California Agriculture, July-August 1981

Volume 35, Number 7

peer-reviewed research articles

Automatic squid cleaning machine
by R. Paul Singh , Daniel E. Brown
pp4-6, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p4
Abstract
Squid, a low-cost, nutritious food, is not popular in the United States, partly because the average consumer doesn't know how to clean it. This machine does the job automatically.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Cost comparison of hand and mechanical harvest of mature green tomatoes
by Mike B. Zahara , Stanley S. Johnson
pp7-9, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p7
Abstract
Under some conditions, mature green tomatoes can be picked as cheaply by a highly productive hand-harvest crew as by machine.High- and low-output hand harvest was compared with machine harvest at various yields and lengths of season.
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Presence-absence sampling of spider mite densities on cotton
by Lloyd T. Wilson , Thomas F. Leigh , Victor Maggi
pp10, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p10
Abstract
A simple, practical plan for reliably estimating mite densities overcomes problems of quantitative sampling.Spider mite densities on cotton can be quickly estimated by recording only the presence or absence of mites on a leaf.
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Responses of young almond trees to late-season drought
by Elias Fereres , Thomas M. Aldrich , Herbert Schulbach , Donald A. Martinich
pp11-12, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p11
Abstract
Water requirements of young almond orchards must be met throughout the season, despite the tree's reputation for drought resistance.Although almond trees resist drought, growth and yield of young trees can be reduced by early termination of irrigation.
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Farm size relationships, with an emphasis on California: A summary report
by Harold O. Carter , Warren E. Johnston
pp13-20, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p13
Abstract
Production cost savings tend to level off at medium-size farms, but many other factors influence expansion beyond that point.
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Citrus whitefly parasites established in California
by Mike Rose , Paul DeBach
pp21-23, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p21
Abstract
Some imported natural enemies have become established in California and may help prevent citrus whitefly population buildup.
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Available nitrogen from animal manures
by Parker F. Pratt , Javier Z. Castellanos
pp24, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p24
Abstract
Composted manure is low in odor and has good physicalproperties, but fresh manure has more nitrogen available to plants.
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Citrus flat mite on pistachios in California
by Richard E. Rice , Gary B. Weinberger
pp25-26, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p25
Abstract
This citrus pest has been seen in pistachio plantings in northwestern Kern County.Citrus flat mite infestations, new to southern California pistachios in the past two years, are being watched by entomologists.
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Seeking the reasons for differences in orange tortrix infestations
by Hiroshi Kido , Donald L. Flaherty , Charles E. Kennett , Norman F. McCalley , Daniel F. Bosch
pp27-28, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p27
Abstract
In one of the two vineyards studied, evidence pointed to natural enemies as the cause of the low orange tortrix populations sampled.
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Euphorbia lathyris: A potential source of petroleum-like products
by Roy M. Sachs , Clifford B. Low , James D. MacDonald , Abdel R. Awad , Michael J. Sully
pp29-32, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p29
Abstract
Hydrocarbons from E. lathyris would have to sell for $150 to $200 a barrel to be a practical source of fuel.Euphorbia lathyris produces a hydrocarbon-rich latex, but extensive field trials show the plant is not an economical fuel source.
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editorial, news, letters & science briefs

EDITORIAL: Domestic issues affecting U.S. agriculture
by J. B. Kendrick
pp2, doi#10.3733/ca.v035n07p2
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