Media - Call For Open Minds On GM Crops And Biotechnology (28 June) His particular area of expertise is in major world grain crops. He is a worldexpert on herbicide resistance in weeds and crops. media REFERENCE http://www.uwa.edu.au/media/statements/2001/06/call_for_open_minds_on_gm_crops_a
Extractions: Thursday, June 28, 2001 CALL FOR OPEN MINDS ON GM CROPS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY Professor Stephen Powles an agricultural scientist at The University of Western Australia has called on both city and rural Australians to have open minds on biotechnology and the value of genetically modified (GM) crops. Professor Powles warned of the dangers of 'fiction winning over fact' in the community's understanding of the issue. "Currently, in my view, there is not a balanced public debate on the pros and cons of biotechnology, including GM crops. There is far too much misinformation presented as fact by opponents of biotechnology," he said. "Tags such as 'Frankenstein Foods' are incorrect and contribute unnecessarily to public concerns and misinformation. The majority of informed Australians might question whether these criticisms are justified. "As a civilised society with a great depth of goodwill, scientific talent and common sense, we are well placed to consider the biotechnology issues objectively. I am concerned at how the issue is portrayed negatively at present. We must all evaluate biotechnology and its use for GM crops in the open-minded manner that Australians are renowned for. "I believe that when presented with balanced viewpoints, and with the well developed regulatory process of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, many Australians will recognise that this technology is being carefully evaluated.
Extractions: Friday, June 14, 2002 INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM Organiser, The University of Western Australias Professor Steve Powles, Director of the WA Herbicide Resistance Initiative, said the line-up of Australian and international speakers has been put together to provide an insight into what lies around the corner as Australia faces the introduction of genetically-modified (GM) crops and growing herbicide resistance problems. "By placing it in the context of the decisions facing West Australian cropping, the symposium provides a unique opportunity for us to benefit from international experience," he said. Among the speakers is Professor Mike Owen, from the heart of the Corn Belt in Iowa, who is well known to US farmers as a dynamic and provocative speaker on cropping issues. His forthright views on the benefits and risks of GM herbicide-resistant corn and soybean, and their impact on North American agriculture, promise to provide the West Australian industry with plenty of timely food for thought. Other international visitors include Professor Ford Baldwin from Arkansas State University who has been influential at the coalface of the massive adoption of GM herbicide-resistant crops in America and elsewhere. Dr Stephen Moss will provide the European perspective, and Dr Ian Heap, a pioneering Australian herbicide resistance researcher now based in the US, is in a perfect position to contrast the challenges of resistance facing agriculture in Australia and other parts of the world.
Media Clipping: More Kinds Of Crops, More Kinds Of Critters media Clipping January/February 2003 from Rural Delivery (http//www.countrymagazines.com/rd.html).More kinds of crops, more kinds of critters. http://www.gpiatlantic.org/mc_soilqp_ruraldelivery2-03.shtml
Extractions: info@gpiatlantic.org Media Clipping January/February 2003 from Rural Delivery ( http://www.countrymagazines.com/rd.html GPI agriculture reports put a high value on diversity, both domestic and natural by David Lindsay Nova Scotia needs greater integration of ruminant livestock production with row crop farming. That's the common thread linking two reports released this September by the non-profit research group GPI Atlantic. These new publications, "Soil Quality and Productivity," and "The Value of Agricultural Biodiversity," are the first two instalments in the 5-part "Resource Capacity and Use" component of GPI's "Agriculture Accounts." Jennifer Scott, the author of the reports, says she was surprised that the livestock issue kept coming up in her research on both topics. She recommends introducing more grazing animals in regions where row cropping is most intensive-both to increase the use of manure for boosting soil fertility and organic matter, and to create more local demand for soil-building forage crops that could be incorporated into rotations. That kind of diversified farm system makes it possible to take fuller advantage of the agricultural "services" provided by natural ecosystems, she says, because there tends to be higher populations of earthworms and other beneficial organisms where perennial sod crops are grown, and where manure is spread on the land. Scott identifies diversity both wild and domestic as a positive indicator of farm sustainability.
PRIMEDIA Business Magazines & Media Inc. The wheels are on 30in. spacing for row crops. The foam marker is also adjustablefor marking in standing crops. A 21-hp engine powers the unit. http://show.farmindustrynews.com/crops/
Extractions: The KSi seed conveyors patented cleated belt design allows the belt to run at a speed that is slower than that of a conventional belt conveyor. The cleats help move seed more efficiently up to a 40° angle. According to the company, seeds are handled gently in the cleated belt, resulting in very little material damage. Drift-control nozzle The AirMix air injection nozzle is designed to provide both drift control and surface coverage at conventional operating pressures. Optimal pressure range for the nozzle is 20 to 60 psi, with a pressure range from 15 to 90 psi. No tools are required to service the nozzle, which fits standard caps. The company claims that AirMix reduces driftable fines 50 to 80% more than conventional, low-drift nozzles do, keeping more chemical in the target zone. Dust buildup is reduced because incoming air is filtered by the outgoing spray. Spray booms Hiniker Company releases a new line of Century 80- and 90-ft. suspension-type spray booms. Combined with a beefed-up, 1,000-gal. Century trailer, the new booms offer large-acreage growers speed and convenience. Fold, height and individual wing tilt are all controlled from an in-cab console. A Fasse Max-Stack electric valve system requires only one pair of hydraulic outlets to control all boom functions. Transport width of the sprayer is 11.25 ft. with a transport height of approximately 12.5 ft. with booms folded. The new sprayers carry a 100-gal. rinse/flush tank.
Extractions: back to biokoya co-globalize rat haus Index ... tree This paper is reproduced here with permission of the source organizations that funded it: the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the UK Department for International Development who state at the bottom of this: "Panos Briefings are intended to stimulate informed public debate and may be freely reproduced, in whole or in part, with acknowledgement." The original exists at http://www.oneworld.org/panos/briefing/brief30.htm NOTE: the original employs the convention of underlining text for emphasis . Given the degree of HTML syntax errors (making it difficult to ascertain just how much of what was actually underlined was intended), and that it is this ratitor's belief that underlining is more difficult to read in hypertext, all such text exists here in italics Panos Media Briefing No 30A (re-issue) February 1999 GREED OR NEED? Genetically modified crops TABLE OF CONTENTS The Birth Of Genetic Engineering Genetically Modified Crops: The Industry Case GM Crops: The Critics' Case A Question Of Trust?
Extractions: Reports of increased damage to NSW oilseed and cereal crops by lucerne flea create a new dimension to the problems caused by this pest, according to Dr Alan Bishop. Dr Bishop, a principal research scientist with NSW Agriculture, said damage attributed to lucerne flea had previously been confined to lucerne and clover stands and occasionally, to some pasture grasses and cereals where these were grown in association with a legume. However, there are also reports of damage to field crops in the Riverina Plains area, he said last week at a Cropping Research Update at Corowa, presented by the Grains Research and Development Corporation and Riverine Plains Farming Systems Group. As well, lucerne flea seems to have adapted to the higher rainfall, warmer areas of northern NSW whereas we used to think it would be confined to areas no further north than Wagga. It can be a pest from early autumn right through to spring. There are no lucerne varieties, and only a couple of clover varieties, which exhibit specific resistance or tolerance to attack. Quick paddock monitoring for the presence of lucerne flea, where suspected, should be carried out at least fortnightly by vigorously tapping a plant on to a hand or drop sheet, and also by inspecting plants for damage. This appears as windows or clear areas in leaves which gradually become larger and the crops appear grey in color. Lucerne fleas damage plants from the base of their stems upwards.
Extractions: Crops grown on highly alkaline soils in SA and fertilised with fluid fertilisers have been shown to outperform those where granular fertilisers were used - now researchers believe evidence is mounting of similar benefits on some soil types in Victoria. Speaking in Bendigo, Dr Roger Armstrong of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, said the good performance of fluid fertilisers was especially noticeable in drier years and was attributed to: And in another new development, a research team involving personnel from DPI, CSIRO Land and Water and the SA Research and Development Institute, has found that using fluid fertilisers minimises the amount of fertiliser phosphorus 'tied-up' in the soil. DR Armstrong was speaking at the 2003 Cropping Systems Update, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation and attended by about 200 advisers and other grain industry personnel. He said that in Eyre Peninsula field trials, where similar rates of phosphorus were applied, fluid fertiliser forms increased grain yields on a grey and a red calcareous soil by an average over four years of 24 per cent and 17 per cent respectively, compared to granular forms.
Media UK - Magazines - C - Crops com/products/crops.asp popular User verdict Editor Debbie Beaton. Search theforums for messages about this title. Update our details Contact media UK http://www.mediauk.com/magazines/36033
Pharm Crops: Publications: Media Center: Greenpeace USA media Center, Q A. What is a pharm crop? Genetic engineering (GE) corporationsare creating crops that produce proteins that are pharmaceuticals, vaccines http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/media/publications/pharm_croptext.htm
Extractions: What is a "pharm" crop? Genetic engineering (GE) corporations are creating crops that produce proteins that are pharmaceuticals, vaccines, industrial enzymes or reagents for biochemical laboratories. Genetically engineered (GE) "pharm" crops are mostly grown in open fields, then after harvest the novel protein is purified for use. Most pharm crops are in pre-commercial field trials, but at least two proteins used in biochemical and diagnostic procedures are already being grown in corn for commercial use - avidin and beta-glucuronidase. Other proteins from pharm crops are already in clinical trials. Open field trials of pharmaceutical crops have been taking place every growing season in the US since 1992. If these altered crops were released into the environment they could never be recalled and could enter the food chain. None of the companies have a commercial permit for the cultivation of these crops. In the case of avidin and beta-glucuronidase, the companies are selling the chemical in commercial channels, but hiding their actions behind a "research" permit provided by the USDA. With this type of permit, the chemicals and field locations can be kept secret. What kind of products are companies developing in gene-altered plants?
Extractions: press releases GREENPEACE WELCOMES EU MORATORIUM ON GE CROPS Luxembourg, June 24, 1999 Greenpeace today welcomed the EU Environment Council decision to implement a factual ban on any new approvals for the commercial release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). According to Greenpeace estimates this ban will last at least until the year 2002. This is a clear step in the right direction, said Greenpeace GE Issues Specialist, Charles Margulis. While European governments are finally reacting to their citizens massive rejection of GMOs in food and agriculture, the U.S. government continues to do nothing to protect the consumers of this country." Greenpeace and many other environmental and consumer organizations have been demanding a halt of GMO releases ever since the first GMOs were introduced to the market from the United States in 1996. We hope that this decision will send out a clear signal around the world, said Louise Gale, Greenpeace International Political Advisor. GMOs are an environmental threat and an unjustified experiment with food. We hope that this will be heard as well in the United States as in other countries around the world, which have already started to commercially grow GMOs. European citizens just will not buy it and finally, EU authorities will not accept it. We certainly hope that this will be the first step towards a consistent ban on the release of GMOs in the future. The acting EU president Juergen Trittin (Germany) announced today that on the basis of the precautionary principle the EU will not authorize any new GMOs in Europe until the introduction of strict environmental standards. The final legal implementation of this decision is presently drafted.
Extractions: Scientists Publish Evaluation of Biotech Crops, Underscoring Safety and Benefits ST. LOUIS, MO, December 15, 2000 Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology The scientific report reviews scientific research on crops protected against insect pests with a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis Bt ), a common soil microbe, including studies which demonstrate that Bt crops are as safe as conventional plant varieties and these products provide significant economic, environmental and agricultural benefits. Bt crops have been commercially available since 1996," said Dr. Roy Fuchs, director of regulatory science at Monsanto Company, a coauthor of the paper. The evaluation reviewed data on three major Bt crops - corn, cotton and potatoes - that have been commercialized in several countries, rapidly adopted by farmers, and studied extensively by scientists around the world. "The combined safety and performance studies combined with years of experience have shown that Bt crops are providing important benefits on many different levels," said Dr. Fuchs.
Extractions: "Golden" Crops: Part of a Sustainable Solution to Global Vitamin A Malnutrition According to the World Health Organization, vitamin A deficiency is a global epidemic, with around 250 million people suffering significant illnesses, including impairment of vision, inability to absorb proteins and nutrients, and reduced immune function. Approximately half a million children go blind each year because their diets are deficient in vitamin A. This important vitamin is present in foods of animal origin, such as meat, milk and eggs. Limited amounts of vitamin A are also available from nutrients known as carotenes, which are present in fruits and vegetables. In developing countries, many factors contribute to widespread vitamin A deficiency, including food insecurity, dietary practices, and inadequate access to fortified foods and supplements. Agricultural biotechnology has the potential to help address malnutrition in developing countries, when used to produce staple crops with higher levels of important nutrients. One example of the application of biotechnology to enhance nutrition is "golden rice," which was developed by Professor Ingo Potrykus, professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, and Dr. Peter Beyer, University of Freiburg, Germany, with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation. Their collaboration with Greenovation, AstraZeneca and other research institutions around the world will enable delivery of this technology free-of-charge for humanitarian purposes. Other companies, including Monsanto, have offered use of their technology royalty-free in support of this project.
Water, Media And Nutrition For Greenhouse Crops Water, media and Nutrition For Greenhouse crops. A Growers Guide. All youllever need to know about water, media, and nutrition for your greenhouse crops. http://touchwoodbooks.co.nz/twatermedia.html
Extractions: Water, Media and Nutrition For Greenhouse Crops A Growers Guide David Wm Reed Paperback, 314 pages, 180 x 230mm, USA, 1996. From the cover In one book All youll ever need to know about water, media, and nutrition for your greenhouse crops. Intended for the grower-manager of a sophisticated operation as well as the entry-level grower, this book features Back
MEDIA ADVISORY: ETTER SUMMER CROPS FIELD DAY June 30, 1997. media ADVISORY ETTER SUMMER crops FIELD DAY. Contact ThomasMarek, 806359-5401. media ADVISORY. WHAT 1997 Summer crops Field Day. http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/SOIL/Jun3097a.htm
Extractions: MEDIA ADVISORY WHAT: 1997 Summer Crops Field Day North Plains Research Field, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at Etter WHEN: Thursday, July 24, 1997 - 8:30 AM Registration/Refreshments 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Field Day Program/Tours WHERE: North Plains Research Field Station, 9 miles north of Dumas on U.S. Highway 287 SPONSORS: Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Texas Agricultural Extension Service USDA-Agricultural Research Service North Plains Ground Water Conservation District No. 2 Texas Corn Producer Board Panhandle Agriculture Advisory Council PROGRAM FOCUS: * Current research results for enhanced water utilization, varietal assessments, insect modeling, emerging alternative crop production, biotechnology reviews, and strategies for weed control. * Advances available to growers through the PET (Potential Evapotranspiration Technology) network of weather stations in the North and South Plains offered via the Internet. * Continuing education units (CEUs) for the commercial, non- commercial and private pesticide applicator recertification.
Field Crops - Pathology And Quarantine - Media Articles media Articles. Harvest faba beans to avoid staining Caused by the fungus Ascochyta,seed staining can result in faba bean crops being downgraded from human http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/dhtml/ss/section.php?sectID=835&tempID=47
Field Crops - Crop Improvement - Media Releases Crop Improvement. CRC Value Added Wheat. media Releases. Adding Value$17.2M for Research Adding Value to Australian Wheat Announced. http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/dhtml/ss/section.php?sectID=735&tempID=44
New Study Indicates Biotechnology-derived Crops Benefit The the responsible use of current biotechnologyderived soybean, corn and cotton crops. willpresent the study findings and respond to questions from the media. http://www.cast-science.org/pubs/biotechcropsbenefit_ma.htm
GROWING VEGETABLE CROPS IN ROCKWOOL AND OTHER MEDIA ISHS Symposium on Peat in Horticulture GROWING VEGETABLE crops IN ROCKWOOLAND OTHER media. GROWING VEGETABLE crops IN ROCKWOOL AND OTHER media. http://www.actahort.org/books/50/50_7.htm
Extractions: Prelimiary trials with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers showed that it is possible to have a complete crop in rockwool. So in 1973 we set up some small trials with lettuce and some larger ones with tomatoes (self topping type) and cucumbers (autumn crop). At about the same time we read about other cultivation methods with tomatoes and cucumbers. Cooper and Douglas introduced the nutrient film system, Klapwijk, at the vegetable research station in Naaldwijk set up trials with plants growing in containers filled with peat standing in a layer of water. So, in 1974 we compared the cultivation methods in rockwool, nutrient film, peat in 8 l. containers standing in a layer of approx. 4 cm water and trays with normal glasshouse soil for tomatoes (self topping type) and an autumn crop of cucumbers. I wish to thank Mr. Steiner for his indespensable advice and staff of the vegetable research station, Naaldwijk, for many valuable suggestions. Full Text (PDF format, 218295 bytes)
Extractions: The experiment was carried out in Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Four root media were selected as follows: Peat (P) + Sand (S), P + Vermiculite (V), P + V + S, and P + S + Perlite(p.). Water was applied by means of a sub-irrigation system. Nitrogen was applied as a base fertilizer or as a solution with water. Cucumber seedlings, cv. Corona F1, were obtained from Rockwool with base N-fertilizer to P + V and/or P + V + S media. Plant growth parameter, i.e., leaf number, leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, were determined in addition to plant water applied and drained. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) URL www.actahort.org