Abstract
There are two philosophical points of view regarding the most effective approach to research. One holds that coordinated research is more productive and attains its goals faster with less cost. The Manhattan Project and Space Flights are cited as proof that coordination is the only effective way to solve problems. The other point of view is that good researchers know what to do without coordination. Supporters of this view claim that all major discoveries have resulted from individual efforts and that agricultural research, the most uncoordinated large research undertaking, has been very successful in developing new techniques and solving problems. They ask: “Should we spend long hours in coordinating meetings or should we get a good man and leave him alone?”
Abstract
Programs on various aspects of integrated pest management (IPM) have been ongoing in most states for several years. Until fairly recently, however, the primary emphasis has been unidisciplinary and has centered around research activities. In 1972, implementation of state IPM programs began in an organized manner with the help of federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Extension Service. By 1979, USD A Extension provided over $5.4 million to new and expanding IPM programs in all 50 states (4). During this time, no parallel organized research effort was established to support this expanding implementation network. Thus, various Experiment Station and USDA groups began to examine planning and coordination mechanisms to provide for best use of research and extension resources, to seek methods of providing additional funds, and to ensure an interdisciplinary approach to IPM. The purpose of this paper is to record the events leading up to the formation of regional planning groups and describe briefly progress to date.
Abstract
The Committee developed a questionnaire to obtain information about ASHS members professional activities, affiliations, and age distribution. The questionnaire was also intended to determine members opinions and preferences on topics of importance to horticulturists. Over 2400 questionnaires were mailed to U.S. and Canadian members of which 40% were returned. Data obtained were key punched and analyzed by the Data Processing Department of Basic Vegetable Products, Inc.
Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers are key to effective dissemination of horticultural information to the public. The goal of this workshop was to identify techniques to increase the capacity and effectiveness of EMG volunteers. The workshop focused on projects and tools that reduce the administrative burden of managing volunteers, increase the scope of issues that volunteers are prepared to address, and pool volunteer efforts and resources across county lines. Two online systems for managing and reporting EMG volunteer activities were described. Both systems are intuitive, user-friendly, and updated without the assistance of web managers. Regional web-based, advanced training on specific topics was used to expand educational messages of EMG volunteers and eliminate the costs associated with face-to-face training. Presentations were made using distance learning technologies and resources were shared online. Hosting agents tailored hands-on supporting activities to meet local needs. Volunteers expanded extension outreach by answering noncommercial landscape and garden telephone questions. Many of the administrative, logistical, and resource burdens associated with the EMG helpline phone service were overcome by working across county lines, standardizing training, centralizing supporting resources, and clustering volunteers into regional telephone helpline offices. Other projects and tools presented in the workshop focused on the need to affirm and/or foster the volunteers' connection with the university and the outreach mission of Cooperative Extension.
; however, the strategy would require a high degree of industry coordination and cooperation. Espinoza-Arellano et al. (2005) report that Lagunera region cantaloupe producers are poorly organized and act as individual agents in ways that reduce their
Vermont with cider makers’ demand for apples. We find a number of potentially beneficial opportunities, particularly in increased production of dual-purpose and specialty cider cultivars, as long as price and coordination issues can be resolved. As Vermont
Two students at the University of Delaware participated in independent study projects that helped the University of Delaware campus progress in their efforts to become a sustainable campus. Student projects included a volunteer organization for invasive plant removal, design of a wildlife habitat garden, development of an interpretive signage policy, coordination of publicity, development of interpretive signs, authoring fact sheets, and creation of a sustainable landscapes website. Students benefited from faculty mentoring, collaboration with other university and agency personnel, and real world project coordination. Both students are currently enrolled in graduate programs that will further develop the skills they learned in their independent study projects.
Growth characteristics and marketing of woody ornamentals prevent crop scheduling common in floriculture crops. However, many tasks in the production of woody ornamentals require coordination with the season and/or physiological state of the species. Since most woody ornamental nurseries produce many species or cultivars, a variety of tasks occur concurrently. This review highlights the major tasks required during production for most species of woody plants. The physiological and environmental factors that dictate or influence scheduling are discussed.
Abstract
Horticulture has not been a priority in the agricultural development plans of southern Africa. Large advances have been made in the production of staple crops while horticultural production stagnated or declined. Governments in the Southern Africa Development Coordination Council (SADCC) region are now beginning to consider horticulture as a tool in improving nutrition, the income of their people, and national foreign exchange earnings. A number of constraints exist, however, including attitude, transport, postharvest handling, lack of horticulturists, seed and plant shortages, and poor communication. The potential of horticulture in the region is great if the governments and people of the region can meet the challenges of developing the horticultural industry.
Abstract
Although the world germplasm potential is immense, relatively little concentrated effort is being made to develop superior landscape plant materials and only a few institutions are involved in breeding activities. With a coordinated national effort tremendous improvements in adapted plant materials with superior aesthetic qualities could be realized for all areas of the country with relatively modest cost. The keys to a successful national effort are careful coordination and wise planning of activities utilizing knowledge available to us in genetics, plant breeding, and physiology.