). Do not apply more than a total of 300 lb per acre per year. Use is prohibited on several species, check label for details and additional precautions.
## Residual Activity
Duration of weed control varies with management practices and prevailing weather conditions. In cool climates or seasons, longer residual is expected than in warm climates or seasons. In containers, residual weed control rarely lasts more than 60 days in the southeastern United States. Shorter residual is to be expected in mid-summer, longer residual in cooler weather. Somewhat longer residual weed control is expected in field or landscape uses.
## Volatility and Leaching Potential
Isoxaben is nonvolatile. Dithiopyr is somewhat volatile; therefore, the herbicide should be incorporated by irrigation or rainfall soon after application. Isoxaben leaches very little; dithiopyr leaching is negligible.
## Symptoms and Mode of Action
Isoxaben inhibits cell wall biosynthesis and appears to disrupt root and hypocotyl development. Mode of action group 29
Dithiopyr affects root growth by inhibiting cell division. Mode of action group 3
## Additional Information
| Worker Protection | Worker Protection |
|------------------------------|---------------------|
| Standards | Standards |
| Manufacturers: OHP / Corteva | |
## Author
Joe Neal
Professor of Weed Science, Extension Specialist & Department Extension Leader Horticultural
Science
Publication date: May 22, 2019
Reviewed/Revised: Feb. 13, 2024
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.
This publication printed on: March 27, 2025
URL of this page |
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2022/03/18/invasive-hitchhikers/ | Invasive Hitchhikers | University of Florida | [
"Rick O'Connor"
] | 2022-03-18 | [
"Invasive Species",
"Natural Resources"
] | FL | ## Invasive Hitchhikers
It is that time of year. The time of year when many head to their favorite nurseries to do their spring landscaping and gardening. Many of the plants sold at these locations are actually grown in more southern climates, where there are numerous invasive species of all sorts. Many of these invasive species have not made their way to the Florida panhandle but can hitchhiker on these plants when they are shipped up this way. Care should be taken when purchasing to make sure you are not bringing anything home other than the plant you want.
The best management tool for invasive species is prevention. Across the country, particularly out west, there are survey stations at public lakes and reservoirs where state officials inspect boats and trailers when they arrive and when they leave the lake. There are hiking boot brushes at the entrance and exists to trails and active machine cleaning efforts after working in the field. Here in Florida, we do not pay as close attention to this. Machinery, boats, and plants are moved with little or no inspection. On any shipped plant could be an insect, slug, lizard, or frog that could eventually cause trouble for us. We are sure this is how the brown anode was introduced and we now getting reports of Cuban treefrogs in the panhandle.
Potential threats as EDRR species to our area include channeled apple snails, Cuban treffrogs, and greenhouse treefrog. With pond plants we need to be on the watch for several including Eurasian milfoil, water hyacinth, giant salvinia, and hydrilla. We also want to avoid purchasing and planting beach vitex, calery pear, coral ardisia, guinea grass, natalgrass, skunk vine, and swamp morning glory since they are all considered potential threats to the western panhandle.
If you have a question as whether a specific plant is invasive or not, you can visit the University of Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plant website - https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/.
The University of Florida IFAS Assessment website - https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/.
Or contact your county extension office.
1
by Rick O'Connor Posted: March 18, 2022
Category: Invasive Species, Natural Resources Tags: Invasive Species
Weekly 'What is It'?: Whelk Egg Cases
- The World Of Worms - Part 3 Roundworms
- The Changing Climate, Part 4 (The Florida Rainhandle)
Our Environment: Part 4 - Life On Land |
https://site.extension.uga.edu/greenway/2012/07/15/travelsmart/ | TravelSmart! | University of Georgia | [
"Pamela Turner"
] | 2012-07-15 | [
"Uncategorized"
] | GA | ## TravelSmart!
Written by
July 15, 2012
Pamela Turner
The City of Gosnells , located in western Australia, uses TravelSmart to become healthier in their travel choices and reduce the impact on the environment.
TravelSmart is "a successful Western Australian community-based program that encourages people to use alternatives to traveling in their private car." When we educate people about other forms of transportation, we give people options for their life, and their future.
Learn more about the TravelSmart initiative and make good, green choices when you get up and go!
Posted in: Uncategorized
Tags: alternatives, Australia, City of Gosnells, green, transportation, travel, TravelSmart, UGA, UGA GreenWay, University of Georgia
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http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/acorn-weevil | Acorn Weevil | NC State Extension | [
"James Baker"
] | null | [
"Entomology",
"Pdic"
] | NC | ## Acorn Weevil
PDIC Factsheets
## Description and Biology
The acorns of various oak trees are often infested by acorn weevil grubs , Curculio glandium . These 3/g inch-long acorn weevils have very long, slender snouts called rostrums. The rostrum of females is longer than those of males. These weevils are brown and variously patterned. Females use the chewing mouthparts at the end of their rostrums to bore holes into acorns while still on the tree during the summer. They then lay one or more eggs in the kernel of the acorn. From the eggs hatch pale grubs that are legless, short, and cylindrical with brown heads. Grubs use ridges on the underside of the body to move about. Acorn weevil grubs are curved, fatter in the middle, and grow to about 3'/g inch long. The grubs feed inside the acorn until fall when the acorns drop to the ground. Then in late fall or early winter, grubs bore circular 1'g inch holes through which they escape. Grubs then tunnel into the soil where they remain for one to two years before pupating and emerging as a new adult weevil to repeat the wheel of existence. (One of the best places to see Curculio grubs chewing out of nuts is at the North Carolina State Fair produce display of Chinese chestnuts. Usually by the second week of the fair you can see the grubs of Curculio caryatrys writhing around among the nuts. The grubs of the many species of Curculio are amazingly similar in appearance.)
## Host Plants
Acorn weevil infests the acorns of most oak species. It is unclear whether this species also infests hickory nuts. Grubs consume the entire inside of acorns killing them completely, but they do not otherwise damage their host trees. Squirrels leave infested acorns behind so that it may appear that almost all acorns are infested.
## Residential Recommendations
There is no practical way to control acorn weevils with insecticides because they emerge from the soil throughout the summer. If you are trying to collect acorns for seed, collect them just as soon as they fall and refrigerate them to slow grub development, then freeze the acorns to kill the grubs.
Another method can also protect infested acorns; soak them for 20 minutes in water heated to 120° Fahrenheit (you can use higher temperatures if you are not concerned with using the acorns for seed.) Heating kills the grubs before the grubs kill the acorn. (This hot water treatment successfully kills the the very similar chestnut sweetvil is a serious pest of Chinese chestnuts. African violet and hosta growers also use hot water treatment to kill broad mites and foliar nematodes without harm to the plants.)
## References
- The Dark Side of Collecting Acorns . Jesse, L. No Date. News, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- Growing Chinese Chestnuts in Missouri . Hunt, K. et al. 2012. University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry.
The overwintering biology of the acorn weevil . Curculio glandium in southwestern Ontario . Udaka, H., and B. J. Sinclair. 2014. Journal of Thermal Biology 44: 103-109.
- NC State Extension Plant Pathology Publications
- NC State Horticultural Science Publications
- North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual
For assistance with a specific problem, contact your local Cooperative Extension center.
This factsheet has not been peer reviewed.
## Author
James Baker Professor Emeritus Entomology and Plant Pathology
Publication date: March 16, 2017 Reviewed/Revised: Dec. 22, 2021
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.
This publication printed on: March 27, 2025 URL of this page |
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/martinco/2022/01/19/licensing-certification-for-the-green-industry-professional/ | Licensing & Certification for the Green Industry Professional | University of Florida | [
"Yvette Goodiel"
] | 2022-01-19 | [
"Agribusiness",
"Florida-Friendly Landscaping",
"Home Landscapes",
"Horticulture",
"UF/IFAS Extension",
"agribusiness",
"commercial horticulture digest",
"green industry",
"Martin County",
"pesticides"
] | FL | ## Licensing & Certification for the Green Industry Professional
Green industry professionals work on residential and commercial landscapes, in garden centers and production nurseries, and more. The work can be varied and involve specialized skills in pruning, mowing, irrigation maintenance/installation, pesticide and fertilizer application, etc. Sometimes what begins as a lawn-mowing business can evolve into a more full-service landscaping service. As businesses grow, it isn't always easy to know which licenses may be required for new services. The decision to add services needs to be made carefully, weighing in the costs of any required licensing and the value of optional professional certification. This article will discuss some benefits of licensing, steps to become licensed, and resources to learn more about voluntary professional certifications. First, let's look at when a license is required for green industry landscaping professionals working in the state of Florida.
## Do I need a license?
Did you know that in order to apply fertilizers or pesticides (including herbicides) commercially (for-hire), you must be licensed in the state of Florida? Commercial pesticide and fertilizer applicators must be licensed.
Per Chapter 482 of the Florida Statutes, commercial (for-hire) fertilizer applicators must have a valid Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate, issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Commercial personnel applying pesticides in yards and other landscaped areas around buildings must either work under the supervision of a licensed Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control Operator, or they must carry their own FDACS Limited Certification as either:
- • Lawn & Ornamental, making applications at their own business or their employer's property; or
Please note that pesticide applicators holding Limited Certifications cannot supervise unlicensed applicators. Unless they are working under the supervision of a licensed Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control Operator, the person actually making the pesticide or fertilizer application must be licensed.
Applicators working with restricted-use pesticides on golf courses, upland preserves, right-of-ways, wetlands, or lakes are governed by Chapter 487 of the Florida Statutes. They must hold a FDACS 487 license applicable to the sites in which they work. Alternatively, they may work under the supervision of a 487 license-holder.
## What is the value of licensing?
By taking the steps to obtain required licensing, you are investing in your career as a green industry professional and expanding the services you can offer. The average hourly wage in Florida for pest control workers and pesticide handlers/applicators ($17.61) was substantially higher than for regular landscaping and groundskeeping workers ($14.53), based on 2020 estimates available from the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation. The wage difference also exists for entry-level and experienced workers. Assuming an average of 2,000 hours worked yearly, the average wage differential ($3.08) would represent about $6,160 greater annual income ($3.08/hr x 2,000 hrs/year) for the licensed pesticide applicators, compared to the regular landscaping workers.
Licensing demonstrates to your clientele that you are a responsible and knowledgeable professional. In a 2020 study by UF/IFAS Extension Martin County, the majority of our survey respondents valued licensing, as well as certifications. Licensed commercial lawn and ornamental pesticide applicators must carry insurance, a layer of protection for clientele and your business. Licensed applicators have demonstrated knowledge of best practices to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of misapplied fertilizers and pesticides. After obtaining their license, green industry professionals (i.e., landscapes, pesticide/fertilizer applicators, etc.) are required to stay current with research, through continuing education. Professionals continually develop their skills to:
- · Use pesticides and fertilizers safely;
## How can I get licensed?
First, consult the publication, Finding the Correct Pesticide Applicator License in Florida. This handy guide can help you determine which license applies to your work, find out what is needed in order to qualify for the license, determine which exams are required, and locate exam study materials. You can also reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension office or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for assistance. Once you have determined which license you need, you can use the guide or other resources to:
- · Check for license prerequisites, including any required work experience, and take the steps needed to meet the prerequisites.
- · Determine which study materials are recommended for your license. Most study guides can be purchased through the UF/IFAS Bookstore.
- · See if training is listed as a prerequisite to your license. Whether you are seeking required or optional exam prep training, reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension office for help finding a class.
- · Determine which exam(s) are required for your license. Then, use the statewide online Pesticide Certification Exam system to apply for and schedule the required exam(s). Available exam sites and upcoming dates are posted on the website under "Testing Centers and Schedules". Some exam prep classes will also offer an opportunity for attendees to take the exam after class. Your Extension Agent will be able to provide details on available classes.
## What about voluntary professional certifications?
Many landscape professionals choose to expand their credentials through professional certifications offered by the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, FNGLA, International Society of Arborists, Irrigation Association, and other industry organizations. To learn more about the certifications, who they are for, and what they require, check out the links provided above.
## O
by Vette Goodiel
Posted: January 19, 2022
Category: Agribusiness, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home
Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Agribusiness, Commercial Horticulture Digest, Florida Friendly
Landscaping, Green Industry, Martin County, Pesticides, UF/IFAS
Extension
## More From Blogs.IFAS
- · COVID-19 Testing For Agribusinesses In And Around Martin County
- · COVID-19 And UF/IFAS Extension
- · A Survey Of Hurricane Ian Impacts To Martin County Agriculture
- · Health Insurance For Farmers And Farmworkers |
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/onehealth/2022/03/30/one-health-through-genomic-studies/ | One Health through genomic studies | University of Florida | [
"One Health Center of Excellence"
] | 2022-03-30 | [
"Uncategorized",
"genomes",
"genomic studies",
"One Health",
"One Health at UF"
] | FL | ## One Health through genomic studies
Over the past two months, two studies that say a lot about the linkages between different compartments in our world have been published in the scientific journal Science . They both investigated a large number of genomes. In one case the authors built a genealogical tree using thousands of human genomes from all over the world in an attempt to map all human genetic relationships. The endeavor resulted in the world's largest family tree. The research has not only given an interesting view of humanity's history but also showed how, if we go back in time enough, everyone is connected. Going back in time first one can see how one person's tree merges with someone else's , going a bit further into the past clans start merging as well, then clades, to finally end up with one tree representing all of humanity.
In the second case, the authors investigated thousands of white clovers' genomes across 160 cities comparing them to their rural counterparts. The study suggests that urban flora has adapted to living in these human-made environments. In other words, that human factors are also a driver in the evolution of life.
The studies underline the links between humans and between humans and the natural environment of which we are a part. Therefore, they emphasize the connections and the need to be aware of this. We are part of a complex system that is more than just the sum of its parts.
By Olga Muñoz, One Health Graduate Assistant
O
by One Health Center of Excellence
Posted: March 30, 2022
Category:
Tags: Genomes, Genomic Studies, One Health, One Health At UF
## More From Blogs.IFAS
- Exploring Gender And Sexuality In Ancient Medicine Part 2: Sexing The Body
- Fulbright Scholars Meet With One Health Center
- Plastics And Earth's Ocean: Part 2
- Preparing For One Health Day 2021 |
https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/building-construction-plans/dairy-cattle/gutter-grate-design | Gutter Grate Design | Mississippi State University Extension Service | [
"Dr. Jessica Halfen"
] | null | [
"Dairy",
"Publications",
"Agriculture"
] | MS | Home » Publications » Building & Construction Plans Archive » Dairy-Cattle » Gutter Grate Design
## Gutter Grate Design
DAIRY CATTLE
Publication Number: 6299
View as PDF: 6299.pdf
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is working to ensure all web content is accessible to all users. If you need assistance accessing any of our content, please email the webteam or call 662325-2262.
## Select Your County Office
SELECT A COUNTY
Your Extension Experts
APRIL 4, 2024
Bird flu health risks to public remain low despite human case
FEBRUARY 28, 2023
Northeast Miss. producers discuss educational needs
JUNE 3, 2022
High costs and low prices stress state dairy industry
Related Publications
Filed Under: Dairy
4-H Dairy Poster Contest
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P4069
Environmental Enrichment for Dairy Cattle: Music
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P4065
Environmental Enrichment for Dairy Cattle: Hair Brushing
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P3814-3
2024 Mississippi State Fair and 2025 Dixie National Junior Round-Up: Dairy Cattle Division
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P2357
Arthropod Management Guidelines for Dairy Cattle and Dairies
1
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3
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https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/florence-retail-analysis | Florence Retail Analysis | Mississippi State University Extension Service | [
"Dr. James Newton Barnes",
"Dr. Rachael Carter",
"Dr. Devon Patricia Mills",
"Dr. Rebecca Campbell Smith"
] | null | [
"Economic Development",
"Publications"
] | MS | Home » Publications » Publications » Florence Retail Analysis
## Florence Retail Analysis
| PUBLICATIONS | Filed Under: Economic Development |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Publication Number: P2945-93 | |
| View as PDF: P2945-93.pdf | |
| Department: MSU Extension-Rankin County | |
| Print PDF | |
| The Mississippi State University Extension Service is working to ensure all web content is accessible to all users. If you need assistance accessing any of our content, please email the webtbeam or call 662- 325-2262. Select Your County Office | The Mississippi State University Extension Service is working to ensure all web content is accessible to all users. If you need assistance accessing any of our content, please email the webtbeam or call 662- 325-2262. Select Your County Office |
| Your Extension Experts Dr. James Newton Barnes Extension Professor | Your Extension Experts Dr. James Newton Barnes Extension Professor |
| Dr. Rachael Carter Extension Specialist II Dr. Devon Patricia Mills Assistant Professor | Dr. Rachael Carter Extension Specialist II Dr. Devon Patricia Mills Assistant Professor |
| Associate Extension Professor Related News | Associate Extension Professor Related News |
## Related Publications
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P3842
Understanding Farm Asset Depreciation and Tax Implications
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P3998
Economic and Community Development Programming in Mississippi
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P3374
Recommended Oil and Gas Pre-Drill Parameters
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P3375
Chain-of-Custody Water Testing and Well Yield Testing
PUBLICATION NUMBER: P3796
Talking Retail Trade |
https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/developing-food-recall-plan | Developing a Food Recall Plan | Mississippi State University Extension Service | [
"J. Byron Williams",
"Courtney A. Crist",
"Elizabeth Canales",
"Carley C. Morrison"
] | null | [
"Agricultural Economics",
"Local Food System Economies",
"Disaster Preparedness",
"Food Safety"
] | MS | " Publications " Developing a Food Recall Plan
## Developing a Food Recall Plan
Filed Under: Agricultural Economics, Local Food System Economies, Disaster Preparedness, Food Safety.
PUBLICATIONS
Publication Number: P3542
View as PDF: P3542.pdf
Mississippi is home to many local food and agriculture-based businesses. Because the agriculture and food sectors can be subject to a variety of disasters, natural or manmade, disaster planning and preparedness is important. The goal of the Disaster Preparedness for Food Businesses program is to help new and existing producers and processors identify and reduce potential risks associated with operating agriculture-based food businesses.
One component of risk reduction is having a recall plan in place. In the event of a recall, recall and traceability plans and actions are implemented to trace products through the supply and distribution chains and stop the spread of potentially hazardous food products in a timely manner and remove them from the marketplace. The goal of this publication is to provide information to help Mississippi producers and food business owners mitigate risks and minimize losses so they can recover after a disaster and return to normal operations.
## Recall
A recall is the voluntary and/or mandatory action of removing a product from retail or distribution. Some possible events that could cause a recall include natural disasters (flood, tornado, fire), accidents, mistakes, power outages, bacterial or viral contamination, pandemic situations, and manmade disasters (intentional contamination, improper labeling, allergen mislabeling). The primary objectives in a recall event are to -
- eliminate or reduce potential deaths, illness, or injury
- effectively communicate and coordinate
- reduce economic losses
- restore consumer confidence
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have the authority to issue a mandatory recall. USDA mandates that companies have a recall plan in place. More recently, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) gave the FDA mandatory recall authority.
All establishments, including farm businesses or small processors/entities, should assess their vulnerabilities to natural and manmade disasters to assist with food defense and business survivability. Remember that recall and traceability plans ultimately help mitigate risks. Most business operations want to avoid any negative publicity associated with federally mandated actions and recalls. Businesses that are proactive generally benefit from their prompt response and communication in recall situations.
Unforeseen events or disasters can create food safety risks that could impact different aspects of the food supply chain and multiple companies. Disasters that impact agricultural and food production operations can occur on very different scales:
- Large-scale - Affects many business entities in the supply chain. Examples: ingredient contamination due to flooding, improper storage, improper handling/processing.
- Small-scale - Affects a smaller area (e.g., one county or one facility). Examples: warehouse contamination due to tornado damage, roof leak, temperature abuse.
- Variable-scale - Intentional, unknown at time, or other manmade disaster. Examples: allergen contamination, product mislabeling, foreign material (e.g., plastic, metal, chemicals) intentionally placed into product.
Recalls are divided into three classes:
- Class I - Dangerous or defective products that predictably could cause serious health problems or death. Examples: Clostridium botulinum toxin, E. coli 0157:H7 or Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STECs), undeclared allergens, hazardous chemicals or toxic substances.
- Class II - May cause a temporary health problem or pose only a slight threat of a serious nature. Examples: spoilage microorganisms, extraneous materials, drug residues, unauthorized substances, etc.
- Class III - Products that are unlikely to cause any adverse health reaction but violate federal (USDA) labeling or manufacturing regulations. Examples: mislabeling, undeclared ingredients (non-allergenic), improper weight.
Internal intentional contamination is a serious concern for food businesses and should be included in recall plans. The impact of intentional contamination could be large (depending on the size and scale of the operation), and the responsible individual would likely go to great lengths to conceal the
sources of contamination. This type of intentional contamination and harm could be the actions of a disgruntled employee.
Intentional food product contamination usually is intended to affect a large number of people (consumers). Intentional contamination substances could be highly toxic chemicals or pathogenic microorganisms intentionally added to multiple food sources. If multiple products were contaminated simultaneously, this would add confusion and increase the impact.
## Essential Components of a Recall Plan
## Introduction
- · Identify the business
- · Background information on products and processes
- · Information about scheduled reviews of the recall plan
## Identification of Recall Committee
- Names
- Multiple means of contact information for each member
## How to Determine if a Recall is Necessary
- · Necessary questions and answers: what, when, where, product ID info, class of recall, packaging, other available information
## Scope of Recall
- · Specifics of what, where, how much of the product in marketplace, remaining inventory
## Records
- Production, maintenance, product identification, distribution/shipping records, sanitation
## Depth of Recall
- Level of the supply chain where recall needs to occur: retail, wholesale, consumer, food service, all levels
## Recall Communications
- Basic guidelines and specifics to include: name, brand, lot, code, risk level, reason, means of communication, company contact info
## Responsibility of Recipient
- What customers should do upon recall notification
## Public Notification
- If significant recall is warranted, may need to extend to public and mass public announcement
## Effectiveness Checks
- Contact all consignees; direct contact to customers via phone, email, letter, personal visit, text, and document
- Coordinate mock recalls periodically but at least annually
## Records
- Keep for all communications
## Product Return Logistics and Disposition
- Means for product return, holding, disposition; use very secure means (separate location from operations if possible)
## Steps to Develop a Recall Plan
- Select a recall coordinator. This person should-
- prepare for and coordinate all activities related to recalls.
- be knowledgeable about every aspect of the firm's operations.
- authorized to make decisions in carrying out a recall.
- Build a recall team. This team should include personnel from all parts of the business (sales, production, shipping, technical, top management, public relations/HR, legal counsel, consumer representative, maintenance).
- Determine the methods for traceability, both forward (customers of your products) and backward (suppliers of raw materials) from your operation, and write procedures necessary to locate products from either direction.
- Pre-write all necessary forms/announcements for the media, customers, regulatory agencies. For guidance, see MSU Extension Publication 3498 Preparing to Respond: Four Steps to Developing a Crisis Communication Plan.
- Contact a third-party expert or process authority who can evaluate your recall plan for completeness and effectiveness.
- Fully conduct periodic mock recalls and modify your plan based on areas needing improvement.
## Appendix: Recall Documents and Recall Letter Examples
Source: United States Department of Agriculture - Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS). How to Develop a Meat and Poultry Product Recall Plan.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/shared/PDF/RecallPlanBooklet\_0513.pdf
## RECALL PLAN
Establishment name:
Establishment location:
FSIS establishment number:
Date:
Recall Coordinator (person responsible for coordinating recalls at this firm):
Name:
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
## Recall Team/Contacts
| Name | Contact information (company, address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address) | Role (in plant, supplier, distributor, customer, District Office) |
|--------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | |
## Procedures for Determining a Recall
Health Hazard Evaluation
- Is there an undeclared allergen in the plant's product?
Yes
No
If yes, describe the details.
Was product underprocessed?
Yes
No
If yes, describe the details.
Has product tested positive for a pathogen?
Yes
No
If yes, describe the details.
Are there reports of disease or injury occurring due to product?
Yes
No
If yes, describe the details.
## Records
What system of records will be used to manage and track the recall?
- Product identification, product coding, product lots
- Distribution records
- Consignee records
Other details related to records:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Include a copy of all records used for this recall as an Appendix to this plan.
## Recall Depth
Check all levels that the recall includes.
Wholesale (warehouse, storage)
Retail
Hotels, restaurants, and institutions
Consumer
Other (describe) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
## SAMPLE RECALL NOTICE: May Contain GLASS, PLASTIC, ETC.
[STATE] FIRM RECALLS [PRODUCT] THAT MAY CONTAN IN [GLASS, PLASTIC, ETC.]
[CITY], [DATE]-[COMPANY], an [CITY, STATE], establishment, is recalling approximately [AMOUNT] pounds of [PRODUCT] that may contain pieces of [SPECIFY MATERIAL], [FRM NAME].
The following products are subject to recall:
[IDENTIFYING INFO: TYPE OF CONTAINER, WEIGHT, "BRAND NAME AND OTHER LABEL INFORMATION," ESTABLISHMENT NUMBER, CASE AND/OR DATE CODES]
The products were produced on/from [DATE] and distributed to [LEVEL OF DISTRIBUTION, i.e., RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS, INSTITUTIONS, ETC.] in [STATES].
The problem was discovered through [SPECIFY HOW PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED]. There have been # or NO] reports of injury from the consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury from the consumption of the products should contact a physician.
Consumers with questions about the recall may contact [CONTACT TITLE AND NAME] at [TELEPHONE NUMBER]. Media with questions about the recall may contact [CONTACT TITLE AND NAME] at [TELEPHONE NUMBER].
Date of last recall simulation:
## References and Resources
Conference for Food Protection. Emergency Action Plan for Retail Food Establishment, Second Edition
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 21 CFR 7, Subpart C (Voluntary Recall Guidelines). April 2019
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Guidance for Industry: Food Security Preventive Measures Guidance for Food Producers, Processors, and Transporters
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Protect Food and Water During Hurricanes and Other Storms
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Defense and Emergency Response for Retail Food
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Mandatory Food Recalls.(21 CFR 423 of FD&C as added by section 206 of FSMA)
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Global Food Traceability Center
United States Department of Agriculture -Food Safety and Inspection Service(USDA-FSIS).Food Defense Plan: Security Measures for Food Defense
United States Department of Agriculture -Food Safety and Inspection Service(USDA-FSIS).Emergency Response
United States Department of Agriculture -Food Safety and Inspection Service(USDA-FSIS).Emergency Preparedness
United States Department of Agriculture -Food Safety and Inspection Service(USDA-FSIS).A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety; Severe Storms and Hurricanes
United States Department of Agriculture -Food Safety and Inspection Service(USDA-FSIS).How to Develop a Meat and Poultry Product Recall Plan
United States Department of Agriculture -Food Safety and Inspection Service(USDA-FSIS).Recalls.9 CFR 418
## MSU Extension Service Publications
P3497 Disaster Preparedness for Food Businesses: An Overview
P3498 Preparing to Respond: Four Steps to Developing a Crisis Communication Plan
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28585.
Publication 3542 (10-23)
By J. Byron Williams, PhD, PAS, Associate Extension Professor, Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion; Courtney A. Crist, PhD, Assistant Extension Professor, Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion; Elizabeth Canales, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics; Carley C. Morrison, PhD, Assistant Professor, Human Sciences.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is working to ensure all web content is accessible to all users. If you need assistance accessing any of our content, please email the webteam or call 662325-2262.
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Authors
Dr. Courtney Crist
Associate Extension Professor Food Safety, Food Science, Food Processing, Home Food Preservation, ServSafe
Your Extension Experts
Mr. Tom Ball
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https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/irrec/2023/02/10/john-santiagos-passion-for-microbiology/ | John Santiago’s passion for microbiology | University of Florida | [
"Robin Koestoyo"
] | 2023-02-10 | [
"Agribusiness",
"Agriculture",
"UF/IFAS Research",
"Uncategorized",
"ashs",
"John Santiago",
"microbiology",
"Plant Root Biology"
] | FL | ## John Santiago's passion for microbiology
Ask John Santiago about beneficial soil microbes, and his eyes dazzle. He will tell you that scientists are about to uncover microbes that protect plants from disease. Santiago aspires to be one of the scientists who will make these breakthroughs.
Santiago is about to complete a Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences, specializing in plant root biology. He aims to improve crop
production with microbiology. Soil
plant species, he said. In the Plant Root Biology Laboratory at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC), Santiago investigates beneficial bacteria in soil samples he collects around citrus crop tree roots. He wears a starchy lab coat and extracts the bacteria and fungi DNA from his soil samples.
microbiology is about identifying microscopic organisms and examining interactions that these organisms share with different
In the Plant Root Biology Laboratory at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC), Santiago investigates beneficial bacteria in soil samples he collects around citrus crop tree roots. He wears a starchy lab coat and extracts the bacteria and fungi DNA from his soil samples.
"My graduate research focuses on the rhizosphere, or the soil area surrounding plant roots. In the soil area, the trees are influenced by microbial and chemical interactions that impact growth, respiration, and nutrient exchange in the trees," said Santiago.
'John Santiago's work is for soils around citrus trees infected with a plant disease associated with an invasive insect,' said Lorenzo Rossi, assistant professor of plant root biology at IRREC. "Santiago studies
citrus roots and their interactions with the soil microbial community. The insect is the Asian citrus psyllid "
Because there is so much international trade and transportation available, insects that do not belong in Florida can get transported unintentionally. The psyllid is believed to have arrived in a crate of imported nursery plants in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, about 15 years ago. Today, all the citrus trees in Florida are infected with citrus greening, a disease that shortens the life of the trees and compromises the fruit they produce, said Santiago.
Santiago evaluates the rhizosphere after applying different soil treatments using the experimental and commercial trees. A first soil treatment involves fertilizers. The second application to the soil is a fabric mulch ground cover, or a layer of black plastic "mulch" across the area immediately under the trees. Groundcovers have been found to help soils retain moisture and reduce unwanted weeds around crop trees. Santiago's third treatment for the experimental earth is hardwood oak mulch. Anecdotal reports made by heritage citrus growers are that citrus trees that stand within the dripline of oak trees do not become infected with citrus greening.
"The hypothesis is that more beneficial bacteria will be found in the soil where organic amendments were added," Santiago said.
Microbiology is the field in which scientists learn to treat and prevent disease. The study of microbiology encompasses viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Santiago explains what microbiology can do for people everywhere.
Santiago's interests as a graduate student and researcher are specific to the soil that surrounds citrus tree roots. The first step in his work is to collect soil samples. His soil collection tools include a sterilized metal spade, brown paper bags, and alcohol to sterilize the spade each time a soil sample is collected. Every time.
'I collect and extract the DNA from soil and roots and later sequence the microbiome data,' said Santiago. "What that means is that I use specific instrumentations to identify microbes associated with beneficial functions to plant health and determine how their abundances differs across treatments."
He stores the bagged soil samples in a freezer-at minus 80 degrees Celsius. On a day when Santiago extracts DNA from the samples, he does so using various materials that include pipettes, a centrifuge, and reagents.
The following steps involve a nanodrop machine to quantify the quality of the extracted DNA. The DNA samples can also be plated onto an agarose gel matrix. The electrophoresis equipment applies an electric field to the agarose gel. He can see his work and the charged molecules on a screen that resemble white-light bars aligned next to each other. Some are shorter than others, depending on the quality of the DNA
"At this point, we send the DNA samples out for sequencing," said Santiago. "Once the sequencing data returns, it is processed in our statistical analyses to determine significant differences in diversity, abundance, and health of the rhizosphere microbiome."
Citrus was once Florida's signature crop, with high-quality fresh fruit shipped as far away as Japan, where Indian River grapefruit is a delicacy for the Japanese, Koreans, and Europeans. Citrus offers growers and agricultural production regions high economic value and nutritious food for consumers, so efforts to save Florida's crop are important to us, said Santiago.
"There is so much yet undiscovered in soils that could support food crops," Santiago says. He smiles, and the look in his eyes is evident in amazement.
'There are a large quantity of soil microbes that scientists have yet to discover, notably those at the taxonomic levels of genus and species, that can have impacts on plant health,' said Santiago. "We believe beneficial bacteria exist in the soils that can help citrus trees uptake essential nutrients, even if the trees are diseased with citrus greening, which may be critical to fruit yield.'
by Robin Koestoyo Posted: February 10, 2023 by Robin Koestoyo
Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, UF/IFAS Research,
Tags: ASHS, John Santiago, Microbiology, Plant Root Biology,
UE/IFEAS Research
## More From Blogs.IFAS
- · UF/IFAS Professor Selected For American Society For Horticultural Science Leadership Academy
- · Coping With Hurricane Debby: Essential Tips For Florida Farmers And Landowners
- · UF Graduate Student Stribes To Help Crops Thrive Against Disease
- · Fungal Pathogen Effective Control For Insect Associated With Citrus Greening |
https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/building-construction-plans/farmhouse | Farmhouse | Mississippi State University Extension Service | [] | null | [] | MS | Home » Publications » Building & Construction Plans Archive » Farmhouse
## Farmhouse
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION PLANS ARCHIVE
Publication Number: 5054
View as PDF: 5054.pdf
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is working to ensure all web content is accessible to all users. If you need assistance accessing any of our content, please email the webteam or call 662325-2262.
## Select Your County Office
SELECT A COUNTY |
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