MAFES Research Highlights

Due to the size of this publication, a portable document format for each article has been created and linked below.

Volume 66, Number 2
Spring 2003

On the Cover
There's more to the aquaculture industry than just ponds and catfish. Related products and services make signigicant contributions to Mississippi's economy.

Table of Contents

From the Director

Data Research: Generating Opportunities for Mississippians
Analysis of statistical data by scientists at the Social Science Research Center is helping state agencies make the most of their resources. The MAFES-supported work also helps local communities provide services to their citizens.

Branch’s Work Helps Save North Mississippi Soil
The North Mississippi Branch Station near Holly Springs has a long history of erosion control research. Scientists at the branch are continuing to improve soil conservation methods.

MAFES Research Helps Produce New Variety of Native Grass
When buffalos roamed what is today Mississippi, gamagrass was an important part of their diet. A new variety of the hardy native grass has been released.

MSU Stallions Available for Service
Five stallions with outstanding lineage are the centerpiece of MAFES equine reproduction research. The animals also are available for service to the equine industry.

Research Helps Keep Roadsides Attractive
A partnership between the Maintenance Division of the Mississippi Department of Transportation and MAFES scientists is helping keep roadways attractive for visitors and residents alike by management of rights-of-way vegetation.

Researchers Apply Expertise to Panda Reproduction
The Memphis zoo has two new stars—giant pandas Ya Ya and Le Le. MAFES animal scientists are helping the zoo with reproductive research that may help increase the numbers of the beautiful but endangered animals.

New Fishy Software Available

Lab Gives New Taste to MSU Food Research
A new laboratory is the home of MSU’s sensory evaluation research. The facility contains some features not previously available in the South.

Researchers Key Part of Sweetpotato Team
Mississippi is the nation’s third largest producer of sweetpotatoes, and MAFES scientists are part of the team helping the industry continue to grow.

Study: Catfish Industry Strong Economic Force
Aquaculture is a vital part of Mississippi’s economy, creating jobs in industries that supply equipment and other goods and services to producers. A study by MAFES agricultural economists examines the dollars and cents impact of the fish business.

Melons2
Is there a place for square watermelons in the normally round U.S. market? Some producers think so, and that’s why research with the cube-shaped fruit is under way at the Beaumont Horticultural Unit.

MAFES Sales Store Going Online
Your favorite Mississippi State food products will soon be just a click away.

In Brief
A quick look at research and events at the Experiment Station.

Updates
Meet new and award-winning MAFES personnel.

Back Cover

Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

Vance H. Watson, Director

J. Charles Lee, President

Vance H. Watson, Interim Vice President
Mississippi State University

MAFES Research Highlights, a quarterly publication of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, is available free to Mississippi residents upon request.

Mention of a trademark or commercial product does not constitute nor imply endorsement of the product by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station or approval over other products that also may be suitable.

Requests for this, other MAFES publications, or change-of-address notification should be addressed to:

HIGHLIGHTS
Office of Agricultural Communications
Box 9625
Mississippi State, MS 39762-9625

Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.