Susan Smalley...The workshop schedule is nearing completion, the keynoters are getting their presentations ready and the mini-school curriculum is being hammered out. Check the website periodically for updates on the program, speakers and other details.

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Christina DiFonzo...On Sunday/Monday (October 1-2), there was a huge flight of soybean aphid gynoparae (winged females) from soybeans to buckthorn. On Monday (October 2), I found females with tiny newly-deposited nymphs on every buckthorn shrub I examined around MSU. Many of these were ant-tended (i.e. being protected), and I didn't see any ladybugs or other predators. These nymphs will mature into oviparae and lay eggs in October.

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Duane Friend...A study in central Wisconsin (Foley and Cooperband) examined short- and intermediate-term use of compost and other organic amendments in sandy soils in that part of the state. Compost was applied at rates of 10 tons per acre and 20 tons per acre on plots planted to potatoes and snap beans. Following the second year of application, the amount of water available to plants in these plots increased by five to 45 percent compared to plots with no compost application.

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Shari L. Plimpton, Ph.D....As growers respond to increasing demand for both fresh produce and convenience, they find themselves in unfamiliar territory and at risk of violating food law. What could go wrong? Consumers want more fresh produce for the obvious health benefits and growers want to provide quality fresh produce safely, economically and with convenience.

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