Agriculture Commons^™

Factors Affecting Diet Selection In Sheep Fed Endophyte-Infected Toxic Fescue, Jordan Thomas, Ronelson Stinfil, Kenneth P. Coffey, Christine C. Nieman, Derico Setyabrata, Shawna Weimer

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) infected with toxin‑producing fungi can induce fescue toxicosis in grazing ruminants, reducing performance and altering forage intake. Chemical compounds in red clover (Trifolium pratense), such as biochanin A, have been proposed to mitigate these effects by improving palatability and blood vessel relaxation. This study examined whether the inclusion of ground red clover (GRC), either alone or in combination with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), affected voluntary diet selection in lambs offered toxic fescue. Thirty‑three lambs were housed individually and assigned randomly to one of four diets: (1) toxic …

Letter From The Faculty Editor, Beth Kegley

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Featured Faculty Mentor/Student Team, Lauren Rogers, Danielle Reeves

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

A Novel 3d Imaging Approach To Study Evolutionary Innovations In Solanaceae Inflorescences, Devin L. Jackson, Joonseog Kim, Wenheng Zhang Dr.

UROP Posters

Understanding the relatedness of angiosperms and the evolution of their inflorescence remains challenging, as these structures are highly modified and prone to convergent evolution. The current research describing inflorescence architecture, whether genetically or morphologically focused, typically relies on text based explanations, 2D images, or 3D based models created with CAD modeling software. This creates a disparity in the reader's understanding of these models since descriptions rely heavily on the author's interpretation of the inflorescence. The goal of our study is to bridge this disconnection by producing anatomically and color-correct 3D inflorescence models using Solanaceae flowers that readers can explore directly, …

Dwarf Tomato Cultivar Selection Guide, Abigail Lazier, Noah Langenfeld

Plants, Soils and Climate Student Research

This cultivar guide provides information on eighteen dwarf tomato cultivars grown at Utah State University. The goal is to help growers compare varieties based on plant size, productivity, fruit characteristics, and quality. Each cultivar profile includes a photograph of the plant along with key information on growth habit, size classification, yield, fruit size, and soluble solids (°brix). Whether you are selecting tomatoes for a patio, indoor garden, greenhouse, or other space-limited growing system, this guide offers an easy-to-use resource for identifying cultivars that best match your available space and production goals.

Letter From The Dean, Jeff Edwards

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 27 2026, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Soil Nutrient Sufficiency Versus Plant Nutrient Status In Compost-Amended Soils: Plant Tissue Analysis As A Diagnostic Tool, Chandralekha Joga Miss

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated whether Mehlich III soil nutrient sufficiency ratings reliably predict plant nutrient status and chlorophyll response across contrasting compost application histories. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with Chijimisai (Brassica rapa) planted in three treatment soils that had no compost (T1), moderate compost history (T2), and long-term hog manure compost application (T3). Plant performance was assessed through weekly shoot length and chlorophyll content (SPAD) measurements, leaf number at maturity, and leaf tissue nutrient analysis conducted at harvest. Soil test results indicated adequate to high nutrient levels across all three treatments. Leaf tissue analysis, however, revealed substantial …

Hydroponics In The Classroom: Cultivating Plants, Captivating Young People, Stacy A. Adams, Christian Stephenson, Theresa James, Kim Todd

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Few students take the initiative to pursue coursework beyond that required for progression to graduation. Limited are opportunities that connect educational content to industry application, potentially inspiring young people towards impactful careers. The United States government has emphasized the importance of STEM education to ensure national security and to maintain economic competitiveness globally. STEM education is not a defined discipline but an approach for building knowledge through application and engagement. Developing and managing a hydroponics prototype provides numerous opportunities for embedding STEM content into a fun and interactive project. This poster provides inspiration for constructing a simple deep water culture …

Pumpkin Variety Demonstration In West Michigan, 2025, Benjamin P. Werling, Justin Adams

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Pumpkin variety demonstrations were conducted in 2025 at the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center in Hart, MI, to compare yield, size class, and irrigation response among 21 pumpkin varieties representing jack-o’-lantern, large carving, and decorative cultivars. Demonstration plots were established on sandy soil under standard commercial fertility, pest management, and weed control practices. To assess irrigation effects under dry conditions, approximately 60% of each plot received supplemental sprinkler irrigation.

Jack-o’-lantern varieties varied in size distribution, with some producing a mix of 60, 45, and 30–35 count fruit with few larger-sized pumpkins. Others skewed toward larger bin count classes. …

Patch Mow Grazing: Investigating The Effects Of Mowing On Forage Nutritive Value, The Biomass–Nutritive Value Relationship, And Herbivore Selection, Trace R. Stauble

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Herbivore foraging behavior plays a critical role in shaping grassland structural heterogeneity, with selection often driven by forage biomass and nutritive value. Currently, it is thought that herbivores primarily select areas that are greater in nutritive value, and low in biomass. More specifically, disturbances like fire and grazing have been thoroughly studied showing that recently burned and grazed areas are not only higher in nutritive value but disproportionately selected by herbivores in comparison to undisturbed areas. However, most studies address only narrow ranges of defoliation, comparing intensely defoliated sites (< 10 cm) to those that are either not defoliated or have experienced a much longer time since defoliation, thereby decreasing grazing pressure as biomass increases. However, one of the most widely used methods of defoliation in grasslands, mowing, hasn’t been thoroughly studied for its effects on nutritive value, and how it impacts herbivore selection. Our study aimed to (1) evaluate how mowing treatments—i.e., short (5 cm), medium (18 cm), and tall (>30 cm, unmown)—affect nutritive value and herbivore selection, (2) assess …

Cover Crop Influence On Arthropod Biodiversity And Soil–Water Dynamics In A Semi-Arid Maize–Soybean Sequence Of The Nebraska High Plains, Carlos Eduardo De Oliveira Martins

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

With the expansion of cover crop (CC) use in semi-arid regions, producers in the Nebraska High Plains are increasingly interested in understanding how CCs influence both beneficial arthropods and soil-water within maize-soybean (Zea mays L., Glycine max [L.] Merr.) rotations. Integrating CCs in these systems can enhance soil water availability and beneficial insect activity, but potential trade-offs include higher early-season water use by CCs and the risk of increasing potential pest populations. This thesis addresses these questions through two complementary studies conducted under field conditions near Brule, Nebraska. The first study evaluated the effects of a multi-species CC mixture …

Evaluating Metamitron Efficacy For Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus Palmeri) Management In Sugarbeet Across The Central High Plains, Abraham Akuoko

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Herbicide-resistant (HR) Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) is regarded as one of the most prominent weeds within sugarbeet fields across the Central High Plains, with limited chemical control options. Although a few herbicides are available, their use is restrictive due to crop injury concerns and can only be applied at or after the 2–4 true leaf (TL) growth stage, which will provide no control for already emerged weeds. However, Palmer amaranth often emerges between sugarbeet planting and the 2 TL sugarbeet growth stage. Consequently, as of 2023, there were no herbicide options to control Palmer amaranth in sugarbeet …

Characterizing The Germination Process And Establishing Best Practices For Seed Propagation Of Tamaulipan Thornscrub Species For Habitat Restoration, Saroj Dhakal

Theses and Dissertations

Tamaulipan thornscrub is an imperiled plant community of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Given its importance for biodiversity conservation, stakeholders have been involved in restoration programs using seedlings grown from wild seeds. However, stakeholders often report that insufficient seedling supply is a challenge. To address knowledge gaps in seed germination behavior limiting seedling production, this study was conducted on 18 Tamaulipan thornscrub species, identified by growers as difficult to germinate. Seeds of all studied species are orthodox except Amyris texana, which have recalcitrant properties. Nine species have physical dormancy that was successfully addressed with mechanical and/or chemical scarification. Other species …

Citrullus Amarus Drought Tolerance: An Above And Below Ground Analysis, Ben A. Hyland

All Theses

Ever rising environmental temperatures threaten global food security by worsening severity and increasing the occurrence of drought. Commercially cultivated watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), have reduced drought tolerance due to a narrow genetic base caused by breeding for desirable traits such as sweetness, size, and flesh/rind color. Comparatively, the crop wild relative desert watermelon variety (Citrullus amarus), while more drought tolerant than their commercially cultivated relatives (C. lanatus), still require large amounts of water to grow and produce reliable fruit yields. Watermelon root morphology plays a key role in their ability to tolerate drought, with more …

Post-Fire Soil Health Assessment Of The Grasslands And Woodlands In The Semi-Arid Nebraska Sandhills, Stephanie M. Lugo

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Grasslands in the Nebraska Sandhills are shaped by natural wildfires, which help maintain the structure and function of native grasslands. In recent decades, afforestation with ponderosa pine and eastern redcedar has introduced new woodlands that altered the region’s fire dynamics and raised important questions about the effects of wildfire on different vegetation types. As wildfires become more frequent, understanding their impacts on soil health in grasslands and woodlands becomes increasingly important. This study examines the short-term effects of the 2022 Bovee Fire on physical, chemical, and biological soil properties in native grasslands and ponderosa pine and eastern redcedar afforested woodlands. …

Vermicomposting, Hayley Waldbillig, Roslynn Brain, Scott Kent, Roslynn Brain Mccann

All Current Publications

Vermicomposting, or worm composting as it is more commonly known, is the process of using worms to break down discarded food and other organic wastes and convert them into compost and liquid fertilizers.

Evaluation Of Six Roma Tomato Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A Roma tomato cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). HM Clause (HM), Lark (LK), and Sakata (SK) seed companies donated 6 cultivars for plastic mulch-bedded hand harvest. Overall, the trial quality was good, with periods of high heat slowing ripening.

Evaluation Of Nine Sh2 Sweet Corn Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A bicolor sh2 sweet corn cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Seeds were donated by Crookham (CK), and Rupp (RP) seed companies. Two synergistic varieties were donated by Chris Difonzo from the Bt resistance project and were treated as unsprayed late-season checks against caterpillar infestation. Overall trial conditions were hot and dry, with moisture stress throughout the trial on a sandy hill. Overhead irrigation provided some relief. A new seeder was used that planted at a lower population than desired. As such, yield suffered in this trial.

Effect Of Microbial Inoculation On Phosphate And Nitrogen Uptake From Dry Soil By Two Grasses With Different Nutrient Acquisition Strategies, Reem Hamdan Alkaabi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Organic matter and other sources of plant nutritional elements typically enter the soil from its surface, resulting in topsoil having the highest microbial activity, concentration of nutritional elements, and rooting densities. In agricultural systems of the UAE, high ambient temperature triggers rapid evaporation and causes the topsoil to dry. Nutrient uptake from dry soil is very challenging for plants, and topsoil dryness can have a negative impact on plant performance.

Beneficial soil microorganisms mediate plant growth by inducing tolerance against abiotic stresses. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi extend a large network of hyphae that helps the plants to acquire water and …

Turfgrass Weed Control For Professionals, 2024, Aaron J. Patton, Matthew T. Elmore

Purdue University Press Books

Turfgrass is used on everything from athletic fields, golf courses, and parks, to lawns, sod farms, and roadsides. Unfortunately, information on weed management for professionals maintaining these areas has often been inaccurate or out of date, and applicators are frequently unaware of the most effective methods for controlling weeds in turf. Written by experts in the field and featuring insights from contributors from sixteen states across the US, the 2024 edition of Turfgrass Weed Control for Professionals was developed to provide science-based information for those working in the field. It contains information about turfgrass management, weed biology and management, more …

Nebline, November/December 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents

Nebraska Extension celebrates 25 years of nutrition school enrichment kits

Recipe of the month: Fruit & yogurt parfait

Celebrating the season with American persimmon by Rachel Anderson

Love gardening? Become a master gardener by Mary Jane Frogge

Extension master gardener volunteer spotlight: Carol Rustad

Garden guide: Things to do this month by Mary Jane Frogge

Choosing child care: What parents should know by Jaci Foged

Commercial/noncommercial pesticide license

Little black bugs, big bite by Kait Chapman [about pirate bugs]

What you need to know about having a well drilled by Becky Schuerman

2026 nebraska custom rates survey by Glennis …

Value Of Horticulture From Western Australia 2023–24, Manju Radhakrishnan, Rohan Prince

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

In 2023–24, WA produced approximately $1.92 billion worth of fresh fruit, nuts, vegetables, and amenity horticulture at the wholesale level. The real value of Western Australia’s horticulture sector, as of 2023–24, grew by 9.6% compared to 2020 levels, driving regional economic development.

Nebline, October 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents

4-H super fair helps youth become beyond ready

What's popping? by Natalie Sehi

Recipes of the month, by Kayla Colgrove: Fish bait snack mix, kicked up popcorn, and cinnamon crunch snack mix

Are your trees for the next storm? by Rachel Anderson

Garden guide: Things to do this month by Mary Jane Frogge

GRO Big Red virtual learning series

Composting demonstration

Promoting language development in young children by Hayley Jackson

Tip sheet for harvest 2025 by John Nelson

Rogers Memorial Day farm field day, September 2025

Heart of 4-H volunteer award: Rachel Wells

Join 4-H to become beyond ready …

Statice Cut Flower Production In Utah, Kellie Webb, Melanie Stock, Benjamin Scow, Cheyenne Reid, Victoria Xiong, Ali Harrison, Lorin Harrison, Amanda Pratt, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky

All Current Publications

Statice is a cut-and-come-again, full-sun annual with clustered, papery blooms. Plants have lower water needs and a moderate tolerance to salinity, making this crop a sustainable choice for cut flower production in Utah and other states with water and soil limitations. This fact sheet provides information on statice cultivars, site preparation, germination, transplanting and spacing, trellising, nutrient management, harvest, economics for producers, and pest and disease management.

Stake-And-Weave Trellising Produces Higher Tomato Yield In High Tunnels Than Does A Double- Or Multiple-Leader Vertical-String Support System, Elizabeth Maynard

Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Faculty Publications

Yield of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) grown in high tunnels in Wanatah, IN, USA, was evaluated using two plant support systems: stake-and-weave or vertical-string. With stake-and-weave, plants were not pruned; stakes were placed every two plants and string was woven horizontally along either side of the plants along the row. With vertical-string, indeterminate cultivars Big Beef and Cherokee Purple were pruned to two stems and each stem was clipped to a vertical string. For the determinate cultivar Mountain Fresh, all branches below the first main stem flower cluster except one were removed and the main stem and major branches …

Larkspur Cut Flower Production In Utah, Nick Volesky, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

Larkspur is an annual crop that provides vertical structure, height, and balance to floral arrangements. Stems also dry well, making them ideal for dried floral designs and other products. Paired with low input costs compared to many other flowers, larkspur is a competitive local crop for small farms. Utah State University (USU) trialed three colors for each Cannes, Fancy, and QIS^TM series (C. ajacis) in 2023 and 2024. This fact sheet covers site preparation, direct sowing and plant density, nutrient management, irrigation, pests and disease, harvest and storage, and economics.

Nebline, August/September 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents

Summertime’s Natural Light Show: Fireflies by Kait Chapman

Insect Science with Kids: Bug Collecting as a Tool to Learn

The Perfect Partnership: EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Join Forces for Lifelong Nutrition and Health by Emily Gratopp

Recipe of the month by Emily Gratopp: Fruit salsa & cinnamon chips

Southeast nebraska Pasture & Acreage Expo

Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa & Wheat Expo

Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent workshop

Vegetable Gardening in the Fall by Mary Jane Frogge

GRO Big Red virtual learning series

2025 perennial plant of the year: Blue mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)

Garden guide: Things to do this month by …