) transplanting techniques that minimize desiccation ( Beard, 1973 ). Rapid root extension into the soil is essential to gain access to water and nutrients to support the establishment of the sod plants. Therefore, understanding the impact of various management
74 ORAL SESSION 14 (Abstr. 520–527) Cross-commodity/No commodity: Human Issues/Extension/Technology Transfer Tuesday, 25 July, 8:00–10:00 a.m
, combined with year-round consumer demand, create the need for extended fruit production into the off season. The climatic conditions in the Intermountain West require the use of season extension technologies so that growers may successfully supply markets
“Backyard Farmer” is a Cooperative Extension (CE) television program that airs one night a week on the Nebraska Educational Television Network (ETV). “Backyard Farmer” is a one-hour program which airs throughout the lawn and gardening season from approximately April 1 to September 1 each year. This program combines a live call-in format, along with mailin questions and samples to be answered by the panel. In addition they discuss timely topics which are illustrated by videotapes and live demonstrations. The panelists are specialists in horticulture, entomology, plant pathology and agronomy (weed science).
Slightly over two-thirds of the Nebraska households (69%) were familiar with “Backyard Farmer”. Backyard Farmer has been watched in 49% of Nebraska households. Thus Backyard Farmer is viewed in approximately 270,000 households.
Viewers are more likely than non-viewers to have sought advice from Cooperative Extension in the past two years. Although the total number of viewers in the urban area was higher than in the rural area, there was a higher proportion of viewers in the rural area. Nearly half of the “Backyard Farmer” viewing audience (47%) was under age 45.
44 POSTER SESSION 7 (Abstr. 381–397) Extension/Technology Transfer/Public Education Monday, 24 July, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
results indicate that high tunnels can effectively and economically be used in the Intermountain West as an early-season extension technique for strawberries. Fall planting dates for the in-ground tunnel and the east–west-facing vertical systems were
( Evans et al., 1997 ). Plant growth regulators that limit shoot length extension are used most often to improve the light environment in the canopy for better fruit color development and quality. P-Ca (Apogee ® ) is a primary plant bioregulator in pome
A Community of Practice (CoP) for consumer horticulture has been formed as part of the eXtension system. The CoP was organized at the National Consumer Horticulture Forum held Nov. 2005 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The meeting was attended by representatives of 24 states from all four Extension geographical regions. The attendees discussed project priorities and began to build a framework for working together across state lines on eXtension-sponsored activities and other efforts. Initial plans from the meeting include constructing a National Consumer Horticulture FAQ database, developing online learning modules that can be used for Master Gardener training, and developing marketing tools to better identify consumer horticulture resources available through local as well as national Extension activities. This presentation will provide additional details regarding the Consumer Horticulture Forum, an update regarding consumer horticulture activities within eXtension, and an opportunity for members of ASHS to learn how they can get involved in eXtension. Information regarding eXtension CoPs (including Consumer Horticulture) is continually being updated on the eXtension CoP Web site (cop.extension.org) and information regarding the Consumer Horticulture Forum has been posted on the Consumer Horticulture CoP Community Home page (cop.extension.org/wiki/Consumer_Horticulture_Community).
Funding reductions have left many Extension field and specialist positions unfilled when they are vacated. In New England, severe economic downturns have made this situation acute and have forced Extension programs to find innovative and more efficient ways of delivering information to clientele groups. The nursery and landscape industries comprise a major agricultural sector in New England whose needs must be met to maintain agriculture in the region. Yankee Nursery Quarterly was developed as a regional effort to draw upon nursery and related expertise from the six New England states. Yankee Nursery Quarterly provides information in the areas of nursery and Christmas tree production, landscaping, arboriculture, garden center operation and turfgrass four times annually. The publication format deviates from the standard 8 ½″ by 11″ size and uses 2 color printing, a four-column layout and black and white photography to provide a recognizable, informative and visually appealing product.
Abstract
The first source for information retrieval in county Extension offices should be a file to 1) provide direct answers from information in the microfiche file; or 2) provide names of reference publication where answers can be readily found in specific publications normally available in county Extension offices.