Robert Kluson | University of Florida (original) (raw)
Papers by Robert Kluson
Hortscience, Aug 1, 2015
Despite production of the first domestically produced peach of the calendar year in the United St... more Despite production of the first domestically produced peach of the calendar year in the United States, the subtropical peach industry faces marketing challenges, particularly with small fruit size. Although important, size is only one aspect of fruit quality, and not inclusive of all possible fruit quality attributes. Thus, this research asked consumers to identify an ''ideal'' peach given a combination of possible peach fruit quality attributes to help determine their influence on consumer purchase. These attributes were verified with farmers' market intercept studies. The top attributes that fostered purchase likelihood included flavor, texture, size, and firmness. Psychophysics studies showed that consumers preferred peaches that were sweet, juicy, round, with freestone or semifreestone characteristics, whereas consumers were less likely to purchase peaches with mealy, dry, or meaty textures. Young consumers (ages 18-24) preferred crisp, firm peaches with good flavor, whereas older consumers (ages 51-65) preferred sweet, melting-texture peaches. Farmers' market intercept studies found consumers (ages 45-65) preferred meltingtexture peaches with good flavor that led to increased overall liking. In addition, in the farmers' market studies, aroma and flavor were important attributes and were highly correlated with overall liking. Objective measurements of total soluble solids (TSS) were not correlated with overall liking, indicating that although the nationwide experiment found consumers desired sweet peaches, other attributes may contribute more favorably to overall liking.
Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society, 2009
Journal of Agriculture of The University of Puerto Rico, Dec 31, 1969
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation methods and the ... more A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation methods and the effect of different levels of N fertilization on nodulation, nitrogen fixation and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris L. The N treatment produced a seed yield significantly higher than that of the other treatments. Inoculation treatments had no significant effect on nodule number and dry weight, even when compared to the noninoculated and N controls. This finding was attributed to a high number of Rhizobium phaseoli in the soil. The applications of N and inoculation did not significantly affect the N percentages of foliage and grain or nitrogenase activity. Serological identification of nodules indicated that the native strain UPRM 6000 farmed the largest percentage of nodules (41%), followed by R. phaseoli 127K44 (34%), 127K17 (13%) and 127K12b (10%). The serogroup distributions of inoculated and N fertilized treatments differed significantly from the noninoculated control. Inoculation methods (seed vs. soil) did not differ significantly in either nodulation or yield responses. RESUMEN Inoculación de Phaseolus vulgaris can Rhizobium en Lajas, Puerto Rico Se hizo un experimento de campo para estudiar el efecto de métodos de inocular Rhizobium y el efecto de diferentes cantidades de abono nitrogenado sobre la noduiación, fijación de nitrógeno y rendimiento de Phaseolus vulgaris L. El tratamiento control con N produjo un rendimiento de semilla significativamente superior al de los otros tratamientos. Los tratamientos de inoculación no tuvieron efecto significativo sobre el número y el peso seco de los nodulos, aun comparándolos con los de los testigos no inoculados y con N. Esto se atribuyó a un alto número de Rhizobium phaseoli en el suelo. Las aplicaciones de N y la inoculación no aumentaron significativamente los porcentajes de N en el follaje ni en el grano; tampoco aumentaron la actividad nitrogenásica.
Journal of Agriculture of The University of Puerto Rico, Dec 31, 1969
The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean { Phaseolus vulgaris L.,... more The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean { Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Bonita) nodulation and yield was studied in the semi-arid southern region of Puerto Rico. Six N treatments: 0, 22, 45, 90, 180 and 360 kg/ha were tested in inoculated and noninoculated plots arranged in a split-plot design with 4 replications. The application of 22 kg/ha of N in the inoculated plots increased plant nodulation 4 and 8 weeks after planting. Higher rates of N fertilization reduced the number and size of bean nodules at both sampling dates. On the other hand, dry beans consistently increased with applications of 0 to 180 kg/ha of N in the presence of Rhizobium.
![Research paper thumbnail of Stirring up lessons for food activists [Book review]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/106761402/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Mar 24, 2021
Biological Agriculture & Horticulture, 1990
Mycorrhizal colonization of strawberry roots was studied for two agricultural management systems ... more Mycorrhizal colonization of strawberry roots was studied for two agricultural management systems on the California central coast, one conventional and one in transition to organic. Low levels of VAM colonization early in the first year of the experiment may be the result of past management practices, which included conventional production of a non-mycorrhizal crop with high levels of phosphorus inputs.
Hortscience, Aug 11, 2010
ABSTRACT Consumer interest and demand for local foods has changed the dynamic of the Florida smal... more ABSTRACT Consumer interest and demand for local foods has changed the dynamic of the Florida small farms industry from a little-known group of clientele to a larger and more diverse clientele group that actively participates in University of Florida (UF) extension programming, on-farm research, local and state policy discussions, and partnership building. Based on the USDA definition, well over 90% of the over 47,000 farms in Florida are small farms. Florida reported an 8% increase in farm numbers from 2002 to 2007, essentially all in the small farm category. According to the 2007 US Ag Census, 89% of the Florida farms report less than $100,000 in product sales. The other common characteristic of these operations is they are family-oriented farms dependent upon the family for management and labor. Extension programs can make a difference by providing educational information to help small farmers successfully start their farming operations or adopt new alternative enterprises. Current barriers include: access to markets, regulations, labor, locating materials, and supplies, size-appropriate production, technologies, and adoption of sustainable practices. The UF-IFAS Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team consists of over 80 state and county faculty that self-affiliate with the extension programming of this team. Based on results of a statewide small farm survey, written evaluations from clientele attending county and regional programs, and informal discussions with stakeholders, industry partners and community organizations, a Stakeholder Planning Committee of 30 volunteer members was assembled in 2007 to plan the first statewide conference for small farmers. The two-year planning period and support from IFAS’s Office of Conferences and Institutes was essential to our success. The result was a two-day event that included a large trade show with over 80 exhibitors, a live animal educational demonstration area, a keynote address, innovative farmer awards, six concurrent sessions including tracts in horticulture, alternative energy, alternative enterprises, policy & regulations, organic & sustainable farming, livestock, and business & marketing. Food featuring products from Florida small farms comprised refreshment breaks and lunches. The majority of the 800 attendees responded in a post-event evaluation that the networking was as equally valuable as the educational content. A second statewide conference will be held in July 2010. Although strong partnerships have been developed with community-based organizations, institutional partnerships with Universities, FDACS, Farm Bureau, Farm Credit, and various USDA agencies will need to be strengthened to better serve the needs of small farmers.
Plant and Soil, 1986
Summary The effects of temperature on growth in broth and soil and on competition for nodule for... more Summary The effects of temperature on growth in broth and soil and on competition for nodule formation betweenRhizobium japonicum serotypes USDA 76 and 94 compared to 6 and 110 were studied. Increasing root temperatures of Lee soybean from 20 to 35C increased the competitiveness of 76 and 94 relative to 6 and 110 for all inoculum ratios such that at 30
Plant and Soil, Jun 1, 1986
Summary The effects of temperature on growth in broth and soil and on competition for nodule for... more Summary The effects of temperature on growth in broth and soil and on competition for nodule formation betweenRhizobium japonicum serotypes USDA 76 and 94 compared to 6 and 110 were studied. Increasing root temperatures of Lee soybean from 20 to 35C increased the competitiveness of 76 and 94 relative to 6 and 110 for all inoculum ratios such that at 30
The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., ... more The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Bonita) nodulation and yield was studied in the semi-arid southern region of Puerto Rico. Six N treatments: 0, 22, 45, 90, 180 and 360 kg/ha were tested in inoculated and noninoculated plots arranged in a split-plot design with 4 replications. The application of 22 kg/ha of N in the inoculated plots increased plant nodulation 4 and 8 weeks after planting. Higher rates of N fertilization reduced the number and size of bean nodules at both sampling dates. On the other hand, dry beans consistently increased with applications of 0 to 180 kg/ha of N in the presence of Rhizobium.Se estudió el efecto de cantidades de abono nitrogenado sobre la respuesta simbiótica y el rendimiento de la habichuela seca (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cultivar Bonita). El experimento se sembró en un suelo Mollisol en la región semiárida del sur de Puerto Rico. Se evaluaron seis tratamientos de N: 0, 22, 45, 90, 180 ...
.................................................................................................... more .................................................................................................................. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................. vi PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................. vii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................
California Agriculture, 1990
Converting to a certified organic strawberry production system takes time. Growers must monitor t... more Converting to a certified organic strawberry production system takes time. Growers must monitor the long-term consequences of new production factors and evaluate new cultural techniques. California's annual strawberry crop is valued at over 300million,andin1989coveredmorethan19,000acres.Thishighvaluecrophasexactingcosmeticstandards,andconventionalproductionpracticesinCaliforniaarestringent:preplantlandfumigation,plasticmulching,dripirrigation,chemicalcontrolofpathogensandpestarthropods,andconcentrated,semi−permanentmanuallaborthroughoutthegrowingseason.Annualproductioncostsmayexceed300 million, and in 1989 covered more than 19,000 acres. This highvalue crop has exacting cosmetic standards, and conventional production practices in California are stringent: preplant land fumigation, plastic mulching, drip irrigation, chemical control of pathogens and pest arthropods, and concentrated, semi-permanent manual labor throughout the growing season. Annual production costs may exceed 300million,andin1989coveredmorethan19,000acres.Thishighvaluecrophasexactingcosmeticstandards,andconventionalproductionpracticesinCaliforniaarestringent:preplantlandfumigation,plasticmulching,dripirrigation,chemicalcontrolofpathogensandpestarthropods,andconcentrated,semi−permanentmanuallaborthroughoutthegrowingseason.Annualproductioncostsmayexceed25,000 per acre. Conventional strawberry cropping is one of the most input-intensive production systems in California agriculture. Recently, conventional strawberry production has confronted a series of problems. A key pest spider mite, Tetrunyckus urticue Koch, has developed resistance to most registered acaricides:At the same time, regulatory restrictions affecting the availability and frequency of use of chemical controls are on the increase. Growers continue to
The South West Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is one of the new farmer-to-farmer networks... more The South West Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is one of the new farmer-to-farmer networks supported by the UF/IFAS/FAMU Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program. These working groups have been developed to meet the unique education needs of Florida small farmers. For example, the successful models for sustainable horticultural small farming in Florida and across the nation include highly diversified agroecosystems. The teaching of crop and enterprise diversification provides benefits for sustained production (Gliessman, 2006), marketing (Bandele, 1999). and lowering economic risk (USDA/RMA, 2008). These agroecosystems require increased knowledge of different crops, enterprises, and marketing compared to past single or limited commodity-based operations. This paper describes the approach and activities implemented by the SWFSFN to provide this information, research, and support.
he book Stirrings examines the anti-hunger efforts of the food movement in the latter part of the... more he book Stirrings examines the anti-hunger efforts of the food movement in the latter part of the 20th century for lessons in their successes and failures, as well as relevance to the modern food movement in America. Its six chapters examine four food nonprofits’ responses to hunger and its causes in urban New York City (NYC). The diversity of these case studies allowed for multidimensional analyses and insights of how groups of people can work to challenge policy priorities and change social values that cause hunger. The context of the case studies is established in the introduction by recounting the history and politics of the awareness of hunger and poverty in America, the “land of plenty and wealth” during the 1960s, and the subsequent federal government anti-hunger and welfare programs (e.g., War on Poverty and food stamps programs). This context also includes the drastic reductions of these programs, first by the austerity budget measures of the mid-1970s and then by the rise ...
Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development
The book Stirrings examines the anti-hunger efforts of the food movement in the latter part of th... more The book Stirrings examines the anti-hunger efforts of the food movement in the latter part of the 20th century for lessons in their successes and failures, as well as relevance to the modern food movement in America. Its six chapters examine four food nonprofits’ responses to hunger and its causes in urban New York City (NYC). The diversity of these case studies allowed for multidimensional analyses and insights of how groups of people can work to challenge policy priorities and change social values that cause hunger. The context of the case studies is established in the introduction by recounting the history and politics of the awareness of hunger and poverty in America, the “land of plenty and wealth” during the 1960s, and the subsequent federal government anti-hunger and welfare programs (e.g., War on Poverty and food stamps programs). This context also includes the drastic reductions of these programs, first by the austerity budget measures of the mid-1970s and then by th...
The Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico
The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., ... more The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Bonita) nodulation and yield was studied in the semi-arid southern region of Puerto Rico. Six N treatments: 0, 22, 45, 90, 180 and 360 kg/ha were tested in inoculated and noninoculated plots arranged in a split-plot design with 4 replications. The application of 22 kg/ha of N in the inoculated plots increased plant nodulation 4 and 8 weeks after planting. Higher rates of N fertilization reduced the number and size of bean nodules at both sampling dates. On the other hand, dry beans consistently increased with applications of 0 to 180 kg/ha of N in the presence of Rhizobium.
The Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation methods and the ... more A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation methods and the effect of different levels of N fertilization on nodulation, nitrogen fixation and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris L. The N treatment produced a seed yield significantly higher than that of the other treatments. Inoculation treatments had no significant effect on nodule number and dry weight, even when compared to the noninoculated and N controls. This finding was attributed to a high number of Rhizobium phaseoli in the soil. The applications of N and inoculation did not significantly affect the N percentages of foliage and grain or nitrogenase activity. Serological identification of nodules indicated that the native strain UPRM 6000 farmed the largest percentage of nodules (41%), followed by R. phaseoli 127K44 (34%), 127K17 (13%) and 127K12b (10%). The serogroup distributions of inoculated and N fertilized treatments differed significantly from the noninoculated control. Inoculation methods...
Hortscience, Aug 1, 2015
Despite production of the first domestically produced peach of the calendar year in the United St... more Despite production of the first domestically produced peach of the calendar year in the United States, the subtropical peach industry faces marketing challenges, particularly with small fruit size. Although important, size is only one aspect of fruit quality, and not inclusive of all possible fruit quality attributes. Thus, this research asked consumers to identify an ''ideal'' peach given a combination of possible peach fruit quality attributes to help determine their influence on consumer purchase. These attributes were verified with farmers' market intercept studies. The top attributes that fostered purchase likelihood included flavor, texture, size, and firmness. Psychophysics studies showed that consumers preferred peaches that were sweet, juicy, round, with freestone or semifreestone characteristics, whereas consumers were less likely to purchase peaches with mealy, dry, or meaty textures. Young consumers (ages 18-24) preferred crisp, firm peaches with good flavor, whereas older consumers (ages 51-65) preferred sweet, melting-texture peaches. Farmers' market intercept studies found consumers (ages 45-65) preferred meltingtexture peaches with good flavor that led to increased overall liking. In addition, in the farmers' market studies, aroma and flavor were important attributes and were highly correlated with overall liking. Objective measurements of total soluble solids (TSS) were not correlated with overall liking, indicating that although the nationwide experiment found consumers desired sweet peaches, other attributes may contribute more favorably to overall liking.
Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society, 2009
Journal of Agriculture of The University of Puerto Rico, Dec 31, 1969
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation methods and the ... more A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation methods and the effect of different levels of N fertilization on nodulation, nitrogen fixation and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris L. The N treatment produced a seed yield significantly higher than that of the other treatments. Inoculation treatments had no significant effect on nodule number and dry weight, even when compared to the noninoculated and N controls. This finding was attributed to a high number of Rhizobium phaseoli in the soil. The applications of N and inoculation did not significantly affect the N percentages of foliage and grain or nitrogenase activity. Serological identification of nodules indicated that the native strain UPRM 6000 farmed the largest percentage of nodules (41%), followed by R. phaseoli 127K44 (34%), 127K17 (13%) and 127K12b (10%). The serogroup distributions of inoculated and N fertilized treatments differed significantly from the noninoculated control. Inoculation methods (seed vs. soil) did not differ significantly in either nodulation or yield responses. RESUMEN Inoculación de Phaseolus vulgaris can Rhizobium en Lajas, Puerto Rico Se hizo un experimento de campo para estudiar el efecto de métodos de inocular Rhizobium y el efecto de diferentes cantidades de abono nitrogenado sobre la noduiación, fijación de nitrógeno y rendimiento de Phaseolus vulgaris L. El tratamiento control con N produjo un rendimiento de semilla significativamente superior al de los otros tratamientos. Los tratamientos de inoculación no tuvieron efecto significativo sobre el número y el peso seco de los nodulos, aun comparándolos con los de los testigos no inoculados y con N. Esto se atribuyó a un alto número de Rhizobium phaseoli en el suelo. Las aplicaciones de N y la inoculación no aumentaron significativamente los porcentajes de N en el follaje ni en el grano; tampoco aumentaron la actividad nitrogenásica.
Journal of Agriculture of The University of Puerto Rico, Dec 31, 1969
The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean { Phaseolus vulgaris L.,... more The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean { Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Bonita) nodulation and yield was studied in the semi-arid southern region of Puerto Rico. Six N treatments: 0, 22, 45, 90, 180 and 360 kg/ha were tested in inoculated and noninoculated plots arranged in a split-plot design with 4 replications. The application of 22 kg/ha of N in the inoculated plots increased plant nodulation 4 and 8 weeks after planting. Higher rates of N fertilization reduced the number and size of bean nodules at both sampling dates. On the other hand, dry beans consistently increased with applications of 0 to 180 kg/ha of N in the presence of Rhizobium.
The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Mar 24, 2021
Biological Agriculture & Horticulture, 1990
Mycorrhizal colonization of strawberry roots was studied for two agricultural management systems ... more Mycorrhizal colonization of strawberry roots was studied for two agricultural management systems on the California central coast, one conventional and one in transition to organic. Low levels of VAM colonization early in the first year of the experiment may be the result of past management practices, which included conventional production of a non-mycorrhizal crop with high levels of phosphorus inputs.
Hortscience, Aug 11, 2010
ABSTRACT Consumer interest and demand for local foods has changed the dynamic of the Florida smal... more ABSTRACT Consumer interest and demand for local foods has changed the dynamic of the Florida small farms industry from a little-known group of clientele to a larger and more diverse clientele group that actively participates in University of Florida (UF) extension programming, on-farm research, local and state policy discussions, and partnership building. Based on the USDA definition, well over 90% of the over 47,000 farms in Florida are small farms. Florida reported an 8% increase in farm numbers from 2002 to 2007, essentially all in the small farm category. According to the 2007 US Ag Census, 89% of the Florida farms report less than $100,000 in product sales. The other common characteristic of these operations is they are family-oriented farms dependent upon the family for management and labor. Extension programs can make a difference by providing educational information to help small farmers successfully start their farming operations or adopt new alternative enterprises. Current barriers include: access to markets, regulations, labor, locating materials, and supplies, size-appropriate production, technologies, and adoption of sustainable practices. The UF-IFAS Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team consists of over 80 state and county faculty that self-affiliate with the extension programming of this team. Based on results of a statewide small farm survey, written evaluations from clientele attending county and regional programs, and informal discussions with stakeholders, industry partners and community organizations, a Stakeholder Planning Committee of 30 volunteer members was assembled in 2007 to plan the first statewide conference for small farmers. The two-year planning period and support from IFAS’s Office of Conferences and Institutes was essential to our success. The result was a two-day event that included a large trade show with over 80 exhibitors, a live animal educational demonstration area, a keynote address, innovative farmer awards, six concurrent sessions including tracts in horticulture, alternative energy, alternative enterprises, policy & regulations, organic & sustainable farming, livestock, and business & marketing. Food featuring products from Florida small farms comprised refreshment breaks and lunches. The majority of the 800 attendees responded in a post-event evaluation that the networking was as equally valuable as the educational content. A second statewide conference will be held in July 2010. Although strong partnerships have been developed with community-based organizations, institutional partnerships with Universities, FDACS, Farm Bureau, Farm Credit, and various USDA agencies will need to be strengthened to better serve the needs of small farmers.
Plant and Soil, 1986
Summary The effects of temperature on growth in broth and soil and on competition for nodule for... more Summary The effects of temperature on growth in broth and soil and on competition for nodule formation betweenRhizobium japonicum serotypes USDA 76 and 94 compared to 6 and 110 were studied. Increasing root temperatures of Lee soybean from 20 to 35C increased the competitiveness of 76 and 94 relative to 6 and 110 for all inoculum ratios such that at 30
Plant and Soil, Jun 1, 1986
Summary The effects of temperature on growth in broth and soil and on competition for nodule for... more Summary The effects of temperature on growth in broth and soil and on competition for nodule formation betweenRhizobium japonicum serotypes USDA 76 and 94 compared to 6 and 110 were studied. Increasing root temperatures of Lee soybean from 20 to 35C increased the competitiveness of 76 and 94 relative to 6 and 110 for all inoculum ratios such that at 30
The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., ... more The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Bonita) nodulation and yield was studied in the semi-arid southern region of Puerto Rico. Six N treatments: 0, 22, 45, 90, 180 and 360 kg/ha were tested in inoculated and noninoculated plots arranged in a split-plot design with 4 replications. The application of 22 kg/ha of N in the inoculated plots increased plant nodulation 4 and 8 weeks after planting. Higher rates of N fertilization reduced the number and size of bean nodules at both sampling dates. On the other hand, dry beans consistently increased with applications of 0 to 180 kg/ha of N in the presence of Rhizobium.Se estudió el efecto de cantidades de abono nitrogenado sobre la respuesta simbiótica y el rendimiento de la habichuela seca (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cultivar Bonita). El experimento se sembró en un suelo Mollisol en la región semiárida del sur de Puerto Rico. Se evaluaron seis tratamientos de N: 0, 22, 45, 90, 180 ...
.................................................................................................... more .................................................................................................................. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................. vi PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................. vii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................
California Agriculture, 1990
Converting to a certified organic strawberry production system takes time. Growers must monitor t... more Converting to a certified organic strawberry production system takes time. Growers must monitor the long-term consequences of new production factors and evaluate new cultural techniques. California's annual strawberry crop is valued at over 300million,andin1989coveredmorethan19,000acres.Thishighvaluecrophasexactingcosmeticstandards,andconventionalproductionpracticesinCaliforniaarestringent:preplantlandfumigation,plasticmulching,dripirrigation,chemicalcontrolofpathogensandpestarthropods,andconcentrated,semi−permanentmanuallaborthroughoutthegrowingseason.Annualproductioncostsmayexceed300 million, and in 1989 covered more than 19,000 acres. This highvalue crop has exacting cosmetic standards, and conventional production practices in California are stringent: preplant land fumigation, plastic mulching, drip irrigation, chemical control of pathogens and pest arthropods, and concentrated, semi-permanent manual labor throughout the growing season. Annual production costs may exceed 300million,andin1989coveredmorethan19,000acres.Thishighvaluecrophasexactingcosmeticstandards,andconventionalproductionpracticesinCaliforniaarestringent:preplantlandfumigation,plasticmulching,dripirrigation,chemicalcontrolofpathogensandpestarthropods,andconcentrated,semi−permanentmanuallaborthroughoutthegrowingseason.Annualproductioncostsmayexceed25,000 per acre. Conventional strawberry cropping is one of the most input-intensive production systems in California agriculture. Recently, conventional strawberry production has confronted a series of problems. A key pest spider mite, Tetrunyckus urticue Koch, has developed resistance to most registered acaricides:At the same time, regulatory restrictions affecting the availability and frequency of use of chemical controls are on the increase. Growers continue to
The South West Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is one of the new farmer-to-farmer networks... more The South West Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is one of the new farmer-to-farmer networks supported by the UF/IFAS/FAMU Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program. These working groups have been developed to meet the unique education needs of Florida small farmers. For example, the successful models for sustainable horticultural small farming in Florida and across the nation include highly diversified agroecosystems. The teaching of crop and enterprise diversification provides benefits for sustained production (Gliessman, 2006), marketing (Bandele, 1999). and lowering economic risk (USDA/RMA, 2008). These agroecosystems require increased knowledge of different crops, enterprises, and marketing compared to past single or limited commodity-based operations. This paper describes the approach and activities implemented by the SWFSFN to provide this information, research, and support.
he book Stirrings examines the anti-hunger efforts of the food movement in the latter part of the... more he book Stirrings examines the anti-hunger efforts of the food movement in the latter part of the 20th century for lessons in their successes and failures, as well as relevance to the modern food movement in America. Its six chapters examine four food nonprofits’ responses to hunger and its causes in urban New York City (NYC). The diversity of these case studies allowed for multidimensional analyses and insights of how groups of people can work to challenge policy priorities and change social values that cause hunger. The context of the case studies is established in the introduction by recounting the history and politics of the awareness of hunger and poverty in America, the “land of plenty and wealth” during the 1960s, and the subsequent federal government anti-hunger and welfare programs (e.g., War on Poverty and food stamps programs). This context also includes the drastic reductions of these programs, first by the austerity budget measures of the mid-1970s and then by the rise ...
Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development
The book Stirrings examines the anti-hunger efforts of the food movement in the latter part of th... more The book Stirrings examines the anti-hunger efforts of the food movement in the latter part of the 20th century for lessons in their successes and failures, as well as relevance to the modern food movement in America. Its six chapters examine four food nonprofits’ responses to hunger and its causes in urban New York City (NYC). The diversity of these case studies allowed for multidimensional analyses and insights of how groups of people can work to challenge policy priorities and change social values that cause hunger. The context of the case studies is established in the introduction by recounting the history and politics of the awareness of hunger and poverty in America, the “land of plenty and wealth” during the 1960s, and the subsequent federal government anti-hunger and welfare programs (e.g., War on Poverty and food stamps programs). This context also includes the drastic reductions of these programs, first by the austerity budget measures of the mid-1970s and then by th...
The Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico
The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., ... more The combined effect of N fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Bonita) nodulation and yield was studied in the semi-arid southern region of Puerto Rico. Six N treatments: 0, 22, 45, 90, 180 and 360 kg/ha were tested in inoculated and noninoculated plots arranged in a split-plot design with 4 replications. The application of 22 kg/ha of N in the inoculated plots increased plant nodulation 4 and 8 weeks after planting. Higher rates of N fertilization reduced the number and size of bean nodules at both sampling dates. On the other hand, dry beans consistently increased with applications of 0 to 180 kg/ha of N in the presence of Rhizobium.
The Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation methods and the ... more A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation methods and the effect of different levels of N fertilization on nodulation, nitrogen fixation and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris L. The N treatment produced a seed yield significantly higher than that of the other treatments. Inoculation treatments had no significant effect on nodule number and dry weight, even when compared to the noninoculated and N controls. This finding was attributed to a high number of Rhizobium phaseoli in the soil. The applications of N and inoculation did not significantly affect the N percentages of foliage and grain or nitrogenase activity. Serological identification of nodules indicated that the native strain UPRM 6000 farmed the largest percentage of nodules (41%), followed by R. phaseoli 127K44 (34%), 127K17 (13%) and 127K12b (10%). The serogroup distributions of inoculated and N fertilized treatments differed significantly from the noninoculated control. Inoculation methods...