Calag Archive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.