Life Sciences Commons^™

Maples In The Landscape, Sheriden M. Hansen, Jaydee Gunnell, Andra Emmertson

All Current Publications

Maple trees (Acer sp.) are a common fixture and beautiful addition to Utah landscapes. There are over one hundred species, each with numerous cultivars (cultivated varieties) that are native to both North America and much of Northern Europe. Trees vary in size and shape, from small, almost prostrate forms like certain Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) and shrubby bigtooth maples (Acer grandidentatum) to large and stately shade trees like the Norway maple (Acer platanoides). Tree shape can vary greatly, ranging from upright, columnar, rounded, pyramidal to spreading. Because trees come in a range …

Size And Scope Of Utah County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Dean Miner

All Current Publications

Utah County is located in the middle of the state. The county seat and largest city is Provo. As of 2018, the population of the county was estimated at 622,213. The Wasatch Mountain Range is in the eastern portion of the county. The elevation drops quickly from the mountains in the east to the Utah Lake valley in the center of the county. This fact sheet reviews land ownership, crop and livestock production, and farm income and age of operators.

Snapdragon Cut Flower Production In Utah, Maegen Lewis, Melanie Stock, Tiffany Maughan, Brent Black, Dan Drost

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes snapdragon cut flower production in Utah. Snapdragons can bloom spring through fall, with the highest quality stems produced during cool temperatures. Cultivars are grouped based on their blooming response to light and temperature. High-quality stem production can last up to 21 weeks by using multiple groups, staggered planting dates in a high tunnel and field, pinching, and pruning techniques.

Piojos En Los Humanos, Erin W. Hodgson, Celina Wille

All Current Publications

Las infestaciones de piojos en humanos, llamadas pediculosis, son muy comunes en todo el mundo. Los piojos pueden transmitir enfermedades y son insectos parásitos en humanos, mascotas y ganado. Los piojos pertenecen al orden Phthiraptera y generalmente se dividen en dos grupos según las piezas bucales y las preferencias alimentarias. Los piojos masticadores (Mallophaga) tienen mandíbulas bien desarrolladas y comen piel, plumas y pelaje de aves y mamíferos.

Podredumbre Del Cuello De La Cebolla Por Botrytis, Claudia Nischwitz, Christine Dhiman, Dan Drost, Celina Wille

All Current Publications

La podredumbre del cuello de la cebolla por Botrytis es una enfermedad causada por los hongos Botrytis aclada y B. allii. Estos hongos pueden encontrarse en el suelo o transmitirse por semillas y pueden estar presentes en cualquier región donde se cultiven cebollas o ajos. La Botrytis puede producir esporas en el tejido de las hojas y ser dispersada por el viento para infectar bulbos dañados. Las cebollas y el ajo que están infectados parecen estar empapados de agua en la región del cuello y cambian a un color marrón a como el hongo crece y se propaga hacia la …

Southwest Utah Turfgrass Management Calendar, Kelly Kopp, Candace Schaible, Mark Nelson, Steven J. Price

All Current Publications

This is a calendar for turfgrass management for southwest Utah and includes guidelines for seeding, overseeding, sodding, fertilization, mowing, aeration, weed control, and irrigation.

Chinche De La Semilla Del Olmo, Ryan Davis, Celina Wille

All Current Publications

En julio del 2014, el Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de Plagas de Plantas de Utah y USDA APHIS confirmaron el primer reporte de chinche de semilla del olmo (Lygaeidae: Arocatus melanocephalus) en el estado de Utah. Originaria de Europa, la chinche de la semilla del olmo se identificó por primera vez en los Estados Unidos en Idaho en 2012. Desde entonces se ha encontrado en Oregón, Washington, Columbia Británica, Canadá y en varios lugares de Asia y Europa. Si bien el primer reporte en Utah se originó en el condado de Salt Lake, la chinche de la semilla del olmo ahora …

Utah Hay And Forage Grower Preferred Drought Management Strategies, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

This fact sheet, the third in a series of three, examines the preferred drought management strategies of hay and forage growers and how their preferences change depending on drought severity and expected yields. Severe drought in forage production causes crop damage and losses leading to decreases in yield and profitability for growers (Yost et al., 2019). Water shortages are also common, with restrictions on use commonly imposed, especially in the late summer months. Hence, extended drought poses a threat to agricultural productivity and the economies of rural and tribal areas in Utah.

Mancha Anular Necrótica Y Mancha De Verano Del Césped, Claudia Nischwitz, Kelly Kopp, Jaydee Gunnell, Kent Evans, Erin Frank, Celina Wille

All Current Publications

La mancha anular necrótica y mancha de verano del césped son enfermedades fúngicas que infectan los pastos de estación fría y causan síntomas similares. Los síntomas comienzan como un crecimiento deficiente y marchitez de las hojas, que se convierten en parches marrones obvios que varían de 1 a 3 pies de diámetro. Debido a los síntomas similares que se observan en la infección por ambos patógenos, se necesita un microscopio para diagnosticar adecuadamente cada enfermedad. El manejo de ambas enfermedades puede ser difícil y frecuentemente requiere una combinación de técnicas de control cultural, químico y varietal.

Utah Livestock Producer Preferred Drought Management Strategies, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

This fact sheet, the second in a series of three, examines livestock producer preferred drought management strategies and how producer preferences change depending on drought severity and expected grazing efficiency. Severe drought in livestock production leads to decreases in feed availability, range or hay quality, and overall lower quality beef (Holupchinski et al., n.d.). Hence, drought increases production costs and producer dependence on imported feed. Thus, extended drought poses a threat to agricultural productivity and the economies of rural and tribal areas in Utah.

Utah Fresh Produce Grower Preferred Drought Management Strategies, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

This fact sheet, the first in a series of three, examines the preferred drought management strategies of fresh produce growers and how their preferences change depending on drought severity and expected yields. Severe drought in fresh produce production causes stunted growth resulting in smaller, lower quality produce, as well as increased vulnerability to pests, all of which result in large economic losses (Holupchinski et al., n.d.). Water shortages are also common, with restrictions on use commonly imposed, especially in the late summer months. Hence, extended drought poses a threat to agricultural productivity and the economies of rural and tribal areas …

High Tunnel Pest Management - Aphids, Nick Volesky, Zachery R. Schrumm

All Current Publications

Aphids are a common pest found on high tunnel crops such as fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, grasses, and weeds. Four aphid species commonly found in Utah in high tunnels are green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), melon aphid (Aphis gossypii), potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), and cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). This fact sheet describes different aphids and reviews the aphid life cycle. It also addresses how to monitor for damage caused by aphids and cultural, biological, and chemical controls.

Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia Lignaria): Commercial Pollinator For Orchards, Theresa Pitts-Singer

All Current Publications

The most common mason bee in Utah is the blue orchard bee. Blue orchard bees collect pollen from a large variety of flowering plants but prefer fruit trees from the family Rosaceae. Recent concerns about honey bees, coupled with the blue orchard bee’s superior pollination of tree fruits, have increased interest in rearing blue orchard bees.

Goatsrue (Galega Officinalis) Identification And Management In Pastures And Croplands, Jacob Hadfield, Corey Ransom, Cody Zesiger, Clark Israelsen

All Current Publications

Goatsrue is an aggressive invasive plant and a declared Utah state noxious weed (Category 1B). It was introduced into the Cache Valley in 1891 and spread through the irrigation canals, streams, and rivers of the Bear River drainage. Cache County has one of the largest goatsrue infestations in the nation. Luckily, only small infestations are found in neighboring counties (Box Elder, Rich, Weber, and Davis). Goatsrue’s rapid growth, prolific seed production, and ability to spread quickly through waterways make it a problem and concern for many residents of Cache County. Properly identifying and managing goatsrue can help reduce the size …

Irrigation Management In High Tunnels, Dan Drost, Brent Black, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

High tunnels provide season extension for various high-value horticulture crops in a diverse range of climates. These large, plastic-covered structures modify the environmental conditions of the covered area. Temperature management is commonly the focus when growing in high tunnels as this may be the key factor limiting plant growth during much of the year. While high tunnel temperature management is important, growers also need to address water management to ensure plants are not water-stressed. Common mistakes are underestimating water needs, which stresses plants or creates conditions favoring plant diseases and nutrient leaching from overwatering. Knowing when to irrigate and how …

Nutrition And Chronic Pain, Elise Withers, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Riley Samples, Maren Wright Voss

All Current Publications

The internet is full of information about anti-inflammatory diets, foods, and supplements claiming to prevent or alleviate chronic pain. For those who struggle with chronic pain, sound dietary advice is essential to improve intake and ultimately decrease pain (Arranz et al., 2010). However, it’s important to note that research showing the impact of specific foods on health and the immune system is currently limited; therefore, these claims should be interpreted with caution (Elma et al., 2020; Harvard Health, 2018). This fact sheet will cover (1) how inflammation affects chronic pain and (2) how eating a well-balanced diet may help reduce …

Aphid Natural Enemies And Biological Control, Ron Patterson, Ricardo Ramirez

All Current Publications

This fact sheet lists common arthropods of Utah that eat aphids. It will help identify those arthropods and will describe management practices that aid in their success. Many of these predators will eat other plant damaging insects in addition to aphids.

Tips To Safely Ferment Food At Home, Kelsie Maw, Brian Nummer, Callahan K. Ward, Melanie Jewkes

All Current Publications

Fermenting foods is perhaps the oldest food preservation method and has grown in popularity in recent years due to their touted “gut,” probiotic, and other additional health benefits. Fermenting at home is an inexpensive way to control what goes inside your food. Fermentation is the process of “good” microorganisms fermenting sugars and nutrients in food to produce byproducts (acids) that usually preserve the food in some manner. For example, milk is fermented to produce acids that create cheese, yogurt, and other products. In most cases, fermentation alone cannot produce a shelf-stable (room temperature) food product. Nearly all fermented foods require …

Ingredient Substitutions And Equivalents, Ann Henderson, Suzanne Jorgenson, Susan Haws

All Current Publications

This fact sheet lists substitutions for leavening agents, liquids, sugars, flour, fats, rice and pasta, spices and miscellaneous items. Also lists equivalent measurements.

Pinyon-Juniper Ecology And Management, Gabrielle Harden, Darren Mcavoy

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes pinyon-juniper ecology, expansion, and management.

Western Conenose Bug (Kissing Bug), Zachery R. Schrumm

All Current Publications

The western conenose bug is the only species of kissing bug that is known to occur in Utah, and it is uncommon. Kissing bugs feed on the blood of vertebrates and can transmit the parasite that causes Chagas disease in humans. However, the transmission of the parasite does not occur from a kissing bug bite, but rather from the insect’s feces that can be infected with the parasite. Transmission of the parasite from the western conenose bug is less likely compared to other species of kissing bugs that exist in other areas of the United States. Prevent kissing bugs in …

Community Agriculture: Concepts, Models, And Impacts, Bayli Hanson, Roslynn Brain Mccann, Sean Damitz

All Current Publications

Community agriculture initiatives are often run by organizations (1) relying on volunteer structures; (2) growing produce sustainably; and (3) aiming to improve health and access to food in their communities. To clarify “growing produce sustainably,” the Utah Conservation Corps Urban Community Farm (UCC UCF) (a volunteer and AmeriCorps-driven community agriculture model based in Logan, Utah) engages in regenerative agriculture practices, which are reviewed in this fact sheet. Community agriculture benefits and challenges are explored.

Economic Impacts Of Drought In Utah: Uintah And Ouray Reservation, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim

All Current Publications

Sustaining agricultural production on tribal lands will become progressively more challenging in the future due to decreased water availability, extended droughts, and changes in precipitation amounts and timing. The objective of this fact sheet is to illustrate the economic impacts of drought on agriculture and the economy of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in Utah.

Impacts Of Drought On Tribal Economies In New Mexico, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim

All Current Publications

Sustaining agricultural production on tribal lands will become progressively more challenging in the future due to decreased water availability, extended droughts, and changes in precipitation amounts and timing. This fact sheet will illustrate the potential economic impacts of drought on agriculture and reservation economies in New Mexico. New Mexico is the fifth driest state in the United States, with average yearly precipitation of 13.38 inches, and 69% of the state experienced abnormally dry conditions over the past two decades. The results discussed here cover six reservations located in New Mexico, including Acoma Pueblo, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Laguna Pueblo, Mescalero Apache …

Impacts Of Drought On Tribal Economies In Arizona, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim

All Current Publications

Sustaining agricultural production on tribal lands will become progressively more challenging in the future due to decreased water availability, extended droughts, and changes in precipitation amounts and timing. The objective of this fact sheet is to illustrate the economic impacts of drought on agriculture and reservation economies in Arizona. Arizona is the fourth driest state in the United States, with average yearly precipitation of 11.24 inches, and 78% of the state experienced abnormally dry conditions over the past 20 years. The results discussed here cover five reservations located in Arizona, including the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, San Carlos Apache Tribe, …

Impacts Of Drought On Tribal Economies In Nevada, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim

All Current Publications

Sustaining agricultural production (e.g., crops, food, livestock) on tribal lands will become progressively more challenging in the future due to decreased water availability, extended droughts, and changes in precipitation amounts and timing. The objective of this fact sheet is to illustrate the economic impacts of drought on agriculture and reservation economies in Nevada.

Peony Cut Flower Production Budget, One Field, Northern Utah, 2020, Maegen Lewis, Melanie Stock, Ruby Ward, Brent Black, Dan Drost

All Current Publications

This enterprise budget contains costs (preplant and site preparation, establishment and maintenance, and harvest and processing) and returns for the production and sale of peony cut flowers that were grown in a field (14 feet by 42 feet, the size of one high tunnel for comparison). Peonies are a perennial crop that require at least three years for establishment and produce in years 4-20. The costs are representative, but should be adjusted where necessary for individual situations. The net income resulting from stems sold at a price of $5.00 per high-quality stem (100% sold) and $2.00 per low quality stem …

Pet Rabbit Projects: Getting Started, Melanie Stock, Jessie Hadfield, Jake Hadfield, Nicloe Reed

All Current Publications

Rabbits are becoming increasingly popular companion animals. Pet rabbits can thrive in rural and suburban environments and can happily live indoors or outside. They are relatively low maintenance compared to some of the more common family pets and are great for all ages of youth with proper supervision and education. It is important not to be fooled into thinking they are an easy pet, however. Rabbits are a long-term commitment that require daily care and continued effort. This fact sheet has tips to get started keeping rabbits as pets.

The State Of Outdoor Recreation In Utah 2020, Jordan Smith, Anna B. Miller

All Current Publications

The purpose of this report is to provide a high-level review of the trends that define outdoor recreation within Utah. We do this by distilling data from a variety of sources, focusing on ‘key metrics’ that can be tracked over time, serving as a finger on the pulse on the health of outdoor recreation within Utah. Data on outdoor recreation participation and its benefits and impacts varies considerably across the state depending upon the managing agency collecting the data. This report focuses on statewide data available for outdoor recreation opportunities provided on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, …

Understanding Free-Roaming Horse Conflicts With Wildlife In The Great Basin, S. Nicole Frey, Eric Thacker, Katlyn Uhart

All Current Publications

Horses and burros were introduced to North America in the 1600s with European missionaries and explorers. Over time, abandoned and released horses and burros formed herds and by the time European-American settlers began to explore North America in the 1700s, these free-roaming horses and burros had adapted to their habitat and been incorporated into Native American culture. By the mid-1900s, most Americans considered these horses as wild and symbols of freedom and beauty.

In 1971, Congress passed the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (Public Law 73-482) to provide federal protection for free-roaming horses and burros (also known as …