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Researchers in Ontario Test Corn Hybrids for Tar Spot Resistance and Fungicide Efficacy

Researchers in Ontario Test Corn Hybrids for Tar Spot Resistance and Fungicide Efficacy

Albert Tenuta, a field crop pathologist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), and his team are conducting research in West Elgin, Ontario, to assess the performance of corn varieties against tar spot disease. Since tar spot arrived in southern Ontario in 2020, Tenuta has been testing different corn hybrids for their susceptibility and evaluating in-season control methods, including fungicide applications. The research plots provide consistent disease pressure, allowing for reliable data collection on how various corn varieties and management tools respond. This ongoing research, now in its sixth season, aims to provide growers with data-backed recommendations for selecting tar spot-resistant hybrids and optimizing fungicide timing. Tenuta emphasizes the importance of balancing yield and other agronomic needs with tar spot resistance ratings when choosing hybrids and advises growers to consult seed companies for their tar spot ratings and testing locations.

Where is the best Halloween street in the US? Nationwide search is on

Where is the best Halloween street in the US? Nationwide search is on

Where is the trick-or-treatiest street in the country? Reese's is hosting a contest to find out. See which streets made the short list of 150.

North Carolina State University Develops 'Plant Armor' Tripling Strawberry Yields and Reducing Pesticide Use

North Carolina State University Develops 'Plant Armor' Tripling Strawberry Yields and Reducing Pesticide Use

North Carolina State University Develops 'Plant Armor' Tripling Strawberry Yields and Reducing Pesticide Use

Southern Illinois University Researchers Develop AI Robot for Early Soybean Disease Detection

Southern Illinois University Researchers Develop AI Robot for Early Soybean Disease Detection

Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU), led by Assistant Professor Billy Ram and doctoral student Samuel Singh, are developing an innovative AI-powered robot designed for the early detection of soybean diseases. This technology aims to identify plant diseases, such as frogeye leaf spot, before visible symptoms appear on the crop, which often leads to significant yield losses. The robot is battery-powered, equipped with GPS, multiple cameras, and autonomous navigation capabilities, allowing it to move through soybean rows, collect close-range images from various angles, and monitor individual plants. The team's goal is to develop advanced AI models that can accurately identify diseases and create disease maps, enabling farmers to apply fungicides precisely where needed, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Richlands Dairy Farm Connects Students to Agriculture Through 'Adopt a Cow' Program

Richlands Dairy Farm Connects Students to Agriculture Through 'Adopt a Cow' Program

Richlands Dairy Farm in Nottoway County, Virginia, is participating in the Dairy Alliance’s 'Adopt a Cow' program to educate students about dairy farming and agriculture. Owner Thomas Jones emphasizes the farm's unique model, where the entire process from cow to carton—including milking, creamery operations, and producing milk, ice cream, and butter—occurs on-site. This integrated approach aims to preserve Virginia's declining dairy industry. Through the 'Adopt a Cow' program, students can follow a calf's development throughout the school year, receiving virtual updates and participating in live chats with Richlands' Director of Agritourism and Event Planning, Savanna Cheesman. The program teaches students about dairy production, general agriculture, and animal care, highlighting the farm's philosophy of 'Happy, healthy cows make happy, healthy milk.' Despite expanding its products into grocery stores, Richlands Dairy has yet to turn a profit since launching its creamery in 2019, and is now focusing on com...

Plant MicroRNAs Show Promise in Sustainable Agriculture for Disease Control

Plant MicroRNAs Show Promise in Sustainable Agriculture for Disease Control

New research indicates that plant microRNAs (miRNAs) can recruit beneficial microorganisms, offering a novel approach to controlling soil-borne diseases in sustainable agriculture. This discovery, highlighted by a study on organic fertilizer inducing tomato roots to secrete miRNAs, suggests an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. Chemical pesticides often disrupt soil microecological balance and lead to pathogen resistance. The plant-secreted miRNAs, such as sly-miR159 and sly-miR319c-3p, work by simultaneously inhibiting pathogen proliferation and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. This dual effect could significantly improve crop disease resistance and soil health. The potential application focuses on rhizosphere microbiome engineering, where identifying soluble active components in organic fertilizer that induce miRNA secretion could lead to the development of targeted biological agents. These agents would help rebuild beneficial microbial communities in soi...

Chesapeake Bay Hall Post-Occupancy Experience Informs Future Laboratory Design for Research and Flexibility

Chesapeake Bay Hall Post-Occupancy Experience Informs Future Laboratory Design for Research and Flexibility

Chesapeake Bay Hall, a new facility at William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science & Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences (VIMS & Batten School) in Gloucester Point, VA, is providing valuable insights into effective laboratory design. Several months into its occupancy, feedback from researchers and staff indicates that the building is successfully addressing long-standing challenges and improving research operations and the occupant experience. The design, a collaboration between Baskervill and Page, with construction by Kjellstrom and Lee and engineering by RMF Engineering, emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and a strong connection to the York River and Chesapeake Bay through its views and materials. The post-occupancy evaluation reveals how thoughtful design can enhance environmental performance, researcher workflow, and the ability to protect scientific work, contributing to the facility's long-term value.

Chicken stew recall hits 8 states over inspection issue

Chicken stew recall hits 8 states over inspection issue

The products were sold in eight states, according to a recall notice.

Which Starbucks locations closed? See list

Which Starbucks locations closed? See list

While most locations are thriving under the chain's Back to Starbucks strategy, some are underperforming.

Dutch Bros is set to open in these cities by the end of 2026

Dutch Bros is set to open in these cities by the end of 2026

Chief Financial Officer of Dutch Bros Josh Guenser said in a recent news release that the company has multiple plans in place for growth.

Georgia Museum of Art Publishes Letters Chronicling Artist Louise Heron Blair's Life and Love in Paris

Georgia Museum of Art Publishes Letters Chronicling Artist Louise Heron Blair's Life and Love in Paris

The Georgia Museum of Art has released a new publication titled “Much Love from Paris: Letters to My Family (1928 – 30).” This book features essays by Nelda Damiano, Pierre Daura Curator of European Art at the Georgia Museum, and Robyn Asleson, curator of the prints and drawings department at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, alongside letters written by American artist Louise Heron Blair. Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1905, Blair moved to Paris at the age of 22, immersing herself in the avant-garde movement. Her letters, written over three years, offer an intimate look into her experiences, including her exploration of French culture and food, her artistic development, her marriage to Catalan artist Pierre Daura, and the birth of their daughter. Damiano's introductory essay specifically highlights the intense romantic relationship between Blair and Daura, whom Blair met and became engaged to within six weeks of their meeting in Paris.

Virginia Man Cited for Reckless Driving After Speeding for McDonald's Breakfast

Virginia Man Cited for Reckless Driving After Speeding for McDonald's Breakfast

A man in Virginia was issued a ticket for reckless driving after being pulled over for traveling 72 mph in a 25 mph zone on his motorcycle. The incident occurred as the man was reportedly rushing to get McDonald's breakfast before the menu switched to lunch. He admitted to the officer that he was in a hurry and had not even put on socks before leaving his home. The police department shared details of the event as a public safety reminder, emphasizing the importance of slowing down, staying alert, and riding safely to prevent accidents. The officer warned the man about the dangers of such high speeds, stating that a sudden obstacle could lead to a fatal accident.