Digital Commons Network^™

Pb1770-A Guide For Considering And Developing A Farmers Market In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Marketing, Finances and Value-Added Agriculture

Soybean farmers face a variety of marketing alternatives each year. Selling to a grain buyer at harvest is one way to sell soybeans. Another alternative is to store soybeans (either commercially or on-farm) and sell them later. Farmers may also set a price for their soybeans before harvest by signing a cash-forward contract with a grain buyer. The contract specifi es the quantity, price, grade, quality and date of delivery. Because prices have been historically lowest during harvest, storing and cash-forward contracting are ways to price soybeans before or after the harvest season, in hopes of achieving higher prices.

Initial Effects Of Silvicultural Treatments On Food Availability And Vegetation Structure For Wild Turkeys, Ryan G. Basinger

Masters Theses

The eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is an important game species in the mid-South region. Many non-industrial private landowners along with state and federal agencies actively manage property to enhance habitat for wild turkeys. In the past, diameter-limit cutting has been commonly used to harvest hardwood timber on public and private land in this region. Unfortunately, diameter-limit harvests typically “high-grade” stands, leaving low quality stems and altering forest composition in favor of less desirable species, such as red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), winged elm (Ulmus alata), and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). While the most biologically sound method …

Sp290-F Maple Leaf Pouch Galls, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Eriophyid mite species cause a variety of pouch galls on red, sugar and silver maples. Pouch gall formation, a localized growth reaction of the infested plant, occurs as a result of mite feeding activity. The species of mite can be identified by the specific characteristics of the gall on the host plant.

Sp341-V-Sampling Stored Grain For Insects, Molds And Related Problems, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

The periodic and timely sampling of stored grains can detect existing or potential problems before considerable damage has occurred. Proper sampling of stored grain can reveal increases in moisture or temperature and insect or mold problems in the grain.

It is important to be aware of the potential hazards of sampling inside a grain bin. Suffocation can occur in grain bins, and sampling should be done with caution.

Sp290-R-Whiteflies In Ornamentals, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Whiteflies are economically important insects on ornamentals grown in the greenhouse. Although these pests are most serious in the greenhouse, whiteflies may also attack ornamental plants grown outdoors. Some of the preferred woody ornamental hosts include barberry, redbud, Fucshia, honeylocust, black locust, Hibiscus, Lantana, coffeeberry, rose and Jerusalem cherry.

Sp290-T-Holly Leafminers, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Holly leafminers are the most injurious pests of holly in the eastern United States. The holly leafminer was introduced from Europe. This insect is a primary pest of American or Christmas holly. Injury results from the larval mining activity just under the upper leaf surface. Additional damage is caused when females repeatedly puncture the leaves with their ovipositor (egg-laying structure). Punctured leaves become deformed.

Characterization Of Root Stimulating Bacterium And Its Root Stimulating Abilities, Anjana Rajen Sharma

Doctoral Dissertations

In this study, the characterization of a novel root stimulating bacterium (RSB) is reported and the root stimulating ability of RSB is compared to Sphingomonas and other related bacteria. A morphological examination of RSB was conducted. Nutritional and biochemical characterization was performed in order to obtain a profile of RSB. Pigment analysis indicated the presence of nostoxanthin, a pigment commonly found in Sphingomonas bacteria. Lipid analysis of RSB revealed the presence of sphingolipids in addition to other fatty acids suggesting similarity with other Sphingomonas bacteria. Pulse-field gel electrophoresis of RSB and Sphingomonas echinoides showed a high level of difference in …

The Use Of Green Fluorescent Protein For Transgene Monitoring And Detection Of Pollen Distribution And Gene Flow Patterns Under Field Conditions., Laura C. Hudson

Masters Theses

There have been many recent and new possibilities for crop improvement since the development of techniques, which allow for the transfer of novel genes into host plant genomes. Fitness enhancing genes that confer disease, drought, and herbicide resistance to important food crops such as corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) will be invaluable tools to feed the exponentially growing human population world wide.

This widespread use of transgenic crops has increased the risk of transgene escape into the environment. …

Sp616 Fast-Growing Trees, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Many homeowners desire shade from large trees to provide some degree of cooling during hot summer days. Often, new buildings and developed properties on former agricultural land are devoid of shade trees. In other cases, large trees that have provided shade for years have declined, been damaged in storms and other weather events and eventually have died and been removed. Owners often prefer a source of shade quickly for their homes and properties. Fast-growing trees could be the answer. However, there are some inherent problems with fast-growing trees that should be considered.

Sp576 Protecting Trees During Construction, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Trees add considerable value to homes and buildings. We enjoy, appreciate and need trees around our homes and places of business. They provide shade and privacy, improve and diversify the landscape, and attract wildlife. When choosing property for construction, trees can be an attractive asset.

However, problems with trees often arise when construction begins. Most construction crews are not conditioned to notice or appreciate landscape trees and may inadvertently cause irreparable damage. Often tree injuries and their effects are not noticeable until the years following project completion. The subsequent need to remove a tree can be expensive because of newly …

Sp615 Why Do Trees Die?, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

The answer to “Why do trees die?” follows a reverse chronological sequence. Trees die because respiration terminates. Respiration terminates because carbohydrate production ceases and stored carbohydrates are depleted. Carbohydrate production ceases because photosynthesis discontinues. Photosynthesis discontinues because the factors necessary for photosynthesis are interrupted or obstructed. Those factors include: sunlight, water, nutrients, temperature, CO2 and O2. Factors for photosynthesis are interrupted because of human activities or environmental changes. Many are summarized here.

Sp610 Tree Susceptibility To Salt Damage, The University Of Tennnessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Although de-icing salts assist in keeping pavement dry and safe during ice and snow, their extensive use can cause damage to woody species along streets and highways. Trees and shrubs can be injured by salt spray and drift, by salt that leaches into the soil or by a combination of both.

Sp611 Trees To Plant Under Power Lines, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Serious conflicts often develop between utilities and trees. Trees that grow into electric wires pose serious safety issues and often result in less reliable service. Util- ity companies spend more than $1 billion annually for tree pruning, passing this cost on to the consumer. In addition, trees are often disÞ gured by improper pruning and killed or seriously injured by excavation for underground wires and pipes.

Sp617 Mulching Your Trees And Landscapes, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

A protective covering of various materials, either organic or inorganic, spread over the soil surface to reduce evaporation of moisture, improve plant growth, discourage weedy species and enhance the appearance of the landscape is known as mulch. Inorganic mulching materials include landscape fabric (geotextile) and plastic fi lm that are primarily used for weed control and retention of soil moisture, while rocks, gravel, brick chips and shredded rubber are used more for decorative purposes. Most inorganic mulches do not decay and thus do not improve soil properties. Grass clippings, straw, pine needles, leaves, peat moss, compost, wood fiber and bark …

Sp290-W-Euonymus Scale, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Euonymus scale, Unaspis euonymi (Comstock), is the most reported insect pest of euonymus, pachysandra and American bittersweet species in the Southeast. Other known host plants for this insect include hollies, camellia, twinberry, boxwood, Daphne, English ivy, hibiscus, jasmine, privet, honeysuckle, Pachistima and Prunus. Winged euonymus is usually free from this scale.

Pb1622-Disease And Insect Control In Home Fruit Plantings, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Growing fruit in the home garden can be an interesting, fun and rewarding hobby. Many novices dream of plucking perfect fruit off trees in their yards. This does not happen without a great deal of work. Control of pests (insects and diseases) is an integral part of the care necessary to achieve good results.

This publication provides guidelines for spraying home fruit plantings, but good pest control is not possible if spraying is the only action taken. Cultural practices such as pruning, sanitation, variety selection and selecting open, sunny sites for planting are necessary for good pest control. Specific cultural …

Sp291-I-Weed Control In Home Gardens, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

A weed may be broadly defi ned as any unwanted plant, or as I have heard it said many times, “a weed is a plant out of place.” For example, a corn plant is a weed if it is in a strawberry planting. Most weeds are plants that are generally considered undesirable by gardeners. They are neither eaten nor considered attractive. They are frequently invasive and diffi cult to control.

Sp291-Q-Rhubarb In Home Gardens, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

The rhubarb or pie plant (Rheum rhaponticum) belongs to the Polygonaceae or buckwheat family. The plant is a herbaceous perennial with leaves growing directly from the crown. The leaf petioles or stalks are used in making pies, sauces and various tart food items. The leaf blades contain considerable soluble oxalic acid and are poisonous to humans. Less oxalic acid is present in the petioles. The lower concentration and the decreased solubility of the oxalic acid in the petioles make them edible for human beings.

Nutritionally, rhubarb provides appreciable amounts of Vitamins A and C. It also contains moderate …

Sp291-B-Growing Vegetables From Seed, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Growing vegetables from seed is often more demanding than growing vegetables from transplants. There are more steps in the process, as well as more critical tasks to perform. Yet most vegetables are commonly planted in the garden as seed; thus, it is important that the essential operations be understood and followed.

Sp291-C-Soil Preparation For Vegetable Gardens, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

The first step in preparing vegetable gardens for planting is cleaning the site. Remove boards, rocks, old plant supports and general debris. Cut or chop weeds and crop residue. If the residue is free of disease and mature weed seed, the material may be worked into the soil or composted. Otherwise, it should be discarded. Bulky plant material, like corn stalks, will need to be chopped before it is incorporated into the soil.

If initiating a new garden into a sodded area, it is beneficial to plow the sod in the late fall or winter. The heavy root system of …

Sp291-D-Care Of The Vegetable Garden, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

A productive garden requires considerable attention and care. Insects, diseases and weeds must be controlled; water and nutrients must be supplied; plants must be supported; and harvests must be made at the proper time for best fl avor, yield and nutritional quality. This factsheet discusses these practices.

Sp290-Q-Boxwood Leafminer, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Boxwoods were brought into the United States in the 1800s. With the introduction of this plant came the boxwood leafminer, Monarthropalpus flavus (=buxi) Schrank.

The boxwood leafminer is considered to be the most serious pest of boxwoods. It occurs from the Atlantic to the Pacific, wherever boxwoods grow. All varieties of the boxwoods are attacked; however, the slower-growing English varieties are less susceptible than the American varieties.

Sp341-N-The Eastern Tent Caterpillar And Its Control, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Nests or tents of the eastern tent caterpillar are a part of the landscape along fence rows and in trees in many parts of Tennessee. This insect has become an increasing problem as more subdivisions spring up in rural areas.

Sp290-S-Mealybugs On Ornamentals, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Insects, Pests, Plant Diseases and Weeds

Mealybugs are worldwide pests of ornamental plants grown indoors and outdoors. Both greenhouse and field-grown ornamentals are commonly attacked.

Damage to ornamentals occurs when mealybugs insert their needlelike mouthparts into host plants and suck out the sap. Heavy infestations often result in the disfiguration of the plant. While feeding, the mealybug excretes honeydew, a sweet sticky liquid. Infested plant parts darken due to sooty mold growing on the honeydew. Ants may also feed on the honeydew. Some species of mealybugs inject a toxin into the plant while feeding. This toxin causes the plant to drop buds and leaves.

Pb1595-Using Pesticides In Greenhouses, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

The objective of using pesticides in greenhouses is to reduce or manage pest populations without endangering the lives of greenhouse workers or customers, and without harming plants. To achieve this goal, it is essential to maximize pesticide exposure to the targeted pests and minimize human pesticide exposure. The first part of this publication will address issues related to pesticide applications, whereas the second part addresses human safety issues.

Volume 1, Number 2 (2003), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• Insects as Teaching Tools
• Helping Children Succeed
• Honors Student Faces Bright Future
• Reinventing the Family Farm

Volume 1, Number 3 (2003), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• Booming Biotechnology
• Lessons in Leadership
• New Options for Producers
• Entering an Exciting New Era

Volume 1, Number 1 (2003), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• Adding Value to Dogwoods
• A Building to Advance Science
• Teaching Lessons in Life
• Towards a Brighter Forest Future