News From 2007

By Robert H. Wells
Delta Research and Extension Center

STONEVILLE -- Waiting until spring to make phosphorus applications can mean a nearly 10 percent increase in rice yields, according to new research by Mississippi State University.

“We receive a lot of questions this time of year about applying phosphorus fertilizer in the fall when fields are dry and prepared for spring planting,” said Tim Walker, rice agronomist at MSU's Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Some unbelievably colored violas have come on the market in recent years with little notice. Most gardeners pass up these rugged, cool-season performers in favor of their larger cousins, the pansies.

The viola is the wild ancestor of the pansy, and it is even called wild pansy in some countries. In  addition to the names viola and wild pansy, we also know it as Johnny jump-up.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cooler weather, turning leaves and black smears on windshields and vehicle hoods mean one thing in Mississippi -- lovebug season has arrived.

Lovebugs are scientifically known as Plecia nearctica and are small, black-winged flies with orange middle sections. They produce two generations a year, one in late spring and the second in September and October. Pairs fly around attached when mating.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's pecan growers had to overcome a lot in recent years, but 2007 looks like the year their hard work and patience might pay off.

The state's yield is expected to be 3 million pounds, double last year's pecan harvest. Mississippi's average crop is about 1.5 million pounds.

John Braswell is a horticulture specialist with Mississippi State University's Coastal Research and Extension Center in Poplarville. He said Hurricane Katrina ruined the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Women who work in farming businesses are often the sole decision makers, and a new three-day program has been created to help them make the best choices.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce are sponsoring a business management seminar for farmwomen called Mississippi Women in Agriculture – Annie’s Project.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A national organization is honoring a Mississippi State University associate professor for outstanding contributions to teaching.

Kirk A. Swortzel received a North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Teaching Fellow Award at the organization’s 2007 annual meeting.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Landscape and nursery professionals will have the opportunity to become certified in their field during a Nov. 12-14 training course at Mississippi State University’s Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond. 

The Mississippi Certified Nursery Professional Certificate is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed all requirements of the Nursery Professional Certification Program and whose employers are members of the Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Associa­tion.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A founding faculty member of Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine received a 2007 distinguished alumnus award from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Wilford S. Bailey Distinguished Alumnus Award honors Dr. Clyde Taylor’s contributions to animal welfare, his community and the veterinary profession. Taylor and fellow recipients Drs. Annelda Baetz of San Antonio and Wayne Roberts of Enterprise, Ala., accepted the awards during the college’s commencement ceremony.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

It seems like only yesterday that midday temperatures were reaching the century mark, and it was hard not to break a sweat, even on morning walks. Now, as the bright, crisp mornings greet us, we are reminded that cool-season planting time is upon us.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Drought, Asian soybean rust, then rain at harvest combined to make Mississippi soybean production a struggle this year, but high prices are making producers happy with their harvest.

Dan Poston, soybean agronomist with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station in Stoneville, predicts a “decent crop” for most producers.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Dr. Phil Bushby, a faculty member recognized for his innovative approaches to education and animal health, is the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Carl Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award for Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

The performance of Angel's Trumpets at Mississippi State University's Truck Crops Experiment Station in Crystal Springs recently had me mesmerized. I predict they will do the same for the many visitors expected at the Fall Flower and Garden Fest on Oct. 12 and 13.

These Angel's Trumpets, which are yellow-gold and rich pink, look exotic and tropical. They have been coming back for years without much attention. They really complete the tropical section in any garden.

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When presented with a mysterious animal death, a group of dedicated technologists at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine spend their time looking for a few good clues.

By working together over the years in the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Missy Bolin, Heather Peavy, Nicole McBrayer, Margaret Sanborn and Aleah Arney have a camaraderie that allows them to quickly provide information necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi and Mississippi State University have teamed up to encourage healthy living as part of the 29th annual Fall Flower and Garden Fest.

The annual horticulture event will be held Oct. 12 and 13 at the Truck Crops Experiment Station in Crystal Springs, and will focus on better health and nutrition with fruits and vegetables.

In keeping with this theme, Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi will kick off the flower and garden event with a one-mile walk on Oct. 12 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- While Mississippi peanut producers are having a good year, weather problems have hurt major peanut-producing states, driving supplies down and prices up.

 “We produce excellent-quality peanuts in Mississippi. The Southeast in general produces the highest quality peanuts in the world,” said Mike Howell, area agronomic crops agent in Harrison County with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. “Farmers get paid on a 72-grade peanut, and it's not uncommon for our producers to have peanuts in the upper 70s and 80s.”

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Management plans that include alternative feeding strategies for livestock and horses will be the key to survival for producers facing severe hay shortages this year.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

After the long, hot summer, you almost feel like celebrating fall's arrival. I am already seeing neighbors searching out pumpkins and doing a little fall decorating. The feeling of fall and festivals is in the air.

To celebrate, consider a little neighborhood decoration that just might catch on from one end of the street to the other. At one of my previous homes, I lived on a cul-de-sac that always had children playing, but it also had two unsightly storm drains.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Supply and demand forces are saving pet lives in Mississippi and making puppies and kittens available to owners in the Northeast.

Krista Gazzola, a second-year veterinary student at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, has a soft place in her heart for young strays.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Timely rains in July and now during sweet potato harvest have been the keys to any success Mississippi's growers have had during this second consecutive dry summer.

Bill Burdine, sweet potato specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said rains that passed through the state in early July were essential for the early sweet potato crop. Yields and quality have been slightly lower for the midseason potatoes.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The 29th annual Fall Flower and Garden Fest in Crystal Springs to be held Oct. 12 and 13 will delight garden and horticulture enthusiasts with acres of vegetables, flowers and herbs.

The two-day event at Mississippi State University’s Truck Crops Experiment Station will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission and parking are free.