Agriculture Monitoring News
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Encouraging innovation in biopesticide development
Biopesticides can control crop pests effectively with minimal environmental impact when used as part of an Integrated Pest Management programme. However, their regulation is governed by a system originally designed for chemical pesticides and this can act as a barrier to investment in biopesticide research and development (R&D). A recent study investigated two innovative biopesticide ...
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Helping canneries make better use of leftover water
With the help of a well-stocked kitchen cupboard, a can opener, and a microwave oven, a steaming-hot bowl of your favorite tomato soup can be ready to savor in just minutes. For decades America's canneries have helped make soups—as well as vegetables, fruits, juices and other familiar foods—more convenient for us to enjoy. Now, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are helping ...
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Interaction between water and forest – challenge to water policies and forest management
Incorporating results from forest hydrology studies in water policies can help avoid uncertainty and confusion caused by the current difficulties in transferring research findings to different countries and regions, varying forest types and species and diverse forest management regimes. In addition, institutional mechanisms to enhance synergies in forests and water administrations are needed at ...
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Better approach to reporting hazardous substances from farm animal waste
EPA is announcing a final rule providing an administrative reporting exemption for air releases of hazardous substances from animal waste at farms. This rule will enable response authorities to better focus their attention on hazardous substance releases that require a response, while reducing reporting burdens on America’s farms. Notifications must still be made to response authorities when ...
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The bigger picture: GM contamination across the landscape
Ensuring the purity of conventional crops grown in the vicinity of genetically modified (GM) crops depends on understanding both short and long distance pollen flows. New research shows that current guidelines on the safe isolation distances for GM maize may not adequately prevent cross pollination of conventional crops. Contamination of conventional crops can occur where GM pollen ...
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Earthworms decompose GM maize
Pest-resistant genetically modified (GM) maize makes up an increasing proportion of maize grown commercially in the EU. A new study shows that earthworms may help break down the toxins produced by GM maize. GM maize (Bt-maize) plants are engineered to produce 'cry' proteins that are toxic to the European corn borer, a major insect pest responsible for corn crop losses. Recent studies have shown ...
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GM crops could reduce need for herbicides
Analysis of large-scale European field trial data reveals that lower quantities of herbicides are applied to crops genetically modified for herbicide-resistance compared with conventionally grown crops. However, the data also suggest that biodiversity may be reduced if genetically modified (GM) crops are grown widely. Transgenic crops are currently grown in 22 countries across the world, ...
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New partnership grants demonstrate integrated pest management
Grants totaling nearly US$1 million have been awarded for projects that use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches to reduce pesticide risk. The grants will support the demonstration of innovative IPM practices, technologies, outreach and education. IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. In ...
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Increased amphibian mortality due to agri-chemical pollution
Global decline in frog populations is thought to indicate environmental damage caused by human activity. In particular, the use of agri-chemicals has been linked to an increase in infectious diseases in amphibians. A link has now been found between a parasitic infection and localised interaction between phosphate fertilisers and herbicides. Leopard frogs from wetlands in Minnesota, USA, were ...
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Bolivia expands watershed-based irrigation
IDB finances construction of new infrastructure and systems for sustainably managing scarce water resources. Bolivia will build 33 community irrigation systems covering 9,000 hectares in seven Departments throughout the country under a US$34 million program financed by the Inter-American Development Bank. Drawing on lessons from past irrigation programs in Bolivia’s arid and semi-arid regions, ...
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ADB to help Afghanistan rebuild agriculture sector
Afghanistan's agriculture sector, battered by years of war and drought, is getting support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). ADB is extending a US$30 million grant from its Special Funds for the Agriculture Market Infrastructure Project to build facilities and standards in the livestock and horticulture industries. The Afghan government will make an in-kind contribution of $1 million. ...
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Collection of soil and water samples underway in Camden County, MO
The US Environmental Protection Agency is currently sampling soil and water from private wells at residences in Camden County, Mo. The samples are being screened for the presence of lead and other metals. There is no cost to the property owner or resident for the sampling. For most of its history, Missouri was the largest lead producer in the country. Historical records show that lead was mined ...
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Protecting Europe`s forests: the value of standardised guidelines
A network of protected forest areas (PFAs) stretching across Europe plays a major role in conserving a wealth of biodiversity. However, a recent study voices concerns that the full benefits of such areas will not be reaped unless a standardised approach, which uses scientific guidelines, is used to help select forest areas for protection. Poor connections between forest areas, unsuitable ...
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European Veterinary Week: Raising awareness about health risks at border crossings and in farms
Over the next week, travellers entering or exiting the European Union will be reminded actively and creatively of the health risks involved in the illegal import from third countries of pets and animal products, such as cheese or meat. Raising awareness about biosecurity at EU borders is one of the main goals of the first European Veterinary Week (EVW), organised between November 10 and 16. ...
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Loss of flowering plants: higher risks with non-random extinction
A recent study has shown that among flowering plants, species-loss does not occur randomly, but is clustered in families that contain only a small number of species. This suggests that the impact of biodiversity loss will be greater than previously thought and that resources should be targeted on particular plant families. Genetic relationships between flowering plant species (angiosperms) can ...
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EPA cites pesticides practices of Puerto Rico agency
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has cited the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture’s (PRDA) Crop Protection Program for allegedly violating federal pesticide and worker protection regulations. The EPA complaint, issued under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), comes after a series of investigations conducted by EPA revealed that PRDA was using pesticides ...
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Nitrogen applied
Combating soil erosion is a primary concern for agricultural producers in the United States, and many have incorporated conservation tillage systems in their effort to maintain a profitable crop output. Cover crops are an important tool in this cycle, and while it is known that using nitrogen fertilizers can increase these crops biomass, the resulting levels of nitrogen for the following cash ...
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Vigilance needed to ensure safe infant food
WHO and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are urging affected countries to ensure safe feeding of millions of infants following the ongoing melamine-contaminated milk crisis in China. The two agencies also call on countries to be alert to the possible spread of melamine-contaminated dairy products. 'While breastfeeding is the ideal way of providing infants with the nutrients they ...
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CAP post 2013 - last call for sustainability?
On September 23rd an informal Agriculture Council meeting will be held in Annecy, dedicated to the future of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013. BirdLife International, EEB and Pesticide Action Network warned Ministers that the issue of food and energy security - and prices - can only be addressed effectively through a new model of agriculture that emits less greenhouse gases, ...
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A model farm for emissions studies
Anyone downwind of a pig barn knows that animal production facilities generate some notable emissions. Now Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have reported that preliminary findings from wind tunnel studies indicate that positioning farm buildings perpendicular to prevailing winds could help reduce odors from downwind lagoons or tanks. Wind speed and direction, topography, ...
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