Crop and Soil Sciences
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Cotton defoliation is a complex production decision with many chemical options to consider. Harvest aids are utilized to prepare the crop for machine harvest, and timely defoliation and harvest of cotton can reduce weathering losses (yield and quality) and decrease trash in the lint. A basic knowledge of crop development and maturity as well as an understanding of the physiological effects of harvest aids on cotton plants is necessary in making decisions concerning defoliation.
John L Snider and Camp Hand
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B 1216
Pearl Millet for Grain
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) has a long history of use as a summer grazing and hay crop in the southeastern U.S. The recent development of new, adaptable and productive grain pearl millet hybrids in the Southeast gives crop producers a suitable alternative feed grain for dryland production.
G. David Buntin
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Foxtails (Setaria spp.) are invasive weeds in pastures and hayfields. The competitive growth of foxtails with pasture specie causes stand thinning and reductions in hay yields. Foxtails may be grazed in spring prior to inflorescence development. However, the production of seedheads is concerning in summer due to the sharp awns that can damage the gums of livestock. Hayfield growers are also concerned about the economic impact of foxtails on yield and hay quality. This publication discusses the identification of foxtail species along with cultural and chemical control options.
Patrick E McCullough
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Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), also referred to as Italian ryegrass, is the most problematic winter annual weed in Georgia hayfields. Seed germinates from September to November when soil temperatures drop below 70 degrees F. Seedlings mature in the fall, overwinter in a vegetative state, and resume active growth in the spring. Annual ryegrass is a prolific seed producer that contributes to annual infestations.
This publication summarizes the growth and identification of this weed. Cultural and chemical control options are also presented for tall fescue, bermudagrass, alfalfa, bahiagrass and other forage legumes grown for hay production.
Patrick E McCullough
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Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is the most problematic winter weed of lawns in Georgia. Plants have a light green color, coarse leaf texture, and produce unsightly seedheads. Annual bluegrass germinates in fall, overwinters in a vegetative state, and resumes active growth in spring. Competitive growth of populations causes stand thinning of desirable turfgrasses that may predispose lawns to invasion by summer annual weeds, such as crabgrass (Digitaria spp.). Annual bluegrass typically dies out by May in Georgia, but cool temperatures in spring and regular irrigation may extend survival of populations into early summer.
Annual bluegrass is the most problematic winter weed of lawns in Georgia. Turf managers have experienced difficulty controlling annual bluegrass due to the spread of biotypes with resistance to pre- and post-emergence herbicides. This publication covers annual bluegrass identification, establishment, and cultural control for lawns. The development, detection, and control of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass is also discussed.
Patrick E McCullough
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This circular is useful for anyone working directly with livestock producers on interpreting and using forage reports. It also provides a “checklist” for taking forage samples from hay or baleage bales. It summarizes how to properly collect a forage sample, read the basic components of the lab’s report, and use the report for developing a basic feed plan.
Lawton Stewart, Jennifer J. Tucker, and Lisa Baxter
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This report provides research and extension results for trials conducted by the University of Georgia Vegetable Team and its collaborators in 2023. Contributing authors include county and regional faculty as well as specialists from UGA’s horticulture, plant pathology, crop and soil sciences, and entomology departments. All research has been supported by the Georgia Commodity Commission for Vegetables.
Timothy Coolong and Ted McAvoy
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Label terms and certifications can be divided into those that are regulated and those that are unregulated. Regulated label terms and certifications are usually defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Within the USDA, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the agency responsible for the truthful labeling of meat and poultry products. The use of labels and certifications is governed by law and violations of use can have legal consequences. Unregulated terms have generally accepted definitions but do not have legal ramifications or verification of adherence. Many common label claims, such as “humanely raised” or “sustainably farmed,” refer to the process used to farm livestock but are unregulated, and there are no legal definitions for these claims. This publication summarizes some common regulated and unregulated terms in agriculture and livestock production.
Julia W. Gaskin and Amanda Tedrow
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C 858-14
Uranium in Your Water
Uranium in your drinking water may be harmful to your health. If your water comes from a public system, it is routinely tested to ensure safe levels of uranium. If your source of household water is a private well, cistern or spring, you are solely responsible for the quality of your own drinking water. Private well owners are encouraged to monitor uranium through water testing.
Uttam K. Saha
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