 Science
Update
Six years ago, when Power county farmers were looking for an alternative crop,
they scanned the horizon—to the East.
"I thought if Nebraska can grow
potatoes, then I can grow corn," said Jim Tiede.
more . . .
|
 Can
we win Idaho’s invasive species wars?
Some 50,000 non-native plant and animal species now live in the United States.
Many are beneficial or no problem. But some 7,000 are considered troublesome.
Idaho agriculture routinely watches for some 400 exotic plants, insects, or organisms
considered potential threats to Idaho agriculture alone.
more . . .
|
CRISSP: Why are some exotic organisms invasive?
“We don’t know,” admits UI forestry professor George Newcombe.
But he and a team of UI scientists may soon find out.
more . . .
|
Threats: Sample Idaho’s Invaders
Already here are white pine blister rust, tansy ragwort and New Zealand mudsnails. On our borders are zebra muscles, Asian gypsy moth, and potato cyst nematodes.
more . . . |
Simplifying integrated pest management (IPM)
A new website promises help to growers who want to earn Conservation Security Program credits (up to $45 an acre) through integrated pest management practices.
more . . . |
$4 million funds Eurasian watermilfoil cleanup in Idaho’s prize lakes
When the 2006 Idaho Legislature approved $4 million in grants to fund a two-year battle with Eurasian watermilfoil in Idaho’s lakes and rivers, it was a significant victory for the Gem State’s invasive species warriors.
more . . . |
Growing beneficial bugs
Beneficial insects are being used globally to control invasive weeds. First they are tested to ensure they won’t harm local natural environments or agricultural crops. Visit the Nez Perce Biocontrol Center in Lapwai.
more . . . |
National plant network for pests
High-risk pests like emerald ash borer, sudden oak death, and potato wart—along with unease about bioterrorism—are why the USDA linked the nation’s land-grant universities and state agricultural regulatory agencies into the National Plant Diagnostic Network.
more . . . |
UI weed specialists help train weed-identification
team
A county, federal, and university partnership in 2005 began developing a process
to identify and control weed infestations early.
more . . .
|
Join the battle (against invasives)
Take precautions at home and at play; pitch in with a local weed-fighting group.
more . . .
|
Top selling UI and PNW invasive-fighting publications
Ten top-selling UI Extension and Pacific Northwest publications and videos detail ways to battle invasive pests.
more . . . |
Counting on blocks
Playing with blocks, along with guiding discussions from adults, help young children better prepare for math.
more . . . |
Dirty work
Meet Maynard Fosberg, UI’s soil monolith king. He has almost certainly collected more soil monoliths than anyone else on earth—about 350 of them. Learn how to read three.
more . . . |
Careers with heart
CALS alumni find unique ways to reach children. They conduct their work alongside
brightly colored finger paints, towers of wooden blocks, and boxes of mismatched
crayons. Of course, its not all fun and games.
more . . .
|
New Caldwell facility consolidates expertise
A century after it was founded as a UI agronomy laboratory, the Caldwell Research and Extension Center will have a new home, consolidating expertise to better help Treasure Valley, Idaho.
more . . . |
Amy Torguson’s Story
A funny thing happened on her way to becoming a microbiologist. First Lieutenant
Amy Torguson admits she’s a little surprised that she’s already spent
a year in Iraq as leader of an otherwise all-male platoon.
more . . .
|
A $50,000 ‘thank you’ from Earl Lillevig
Earl Lillevig ’58 added $50,000 to one UI CALS endowment, along with hopes “you’re still giving consideration to people with a GED. It sure made a difference for me.”
more . . . |
Entering the ranks
What kinds of jobs do College of Agricultural and Life Sciences graduates get? We asked our students where they’ll go next. Here’s what they shared with us.
more . . . |
2006 Alumni and friends award winners
Winners include Idaho legislators, an engineer for Walt Disney, a bread and recipe innovator, livestock leader, elevator entrepreneur and faculty leader.
more . . . |
Idaho mule clones launch racing careers, draw international
attention to UI
Launching a colorful new chapter in their careers, Idaho Gem and Idaho Star, two racing mule clones proved they could hold their own in Winnemucca, Nevada on June 2 and 3.
more . . . |