Giving pecan orchards a different landscape architecture—by hedge-type pruning—rejuvenates the trees and could increase profits, ARS researchers found. Four years of research indicate that hedged orchards and research plots avoid several disadvantages of traditional orchards. In the latter, large trees make poor use of space and light, and age-related physiology changes in the trees reduce overall yield. But hedge-style pruning can provide more uniform yields of high-quality nuts. The small, pruned trees tolerate more feeding by many types of leaf-feeding insects without economic loss and require less insecticide use. They also exhibit higher photosynthetic rates than large trees. While there are many hedging options, indications are that orchards should probably be hedged on all four sides of the canopy on 2- or 4-year cycles. Canopies of individual trees should be about 20 feet wide and 30 feet tall with 30 feet between tree rows. Pecan orchards span the entire southern United States.
Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Lab, Byron, GA
Bruce W. Wood, (912) 956-6421, a03lcbyron@attmail.com

Early maturity and less boll rot: They're the latest reasons why okra-leaf cotton plants could help U.S. growers cut their production costs without sacrificing yields. In field studies, ARS scientists found okra-leaf types could be harvested 3 to 9 days earlier and often achieved the same yield as conventional types—a plus during early cold spells or extended wet periods. Cotton with this leaf type is also less prone to boll rot than conventional cotton types. The leaves are narrower and more evenly distributed on the plant than other cotton types. Okra-leaf cotton also resists attacks by whiteflies, pink bollworms, and other insects better than commonly grown varieties.
Cotton Physiology and Genetics Research, Stoneville, MS
James J. Heitholt, (601) 686-5219, jheithol@ag.gov

A new fiber optic sensor that detects soil smearing could help farmers boost corn yields. Smearing occurs when seed-planting equipment rubs against the soil, forming a smooth, compact layer in the seed furrow. Soil smearing in farm fields can make it tough for young corn plant roots to push their way through the soil. The new sensor is designed to warn growers that smearing is happening—allowing them to adjust equipment or change planting attachments.
National Soil Dynamics Lab, Auburn, AL
Donald C. Erbach, (334) 844-4517, derbach@eng.auburn.edu

A new ARS-developed formula to predict cotton moisture could help cotton ginners operate more efficiently. If ginners try to process cotton that's too wet—more than 7 percent moisure—the damp fibers can clog their machinery. But too much drying damages the delicate fibers and wastes energy. The new mathematical formula lets ginners more accurately calculate cotton moisture based on air temperature, air flow, and how much cotton is coming through the line. The ginners can then fine-tune their drying systems for optimum processing. The formula looks promising for use on cotton with moisture content of 6 to 20 percent and will be tested in a commercial gin during the 1997-98 ginning season.
Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Lab, Mesilla Park, NM
Marvis N. Gillum, (505) 526-6381, mgillum@nmsu.edu

Last Updated: October 28, 1997
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