California Agriculture, August 1978

Volume 32, Number 8

peer-reviewed research articles

A closer look at deficit high-frequency irrigation
by Elias Fereres , Bashir Amry , Jose Faci , Ali Kamgar , Delbert W. Henderson , Morethson Resende
pp4-5, doi#10.3733/ca.v032n08p4
Abstract
Encouraging results with previous deficit high-frequency irrigation experiments raised hopes that the technique could reduce water use on some California crops. But studies with sorghum, beans, and tomatoes proved the method unsuccesstkl.In experiments with three different crops, DHFI resulted in substantial reductions in economic yields with no increase in water use efficiency.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Vine bleeding delays growth of T-budded grape Vines
by Curtis J. Alley , Albert T. Koyama
pp6, doi#10.3733/ca.v032n08p6
Abstract
Slashing vines promotes early bud growth and results in greater growth of shoots and canes.
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New weighing unit revolutionizes field research
by James T. Yeager , James J. Mehlschau
pp7, doi#10.3733/ca.v032n08p7
Abstract
Portable field scale aids in gathering yield data from mechanically harvested crops utilizing bins.
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Farm mechanization research: Assessing the consequences
by Refugio I. Rochin
pp8-10, doi#10.3733/ca.v032n08p8
Abstract
Monies expended on mechanization research can gield significantly high net returns to society, despite evidence of large adjustment costs.Presents a partial response to accurately gauging the worth of mechanization research, offering a better understanding of the kinds of questions that must be answered to assess university research on farm mechanization.
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Spider mite predator tested for pesticide resistance on pears
by Marjorie A. Hoy , Richard T. Roush
pp11, doi#10.3733/ca.v032n08p11
Abstract
Under field conditions the spider mite predator M. occidentalis can resist low application rates of organophosphate pesticides; but the spider mite is 40 times more resistant to permethrin than its predator.Under lab conditions the spider mite predator, M. occidentalis, was found to be resistant to recommended concentrations of organophosphate compounds, but suffered high mortality rates when exposed to synthetic pyrethroids.
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Tomato pomace scores well as sheep feed
by Norman H. Hinman , William N. Garrett , John R. Dunbar , Arthur K. Swenerton , Nancy E. East
pp12-13, doi#10.3733/ca.v032n08p12
Abstract
A study with sheep shows tomato pomace has a feeding value for ruminants similar to good quality alfalfa when compared on a dry-matter basis.
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Higher plant populations can increase cauliflower yields
by Robert K. Brendler
pp14, doi#10.3733/ca.v032n08p14
Abstract
Cauliflower growers need high gields to justiftl high land costs. New spacing practices can increase gields bg as much as 50 percent.Increasing plant populations by 50 percent or more over the conventional planting of one row per bed calls for extra expense, special equipment, and inconvenience, but spacing experiments show costs are justified.
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editorial, news, letters & science briefs

EDITORIAL: Proposition 13: The Aftermath
by J. B. Kendrick
pp2, doi#10.3733/ca.v032n08p2
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General Information

Research in progress: Finnsheep increase lamb crop
by Gary Beall
pp16, doi#10.3733/ca.v032n08p16
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