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Nebline, November/December 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Middle School Youth on a “Nutrition Mission”
Roasts – Easy to Make for the Holidays and Any Other Time, Too!
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ Notes—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Get a Handle on Holiday Cleaning
Radon—A Health Hazard
Computer Cleaning—Hotspots for Germs
Flexible Cash Lease Provisions
Thistle Control Still Possible This Fall — but Hurry
Use Season-Long Records to Assess Pumping Plant Performance
Diversity is the Key to Attracting Wildlife
Provide Basic Needs to Attract Birds
Relocating Problem Wild Animals: Not as Humane as Most People Think
Evergreen Colors for Winter
Fall Vegetable Garden …

Corn Response To Competition: Growth Alteration Vs. Yield Limiting Factors, Sharon A. Clay, David E. Clay, D. P. Horvath, J. Pullis, C. Gregg Carlson, Stephanie A. Hansen, Graig Reicks

Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Faculty Publications

Competition mechanisms among adjacent plants are not well understood. This study compared corn growth and yield responses to water, N, and shade at 74,500 plants ha⁻¹ (1×) with responses to water and N when planted at 149,000 plant ha⁻¹ Plant biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll content, reflectance, and enzyme expression (transcriptome analysis) were measured at V-12. Grain and stover yields were measured with grain analyzed for ¹³C isotopic discrimination (Δ) and N concentration. At V-12, 60% shade plants had increased chlorophyll and reduced leaf area and height compared to full sun plants. In the 2× treatment, plants had …

Extended Grazing And Reduced Stored Feed, Edward N. Ballard

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Feed costs represent the major cost in most livestock production systems. A recently completed analysis of 225 Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) Beef Cow Records on herds in Illinois and Iowa showed that feed cost was the overriding factor determining profitability, explaining over 57 percent of the herd-to-herd variation. Typically the cost of supplying nutrients to ruminant livestock is much greater using harvested feedstuffs as opposed to grazing pastures or crop residues. The primary function of a grassland farm is to convert solar energy to marketable livestock products in the most efficient manner. The fewer steps between the animal product and …

Tall Fescue Grazing Research, Glen Aiken

Kentucky Grazing Conference

‘Kentucky-31’ tall fescue, like it or hate it, covers 5 million acres of Kentucky and if you do not have it on your farm, it is likely that one of your bordering neighbors does! Tall fescue owes its persistence and productivity in large part to a fungal endophyte that infects most plants. This endophyte produces an array of alkaloids that benefit the plant in tolerating heat, drought, and grazing. Unfortunately, the endophyte also produces ergot alkaloids that can cause “fescue toxicosis” in cattle. Cattle inflicted with toxicosis have reduced dry matter intake, elevated body temperature, and often retain their winter …

Our Experiences With Eastern Gamagrass, Tommy R. Yankey

Kentucky Grazing Conference

As livestock producers try to reduce their cost of production, many look at ways to reduce their feed costs. Feed costs have been identified as the largest single cost of livestock production, making up 50 to 70% of the total cost of production. Grazing is the cheapest way to feed cattle on a cost per pound of nutrient basis.

Nebline, October 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Extension Helps Establish a Garden at City Mission
Nutrition Classes Focus on Produce from Garden
How to Reduce Energy Cost for Grain Drying
Tree Planting for Success
Successful Composting
$tretch Your Food Dollar by Making Your Own Mixes
Slow Cookers and Food Safety
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: End-of-Summer Cleanup
10 Tips for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Drying Gourds
Growing American Bittersweet
Storing Vegetables
Praying Mantids: Garden Carnivores
Problem Squirrels in Buildings
October's Heart of 4-H Award Winner: Jennifer Cusick-Rawlinson
Nebraska State Fair 4-H Results
Free Speech: UNL Speakers Bureau in 15th …

Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Nam Proteins Regulate The Translocation Of Iron, Zinc, And Nitrogen Compounds From Vegetative Tissues To Grain, Brian M. Waters, Cristobal Uauy, Jorge Dubcovsky, Michael A. Grusak

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

The NAM-B1 gene is a NAC transcription factor that affects grain nutrient concentrations in wheat (Triticum aestivum). An RNAi line with reduced expression of NAM genes has lower grain protein, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) concentrations. To determine whether decreased remobilization, lower plant uptake, or decreased partitioning to grain are responsible for this phenotype, mineral dynamics were quantified in wheat tissues throughout grain development. Control and RNAi wheat were grown in potting mix and hydroponics. Mineral (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P, S, and Zn) and nitrogen (N) contents of organs were determined at regular intervals to …

South Dakota Thriving, Fall 2009, College Of Agriculture &. Biological Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

Table of Contents:
[Page] 2 Growing Farmers Markets: South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service Helps Develop and Grow Booming Homegrown markets
[Page] 4 Lighari Leads Restructuring of Extension: Director of South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service Focuses on Building Relationships
[Page} 6 South Dakota's Newest Research Station: The Addition of the SDSU Cow Camp Means Another Tremendous Resource for South Dakota and SDSU
[Page] 8 SDSU Rodeo Builds World Champs: Focus on Academics and Team Leads to Success Inside Both the Classroom and the Arena
|[Page] 12 Behind the Scenes in SDSU's Anatomy Lab: SDSU's Hands-On Anatomy Lab Gives Students the Edge …

Sex-Specific Variation In The Interaction Between Distichlis Spicata (Poaceae) And Mycorrhizal Fungi, Sarah M. Eppley, Charlene Ashley Mercer, Christian Haaning, Camille Brianne Graves

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Associations between mycorrhizal fungi and plants can influence intraspecific competition and shape plant population structure. While variation in plant genotypes is known to affect mycorrhizal colonization in crop systems, little is known about how genotypes affect colonization in natural plant populations or how plant sex might influence colonization with mycorrhizal fungi in plant species with dimorphic sexual systems. In this study, we analyzed mycorrhizal colonization in males and females of the wetland dioecious grass Distichlis spicata, which has spatially segregated sexes. Our results suggest that D. spicata males and females interact with mycorrhizal fungi differently. We discuss the implications for …

Spatial And Seasonal Variations In Mercury Methylation And Microbial Community Structure In A Historic Mercury Mining Area, Yolo County, California, J. M. Holloway, M. B. Goldhaber, K. M. Scow, Rebecca E. Drenovsky

Biology

The relationships between soil parent lithology, nutrient concentrations, microbial biomass and community structure were evaluated in soils from a small watershed impacted by historic Hg mining. Upland and wetland soils, stream sediments and tailings were collected and analyzed for nutrients (DOC, SO4=, NO3−), Hg, MeHg, and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA). Stream sediment was derived from serpentinite, siltstone, volcanic rocks and mineralized serpentine with cinnabar, metacinnabar and other Hg phases. Soils from different parent materials had distinct PLFA biomass and community structures that are related to nutrient concentrations and toxicity effects of trace metals including Hg. The formation of MeHg appears …

Nebline, September 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

September is Preparedness Month
Overseeding Lawns
Water Young Trees to Prevent Winter Damage
Winterizing Your Home
Propagating Plants from Cuttings
Just Like Kids, Head Lice are Back in School
When a Bat Gets Indoors
Eating Locally Grown Foods in the Fall
Get Your Grains
Laundry Tips for Back-to-School Garments and Stains
Parent-Teacher Communication
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Recognize Symptoms of Stress
Ten Tips for Welcoming Wildlife into Your Landscape
Weedy Vines: Identification and Control
Winter Annual Weeds in Lawn
Fall is a Good Time to Control Weeds
September's Heart …

Forage News [2009-09], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• Anderson County to Host Sept. 3 Forage Day
• Enroll in 2009 Kentucky Grazing School
• 10th Kentucky Grazing Conference
• KFGC Update
• Producers Can Receive Up to $45.00/Ton Matching Funds for Growing Biomass
• Forage Spokesman Nominations - Deadline Sept. 15
• Alfalfa Intensive Training Set for Indianapolis
• Performance and Physiology of Yearling Steers Grazing Toxic Tall Fescue as Influenced by Feeding Soybean Hulls and Implanting with Steroidal Hormones
• New Developments in Forage Varieties
• Extending the Grazing Season
• Use Goats to Make Money and Lower Costs
• Upcoming Events

Effect Of Water On Micronutrient Content And Yield In Rice (Oryza Sativa L.), Sheila Lorraine Baker

Master's Theses

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop in many countries. According to the IRRI, more than 2 billion people globally depend on rice as a staple food (Dawe, et al. 2003). Studies on micronutrient content in rice and the effect of water in availability of the nutrients may aid in decreasing global nutrient deficiencies. Rice is grown under different water regimes such as AWD and intermittent flooding, sprinkler and furrow irrigation. A greenhouse pot experiment of rice utilizing a split plot design under different water regimes was conducted to assess the affect of water on (1) DTPA extractable soil …

Forage News [2009-08], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• KFGC Field Day is September 3
• Forage Spokesman Nominations
• UK All Commosity Field Day
• Charles Powell National Hay Winner
• Check 2008 Variety Trial Reports Before Buying Seed
• What Does the Intensive in Intensive Grazing Mean
• Grazing and Eliminative Behavior of Horses Grazing Bermudagrass
• Results of the 1st Year for a Grazing Evaluation of KYFA9302 Tall Fescue, With and Without the AR584 Novel Endophyte
• Cutting Ash Content
• Late Summer Nitrogen Applications to Pastures - Will They Pay This Year?
• Upcoming Events

Nebline, August 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Landscape Water Saving Methods
Natural Sources of Nitrogen for Plant Growth
Commercial Nitrogen Fertilizer Sources
Pumping Water For Ponds
Canning Fruits and Vegetables
Heating With Wood
Fall Prairie Seeding Site Preparation
Handling Food Safely on the Road $tretch Your Food Dollar by Packing Your Lunch Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints
Financial Security: Consumer Credit
Running Out of Time for Bagworm Control
Harvesting and Preserving Herbs
Summertime Bug Bites
Taking Insect Photos at Spring Creek Prairie
4-H’ers Test Animal Science Skills at PASE
4-H’ers Test Family and Consumer Sciences Skills at …

Effects Of Nitrogen Supply On The Root Morphology Of Corn And Velvetleaf, Kimberly D. Bonifas, John L. Lindquist

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Root morphology will affect interplant competition for soil nutrients. Research was conducted to assess fine root fraction, mean root radius, specific root length, root length density, and nitrogen (N) uptake per unit fine root biomass of corn and velvetleaf over time and in response to nitrogen supply. Pots containing either corn or velvetleaf were embedded in the ground and received one of three N treatments. Plants were destructively sampled on 10 dates during each of two years and root subsamples analyzed using root scanning software. While corn root morphology was more responsive to N supply than velvetleaf, velvetleaf N uptake …

Switchgrass For Forage And Bioenergy: Ii. Effects Of P And K Fertilization, John A. Guretzky, Maru Kering, Jon Biermacher, Billy Cook

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been targeted for cellulosic ethanol production. Our objective was to evaluate effects of P and K fertilization on switchgrass biomass yields. Experiments were established in switchgrass (cv. Alamo) fields planted at three Oklahoma locations in 2007. Interactions of N and P fertilizer rates were evaluated on two sites that had low soil test P (6 to 9 kg/ha). Interactions of N and K fertilizer rates and harvest system were evaluated on a site that had low soil test K (134 kg/ha). In the N and P rate experiments, biomass yields during establishment …

Physical And Chemical Composition Of Storage-Ripened Papaya (Carica Papaya L.) Fruits Of Eastern Tanzania, O C Othman

Tanzania Journal of Science

The proximate composition (ash, titratable acidity, crude fat, crude fibre, moisture and sugars), soluble solids, ascorbic acid, polyphenol oxidase activity, macro-nutrients and heavy metal contents of storage-ripened papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruits from Mbezi, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania were determined. The determinations were repeated for early, middle and late-season papaya fruits. The fruits were always harvested at the mature green stage and allowed to ripen during room temperature storage. The results showed that papaya fruits had high moisture content (>85.5%), low acidity (<0.18% c.a.), low crude fat (0.10 g/100 g-edible portion), moderate crude fibre (1.45 g/100 g-edible portion), high ascorbic acid content (>84.5 mg/100 g- fw), moderate total sugars (>13.0%) and soluble solids (>12.9%) content. Early-season …

Physico-Chemical Characteristics Of Storage-Ripened Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Fruits Varieties Of Eastern Tanzania, O C Othman, G P Mbogo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Two mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit varieties, Dodo and Viringe, from two localities of Eastern Tanzania, (Muheza in Tanga and Ifakara in Morogoro), were harvested as mature green fruits during early, mid and late season and allowed to ripen while stored at room temperature. The fruits were analyzed for their proximate composition (ash, titratable acidity, crude fat, crude fibre, moisture), reducing and total sugars content, ascorbic acid and total soluble solids content, concentration of four macro elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na) and seven heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn). The results showed that the mango fruits had …

Assessment Of Post-Harvest Technologies And Gender Relations In Maize Loss Reduction In Pangawe Village Eastern Tanzania, C P Rugumamu

Tanzania Journal of Science

In this paper the use of gender sensitive technologies in the reduction of post-harvest maize losses at farm level is advocated as a strategy for household food security. The study was conducted in Pangawe village, eastern Tanzania. It employed participatory approaches to investigate farmers’ perceptions on loss management. Storage trials were carried out to determine maize losses caused by insect pests in the sub-villages. Perceptions were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. ANOVA assessed losses in storage trials. Major post-harvest processes included farm field; en-route; homestead and storage. All activities except winnowing were carried out by both men and women at varying …

Evolution Of A Subtilisin-Like Protease Gene Family In The Grass Endophytic Fungus Epichloë Festucae, Michelle K. Bryant, Christopher L. Schardl, Uljana Hesse, Barry Scott

Plant Pathology Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Subtilisin-like proteases (SLPs) form a superfamily of enzymes that act to degrade protein substrates. In fungi, SLPs can play either a general nutritive role, or may play specific roles in cell metabolism, or as pathogenicity or virulence factors.

RESULTS: Fifteen different genes encoding SLPs were identified in the genome of the grass endophytic fungus Epichloë festucae. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these SLPs belong to four different subtilisin families: proteinase K, kexin, pyrolysin and subtilisin. The pattern of intron loss and gain is consistent with this phylogeny. E. festucae is exceptional in that it contains two kexin-like genes. Phylogenetic analysis …

Nebline, July 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Lancaster Rural Water District: Providing Water to Acreages and Villages for 35 Years
Watch for Blister Beetles in Alfalfa
Use of Copper Compounds to Control Algae in Farm Ponds
Two-Spotted Spider Mites
Water Conservation at Home Begins in the Bathroom, Laundry Room
Harvesting Rainwater Helps Conserve Water and Save Money
What to Do with Zucchini!
Fruits Are Good Source of Nutrients
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Environmental and Energy Saving Tips When Washing Dishes
Learn the Signs/Act Early Autism Awareness
Summer Safety Tips
There is Still Time to Control Bagworms …

Forage News [2009-07], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• UK All Commodity Field Day - July 23
• Mammoth Cave Area Field Day
• Anderson County to Host KFGC Field Day
• Improved Nitrate Testing for KY
• Stocker Cattle Performance and Calculated Pasture Costs
• Effects of Feeding Soybean Hulls and Steroid Implants on Weight Gain and Physiology of Steers Grazed on Toxic Tall Fescue
• Nominations Requested
• KFGC and AFGC
• Upcoming Events

B. R. Wells Rice Research Studies 2008, R. J. Norman, J. F. Meullenet, K. A. K. Moldenhauer

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

No abstract provided.

Crop Bioengineering: Enormous Potential For Catalyzing International Development, Peter Gregory, Stanley P. Kowalski

Law Faculty Scholarship

[Excerpt] Bioengineering provides unique and dramatic opportunities for crop improvement. It can be used to develop crop varieties that would otherwise be unavailable and can facilitate much faster and more precise ways of developing improved varieties. It can help to increase yields and reliability and thus reduce food costs for the consumer while helping to control input costs for farmers through reduced applications of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer.

The extent to which this will be achieved depends on how effectively the global scientific community – including both the public and private sectors – can cooperate in harnessing the power of …

Pasture Condition Guide For The Ord River Catchment, K Ryan, E Tierney, P Novelly

Bulletins 4000 -

This guide has been produced as a tool for assessing pasture condition over a range of pasture types in the Ord River catchment. A pasture type is a distinctive mix of plant species, soil type and landscape position. For example, the Mitchell Grass Alluvial Plain Pasture type is a mixture of Mitchell grasses and other species occurring on black soil alluvial plains.

Pasture condition is an important factor affecting the potential of the rangelands for animal production and is a useful indicator for the sustainability of production.

Forage News [2009-06], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• Hart County Hay Producer to Speak at AFGC
• Forage Workers Meet in Lexington
• Nominations Requested
• Kentucky Alfalfa Conference: 30th Anniversary
• UK Equine Field Day
• Rotational Grazing Benefits
• Adjust Conditioners for Maximum Drying
• Grazing Conference to be at Princeton
• UK Field Day - July 23
• Anderson County to Host KFGC Field Day
• KFGC and High Quality Forages
• Miscanthus - What is it?
• Upcoming Events

Nebline, June 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Proper Timing Crucial for Bagworm Control
Enjoy Eating Locally Grown Foods!
Drink Your “D” with Dairy
Resurgence in Farmers’ Markets is Good News
Follow Guidelines when Selling Crops Directly to Consumers
Ten Lawn Irrigation Tips
Determining and Sharing Irrigation Costs
When to Harvest Bromegrass Hay
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Air Conditioner Maintenance
June — National Safety Month
Ten Tips for Fertilizing Your Lawn
Bagworms on a Variety of Plants
Bed Bug Bites
Bed Bug Interceptors
4-H Life Challenge Contests
Lancaster County 4-H Horse VIPS Pre-Districts Format Clinic/Show/Fundraiser
4-H Clover …

Disruption Of Osysl15 Leads To Iron Inefficiency In Rice Plants, Sichul Lee, Jeff C. Chiecko, Sun A. Kim, Elsbeth L. Walker, Youngsook Lee, Mary Lou Guerinot, Gyhheung An

Dartmouth Scholarship

Uptake and translocation of metal nutrients are essential processes for plant growth. Graminaceous species release phytosiderophores that bind to Fe³⁺; these complexes are then transported across the plasma membrane. We have characterized OsYSL15, one of the rice (Oryza sativa) YS1-like (YSL) genes that are strongly induced by iron (Fe) deficiency. The OsYSL15 promoter fusion to β-glucuronidase showed that it was expressed in all root tissues when Fe was limited. In low-Fe leaves, the promoter became active in all tissues except epidermal cells. This activity was also detected in flowers and seeds. The OsYSL15:green …

Diversity, Distribution And Role Of Wild Crucifers In Major Cabbage And Kale Growing Areas Of Kenya, R. Kahuthia-Gathu, B. Löhr, H. M. Poehling, P. K. Mbugua

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

An investigation of the diversity and distribution of wild crucifer species and their importance for cultivated crucifers was conducted during 2005 and 2006 in the highland and mid-altitude semi-arid areas of Kenya. Thirteen species of wild crucifers in nine genera were recorded: Raphanus raphanistrum, Erucastrum arabicum, Sisymbrium officinale, Crambe kilimandscharica, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Rorippa nudiuscula, Ro. micrantha, Ro. microphylla, Lepidium bonariense, Coronopus didymus, Brassica rapa, B. juncea and an unidentified Brassica species. Highland areas had significantly higher species diversity and species richness than mid-altitude semi-arid areas. Species richness, diversity and evenness varied with season and location. Raphanus raphanistrum was the dominant …