IN THIS NEWSLINE ISSUED SEPTEMBER 23, 2004:

1. NATURAL FUNGICIDE PATENTED
2. NAME CHANGE FOR INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
3. UA FARM IN MARANA TO BE AUCTIONED SOON TO GROW MORE HOMES
4. CALS HOSTS PRE-COLLEGE OVERVIEW AND FOOTBALL GAME
5. EQUINE REPRODUCTIVE WORKSHOPS
6. THE ACCUMULATION OF MANURE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
7. PU'TAVI/TUHISMA HOPI ARTS AND CRAFTS
8. HOELSCHER DAY RECEIVES TOP AWARD FROM COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
9. UA/CALS HOMECOMING EVENTS
10. FIELD DAY AT MARICOPA AGRICULTURAL CENTER ON OCTOBER 6
11. COMMEMORATIVE BENCHES INSTALLED ALONG OLIVE WALK
12. NATIONAL 4-H WEEK
13. CALS STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO DIVERSE CLUBS
14. GARDENING EVENTS
15. TREE-PLANTING GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR HIGHER ELEVATIONS
16. DROUGHT BRINGS HOPE OF COOPERATION AMONG COLORADO RIVER WATER USERS
    

1 NATURAL FUNGICIDE PATENTED

The University of Arizona has licensed its patent for a natural fungicide to Jeneil Biosurfactant Company, a winner of the 2004 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award.

The patent is for the use of a natural product called rhamnolipid to combat fungus-like organisms that cause some of the most economically damaging plant diseases in the world. Compared with other fungicides, "rhamnolipid, because of its biological nature, has less toxicity and better biodegradability," according to Raina M. Maier, a professor in the department of soil, water and environmental science who is one of the inventors.  

The organisms, known as zoosporic plant pathogens, cause diseases that include root rots of citrus and pepper, downy mildew of pumpkin, cucumber, grape and pepper, and the late blight of potato, the disease associated with the 19th century Irish potato famine. Zoosporic plant pathogens also cause the sudden oak death affecting oak trees in California and Europe. 

Raina M. Maier, Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science

To learn more:
http://cals.arizona.edu/media/archives/6.10.html

2 NAME CHANGE FOR INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

The University of Arizona's three-year-old interdisciplinary life sciences initiative, the Institute for Biomedical Science and Biotechnology (IBSB), has changed its name to the "BIO5 Institute."  

"We needed a name that is easy to remember and one that conveys what we are doing with the institute," said director Vicki Chandler. "I think BIO5 does that."

Chandler said the "5" represents the major disciplines within which BIO5 scientists pursue their interdisciplinary research: agriculture, medicine, pharmacy, science and engineering. BIO5's interdisciplinary teams will take on some of the most complex biological problems.

"BIO5 scientists are looking for better ways to diagnose, treat or prevent diseases like asthma, diabetes and cancer; better ways to feed a hungry world and maintain livable environments," she said. "It is work that will have tremendous positive impact on people and how they live their lives."  

Chandler is refining the BIO5 research focus. Current initiatives include agricultural biotechnology, respiratory immunobiology, quantitative biology and a chemical screening facility for drug discovery. Other multidisciplinary research initiatives will be added in the months ahead, with selection based on strong science, but also on potential to contribute to continued development of a strong biosciences industry. "BIO5 was built to benefit the economy, to help boost bio industry," said Chandler. "It is a founding mandate of the institute."

Vicki L. Chandler, BIO5 Institute

To learn more: http://www.bio5.org

3 UA FARM IN MARANA TO BE AUCTIONED SOON TO GROW MORE HOMES

The UA is preparing for its biggest move of farming operations in 20 years to make way for urban development. Nearly 200 acres that have sustained cotton and other crops for a half-century have now grown into a valuable commodity - prime Marana real estate that will go to auction within the current school year, University of Arizona officials confirmed.

The movement of UA farms to make room for expanding communities is a dance about as old as Arizona's statehood. But the pressures on farming operations are increasing as nearly as many people are projected to move into Arizona in the next 15 years than did in its first 80.

While farms are part of Arizona's history, the increasingly high-tech nature of agriculture research is as essential to Arizona's economy and future as ever - and possibly more so.

Some signs of change: 

• Agricultural researchers are increasingly dividing their time between farm fields and high-tech labs, working alongside researchers in other fields.
• UA experts who have long studied ways to make food cheaper and cultivate growth in hostile climates now are also providing information they hope will help find cures for cancer and solve other problems of human disease and health.
• Some of the most cutting-edge research is focused on producing quality food using less land.
   

Source: Arizona Daily Star

To learn more: http://cals.arizona.edu/media/archives/9.9.html

4 CALS HOSTS PRE-COLLEGE OVERVIEW AND FOOTBALL GAME

As part of a unique student recruitment effort, the UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences collaborated with various departments across campus to bring high school and community college students to campus, September 11th, for a pre-college overview and Wildcat football.

More than 150 prospective students and their parents from across Arizona discovered career opportunities in the life sciences, agriculture, natural resources and health & human services. The multi-media presentations featured current CALS students, accomplished faculty, and proud alumni, who provided insight on the CALS experience.  

The tailgate barbecue dinner in the Student Union Grand Ballroom was highlighted by the fanfare of the Alumni Marching Band. Students concluded their visit to campus by supporting the Wildcats at the UA versus Utah football game, later that evening. 

To learn more about the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' recruitment programs, scholarship information and more check out the Office of Academic Programs online at the link listed below, or contact our office, Forbes 211, P.O. Box 210036, Tucson, AZ 85721-0036, 520-621-3616.  

Paul Kohn, CALS Office of Academic Programs

To learn more: http://cals.arizona.edu/OAP/

5 EQUINE REPRODUCTIVE WORKSHOPS

The UA Equine Reproductive Management Schools, for horse owners interested in learning the basic skills necessary to breed horses, will be held in two different sessions during October in Tucson. The schools are intended to provide instruction for those wishing to acquire new skills or to refresh their knowledge.

Skills covered include proper hygiene practices, estrus detection, evaluation of external genitalia, cervical evaluation, artificial insemination, stallion handling, semen collection and evaluation, and semen preservation.

The school features approximately 8 hours of lecture and 8 hours of applied instruction in mare and stallion management, with an emphasis on artificial insemination practices.

Each two-day school will be held at the UA Equine Center located at the UA Agricultural Center in Tucson (corner of Roger Rd and Campbell Ave). The first school is October 2 & 3, and the second school is on October 23 & 24. Enrollment is limited to 10 active participants per school. Fees: Registration fees are $450.00 per person and include lectures, laboratories, lunches and Saturday evening's dinner. Audit fees are available for spouses and cover attendance and meals. Registration fees (payable to The University of Arizona) should be sent to: Dr. Mark Arns, Shantz 227, P.O. Box 210038, Tucson, AZ 85721-0038.  

Mark Arns, Department of Animal Sciences

To learn more: http://animal.cals.arizona.edu/equine/workshops/Equine_Reproductive_Management.pdf

6 THE ACCUMULATION OF MANURE IN THE ENVIRONMENT

America is knee-deep in manure. The booming cattle, pork, and poultry industries produced nearly 1.4 billion tons of animal waste last year--130 times more than the human population does. While some of the manure was used to fertilize cropland, much of it was stored in "lagoons"--pits of sludge a half-mile wide and 20 feet deep--that pose a threat to fresh air and clean water nationwide.  

There are several economic approaches to controlling the environmental risks posed by animal wastes. Financial assistance programs can help farmers offset the costs for improved nutrient management. Taxes and government regulations may also induce better production practices. New markets for pollutants can be created with programs that transfer excess manure to areas needing additional nutrients. Finally, research may help develop cost-effective production practices that are less environmentally damaging.

Robert Innes, Agricultural and Resource Economics

To learn more: http://cals.arizona.edu/arec/dept/flyers/dung.html

7 PU'TAVI/TUHISMA HOPI ARTS AND CRAFTS

Community-building workshops with members of the Hopi tribe in Mishongnovi were held in 2003 to help develop a strategic plan for responding to village needs. The Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development eventually grew into the development of a Hopi-run nonprofit organization known as Pu'tavi(one path), which includes 13 villages.  

Activities have included training to increase hands-on silversmithing techniques, workshops on improving computer skills to market products on the Internet, and the creation of affordable venues for sales of authentic Hopi arts. Pu'tavi initiated the Tuhisma show, held in October for local artisans to show their wares on the reservation where tourists can buy them.

The 4th Annual Tuhisma (Creative Hands) Hopi Arts & Crafts Market will held at the Hopi Veterans Memorial Center at Kykotsmovi, AZ on October 9-10, 2004.  

Contact Matt Livingston, Hopi Reservation 

To learn more: http://hopiartshow2004.homestead.com/hopiartshow2004.html

8 HOELSCHER DAY RECEIVES TOP AWARD FROM COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

The Extension Faculty of the year award is presented annually to an outstanding faculty nominated by peers and selected by a committee composed of the elected chair of the county directors, the elected head of department heads and school directors, and a former faculty award winner.

Sharon Hoelscher Day, a family and consumer sciences extension agent in Maricopa County for the past 20 years, was given the award at the 2004 CALS faculty conference. She was recently elected president of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.  

In addition to other accomplishments, Hoelscher Day pioneered the use of Distance Learning Workshops using the NAU NET for Food Safety Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) training across five counties. She demonstrated effective outreach through Occasional Quantity Cooks workshops across the state, training more than 450 people in food safety. Examples of partnerships she has fostered include the Arizona Osteoporosis Coalition, Safe Food, Winning Sports Nutrition, DES-TANF Life Skills, Bone Builders and the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program.

Jim Christenson, Arizona Cooperative Extension  

To learn more: http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/fcs

9 UA/CALS HOMECOMING EVENTS

October 29 - 2004 Touchstone Energy AGCAT Open Golf Tournament will be kicking off CALS Homecoming at the El Conquistador golf resort. Registration and breakfast will be from 6:30-7:15 a.m. and the tournament will begin at 7:30 a.m. Player spots and sponsorship opportunities are available, but are going quickly. For more information, contact Jim Davis (jdavis@ag.arizona.edu / 520-626-7995).  

October 30 - The Dean's Almost World Famous Burrito Breakfast and Silent Auction, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Arizona Ball Room South, Memorial Student Union. Join more than 300 friends and alumni in cheering on the Wildcats and in raising financial support for students. Hickman's Egg Ranch is sponsoring this year's event. For more information contact Suzanne Yurasko, syurasko@ag.arizona.edu/520-621-7883.

October 30 - Arizona vs. Oregon State football game, 4:00 p.m. For tickets, call 520-621-CATS

To learn more:http://cals.arizona.edu/alumni/Publications/september2004.pdf

10 FIELD DAY AT MARICOPA AGRICULTURAL CENTER ON OCTOBER 6

Once called "Cotton Field Day", this annual event has been expanded this year to reflect the diversity of crops grown at the Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC). MAC is a 2,100 acre College of Agriculture and Life Sciences research facility near Casa Grande.  

The demographics and economy of central Arizona are rapidly changing. These changes having a very real impact on current research and education programs at MAC as well as on future directives for its development.  

This field day provides an opportunity to highlight and showcase the MAC facility, research and education capacities, current research and ongoing education programs, and very importantly an opportunity to educate the community regarding future plans for the development at MAC. The poster session is a unique opportunity for extensionists, researchers and companies to showcase their programs, projects and products, will take place under the covered parking area on the south side of the building.  

A dedication for the new 4-H museum which will be located at the Faul Ag Village at MAC will also take place during the field day. Itwill be held Wednesday, October 6, 2004, 8:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m. MAC is located at 37860 W. Smith-Enke Road, Maricopa, AZ.  

Bob Roth, Maricopa Agricultural Center

11 COMMEMORATIVE BENCHES INSTALLED ALONG OLIVE WALK

The Campus Arboretum dedicated eight new sage-green metal benches along Olive Walk, just inside the Main Gate on Friday, Sept. 3. The walk is part of the UA Campus Arboretum. The benches, created by Tucson artist James Meador, allow the UA community and visitors to enjoy lunch or quiet conversation under the heritage olive trees.

For decades visitors have strolled under the canopy of the olive trees flanking the Main Gate just east of Park Avenue. Robert Forbes, a chemistry professor and the first director of the UA Agricultural Experiment Station, planted the trees in the 1890s.  

Each bench along the walk represents a substantial donation that supports the Campus Arboretum's mission to enhance and protect the large tree collection on the UA campus. Donations to the UA Campus Arboretum provide funds that support student work, tree replacement, horticultural training and improvement of shady nooks and peaceful retreats on campus.

Elizabeth Davison, UA Campus Arboretum 

To learn more:
http://uanews.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/UANews.woa/2/wa/LQPStoryDetails?ArticleID=9573

12 NATIONAL 4-H WEEK

4-H'ers across the nation are observing National 4-H Week Oct. 3-9 with celebrations of 4-H's ever-increasing presence on the Internet, including the much-anticipated launch of the redesigned 4-HUSA.org. This is 4-H's first national website for, by and about youth.

4-H Online! is the theme of National 4-H Week. Ninety-three percent of young people ages 10-18 are actively online and want to find the information they need from online sources, according to the Pew Internet Project (2003). Recognizing this trend, 4-H is at the forefront of youth development organizations using the Internet. National, state and county 4-H programs and 4-H clubs are actively developing new and more innovative online presences with the support of the National 4-H Youth Technology Team, state and county 4-H youth technology teams and the 4-HUSA Web Crew.  

Lisa Lauxman, 4-H Youth Development

To learn more: http://cals.arizona.edu/4-H/

13 CALS STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO DIVERSE CLUBS

Over 30 clubs are available for CALS students to learn more about a new topic, or get to know other students interested in the same things. 

Wildlife Society, Students in Free Enterprise, Student Chapter of American Society of Microbiology and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow are among the diverse offerings to CALS students.  

The Web site listed below also includes the names of advisors for each club along with contact information. 

To learn more: http://cals.arizona.edu/OAP/clubs.htm

14 GARDENING EVENTS

October 3 - noon-4:00 p.m. Boyce Thompson Arboretum class on Sonoran Desert plant and animal life and landscaping. Participants will learn xeriscaping (dry-region landscaping) techniques that conserve precious water and emphasize plants both ecologically and aesthetically right for an arid climate. Information about venomous desert reptiles and insects will also be provided. The Arboretum is located near the town of Superior, a 90 minute drive north of Tucson or east of Phoenix. For more information visit http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/. 

October 18-19 - Arizona Highlands Garden Conference, Cliff Castle Lodge, Camp Verde. A pre-conference garden tour will be held October 17. For registration form and information go to: http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/ahgc/conference2004.html

15 TREE-PLANTING GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR HIGHER ELEVATIONS

Beyond the Ponderosa: Successful Landscape Trees for Higher Elevations in the Southwest 

This portable, spiral-bound manual offers information on more than 40 native and exotic trees suitable for planting in high-elevation areas of the Southwest. Designed to offer alternatives to the ubiquitous ponderosa pines in the areaeven though they are still desirable trees for the elevation .The guide includes descriptions of species characteristics, planting and pest information, and tips on maintenance and care.

Each entry is accompanied by full-length and close-up color photographs of each tree and its distinguishing characteristics. In addition, the guide features hardiness and climate zone maps. The book was written by UA Cooperative Extension agent Tom DeGomez in conjunction with faculty from Northern Arizona University's School of Forestry and published by the Flagstaff Community Tree Board. The price is $10.00, available through CALSmart online.

Tom DeGomez, School of Natural Resources  

To learn more: http://pubs1.cals.arizona.edu/sales/index.cfm

16 DROUGHT BRINGS HOPE OF COOPERATION AMONG COLORADO RIVER WATER USERS

"Drought doom" is an expression making the rounds among water users that is causing officials to work out plans for sharing dwindling resources of the Colorado River. 

States in the western basin area once negotiated way to fairly and equitably share the Colorado River. Now officials are discussing ways to fairly and equitably share water shortages. Speculation persists about what effect the drought will have on the law of the river--a mix of compacts, congressional acts and legal decisions.

Arizona is developing its own drought management plan to enable the state to better cope with water shortages. The draft drought plan and accompanying documents can be found at http://www.water.az.gov/gdtf/. The drought plan is due to be submitted to Governor Napolitano by October 4.

Joe Gelt, Water Resources Research Center

To learn more: http://cals.arizona.edu/AZWATER/awr/awrmain.html

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