MAFES Research Highlights

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

Volume 67, Number 3
Summer 2004

On the Cover

Field days are a chance for MAFES scientists to inform producers about their work and for producers to discuss their needs with the researchers. (Photograph by Marco Nicovich)

Table of Contents

From the Director

Preparations under way for rust attack

Soybean rust is a serious plant disease in the soybean-growing areas of South America and is poised to move into the northern hemisphere. MAFES scientists are preparing to lessen the disease's impact once it reaches the U.S. crop.

Fast cows not always winners

Research at the Brown Loam Branch shows faster is not always better when it comes to cattle.

Tracking plants with technology

High-tech implants can help nurseries keep tabs on their plants.

How many miles per bushel?

Soybeans can provide a safe, clean and reliable source of diesel.

Melons to go

Consumer demand for personal-sized watermelons is increasing, and research at the Truck Crops Branch is helping meet that demand.

Not a blackboard in sight!

Agriculture classes in Mississippi's high schools are being taught in very different classrooms.

Mapping the pine genome

Scientists have already mapped the human genome, and now MAFES scientists are taking on a much bigger task: mapping the genetic makeup of pine trees.

Cool cows

It takes more than shade to keep dairy cows cool enough to produce their best during hot Mississippi summers. Tunnel ventilation is doing the job for some dairies in the state.

Field days

Hundreds of visitors attend field days at branch stations and research and extension centers each year. Here's a look at some of this summer's events.

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, 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.