California Agriculture, January-February 1984

Volume 38, Number 1
Special insert: Agricultural field stations

peer-reviewed research articles

Beet western yellows can cause heavy losses in sugarbeet
by Robert T. Lewellen , Irvin O. Skoyen
pp4-5, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p4
Abstract
Not available – first paragraph follows: Virus yellows disease of sugarbeet is caused by a complex of aphid transmitted viruses. The three most important components of this complex in California are beet yellows virus (BYV), beet western yellows virus (BWYV), and beet mosaic virus. Each component is distinct and has unique virus particle structure, vector characteristics, and host range.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Strategies for managing lepidopterous pests on lettuce
by Marshall W. Johnson , Ken Kido , Nick C. Toscano , Robert A. Van Steenwyk , Steve C. Welter , Norman F. McCalley
pp6-8, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p6
Abstract
It isn't necessary to keep the crop insect-free during the entire growing season
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Harvest and postharvest handling of Chinese date
by Adel A. Kader , Alexander Chordas , Yu Li
pp8-9, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p8
Abstract
Not available – first paragraph follows: Jujube, or Chinese date, is a deciduous nit tree of tropical and subtropical origin, now grown primarily in home gardens in California and Florida. Among problems that have limited development of jujube as a commercial crop in California are several factors related to harvesting and postharvest handling. These include variation in ripening time among fruits, failure of green fruits to ripen after harvest, and poor storageability of ripe fruits on the tree. To help overcome these limitations, we conducted studies on compositional changes associated with maturation and ripening and on optimum postharvest handling temperatures for transport and storage of these fruits.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

The vegetable leafminer on fresh market tomatoes in southern California
by Marshall W. Johnson , Earl R. Oatman , Nick C. Toscano , Steve C. Welter , John T. Trumble
pp10-11, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p10
Abstract
Not available – first paragraph follows: Most of California's fresh market tomatoes, a crop valued at $161.1 million in 1981, are grown in San Diego, Orange, Ventura, San Joaquin, Merced, and Fresno counties. In southern California, growers may establish tomato plantings from early February through mid-July. Planting dates (spring, summer, fall) are influenced by the market, especially the spring and fall crops, which usually are more profitable.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Irrigation scheduling under saline high water tables
by Sidney W. Kite , Blaine R. Hanson
pp12-14, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p12
Abstract
Not available – first paragraph follows: Approximately 400,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley are classified as drainage problem areas. Levels of soil salinity detrimental to crop yield exist in these areas because of saline high water tables. One water district serving 264,000 acres needing drainage estimated that their production loss caused by drainage problems was about $17 million in 1981.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

The medfly crisis: Citizens' response to eradication risks
by Glenn R. Hawkes , Marc Pilisuk , Martha C. Stiles , Curt Acredolo
pp14-16, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p14
Abstract
The public saw the benefits of medfly eradication as far exceeding the risks of exposure to pesticides
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Employment, wages, and benefits on California farms
by Gary W. Johnston , Philip L. Martin
pp17-19, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p17
Abstract
Year-round employees averaged $5.16 per hour
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Vibration packing of Thompson Seedless grapes
by F. Gordon Mitchell , Donald A. Luvisi , Gene Mayer
pp20-21, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p20
Abstract
The method results in up to one-half to two-thirds less berry shatter than hand-packing
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Insecticide resistance in Liriomyza trifolii
by Michael P. Parrella , Clifford B. Keil , Joseph G. Morse
pp22-23, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p22
Abstract
Rapid buildup of insecticide resistance may cause problems in California crops
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Soil nitrate level best measure of ryegrass nitrogen needs in Imperial Valley
by Robert W. Hagemann , Carl F. Ehlig , Richard Y. Reynoso
pp24-25, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p24
Abstract
Not available – first paragraph follows: Annual ryegrass produces superior yields of hay or pasturage with excellent palatability, a protein content above 20 percent, and other desirable qualities. The new fertilizer technology provides a highly favorable economic return. However, the nitrogen fertilization rates required for highest yields may cause plant nitrate-nitrogen concentrations that are toxic to livestock.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

The benefits of a farm safety program
by David L. Bayer
pp26-27, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p26
Abstract
Not available – first paragraph follows: Work-related injuries impose substantial costs on employers as well as employees. This is as true of agriculture as of other industries. Moreover, because crops may perish if accidents delay harvest, and expensive machinery must be handled by experienced workers. farmers cannot afford to lose key people. There is ample proof from other industries that effective safety programs can reduce injuries and save companies money. The DuPont Company, for example, saved $26 million on workers' compensation, or the equivalent of 3.6 percent of its net profits, because management made safety the first item on its agenda (Jeremy Main, “When Accidents Don't Happen,” Fortune, September 6, 1982). However, until now, the literature has provided few examples of such success in agriculture.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Use of integrated pest management in alfalfa
by Mary Louise Flint , Karen Klonsky , Frank G. Zalom
pp28-30, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p28
Abstract
A survey showed that many growers are not aware of current pest management recommendations
Expanded Abstract | PDF

The variegated grape leafhopper in the San Joaquin Valley
by Hiroshi Kido , Donald L. Flaherty , Daniel F. Bosch , Karen A. Valero
pp31-32, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p31
Abstract
Not available – first paragraph follows: The variegated grape leafhopper, the principal pest of grapes in southern California and Arizona, was reported for the first time in 1980 on grapes in Fresno County, in the San Joaquin Valley. Its widespread distribution there, however, suggested that it had been present before then. This leafhopper has since been found also in Tulare County. A closely related species, the grape leafhopper, is the most common grape pest in central and northern California.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

editorial, news, letters & science briefs

EDITORIAL: The plant health specialist's time has arrived
by J. B. Kendrick
pp2, doi#10.3733/ca.v038n01p2
PDF