Otago University reveals how to make vegetables last longer.

Otago University reveals how to make vegetables last longer.New research from the University of Otago has revealed the best home storage methods to lengthen the shelf life of vegetables. The research found that the simple act of wrapping a cut avocado in cling wrap and forming a tight seal against the avocado flesh was enough to see it last up to four times longer than an uncovered avocado half. It also found that brushing the avocado flesh with lemon juice or olive oil, a trick many people swear by, was actually detrimental. Another key finding was that carrots could last for up to 10 times longer if stored in an airtight container lined with a paper towel compared to being stored loose in the fridge. more

A new initiative ; the seed library.

A new initiative has been instituted and its called the seed library. The initiative by the Bay College Library will give members of the community a chance to grow vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more while saving money on seeds and providing a wide variety of seeds. The Bay College Seed Library officially opened for business after materials for the program arrived at the library earlier this month. The seed library program allows people to “borrow” seeds from the Bay College Library. Once the seeds used by seed library participants have grown into new plants, participants will collect seeds from these plants and bring them back to the library. more

Avian influenza questions up-most on producers mind.

Avian influenza has spread all over the world with outbreaks reported in many countries and human deaths in others, suggesting that it will challenge poultry production on every continent for along time. Producers are worried about trend and wonder if the incidence is a sign that the virus is a global potential threat that cannot be tamed. Producers are concerned that avian influenza posses a greater threat to the global poultry industry than it was a decade ago?. The largest factor that could make avian influenza more severe is the rapidly growing global poultry population. Population and income growth around the world is dictating larger flocks and bigger operations, but the level of biosecurity isn’t increasing at the same rate, especially in smaller,operations in the developing world. Producers are also wondering about the risk implication of having more birds,a larger operation.? The size of farm or number of birds does not increase or decrease risk,what matters is the biosecurity level of farm and compliance level of farm hands. The most common question is the method to keep free-range and pasture chicken free from avian influenza virus?. The quest to go cage-free and have free range birds is a major foci of bird flu virus as many outbreaks started from free range birds and spread to commercial farms. see The continuous risk of raising free range birds can only be minimized with proper surveillance and monitoring of health status of birds. Education and training on proper management technique will go a long way to reduce risk of exposure and consequently spread of virus.

Sanderson farms say no to antibiotic-free chicken.

Sanderson, the poultry company reiterates its commitment to taking care of chickens by not denying them antibiotics. Sanderson Farms CEO Joe F. Sanderson Jr. reiterated that the company has no intention of moving into the antibiotic-free chicken market. Sanderson said it is a decision supported not only by the company’s management, but its veterinarians as well. Sanderson also noted that veterinarians in general do not advocate denying sick animals antibiotics. Sanderson said he is aware many consumers in geographical markets such as New York and Boston place a higher value on chicken raised without antibiotics, but in Sanderson Farms’ primary markets in the Southeastern United States, “antibiotic-free is not a big deal, and organic is not a big deal.” source

Tuta absoluta returns to Nigeria.

The Gombe State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) says that the tomato pest, Tuta Absoluta, has seriously affected tomato harvests in three of the state’s 11 local government areas. Mr Abba Dreba, the Pest Control Officer of the ADP, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Wednesday that the affected local governments were Akko, Kwami and Yamltu-Deba. “The tomato pest started ravaging tomato farms since last year but the ADP was not aware of this until this year; this is because tomato farmers in the affected local government areas were ignorant of the pest. more

Basque university develops tomato ripening measurement device.

Basque university develops tomato ripening measurement device. The research by the UPV/EHU's Department of Analytical Chemistry has used a portable Raman spectrometer, an instrument widely used in other fields such as analyzing works of art, to monitor tomatoes. This is useful because tomatoes ripen in various phases in which the color of the fruit undergoes changes By using this mobile measuring device that analyses the molecular composition of the fruit, the producer can monitor tomatoes in situ and find out when they have reached their point of optimum ripeness. see

How to use a soil blocking machine to grow crops.

An Italian company,Marconi grows crops,herbs and salad of high quality and density using a soil blocking machine. The introduction of a soil blocking machine enabled Marconi to achieve an improved market position and higher than ever returns. The FL'EX PP22 Soil Blocking Machine produces consistent and stronger soil blocks much more quickly. This automation solution enabled Marconi to realise a higher quality soil block immediately. see