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New Research Tool - PDA
LSU AgCenter scientists have found a new tool for their precision agriculture research – the personal digital assistant, also known as the PDA. This small hand-held device that most people use to manage their schedules can also be used for global positioning information. The software that provides this information also shows a map on the PDA’s screen.
"We use the PDAs for navigating within a field," said Ralph Bagwell, associate professor at the Macon Ridge Research Station, near Winnsboro, La.
Researchers can count insects at that location, for example, and record this data as they develop a prescription for pesticide application.
"This is off-the-shelf technology, affordable and easy-to-use for the farmer," Bagwell said.
Researchers are exploring how to most effectively use this technology as part of the research project described starting on page 9 of this issue.
AgCenter Cotton Lives On In Nematode-tolerant Variety
Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Co. is marketing a nematode-tolerant cotton variety that has its roots in an LSU AgCenter variety. Stoneville developed the variety ST5599BR from germplasm of LA887, a cotton variety owned by the LSU AgCenter and developed by Jack Jones, a professor who is now retired. The company added two genes. One, called Bollgard, protects the plants from certain insect pests, and another provides tolerance for the herbicide Roundup.
"I’m proud to see Jack Jones’ original LA887 germplasm, which was successful in its own right, get another chance to contribute to southern producers through this new transgenic variety," said Bill Brown, vice chancellor for research. "It proves to be an enduring, widely adapted germplasm base."
Sanders, Burts Named Endowed Professors
Two AgCenter faculty members are now endowed professors, thanks to the generosity of Evelyn Edmiston Howell of Houston, Texas. Dearl Sanders, weed scientist and coordinator of the Idlewild Research Station, near Clinton, was named the Floyd S. Edmiston Sr. Professor in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management, and Diane Burts was named the Grace Drews Lehmann Professor in Human Ecology. Howell designated Sanders’ professorship in memory of her father, Floyd S. Edmiston Sr. He was a long-time county agent in Louisiana. Howell gave Burts’ professorship in memory of Grace Drews Lehmann, who was Howell’s classmate in home economics at LSU.
(These news briefs appeared in the spring 2003 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.)
