The University of California IPM Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program released several new titles in its "Quick Tips" series of references in April. The new fact sheets, which are available online, address a variety of insect and disease pests. Titles include "Mosquitoes," "Peach Leaf Curl," "Powdery Mildew," "Spider Mites" and "Thrips."
Increasing production of crops for biofuels is exacerbating agriculture's impact on biodiversity in many parts of the world, finds a new report by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. The report, "Biofuel and Global Biodiversity," is by Dr. Dennis Keeney and Claudia Nanninga and is available online. The paper includes case studies of three regions that have been growing much of the feedstock for biofuels around the world: the U.S., Brazil and Malaysia/Indonesia. The report found that in the U.S., increased corn planting is reducing the diversity of crop rotations and threatening wetlands and acreage set aside for conservation.
The former printed newsletter, Integrated Crop Management (ICM) News, has been replaced with an online resource. Gerald Miller, director of Iowa State University Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources, says the change will help subscribers stay informed about crop issues during the upcoming growing season. Iowa Ag Connection reports subscribers can choose to be notified about new articles daily or weekly. They can read articles online as well as print single articles or weekly compilations.
AgTrader Exchange network is a new site developed by the Environmental Finance Center at University of Maryland to help farmers throughout the Chesapeake Bay region exchange products such as manure, compost, hay, fodder crops, fruits and vegetables, organics, equipment, livestock and more. All trades (purchases, sales and swaps) through the Web site are strictly between buyer and seller. You register first, then post products anytime, without having to fill out forms. Pricing and delivery are left up to buyer and seller to work out. American Agriculturalist reports the site also features a directory for businesses and a resource section showing a calendar of events and important news for the Chesapeake Bay ag community.
