May 2002

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All About Yew Yew tree are considered the longest-lived tree in Europe. Old yews often are found near medieval churches in England. Tests have revealed some of those trees were growing when the churches were built around them. The Garlic Defense The soldiers of ancient Rome were given daily rations of garlic as part of their pay. Garlic was used to protect the tropps from their military enemies and black magic. The ration was one bulb a day - with that much garlic breath it's hard to imagine their enemies, supernatural or real, facing them for any length of time. Garlic is currently used to prevent heart disease. USDA Steps Up Homeland Security Efforts Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman recnetly outlined areas where the Department of Agriculture continues to strengthen homeland security planning and preparedness. Veneman announced that USDA has allocated $43 million to assist states increase homeland security preparedness through grants and federal/state partnerships. In testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Veneman discussed how USDA is spending $328 million allocated to the department through the Defense Appropriations Supplemental signed by President Bush in January. As well, the Secretary outlined proposed increased spending in USDA's FY2003 budget, which would provide record support for pest and disease protection systems and food safety programs. "Following September 11th, we took immediate steps to secure sensitive facilities and examine vulnerabilities throughout the food chain," said Veneman. "Today we remain vigilant and are strongly committed in working with the Congress, states, other federal agencies, academia and the private sector to make sure we have a strong line of defense to protect American agriculture against potential threats." The following is a breakdown of key biosecurity enhancements that are being implemented through resources provided through the Defense Appropriations Supplemental: • $177 million to make physical and operational security improvements at key USDA locations.  This includes $64 million at the animal disease center in Ames, Iowa to relocate labs from leased space into the main Ames campus.  In addition, it supports construction of a biosecurity level 3 large animal facility.  • $23 million for USDA's Plum Island laboratory, pending an independent review of the critical needs and options for the facility. • $35 million to strengthen the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection program to exclude agricultural pests and diseases at the borders.  These funds are being used to expedite development of an automated system of inspections in coordination with the U.S. Customs Service.  As well, USDA is purchasing 100 rapid pathogen identification devices and hire additional inspection personnel. • $16.5 million for the Food Safety and Inspection Service to increase monitoring, provide training to inspectors and expand technical capabilities.  $1.5 million of these funds are being used to hire additional inspectors for imported meat and poultry.  • $15.3 million for the Agricultural Research Service to improve rapid detection technologies for foot and mouth diseases as well as other animal diseases.  • $43 million in grants and other assistance to states for improved coordination and homeland security protections and preparedness.  Veneman said the $43 million to support state activities will help states improve surveillance, early detection and response capability for animal and plant pests and diseases. In addition the funding will enhance the agricultural infrastructure for rapid detection and diagnosis of animal and plant diseases and pest threats and increase capacity to dispose of animal carcasses in the event of a major disease outbreak.  "States are important partners in homeland security efforts and an important link to our ability to respond to intentional and unintentional threats to agriculture," Veneman said.  "These funds are strengthening our partnerships and coordination activities." During her testimony, Veneman also noted that President Bush's FY 2003 budget requests increased funding to enhance the agricultural infrastructure and further enhance homeland security. (See USDA Release No. 0026.02, 1/31/03) "If approved by Congress, the budget would bring our funding and staffing at ports of entry to record levels, more than doubling the number from where we were just three years ago. In addition, the Administration's budget would provide record level support for the nation's food safety protection systems." For more information on USDA's homeland security efforts, visit: http://www.usda.gov/homelandsecurity. Savvy Gardeners Plan Ahead For Drought By Peg Herring, Oregon State University Don't let the lush springtime fool you. Summers in Oregon are dry, and water needs to be conserved. Savvy gardeners are becoming water-wise, tending landscapes that stay beautiful with a minimum of irrigation during the summer. The time to plan for drought is before the dry weather hits, according to Ann Marie VanDerZanden, state coordinator of Oregon State University Extension's Master Gardener Program. She outlines steps to take to design and install a new, water-wise landscape. Start with a landscape plan. Consider how you use your yard and garden, and what elements you want to keep. Group plants according to their water needs, so you can focus water only where it is needed. Improve your soil. Soil improvement is the best investment you can make to ensure healthy plants and water conservation. Organic matter adds nutrients and a porous environment for roots to penetrate. It also increases the soil's ability to store water, so irrigation soaks in instead of running off. Select appropriate plants. Although many plants may be drought-tolerant, it is most important to select plants that are adapted to the particular soil and climate of your area. The OSU Extension Service has recently published a list entitled "Water-efficient Landscape Plants" (EC 1546) to help with your selection. Get your plants off to a good start. Choose healthy plants and water them wisely until they are established. Even drought tolerant shrubs and trees will require supplemental water during their first, and possibly their second, growing season. It is difficult to establish a new lawn or landscape during a drought, so plant early or late enough to take advantage of the rainy season. Water wisely. Apply water slowly, deeply, infrequently and directly to the root system. Drip systems that deliver water to plant roots are much more efficient than sprinklers that broadcast water to the winds. Automated sprinkler systems are wasteful, spreading water across a broad area according to the clock and without regard to weather or need. Use mulch. A three- to five-inch layer of organic mulch will keep moisture in the soil, as well as suppress weeds and moderate soil temperatures. Take care of your plants. No landscape is maintenance-free. Keep track of water systems to make sure they are working efficiently. Monitor plant growth, weeds and pests. As the saying goes, the garden's best fertilizer is the gardener's footprints. For more information on "Designing and Installing a New Landscape" (EC 1530), and "Water-efficient Landscape Plants," (EC 1546), visit our on-line catalog. Our publications and video catalog at: http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat shows which publications are available on the Web and which can be ordered as printed publications. OSU Publication Lists Water Efficient Landscape Plants By Peg Herring, Oregon State University Even in a place as famously wet as Oregon, water can be scarce. Smart gardeners look for plants that will thrive in our quirky climate of mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. A recent publication from Oregon State University Extension Service helps water-wise gardeners choose well-suited landscape plants. "Water-efficient Landscape Plants" lists more than 270 plants to help you find the right plant for the right place. The 27-page publication helps gardeners consider all of the factors that affect plants in their yards, including temperature, frost occurrence, rainfall distribution, wind, humidity, and sunlight. There is a particular emphasis on the importance of proper soil preparation prior to planting on subsequent water use. The plant lists include water-efficient annuals, bulbs, groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, trees and vines. Information about cold hardiness, plant size and flowering are included for each plant listed, as well as notes about particular characteristics, like aromatic foliage or suitability for use as a cut flower. For more information on "Water-efficient Landscape Plants," (EC 1546) visit our on-line catalog. Our publications and video catalog at: http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat shows which publications are available on the Web and which can be ordered as printed publications. WSU Cereal Variety Nursery Tours 2002 From John W. Burns, WSU Cooperative Extension, Whitman County The annual WSU Extension Uniform Cereal Variety Nursery Tours will be held at over 20 locations during June and July 2002 throughout eastern Washington. All tours will include many new wheat and barley varieties from both public and private breeding programs. Individual variety tours listed will last one to 2 hours with refreshments served afterwards, providing an opportunity to visit with the speakers. Major WSU and USDA/ARS field days scheduled are: Lind Dryland Research Station (June 13), WSU Wilke Farm (June 26), USDA/ARS Palouse Conservation Farm (June 27) and WSU Spillman Farm (July 11). All tours are co-sponsored with the Washington Wheat Commission, Washington Barley Commission and local agribusiness companies. Specific locations for each tour can be obtained by contacting the local cooperative extension offices or by calling the WSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, cooperative extension office at 509/335-5831 ext. 2915 (J. Burns, D. Marsh). In addition, the WSU Extension Variety Testing Web site is posted on the Web at http://variety.wsu.edu and provides additional tour information. Following is the schedule for PNW tours and field days: May 22 - W. Whitman Co. Research Tour (Lacrosse), 7:30 a.m. June 4 - Ralston Field Day (with lunch) June 6 - Horse Heaven Hills Research Tour, 8:30 a.m. June 6 - Connell, 6 p.m.. June 11 - Pendleton Field Day June 12 - Moro Field Day June 12 - St. Andrews (Douglas Co.), 6 p.m. June 13 - Lind Field Day June 18 - Moses Lake, 8 a.m. June 18 - Lamont, 6 p.m. June 19 - Yenish Weed Tour (Pullman), 1 p.m. June 19 - Dusty, 5 p.m. June 20 - U of I Weed Tour (Moscow), 8 a.m.. (with lunch) June 20 - Pullman (Druffel), 6 p.m. June 21 - Bickleton, 1 p.m. June 24 - Dayton, 8-Noon (with lunch) June 24 - Ritzville, 6 p.m. June 25 - Mayview, 8 a.m. June 25 - Walla Walla, 9:30 Legumes/Weeds @ noon and Cereals @ 3 p.m. June-26 - St. John, 8 a.m. June 26 - Wilke Field Day, 8:30 a.m. June 26 - Reardan, 2 p.m. June 27 - Conservation Field Day, 8-Noon June 28 - Anatone, 2:30 p.m. (BBQ Follows) July 8 - Fairfield, 8 p.m. July 8 - Farmington, 1 p.m. July 8 - Harrington, 6 p.m. July 9 - Almira, 1 p.m. July 11 - Spillman Farm Field Day, 8 a.m. July 16 - Colton, 6 p.m. July 17 - Creston, 8 a.m. Streamflow Forecasts Call For Water Shortages In Some Parts Of Idaho From Norm Abramovich, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Summer water supply forecasts for Idaho are as varied as the landscape, ranging from a high of 120 percent in the north to near normal and below for the rest of the state, according to the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report issued April 1 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Irrigation water shortages could occur in the Big Wood Basin, Big and Little Lost River Basins, Upper Snake River Basin, Oakley Basin, Salmon Falls Basin, and Bear River Basin. Water supply outlook by basin is listed below, along with current conditions and forecasts for lakes and reservoirs. Panhandle Region: Streamflow forecasts are the highest in the state at 110 to 130 percent of average. Clearwater River Basin: Streamflow forecast calls for 104 percent of average for the Selway and Lochsa Rivers and 116 percent for Dworshak Reservoir inflow. Salmon River Basin: Streamflow forecast for the Salmon River at Salmon is 83 percent of average; Salmon River at White Bird is 84 percent of average. Weiser, Payette, Boise River Basins: Payette River near Horseshoe Bend is forecast at 90 percent of average. Boise River near Twin Springs and South Fork of the Boise River are forecast at 85 percent of average. Boise River near Boise is forecast at 87 percent. Weiser River is forecast at 93 percent. Wood and Lost River Basins: Streamflow forecasts are 64 percent of average for the Big Wood River below Magic Reservoir, 72 percent for the Little Wood River, 77 percent for the Big Lost River, and 85 percent for the Little Lost River. Upper Snake River Basin: Snake River near Heise is forecast at 76 percent of average. Combined storage for 8 major reservoirs is 53 percent full, 73 percent of average, about I million acre feet less than last year. Irrigation shortages are expected. Henrys Fork and mainstream Snake River water users may have marginally adequate water supplies, similar to last year. Water users are advised to stay in close contact with their local irrigation districts. Southside Snake River Basins: Oakley Reservoir inflow is forecast at 70 percent of average. Water supply shortages are expected. Salmon Falls Creek is forecast at 79 percent of average. Shortages are expected due to low reservoir storage, but supplies should be better than last year. Bruneau River is forecast at 85 percent of average. Owyhee River is forecast at 107 percent of average. Snake River at Hells Canyon Dam is forecast at 56 percent of average and increases to 89 percent at the Snake River below Granite Dam. Bear River Basin: Bear River below Stewart Dam is forecast at 38 percent of average. Water supply shortages arc expected. Water users should keep in contact with their local irrigation districts. Current Conditions And Forecasts For Lakes And Reservoirs. Panhandle Region, Clearwater Basin: Will fill and remain full for an extended period. High streamflows and peak flows are possible on the Coeur d'Alene and St. Joe Rivers, especially if rain occurs during the early stages of snow melt. Payette reservoir system: 48 percent fill, 80 percent of average; will fill and provide adequate irrigation and recreation flows. Boise reservoir system: 46 percent full, 75 percent of average. Lucky Peak and Arrowrock reservoirs will fill. Water supplies will be adequate for irrigation and tubing on the Boise River. expect short boating season on South Fork Boise River, Magic Reservoir: 14 percent full, 24 percent of average. Irrigation shortages are expected, but supplies should be better than last year. Little Wood Reservoir: 51 percent full, 79 percent of average. Irrigation supplies will be adequate. Mackay Reservoir: 57 percent full, 78 percent of average. Irrigation shortages are expected. Little Lost, Mud Lake area: Irrigation supplies will be marginally adequate at best. Jackson Lake: 20 percent full, 34 percent of average. Not expected to fill unless April to June precipitation is two to three times normal. Palisades Reservoir: 41 percent full, 61 percent of average. Will reach its peak storage by mid to late May or in June if the spring is wet and irrigation demand low. American Falls Reservoir: 82 percent full, 95 percent of average. Henrys Fork and mainstream Snake River: Water users will experience irrigation shortages with supplies similar to last year or less. Allotments may be in the half of normal range for some irrigators. Blackfoot Reservoir: 33 percent full, 51 percent of average. Irrigation shortages are expected. Bear Lake: 43 percent full, 66 percent of average. Irrigation shortages are expected. Oakley Reservoir: 23 percent full, 48 percent of average. Irrigation shortages expected with supplies similar to last year. Salmon Falls Reservoir: 10 percent full, 27 percent of average. Irrigation shortages are expected, but should be better than last year. Owyhee Reservoir: 40 percent full, 48 percent of average. irrigation supplies will be adequate. Satellite Program To Assist With Watershed Planning By Marlene Fritz, University of Idaho Water quality and availability are major issues in the Pacific Northwest, and the federal Clean Water and Endangered Species acts are increasing the pressure on local communities to address concerns related to watershed management. On May 31 at the University of Idaho's Ada County Extension Office, a 45-minute satellite-broadcast videotape will show how groups throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska have successfully brought together diverse interests to collaborate on solutions. A live panel discussion, facilitated by UI Extension educator Mir M. Seyedbagheri, will follow the satellite presentation. Seyedbagheri encourages local watershed planning groups and interested individuals to attend the program, called "Living on the Edge: Grassroots Watershed Planning in the Pacific Northwest," which will be held from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. Information about both watershed planning and funding opportunities will be available. The UI's Ada County Extension Office is located at 5880 Glenwood Ave. Admission is free, but seating is limited and participants are asked to pre-register by calling 587-2136, Ext. 509, in Mountain Home or 377-2107 in Boise. The program is presented by Pacific Northwest land-grant universities, including the University of Idaho, in partnership with Capital Press and state and federal environmental agencies. For more information, click on http://wawater.wsu.edu.

Weed Control In CRP From the Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) requires weeds to be controlled throughout the life of the contract, usually 10 to 15 years. In addition, noxious weeds are required by law to be controlled. During the contract period, CRP ground may not be harvested or grazed, other methods to control weeds are needed. Biological controls maybe good tools for long term noxious weed control in areas where weeds have already reached high infestation levels. However, they are not effective in annualy cropped fields. Care must also be taken when applying herbicides near biological control release areas. Mechanical control is most effective against annual weeds in newly established stands. Weeds should be cut several inches above the height of the native grasses and shrubs and before seeds set. Although new seedings can be clipped any time NRCS recommends, established stands cannot be mowed or clipped between April 1 and August 20. Some tillage or cultivation operations may actually increase weed activity and create more problems by stimulating additional weed outbreaks. So anytime you perform a soil disturbing activity, induding harrowing, be prepared to apply herbicides. Herbicide use is probably the most common control practice, especially in established stands. Timing and application rate of herbicides are critical for CRP stands. Contact your chemical dealer for specific application recommendations for specific problem weeds. Weed scouting and prevention are the keys to successful CRP establishments. Control weed infestations before they become a problem. Keep in mind the type of weeds causing the problem; perennial or annual, prostate or upright growth. Rotating types of control and using different herbicides can help reduce acquired tolerance. Prioritize weed problems and develop thresholds. Control highly competitive weeds. Suppress moderately competitive weeds. Some low growing or non competitive weeds may not warrant control measures. Control weeds to keep them within their threshold limits. Border area or spot spraying can be critical to CRP health. Design a weed management program for your entire farm. Consider environmental aspects including erosion potential, surrounding water, and high value vegetation. Consider the costs of equipment, skills, chemicals, loss of crop, and time. Develop yearround strategies that utilize integrated pest management. Learn to identify annual and perennial weeds. Map infestation areas and level and keep yearly records. Evaluate which methods work the best for your area. Remember, reducing weeds in CRPS, along ditches and in waste areas, ultimately assist in reducing weeds in cropped land. Burning Many fields have been bu med this spring. Burning at any time of the year may result in a compliance check in the fall. If you bum crop residue, you must meet the target erosion rates in your compliance plan. Just using an approved tillage system will not necessarily keep you in compliance. Planting low residue crops such as peas, lentils or garbanzos after burning stubble will jeopardize your farm program benifits if you are found out of compliance with your farm plan. A field burning complaint will result in a status review in the fall. Contact your local NRCS field office for additional assistance. Video Aims To Help American's Rethink The American Dream By Steve Dodrill, Oregon State University The Oregon State University Extension Service has produced a new video designed to raise awareness about American's consumption patterns and lifestyles. "We no longer try and keep up with the Joneses," said Viviane Simon-Brown, leader of the Oregon State University Extension Service's Sustainable Living Project. "We now try and keep up with the Michael Jordans. Television is telling you that everyone has more than you." In an interesting twist, Simon-Brown is about to use television as the medium for a different message. She is part of a team that produced the OSU Extension Service's newest video, "Rethinking the American Dream." "Recent research indicates two out of three Americans long for a more balanced, simplified lifestyle," said Simon-Brown. "They want to work less, spend more time with family and friends, reconnect with the natural world, and discover new meaning and satisfaction in their lives. Our video can help people learn how to achieve these goals." Simon-Brown said "Rethinking the American Dream" is designed to raise awareness about our nation's consumptive ways, help viewers evaluate their current lifestyles and introduce choices that can improve our natural environment and quality of life. She said the video should be useful to anyone who teaches about sustainability issues, as well as individuals who want to learn how they can lead more sustainable lives. For more information on "Rethinking the American Dream" (VTP 30) visit our on-line catalog. Our publications and video catalog at: http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat shows which publications are available on the Web and which can be ordered as printed publications. Government Agencies Prepare For Tough Fire Season Fire officials at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) predict a severe wildland fire season this year across the country, but federal wildland fire agencies, their partners and communities are getting prepared for the season ahead.  "All signs indicate we are in for a severe fire season and our teams are working together to ensure proper planning, training and preparation to protect our forests and communities," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman. "We are implementing an extensive plan, including increasing personnel and equipment, to help mitigate the risks and stop fires while they are small and less expensive to manage." As part of cooperative efforts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Interior have increased the number of firefighters that can be hired by nearly 6,000; obtained more than 600 new pieces of equipment, including wildland fire engines; and contracted 4 large airtankers and 31 helicopters. "Drought conditions across the country are an indication that we could be in for a very tough fire season," said Interior Secretary Gale Norton. "The Forest Service and the Department of the Interior will be working closely with our state partners and local communities to coordinate our wildland firefighting efforts. This collaborative approach will help us reduce wildfire risk to communities and restore and maintain land health within fire-prone areas." NIFC - the nation's support center for wildland firefighting&emdash;reports eight out of the 11 geographic areas experiencing above average conditions, including Arizona, New Mexico, southern California, the southern areas of Utah and Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and the eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine. Less-than-normal fire activity is expected in the northern portions of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. To further prepare for wildfires currently burning in Arizona and New Mexico, Veneman and Norton announced a total of $8.5 million for the southwest to help prepare for the season, which is expected to be much more dangerous and last longer than usual due to the low fuel moistures and extended drought conditions in the area.  Predictive services provided by NIFC reflect the severity of the conditions across the country.  Near-record dry conditions dominate Arizona and New Mexico, where wildland fire activity is expected to increase through June. Severe fire conditions in the southern parts of California and Nevada, Utah, Colorado may bring about earlier-than-normal fire activity. As the summer progresses, the drought-stricken southern Great Basin will experience an early and active fire season. Drought conditions prevail along the eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine resulting in above normal fire potential for late spring through fall.  Even with additional firefighting resources and a record of effectively suppressing 95 percent of wildland fires upon initial attack, managers expect some fires will become large, costly and dangerous due to potentially severe burning conditions throughout the West. The top priorities of firefighter and community safety will guide suppression efforts. During the past year, National Fire Plan funds assisted 6,600 local fire departments, and trained more than 10,000 state and local firefighters to increase their response preparedness. The National Fire Plan also funded 11,500 community-based hazardous mitigation projects, and Firewise workshops that included 953 community leaders to help communities and neighborhoods take steps to reduce the risk of losses to private property because of wildland fire. Veneman and Norton recently established the Interagency Wildland Fire Leadership Council to improve the implementation of the National Fire Plan and collaboration between the two agencies and its numerous partners. The National Fire Plan, adopted in Fall 2000, is a cooperative, long-term effort of the USDA Forest Service, Department of the Interior and the National Association of State Foresters to manage the impact of wildfires on communities and the environment.  In fiscal year 2002, Congress appropriated more than $2.26 billion for the National Fire Plan and base program funding.  Allocations include nearly $1.6 billion for the Forest Service and more than $678,000,000 for the Department of the Interior. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho, is the nation's support center for wildland firefighting. Seven federal agencies call NIFC home and work together to coordinate and support wildland fire and disaster operations. These agencies include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, National Weather Service, and Office of Aircraft Services. WA Standards For Metals In Fertilizer Appear Protective Reprinted from WAWG's GreenSheet Information From Ted Maxwell at the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) A 1998 state law that established limits on the levels of 9 metals in commercial fertilizers distributed in Washington is doing its job of protecting consumers and the environment, according to Bob Arrington, assistant director for the state Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Management Division. Arrington bases that statement in part on a recently released study conducted by WSU in cooperation with the departments of Agriculture, Health and Ecology. The 3-year study, summarized in A Report on the Plant Uptake of Metals from Fertilizers, assesses the potential of plants such as wheat, potato, lettuce and cucumber to absorb, or take up, trace metals from fertilizers. "Study results indicate that existing state standards for arsenic, cadmium and lead in fertilizer appear to be sufficiently protective at this time," Arrington said. The study was conducted under field and greenhouse conditions in Puyallup and Prosser. Its purpose was to assess the likelihood of plant uptake and soil accumulation of these metals with continual fertilizer applications. Although study results do not indicate the need for action at this time, the state agencies involved would like to see additional studies performed. Officials are recommending that: • WSU should extend its study for at least 2 years and focus on the development of improved ways to predict plant uptake of cadmium. • A long-term program should be developed to measure arsenic, cadmium, and lead levels in soil to ensure that they do not become a concern in the future. • A process should be initiated to develop a regional approach addressing metals standards and labeling. Agriculture and Ecology staff members are discussing ways to carry out a long-term soil monitoring program. Additionally, regulatory and fertilizer industry representatives are discussing the possibility of establishing national labeling standards to provide information about the levels of metals in fertilizers. Washington standards for metals in fertilizer set limits for 9 metals including arsenic, cadmium, lead, cobalt, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium and zinc. For a copy of the report summary and other information on metals in fertilizer, visit the WSDA Web site at http://www.wa.gov/agr/ and click on "Metals in Fertilizer." Tulip Troubles The U.S. has had its share of stockmarket crashes in the past - some not so distant. Maybe there is something to be learned from history, Dutch history that is. Speculation on tulip bulbs brought about The Great Tulip Crash which helped bring down the Dutch economy in 1637. Speculation was so rampant that growers themselves asked the government to intervene. Varieties were continually being added and competitive bidding on new types of tulips took place even before the plants were grown. A favorable deal on a single bulb investment could mean a life of luxury, a poor one could ruin the speculator for life. Antifreeze For Plants Researchers are currently using plants are in gene therapy. One study transferred genes that prevent the North Atlantic flounder (yes, the fish) from freezing in icy water to canola cells in a trial aimed at making the crop less vulnerable to frost. Experiments have produced plant cells that freeze at a temperature 1.8 degrees Centigrade lower than normal. Trials are expected to test the whole canola plant in the near future. Other trials will add the genes to food crops, such as broccoli cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Taiwan Flour Millers Plan For "Letter Of Intent" With USW From OWGL's Wheat Letter In one of the most important traditions enjoyed by the U.S. wheat industry, representatives from Taiwan Flour Mills Association will arrive in Washington D.C. on May 13 to kick off this year's "Agricultural Goodwill Mission." Plans are being made now, reports USW Country Director K.H. Lu, for signing a letter of intent indicating TFMA's likely purchases of U.S. wheat over the next two years. TFMA signed with USW a letter of intent on May 24, 2000 to purchase 750,000 to 850,000 metric tons (MT) for 2000 and 2001. They purchased 1,026,000 MT of U.S. wheat in 2000, and l,039,000 MT in 200l, exceeding their goal. The letter of intent for 1999, signed in September 1998, provided for 750,000 to 850,000 MT, but total U.S. wheat purchases reached 892,000 MT, also exceeding the buying goal set by Taiwan's wheat industry. Tomatoes&emdash;The Viagra Of Antiquity?? Tomatoes were grown in 16th century gardens for their foliage, not their fruit. A member of the deadly nightshade family, the tomato was believed to be extremely poisonous, although occasionally of value as an aphrodisiac if eaten in tiny portions. Their French name is "Pomme d'Amour" or "love apple." WSU Seeks Solutions For Farms And Environment By Terence L. Day, Washington State University Two Washington State University scientists have received a grant for a three-year research and educational effort to bridge the historic gap between environmentalists and farmers. Their projects are part of a $700,000 grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to Farming and The Environment, a community-based coalition. Peter Goldmark, Farming and The Environment board chairman, praised these efforts to "address significant environmental issues in ways that would ensure a healthy farm economy." Marcia Ostrom, a WSU Cooperative Extension leader for small-scale agriculture and local food systems, in Puyallup, and Shulin Chen, a biological systems engineer, in Pullman, will lead WSU's research and education efforts. Ostrom, said bridging that gap will require "new and different approaches." She will survey Washington farm operators about production and marketing practices and environmental stewardship. She will then survey consumers and interview potential buyers, retailers and distributors. In the third year, she will conduct four regional food systems workshops on how to strengthen "Buy Washington" efforts. Chen will demonstrate the effectiveness of no-till farming to reduce erosion and improve water quality for Pacific Northwest salmon habitat. He says the Northwest wheat and range region of Washington, Idaho and Oregon, encompasses eight million acres with highly erodible soil. "Southeast Washington alone produces 10.3 million tons of soil erosion each year. Of that, 1.7 million tons winds up as sediment in streams," Chen said. "There is a great potential to minimize environmental impact by adopting conservation land management practices in this region." Jim Zuiches, dean of the WSU College of Agriculture and Home Economics, said, "Each project addresses a crucial issue in creating an economically viable food system and healthy environment, better local opportunities for small-scale and small-farm producers, and reduction of costs and soil loss to producers of the Palouse. Testing To Continue On Confiscated Imported Sheep The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that tests conducted on a flock of sheep confiscated last year from a farm in Vermont confirm that two of the 125 sheep tested positive for an atypical undifferentiated transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) of foreign origin.  The flock of 125 sheep was confiscated in March 2001 after four animals from an associated flock tested positive for TSE in July 2000.  USDA will continue to conduct additional tests to determine the type of TSE in these sheep. "These results confirm our previous conclusions were correct and that we took the appropriate preventative actions in confiscating these animals," said Bobby Acord, administrator of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. "USDA's actions to confiscate, sample and destroy these sheep were on target.  As a result of our vigilance, none of these confiscated animals entered the animal or human food supply." The sheep, imported from Belgium and the Netherlands in 1996, were placed under certain federal restrictions when they entered the country as part of USDA's scrapie control efforts.  In 1998, USDA learned that it was likely that sheep from Europe were exposed to feed contaminated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy.  At that time, the state of Vermont, at the request of USDA, imposed a quarantine on these flocks, which prohibited slaughter or sale for breeding purposes. On July 10, 2000, several sheep from the flock tested positive for a TSE, a class of degenerative neurological diseases that is characterized by a very long incubation period and a 100 percent mortality rate in infected sheep. Two of the better known varieties of TSE are scrapie in sheep and BSE in cattle.  There is no evidence that scrapie poses a risk to human health. On July 14, 2000, USDA issued a declaration of extraordinary emergency to acquire the sheep. This action was contested by the flock owners.  A federal district court judge ruled in favor of USDA based on the merits of the case.  The flock owners appealed to the Second Circuit Court requesting a stay, which was denied.  The sheep were confiscated by USDA in March 2001 and transported to USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, where they were humanely euthanized.  Tissue samples were collected from the sheep for diagnostic testing and USDA will continue with additional tests which could take up to 2 ? 3 years to complete.  In all, USDA has acquired 380 sheep from a total of three flocks. All of the animals were humanely euthanized, sampled and disposed and did not enter the animal or human food supply. "Our goal continues to be to prevent, detect and eradicate foreign animal diseases to protect American agriculture, natural resources and consumers," said Acord.  "We will continue to utilize the scientific results of these and other tests conducted during the last several years to strengthen our extensive surveillance, monitoring and prevention efforts." Plant Alarm System A 1983 study conducted by two American scientists wanted to determine how plants react to insect invasion. The scientists pulled off or tore leaves from a small stand of maple seedlings. The little trees reacted by emitting ethylene and by increasing protective chemicals within their systems. The scientists were surprised however, when surrounding, undamaged seedlings began producing increased levels of chemicals as well. Apparently they had been warned by the ethylene alarm of their small neighbors.

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