Newsline for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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IN THIS NEWSLINE ISSUED October 31, 2007:

  1. RESEARCH ON FOOD POISONING OUTBREAKS
  2. APPROPRIATE MULCH MATERIALS FOR A FIREWISE LANDSCAPE: NEW PUBLICATION
  3. HOME VALUE IN RIPARIAN CORRIDORS HIGHER
  4. YAVAPAI COUNTY WORKSHOP NOVEMBER 8-9 ON RIPARIAN AREAS
  5. 4-H SCHOLARSHIPS
  6. INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO ON HANDLING CATTLE SAFELY AVAILABLE
  7. AGRIBUSINESS FORUM NOVEMBER 9TH
  8. TWO NEW CALS PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST TO FARMERS
  9. ADDITIONAL TURKEY COOKING METHODS
  10. RACE TRACK INDUSTRY SYMPOSIUM DECEMBER 3-6 IN TUCSON
  11. LIVESTOCK EMERGENCY RESPONSE CONFERENCE IN TUCSON DECEMBER 5-7
  12. CALS IN THE NEWS
  13. GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION SHORT COURSE JANUARY 20-23

1 RESEARCH ON FOOD POISONING OUTBREAKS

It's been a year since the last lettuce and spinach recall, nine months since a peanut butter recall, six months since olives were recalled, five months since a recall on Veggie Booty, a snack for kids made with spinach and kale, and three months since canned fresh cut green beans were recalled.

According to figures from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the number of outbreaks of food poisoning caused by microorganisms has risen in recent years. In a paper published in American Scientist magazine's November/December issue, University of Arizona produce specialists review the harvest-to-home process and offer advice to consumers and harvesters on how keep bacteria at bay.

Fresh fruit and vegetable eaters are at risk because the produce may have been grown in contaminated soil. Compounding the risk of contamination is the centralized process of preparing and distributing foods. The risk is high because large amounts of food are susceptible to widespread contamination if bacteria are present during the process and distribution stage, before it is sent to grocery store shelves.

Jorge M. Fonseca, Yuma Agricultural Center, fonseca@cals.arizona.edu

To learn more:
http://uanews.org/node/16542

2 APPROPRIATE MULCH MATERIALS FOR A FIREWISE LANDSCAPE: NEW PUBLICATION

Mulches are any material used on the soil surface for a variety of reasons, i.e., to improve aesthetics, reduce soil moisture evaporation rates, improve the soil nutrient content over time, reduce weed competition, moderate soil temperatures and provide cover for dust abatement.

A "Firewise" landscape in Arizona may include native and non-native plants as well as a variety of mulch materials. The goal is to prevent fire from reaching the home by using plants and mulch to reduce the spread of fires near structures or other improvements.

"Comparing the Ignitability of Mulch Materials for a Firewise Landscape" is a new CALS publication designed to take some of the mystery out of selecting and applying mulch material. It is available as a pdf file to download (2.25 mb) at the link below.

Tom DeGomez, School of Natural Resources, degomez@ag.arizona.edu

To learn more:
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/natresources/az1440.pdf

3 HOME VALUE IN RIPARIAN CORRIDORS HIGHER

You can spot Tucson's riparian areas from the air: winding bands of green that follow streams, washes and riverbeds. This network of watercourses attracts wildlife to the shade and shelter of its cottonwoods, mesquites, blue palo verdes, white thorn acacias and other plant species.

Not surprisingly, houses border many riparian areas. As an interface between wet and dry areas in the desert, riparian corridors offer shade and shelter for animals and stabilize the soil. They also provide beauty and a sense of peace for homeowners.

This beautiful view translates to dollar values: buyers will pay a premium to live near riparian zones. Now, thanks to research conducted over the past four years at the University of Arizona, that premium can be quantified. The focus is a 100-square-mile area in northeast Tucson that includes 200 miles of riparian corridor, three school districts, and more than 45,000 single family residences. More than 9,000 of those homes were sold during the study period.

To read the entire story from the most recent Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station Report, go to the link below.

Bonnie Colby, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, bcolby@email.arizona.edu

To learn more:
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/general/resrpt2006/article11_2006.pdf

4 YAVAPAI COUNTY WORKSHOP NOVEMBER 8-9 ON RIPARIAN AREAS

A riparian workshop, "The Dynamic Nature and Natural Diversity of Riparian Areas," will be held at The Lodge at Cliff Castle in Camp Verde beginning Thursday, November 8 at 10:00 a.m. and concluding Friday, November 9 at 11:30 a.m.

The workshop is intended to help participants understand the factors that cause riparian areas to remain static or change through time, how riparian areas differ, how they can be classified, what to consider when managing a riparian area, and more.

Speakers include riparian, watershed and hydrology specialists from the UA Cooperative Extension, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Arizona State University, U.S. Geologic Survey, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, and a private consultant and rancher.

A workshop fee of $40 includes lunch and handouts. For an agenda and registration information go to the link below.

George Zaimes, School of Natural Resources, zaimes@ag.arizona.edu

To learn more:
http://cals.arizona.edu/crops/counties/all/meetings/rip_flyer_cv07_final.pdf

5 4-H SCHOLARSHIPS

Annually the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation provides thousands of dollars in college scholarships to 4-H members and alumni. These scholarships provide relief from the ever-growing cost of a higher education.

Over $33,000 was awarded for the 2007-2008 academic year. More than 70 youth applied for the educational grants. The scholarship committee rates applicants based on their need, ability, aptitude, grades, 4-H history and involvement, how they meet the criteria for specific scholarships, references and other factors.

Scholarship recipients came from nine of Arizona's 15 counties, and are currently attending the UA, NAU, ASU, community colleges across Arizona and out-of-state colleges.

To download a scholarship application go to: http://cals.arizona.edu/4-h_foundation/pdf/ScholarshipApplication08-09.pdf

To learn more:
http://cals.arizona.edu/4-h_foundation/scholarships.htm

6 INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO ON HANDLING CATTLE SAFELY AVAILABLE

Working with cattle can be enjoyable and rewarding if you know what you're doing. It's important to learn the correct ways of working around livestock.

A new CALS instructional video, available on DVD or VHS tape, looks at the facilities for housing cattle and demonstrates how to work safely around these sometimes temperamental animals. Viewers will learn how to avoid life-threatening situations when handling cattle in a corral or pasture setting. Topics include facilities design, moving cattle, cattle disposition and use of dogs around cattle

This video is suitable for adults and youth who work with cattle, including ranchers, students, 4-H'ers and others.

To order Cattle Handling Safety in DVD format (azd-231) or VHS tape (asv-231) go to cals.arizona.edu/calsmart.

David Schafer, V Bar V Ranch, dschafer@ag.arizona.edu

7 AGRIBUSINESS FORUM NOVEMBER 9TH

The 2007 Agricultural and Resource Economics Forum on Labor, Energy, and Agriculture is scheduled for Thursday, November 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino Resort near Maricopa, in central Arizona.

The Forum will include presentations related to immigration reform proposals, bioenergy activities in Arizona and implications of the upcoming farm bill.

Students enrolled in Agricultural and Resource Economics' Agricultural Policy class will provide short presentations after lunch outlining possible policy actions to address specific case study and/or environmental situations.

A tour of the Pinal Energy facility near Maricopa that just began ethanol production in July is available in the afternoon.

For more information go to the link below.

Russ Tronstad, Agriculture and Resource Economics, tronstad@ag.arizona.edu/p>

To learn more:
http://cals.arizona.edu/arec/dept/agbusforum2007.html

8 TWO NEW CALS PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST TO FARMERS

ARIZONA ALFALFA VARIETIES
Nondormant alfalfa varieties are adapted to mild winter areas in Arizona. An alfalfa variety should be selected based on dormancy class, potential pest problems, university yield trials and on-farm tests. "Nondormant Alfalfa Varieties for Arizona 2007" is a new CALS publication available for download at http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1267.pdf. The brochure includes guidelines for selecting an alfalfa variety and a list of 48 nondormant alfalfa varieties showing their pest resistance ratings, yields and final stand figures for the Parker-Yuma, Maricopa-Tucson and Safford areas.

SMALL GRAINS
Durum, barley and wheat are staples of southwestern grain production. A new CALS publication "Small Grain Varieties for Arizona 2007" summarizes differing production characteristics for seven barley varieties, 13 durum varieties and two wheat varieties. This convenient brochure is available as a pdf file (504 kb) at http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1265.pdf.

Mike Ottman, Department of Plant Sciences, mottman@ag.arizona.edu

9 ADDITIONAL TURKEY COOKING METHODS

With the traditional Thanksgiving meal just around the corner, it might be time to rethink the oven-roasted turkey routine.

A new CALS publication titled "Additional Turkey Cooking Methods" covers safe practices for microwaving, barbecue grilling and using a covered grill. The two-page guide is available to download as a pdf file (386 kb) at http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/health/az1091.pdf.

Evelyn Whitmer, Cochise County Cooperative Extension, emarkee@cals.arizona.edu

10 RACE TRACK INDUSTRY SYMPOSIUM DECEMBER 3-6 IN TUCSON

The 34th Annual Symposium on Racing & Gaming, presented by the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program, will be held on December 3-6 at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Arizona.

This year's panels reflect current trends in topics including racino (adding slot machines to race tracks) and track operations, global racing issues, regulatory matters, marketing and stakeholder interests. Legal and technological issues will also be covered.

For more information and registration details, visit the link below.

To learn more:
http://ua-rtip.org/symposium/symposium_2007_info.html

11 LIVESTOCK EMERGENCY RESPONSE CONFERENCE IN TUCSON DECEMBER 5-7

An effective emergency response to a livestock disease emergency requires pre-planning and collaboration among many different stakeholders.

The second annual National Livestock Emergency Response Conference, co-sponsored by the Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT) and the National Cattlemens Beef Association, is scheduled for December 5 - 7, 2007 in Tucson. The three days will provide opportunities for a wide variety of emergency responders to sharpen their skills.

The 2007 Conference will feature up-to-date information on a diverse selection of livestock disease emergency response topics. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several different scenario-based ground training exercises. These will focus on incidents along Arizona's international border and at confined animal feeding operations, and a scenario impacting food safety.

This conference is designed to provide information and training to a diverse audience, including veterinarians, livestock producers, cooperative extension, emergency planners, state and federal agencies.

S. Peder Cuneo, Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, cuneo@email.arizona.edu

To learn more:
http://ag.arizona.edu/ans/alirt/NLERCSchedule.html

12 CALS IN THE NEWS

CEREAL GRAIN RESEARCH
Consumer Reports magazine is best known for its independent research on everything from cutting edge electronics to the latest automotive trend: crossover utility vehicles (CUVs).

At the farm level, university Cooperative Extension personnel have conducted field trials for decades on the latest and greatest seed cultivars. With cereal grain plantings in the West just a few months away, Western Farm Press checked in with several Extension advisors and agronomists with the University of California (UC) and University of Arizona (UA) to get their take on their latest cultivar comparisons.

http://westernfarmpress.com/news/101507-cereal-grain/

AMOEBAS IN WATER SUPPLY
Brain-eating amoebas have taken up residence in Tucson's water supply as recent tests have shown their presence in 12 wells.

While the discovery of the killer amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri, is surprising to at least one University of Arizona researcher, the microscopic bug's presence in the water supply doesn't pose any health risks.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/334534_braineatingamoeba.html?source=mypi

CUCURBIT VIRUS SPREADS
The cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) that attacks the Curcurbitaceae botanical family including melons, cucumbers and gourds, plus summer and winter squash, is attacking desert-grown cucurbits in California, Arizona and Mexico.

CYSDV's sole vector is the B biotype of the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. CYSDV is not transmitted in seed. The plant holds the virus for seven to nine days.

http://westernfarmpress.com/news/102507-melons-cysdv/

13 GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION SHORT COURSE JANUARY 20-23

Now in its eighth year, the Greenhouse Crop Production & Engineering Design Short Course offers three days of intensive education and practical experiences in the science of hydroponic crop production and the engineering of controlled environments.

Sponsored by the UA/CALS Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC), the course format gives attendees multiple opportunities to interact with some of the world's leading controlled environment agriculture experts. This year's theme is "Eye on Economics." Attendees will be presented with the information and methodologies necessary to develop a successful greenhouse operation.

The Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course will begin Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. and wrap up Wednesday, January 23 at 5:30 p.m. It will be held at the Holiday Inn Palo Verde in Tucson, at 4550 South Palo Verde.

Lourdes Perkins, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, lperkins@ag.arizona.edu

To learn more:
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=ae6faf6d-3acf-4a6e-91ca-414322ce225a

To find out about available CALS publications and upcoming events, go to http://cals.arizona.edu/. If you have questions or comments about NewsLine, send an email to newseditor@ag.arizona.edu. Previous issues can be viewed at http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/newsline/previous-issues.html

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