Fall 1994 (v6n4)
	Briefly Noted Compiled by David Campbell, SAREP Cover Crop Fights Nematodes In Wyoming Sugarbeets Researchers in Wyoming are finding that a cover crop of nematode-resistant European fodder radish is an effective control for cyst nematodes in sugarbeets. Nematodes were down 57 percent compared to an untreated control, and the following sugarbeets yielded over 30 percent more than in plots treated with aldicarb. The five-ton yield increase more than paid for the cost of the radish cover crop. The cover crop also helps protect the soil from wind erosion. Researchers plan to test whether the economics of the system can be further improved by letting sheep graze the radish cover in fall and then test to see if nematodes are still controlled the following season. For a copy of SARE/ACE 1994 Project Highlights, which briefly describes this and other projects, contact Kristen Kelleher, SARE/ACE Communications, University of California, Davis, CA 95616. Vaya con BIOS! Three Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) projects have been funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a fourth is now underway with no outside support. In BIOS growers and their pest control advisers work closely with an experienced management team to implement practices that reduce their use of pesticides and/or synthetic fertilizers. BIOS is a project of the. Community Alliance with Family Farmers in collaboration with SAREP, UC farm advisors, the Soil Conservation Service and others. BIOS projects currently funded by EPA include almonds in Merced County (second year; 26 growers), almonds in Stanislaus County (first year; 2030 growers), and walnuts in Yolo and Solano Counties (first year; 15-20 growers). Ben Faber, farm advisor in Ventura County, has initiated a citrus BIOS project with no outside funding; it has received overwhelming support from growers. Pesticide Use Increases by 20 Percent in 1992 After declining 12 percent between 1990 and 1991, agricultural pesticide use in California rose sharply during 1992, according to figures from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Pesticides used in agriculture totaled 170.2 million pounds in 1992, up from 142.2 million pounds reported in 199 1. In 1990, the first year for which records were available, pesticide use was 163.1 million pounds. Large fluctuations in pesticide use from year to year are not unusual, due to variations in climate and pest invasions. As they had been in 199 1, the top five crops by amount of pesticide use were table grapes, processed grapes, almonds, cotton, and sugar beets. Sulfur, used on both conventional and organic farms, is the most widely used chemical in the state (61.8 million pounds). Following sulfur in order of total reported use are methyl bromide (1 9 million pounds), petroleum oil (19 million pounds), metam-sodium (8.6 million pounds), and sodium chlorate (4 million pounds). The 1992 Summary of Pesticide Use Report Data is available in two volumes, indexed by chemical or by commodity. To receive a copy send $25 for each volume to: Cashier, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, 1020 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Mevinphos Withdrawn from U.S. Market In June 1994, the Amvac Chemical Corporation of Los Angeles voluntarily withdrew the pesticide mevinphos (brand name Phosdrin) from the U.S. market. The company's action was prompted by planned state and federal EPA actions to ban the product due to repeated incidents of farmworker poisonings. Mevinphos is a broadspectrum organophosphate used on 22 crops such as strawberries, lemons, broccoli, spinach and lettuce. Because U.S. law does not prohibit pesticides banned in this country from being sold overseas, Amvac plans to continue production of Mevinphos for export. For more information, contact: Joshua First, US EPA, 401 M St. SW, Washington, DC 20460, (703) 308-8032. Kellogg Foundation Expands Integrated Farming Systems Initiative The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has announced a second round of nine demonstration projects aimed at encouraging more integrated and resource-efficient farming systems. These projects join nine others funded during 1993, including the California Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA). Each of the 18 funded projects represents a unique collaboration among non-profit organizations and university programs. Organizations in the Western Region funded during the second phase of the initiative include: Marketing and Production Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon); and Washington State University (Pullman, Washington). For more information on Kellogg projects contact Jon Miller, (616) 968-161 1. Information on CASA can be obtained from Project Coordinator Kerstin Ohlander,(408)459-4786. [ Back | Search | Feedback ]