Backyard Orchard News
Kearney researcher participates in STEM high school conference at Reedley College.
Long-time Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center researcher and budding motivational speaker, Jeff Mitchell, participated in the STEM Conference organized for local San Joaquin Valley high school students on Saturday, April 23, and thoroughly enjoyed the interactive, high-energy experience.
STEM refers to science, technology, engineering, and math programs and the day-long conference was an effort by the College to stimulate interest and preparedness in interested high school students to pursue educational programs and careers related to these disciplines. Mitchell was invited to share with students his work in agricultural systems research and soil health. He provided two hands-on sessions to a wide range of students from a number of regional schools including Laton, Hanford, Corcoran, Madera, Tranquility, Sierra, Selma, Reedley, and Parlier.
The highlight of the day, however, was the motivational and music extravaganza provided by special conference guests, Domino Saints, a bilingual urban pop duo from San Juan, Puerto Rico that includes David Leal, a young and very creative mechanical engineer with several nuclear fusion technology patents, and Gisele, “Gigi,” Ojeda. Students and presenters were wowed by the infectious music and inspirational message provided by Leal.
Ongoing Citrus Thrips Insecticide Trials
Dr. Grafton-Cardwell's research at Lindcove Research and Extension Center continues to look at the best use of Delegate, Sivanto, Movento, Exirel, Sevin and a number of unregistered insecticides for citrus thrips control. Technicians Sara Scott and Joshua Reger are using dual wands to hand spray trees. Results of this research will be available at the end of the summer when they evaluate the scarring of the fruit.
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Dixon May Fair 'Buzzing with Excitement'
Forget about the birds and the bees. Just think about the bees. The 141st annual Dixon May Fair,...
Chris Conklin, standing on a ladder in Madden Hall, looks at an image of honey bees pollinating almonds. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Fairgoers will learn what to plant to attract bees. This display is in Madden Hall on the Dixon May Fair grounds. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Kearney held the 62nd annual conference on soilborne plant pathogens and the 48th California nematology workshop March 22-24 2016.
Andreas Westphal helped provide back to back meetings that concentrated on sharing research, discoveries, and disease problems, as well as developing and new pest management technologies for soilborne diseases. These diseases include fungus, nematode, bacteria, and virus populations found in the soil. Attendees included personnel from universities, state agencies, and multiple components of the Ag industry. Information was shared in meeting rooms and field sites. Soilborne pests of food crops, ornamental plants and native plants were discussed. The basic agenda is available online.
Lettuce planting workshop at the Fresno Farm and Nutrition Day on March 18, 2016 attracted many 3rd grade students.
UC ANR Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center provided a lettuce planting workshop for about 3500 third grade students from 36 schools and 16 districts at the 11th annual Fresno Farm and Nutrition Day. Students learned what it takes to be a healthy plant and a healthy person, they then planted 2 leaf lettuce plants to take home and enjoy. An ABC 30 news video shows some of the lettuce planting, which was made possible with the help of many volunteers. Greenheart Farms and The Food Plant People provided donations for the workshop. The lettuce planting was featured in videos and on the front page of the March 19, 2016 edition of The Fresno Bee. UC ANR was also represented by a Cal Fresh workshop and 4-H youth who brought farm animals. For more photos, please go to the UCANR facebook page.