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N98 - 1982 REPORT Neleuivice] | Experiment Station Cooperative | Extension -_ by) i 2) Re on ZY ” COLLEGE. OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TABLE OF CONTENTS Pronit the (DIPGGtOP ws so 6 = secnvsemns 3 x 2 wo manarerenannse a 0 & ot xenon ® HB 8 eemeUReNEN 1 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Agronomy--Crops for Feed and Food .........- ee eee eee cree reece ee enes 3 Vegetables--Varieties for Our Islands .........ee cece eee eee eee e erences 5 Fruits-To Enrich Our Diets ......... 00.0 cess cccccceeeeeee een eneennne 7 Irrigation--For Dry Weather ........ 00. c eee eee eee eee e eee e ee eneeee 10 Pest Management--Alternative Control Methods ..........--+++++eee005 12 Animal Science--Assisting the Beef Industry .......-.- 2 eee ee eee e eee eees 14 Aquaculture--A Possible Major Food Supplement .............-+++-005 15 Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Research ...........eeee cece eee eee e eee ene 18 COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE Agriculture--Assisting Livestock and Crop Producers .......---+++e+0++ 19 Extension Pest Management--Solving Pest Problems .........++.++ee00- 22 Home Economics--Better Living for Our Families.........--.22.+0ee005 25 4-H Youth—Advancing to New Horizons........ 2 cee cee cere eee eens 28 Community and Rural Development--Helping People Work Together ....32 Agriculture and Food Fair--Land-Grant Showcase ........+..eeeeeeeees 34 Associate Depree in Apriculture cass so cc comsmmens sn 6 oxcecmmans sa 0 8 ecesmamcn de Visitors...... Atid Other AGtivitiéSss s «ss ¢ ssemwnwigs 6 = oe ewes 8 vo 8 wearer 37 Staff ID8O0=1982 oc cccocriew «9 2 0 cocaine an ec cq do Ud HATES Fe ¥ ERIE 39 Some Publications ......--e cece ec ee cece eee eee eee ee eee eens 4l 4 ce = : be > im iA +t (\ 1% ‘- ie 4) & we 2 S ty he ORD tt eo AY f {¢ ih raed 4] be ADR A \e hn Hf Ly SMF BES Sod \\ & AW\)\ S\ ft, ha Meal sy ne ¥ pale, ad a a le we The year 1982 brought special recognition to land-grant programs at the College of the Virgin Islands when the director was named the recipient of India’s highest award for agricul- tural research. Dr. Darshan S. Padda received the prestigious Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award which is given every two years by the Government of India for his “outstanding work in agricul- tural research.” Since Dr. Padda could not attend the award ceremony in India, arrangements were made for him to receive the award in * person from the Indian Ambassador in Washington, D.C. In addition to the handsome medal pictured, Dr. Padda also re- ceived a written certificate of citation. FROM THE DIRECTOR This is the second printed report of the Land-Grant programs at the College of the Virgin Islands. It covers the research and education activities carried out for the two year period of 1981 and 1982. Significantly 1982 marks the first decade of land-grant status granted by U.S. Congress in 1972. A perusal of this report reflects growth in all programs and the chart presents the growth in clientele served from 1972 to 1982. | am very pleased with the growth as the ultimate goal of our research and educational activities is to provide Virgin Islands resi- dents with research-based information so that they can cope with and benefit from changes in technology, societal factors and ecology. At the end of 10 years it is logical to look back and analytically assess whether the ex- pectations have been met. But whose expectations? My personal expectations - yes and no. Yes, because the programs have expanded: the Agricultural Experiment Station is established as a small but effective research station with projects in agronomy, horticul- ture, pest management, plant pathology, irrigation technology, animal science and aqua- culture. An AA degree in agriculture is functioning with the appointment of the first assistant professor of agriculture. The Cooperative Extension Service has offices functioning on all three islands. For the first time in the history of the islands, there is a modern computerized soil, plant and water diagnostic laboratory on St. Thomas. New home economics and pest diagnostic laboratories on St. Croix are providing much needed services to homemakers and farmers. Whereas in the areas of both technology development and extension education per- formance has been impressive, these efforts must result in the development of an agricul- ture industry. And here is where | have to say no to the fulfillment of my expectations. There is a definite improvement, but the pace is slow. However, recent initiatives by the Virgin Island government are encouraging and we can only hope that things will move faster in the future so that we can help Virgin Islanders grow more food with new tech- nology and research-based information. In the meantime let us be proud of the great accomplishments resulting from the hard work of the dedicated people of the Land-Grant programs and continuously be mindful that our goal must be to develop a viable agricultural industry in the islands. I wish to urge the community at large to use the locally developed information con- tained in this report and call upon us for any assistance that we can provide. GROWTH OF LAND GRANT PROGRAMS Enjoyable and informative reading to all. gO. Pod a Darshan S. Padda Director, Land-Grant Programs CLIENT CONTACTS IN THOUSANDS 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 “-"“~" APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF CLIENT CONTACTS MADE BETWEEN 1972 AND 1982 BY COLLEGE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS LAND GRANT PROGRAMS (COOPERATIVE SERVICE AND AGRICULTURAL FXPERIMENT STATION) i~ i: nee 2 ei col a . eae’ a nS % —™ ef . Bk es ot = (a [e>. §) “/f * 4) or . ry Xe yy oo", eo = =o 3 o* i Pat oe aa \ u ye ots < Le © 75 a 3° * & “~~ @ 7 “ $e ¥ F go saan f & ¥ eX a a = ak & at ‘Sj -& ant sea: ¥ A serene au. em ta —d ero! oat rr” ———— « “a ous oonee oi Ty i — encememer— oe oe ot ilies — wm eee a nti eset Se RR The St. Croix campus of the College of the Virgin Islands originally was centered around this historic building at Estate Golden Grove which today serves as extension headquarters as well as housing the community and rural development program and extension communications. Some evening college classes are also held in its classrooms. The handsome old structure was once the main estate house for vast sugar plantations of St. Croix’s central valley which were processed in nearby Bethlehem refinery. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION ait Partial view of Agricultural Experiment Station fields used for varietal trials of field crops. Water storage cistern for irrigation shown in foreground. Research projects in food and agricultural sciences continued to expand in the four basic areas of the Agri- cultural Experiment Station -- Agronomy, Animal Science, Aquaculture and Horticulture. The Agronomy program placed its emphasis on research in the pro- duction of animal feed for livestock and poultry, with field experiments conducted on grain and forage crops which can be useful to the local farmer. Evaluation of the Senepol cattle under Virgin Island conditions has been the main feature of the Animal Science program and efforts of the Aquaculture program continue in the development of practical culture systems for tilapia that are adapted for home production in the Virgin Islands. Research projects in determining the best varieties and production practices for local conditions were the main thrust of the Horticulture program. Particular consider- ation was focused on trials of food crop varieties to select those which withstand heat and droughtas wellas destructive pests. AGRONOMY - Crops for Feed and Food The agronomy program has continued intensive re- search into animal feed crops which can provide in- creased protein for cattle and at the same time withstand insect and bird predation as well as low rainfall levels. The main areas of concentration have been in grain crops (sorghum and corn), forage legumes and tropical grasses. A preliminary study also investigated the feasi- bility of sunflower production in the Virgin Islands. Sorghum Forty commercial varieties of grain and forage sorghum were field tested in 1980-1981 for adaptation and agronomic characteristics. Pioneer variety 8815 (grain type) produced the highest yield of 1678 kg per acre. Among the forage sorghum varieties, top producers were S-99 with 24.66 metric tons per hec- tare yield and Sweet Sioux which yielded 22.41 metric tons per hectare. Local growers have indicated their main interest is in forage sorghum and trials conducted in 1981-82 indicated that T-E Hay Grazer was the best overall adapted forage variety out of 15 varieties used in two experiments at the station. In other experiments to determine the best planting time, production and qual- ity as animal feed, Hay Grazer was found to be a multi- purpose cultivar that can be well utilized for grazing, hay, green chop, green manure, or as a cover Crop. Other forage sorghums which excelled were Sugar-Su- D, a dry matter high yielder, and both T-E Milkmaker and T-E Silomaker which were the highest fresh yield- ing. In grain sorghum production trials, indications were that T-E Dinero was the top producer, with other varieties suffering severe damage from birds which caused a decrease in production. Studies on insect con- trol revealed that Lanate and Dipel (biological insecti- Haygrazer proved to be a good multipurpose sorghum cultivar for grazing, hay, green chop and green manure. cide) were effective in controlling webworm, corn ear- worm and fall armyworm. Legumes In November 1980 and March 1981] tests for adapta- tion to soil and climatic conditions were initiated on four types of legumes -- commercial Siratro (Phaseolus atropurpureus), Lablab (Lablab purpureus), Jackbean (Canavalia ensiformus), and cow peas (Vigna spp.). Other objectives were to test their resistance to pests and disease, and their quality as dairy and cattle feed. Inves- tigations were also continued on the soybean Nionoto- nea (formerly Glycine) wightii. Field observations indi- cated that N. wightii is well adapted to St. Croix soils and climate. Based on this observation and previous work by the agronomy program, N. wightii can be rec- ommended for pastures on the sections of the island re- ceiving the most moisture and Lablab can be recom- mended for the drier areas. Recommended to farmers as a remedy for feed shortages during the dry season is a mixture of Buffel grass and Siratro. Jackbeans are also well adapted to soil and dry climate, and have proven to do well on calcareous soils which cover so much of the islands. Grasses Klein grass (Panicum coloratum), Guinea grass (Panicum maximum), and Love Weeping grasses were evaluated as promising grasses for pasture, hay and silage, and research was continued on Buffel grass (Cen- chrus ciliaris) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana). Measurement of soil pH, available nutrients in soil, crude protein percent, grass palatability and utilization were recorded. While the local livestock industry depends on forage and pastures mainly, studies made over a two year period have shown that introduced grasses such as Buffel, Klein, Love Weeping, Bahia, Blue Stem and common Bermuda were much higher in total digestible nutrients (TDN up to 40%) than primary local forage grasses. Observation data also suggests that Guinea grass and Klein grass were the best adapted and gave higher yields, with an average of over 6.72 metric tons per hectare depending on fertilizer rate and source. Introduced grasses such as Loveweeping contain up to 40% more total digestible nutrients than local forage grasses. Recommended to local farmers to augment feed during dry seasons is Buffel grass (shown) mixed with the legume Siratro. Sunflower Trials with seven Dahlgren varieties of hybrid sun- flower (Helianthus annus) were begun in March 1981. The oil varieties included Dol64, Do704xl, Do844, Do843-35 and Do705. The non-oil varieties were D820 and D135. The objectives of this sunflower introduction trial were to evaluate crop yield, resistance to drought and seed quality. The recorded data showed that oil and Hybrid sunflower trials in 1981 suggest that the sun- flower could be grown profitably in the Virgin Islands for either oil or seed, with an appoximate yield of 4000 pounds of seeds per acre. non-oil varieties were similar, with an approximate yield of 4.48 metric tons of seeds per hectare. Field ob- servations and yield data suggest that sunflower could be grown profitably in the Virgin Islands. Corn In studies conducted in 1980-1981, commercial corn cultivars TE Blanco and TE 6975 produced top grain yields of 4931 and 4758 kg/ha respectively. Pesticide effectiveness studies on field corn (Zea mays) conducted in conjunction with Pest Management specialists to control mites, fall armyworm and corn earworm, re- vealed that Kelthane, Insecticidal Soap and Basic H gave the best control of mites, while Lannate was most effective against armyworm and earworm. JoJoba (Simmondsia chinensis) An investigation on the introduction and feasibility of JoJoba crop production in the V.I. was initiated on November 29, 1981. Seeds were planted by hand and were placed about three (3) cm below the surface of wet soil (water holding capacity). The seeds of broadleafed evergreen JoJoba contain a liquid and solid wax in addition to alcohols. The residues can be used as an animal feed supplement and fertilizer (due to high nitro- gen content). Preliminary field observation indicated that the crop is well-adapted to the V.I. environment and the possibility of a JoJoba oil industry exists when more uncultivated land is planted with this crop. Senators Edgar Isles (left) and Bent Lawaetz stop by the sorghum fields to check out the latest feed crops with AES agronomist Dr. Ahmed Hegab. Lae VEGETABLES - Varieties Suited for Our Islands The primary research effort in vegetable production has been to select and evaluate varieties of locally adapted crops for home consumption and commercial production. Yield performance, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases are the major evaluation criteria. Vegetable field experiments included variety evaluations, optimum plant density, fertilization rates and methods to correct soil alkalinity. Tomatoes Three different trials were conducted with tomatoes. The first experiment (January to April 1981) evaluated four varieties (Royal Chico, Saladette, Tropic and Super Beefsteak) using the ground planting system without trellis or supporting stakes. Royal Chico proved to be the best in estimated marketable yield with 20.6 tons per hectare, while Tropic, Super Beefsteak and Saladette gave marketable production of 9.5, 7.2 and 5.9 tons per hectare, respectively. A second experiment was conducted from August to October 1981 to observe the performance of heat-tolerant tomatoes from the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center in Taiwan. Royal Chico, used as the control, outyielded all of the AVRDC heat-tolerant varieties. The third eval- uation trial from February to May was conducted with staked tomato varieties. Of fourteen cultivars tested, Winner, Red Glow and UHN-69 produced the highest yields. Eggplant Evaluation trials on eggplant were conducted fortwo seasons. The first trial with eight cultivars was started in August 1980 and the second trial with the best five culti- vars from the first trial was started in the field during the first week of July 1981. In both seasons eggplant vari- eties Midnight and Peerless were the highest yielders. A ratooning experiment, wherein the old plants were cut back about six inches from the ground and allowed to grow back, proved Midnight and Peerless again the most productive. It was further observed that the ratooned crop produced approximately 17 percent low- er yield than the first or primary crop. Beans A variety evaluation and planting date trial was con- ducted with nine snap been cultivars and one string bean cultivar. The string bean variety (Los Banos bush sitao) out-yielded all the snap bean varieties; Oregon 4117 and Contender were the most productive snap beans. Evidence from the study indicated that on St. Croix beans perform better when planted during the wetter months of the year. Ina sulfur and micronutrient study on snake beans (Vigna sequepedalis), also called bodie beans, one objective was to release elements made un- available to the plants due to high soil alkalinity. The other objective was to improve the nutrient status of the soil by application of the deficient elements, with snake beans used as indicator plants because of their appar- ently high sensitivity to micronutrient deficiencies. Preliminary results showed that the highest yields were obtained from plots applied with chicken manure (44 tons per hectare) in combination with iron, manganese and copper all at a rate of 2.2 kilograms per hectare and from those plots which received an application of 4.5 tons of sulfur per hectare combined with chicken man- ure, manganese and iron at the same rates. Okra Because okra is a very popular vegetable in many local dishes and is grown extensively in local home gar- dens, an okra variety evaluation trial was conducted comparing Emerald Green and Clemson Spineless, two Jefferson, an okra cultivar from Arkansas, proved to be a much higher yielder than two other grown frequently in the islands. commonly grown island varieties, with Jefferson, a re- cently developed okra cultivar from Arkansas. The results indicated that Jefferson cultivar yielded 55 per- cent higher than Emerald Green and 85 percent higher than Clemson Spineless. In a fertilizer rate and popula- tion density study of Clemson Spineless, six plant densi- ties were considered (72,000, 43,000, 36,000, 27,000 and 18,000 plants per hectare). Highest yields were ob- tained with 36,000 plants per hectare. In the fertilizer rate study using 10-10-10, the highest yield was obtained with application of 560 kilograms per hectare. Other Investigations Four varieties of onions were tested for yield per- formance. Results indicated that short-day onion culti- vars Granex 33 and Texas Grano 502PRR out-yielded Inca (long day) and Pronto (intermediate) under Virgin Islands’ conditions. Planter’s Jumbo cantaloupe was tested for the influence of phosphorus applied at rates of 0, 25, 50 and 100 kilograms per hectare. Plants receiving 25 and 50 kilograms per hectare increased yields averaging 11,000 and 14,000 pounds per hectare respectively while those treated with 0 and 100 kilo- grams per hectare only produced yields of 8,000 and 10,000 pounds of marketable fruit respectively. 3 he Sp x ate bos <a neg pea sche $3) ae Save 288) ; : - Granex 33 onion cultivar proved the best in yield tests conducted of four varieties. Application of phosphorous at 50 kilograms per hectare increased yields of Planter’s Jumbo cantaloupe dramatically. Thirteen sweet potato varieties from Louisiana Sweet Potato Center and 18 varieties of two species of yam (D. alata and D. rotundata) were propagated and initial observations begun on their agronomic characteristics; three breeding lines of sweet potatoes specifically devel- oped for weevil resistance in South Carolina were propagated and studies begun on their weevil resistance under tropical conditions. Investigations of horse- radish trees (Moringa oleifera) for growth and yield performance were initiated since these trees contain edible pods and leaves high in protein. Studies were also initiated on two species of luffa (Luffa acutangularis and L. cylindrica) which grow well in the Virgin Islands and whose pods can be used as a nutritious vegetable when green and for sponge production when mature. Thirty-six breeding lines of cassava from CIAT, Colum- bia, along with four sweet cultivars from Puerto Rico, were planted to be multiplied and characterized in on- going studies of this popular starchy West Indian staple crop. Ay / (0 had an agriculture apprentice program with AES for older students such as this one shown learning more abut vegetable science from Dr. Adriano Navarro. Tamarind School The horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera) produces leaves and edible pods high in protein. Investigations were initiated for growth and yield of this easily grown island tree. Luffa (Luffa acutangularis), much in demand asa natural bath sponge, is a vine which grows prolifically in the tropics and can be cultivated as a vegetable similar to squash if picked when young. FRUITS - To Enrich Our Diets The main emphasis in fruit crop research has been directed towards ongoing studies of bananas, citrus, avocado, sapodilla (mesple), and pineapple, with work continuing on the St. Croix papaya decline disease. Banana A study was completed on the evaluation of nemati- cide use on local cassava intercropped with Cavendish banana. Cassava sticks were planted in April and har- vested in November. It was found that Mocap 10%G (Granular) treated plots at 84g per banana plant yielded the highest amount of intercropped cassava roots (4.5 kg per plant) and Dasanit 15%G yielded the lowest (2.7 kg per plant.) Cassava intercropped with banana plants receiving cattle and poultry manure yielded 3.9 kg per plant while plants receiving 10-10-10 fertilizer at 0.85 kg per plant yielded 2.3 kg per plant. An outbreak of mites on the cassava was controlled with two sprays of Kelthane EC but there was no infestation of banana plants, with the cassava providing excellent windbreak control for the bananas. Cooking tests re- vealed that slightly earlier harvesting of the cassava would have minimized the woody nature of the cooked roots. The Cavendish banana, a large, sweet banana which is popular with customers, can be susceptible to soil in- festation by nematodes. An experiment to evaluate the effects of three nematicides, Diazinon 2E and differing rates of fertilizer has been conducted since March 1980. Preliminary findings showed that the nematicide treated plants produced healthy plants and suckers. Wind toppled plants occurred mainly in the control and Diazinon treated plots. Ammonium sulphate and i oe Chicken manure and nematicide Furadan combined to produce bananas yielding more than 50 pounds per bunch. poultry manure fertilizers appeared to have the greatest effect on plant growth. In the second year, yield data for the plants receiving fertilizer revealed that chicken manure (5.5 kg per year) treated plants produced 20.6 kg per bunch. Plants receiving ammonium sulphate (1.4 kg per year) yielded 18.3 kg per bunch and those receiving 10-10-10- (2.8 kg per year) yielded 17.1 kg per bunch. was 100%. Tissue cultured plantain were drip irrigated after being transplanted to the field. Survival rate in September 1982 The best average bunch yield (22.8 kg) from combined fertilizer/nematicide treatments resulted from chicken manure and Furadan 5%G (20 grams per plant). Plants receiving a double rate (2.8 kg) of ammonium sulphate per year showed the highest leaf tissue nitrogen of 2.4% but these did not correspond- ingly give higher yields. A varietal trial of 30 plants each of the well-known commercial cultivars Giant Cavendish, Robusta and Valery was initiated to evaluate performance under local conditions. Sword suckers were obtained from WINBAN in St.Lucia. Chicken manure at 5.5 kg per plant was incorporated in the planting hole and Furadan 5%G at 20 grams per plant was ap- plied at planting. Plants were drip irrigated. In July 1982 the first flowering plants were Giant Cavendish (10%) at an average height of 1.6 meters. Thus far, per- centage survival is 60% for Giant Cavendish, 53% for Robusta and 43% for Valery. Also initiated in October 1981 was a germplasm collection of local banana and plantain cultivars including Giant and Dwarf Caven- dish, Dwarf Lacatan (Musa sp. AAA), Tall and Dwarf Horse Banana (Musa sp. ABB), Tall and Dwarf Plan- tains (Musa sp. AAB), and Bacuba (Silk Fig, Apple Banana, Musa sp. AAB). The objectives of this collec- tion are to observe the performance of all local banana and plantain material to see what improvements can be made on selections already in use by farmers; to make selections of promising material for future field trials under varying fertilizer, cultural and water levels; and to document growth and fruiting habits of cultivars which have thus far been only of minor importance. An intercrop trial was initiated in December 1981 combining Tall type Horse banana (also called Bluggoe, 7 ay ? Ys a +o whe ron Malango or Moko--Musa sp. ABB) with local West Indian papaya, and Dwarf type Horse banana with Solo Sunrise papaya. Plots of eight banana plants at 1.9m x 3.2m spacing were interplanted with papaya in inter- row areas. Severe leaf yellowing of banana plants in certain areas of the field has been corrected by applying Fe Sequestrene 138 at 28 grams per plant. Sporadic out- breaks of Mosaic and Ring Spot virus occurred in papayas, but so far no evidence of St. Croix papaya decline disease has been noted. Introduction of the first batch of tissue cultured plan- tain plantlets made it possible to evaluate a new method of banana and plantain propagation which will allow the farmers to acquire unlimited amounts of pest-free planting material quickly, easily and at a relatively low cost. A 75% survival of both the Dwarf and regular Maricongo Plantain plantlets was obtained and 2'4 months after arrival from the laboratory, plants were transplanted to the field. All plants were drip irrigated using potable water. Chicken manure was incorporated in the planting hole (5.5 kg per plant) at time of transplanting. To test control of nematodes and corm borers applications of Furadan 5%G at 20 grams per plant every four months, Temik 10%G at 45 grams every six months and Diazinon 2E two tablespoons per gallon applied to each plant every two months were made to plots of 6 plants spaced at 1.9m x 3.2m. A field evalua- tion of plants in September 1982 revealed a 100% survival rate. Avocado The evaluation of fruiting characteristics of selected varieties of avocados continued for a second year with data compiled on both early bearing types (July-Octo- ber) and late bearers (December-March). Information was recorded on fruit and seed size, pulp color and tex- turc, and skin thickness. The present avocado orchard was originally established in 1955 at the experiment station site. Two varieties of early bearers far exceeded the late bearing trees in terms of size with DWI Bank weighing 540 grams and Butler weighing 431 grams. The largest late bearers were Booth 7 (377 grams) and Lula (299 grams). Sapodilla The fruiting characteristics of nine local and intro- duced Sapodilla (Mesple) varieties are being evaluated. Recorded data include time of flowering and fruiting, yield, time of ripening, fruit size, color, texture, taste and number of seeds. Variety Russel produced the largest fruits (195 grams), followed by Boetzberg (188 grams), Jamaica-10 (183 grams) and Morningstar (155 grams). Citrus In June 1980 a variety trial of 20 citrus varieties on two rootstocks was initiated on a 0.42 hectare field. Plants were spaced 6.5m between rows and 4.9m between plants on 15 cm raised beds which were mulched with dried grass. The objective of this trial is to observe performance of various citrus cultivars on dif- ferent rootstock so as to select the best scion and root- stock combination for local conditions. The establish- ment of the orchard will also serve as a valuable germ- plasm collection from which scion material can later be obtained. Several of the varieties which were affected with Foot Root disease (Phytophthora sp.) showed good response to drench treatments with the systemic fungicide Ridomil (1.5 milli-liters per gallon). After two years growth, eight citrus varieties had a 100% survival. Among these are Navel orange, Blood orange, Temple orange, Ponderosa lemon, all on Sour orange root- stock; also Pineapple orange, Blood orange, Orlando tangelo and Persian lime on Cleopatra mandarin root- stock. Eighty percent survivors included Parson Brown orange, Marsh grapefruit and Thompson Pink grape- fruit on Sour orange rootstock, and Murcott orange and Kumquat on Cleo mandarin rootstock. Pineapple An experiment to study the effects of three mulch types on Red Spanish pineapple was initiated in Decem- ber 1980. Used in the experiment were a silver-coated plastic, black plastic and cut grass. During the first year all three mulch treatments effectively controlled weeds of which the most persistent was wild poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla). However, during the second year plants were severely affected by mealy bug infesta- tion and heart rot disease. Although application of As A mulch experiment on Red Spanish pineapple con- ducted over a two-year period revealed black plastic the best, with 62% surviving. Malathion checked the spread of mealy bugs, heart rot proliferation was rapid and uncontrollable. Black plastic-mulched plants treated with a combined spray of ammonium sulphate (100 kg per hectare) and iron sul- phate (10 kg per hectare) had the biggest survival rate of 62%, with 75% flowering in the summer of 1982. Com- pletely unmulched plants performed most poorly, with almost the entire treatment lost to mealy bug and heart rot. Silver coated plastic-mulched plants grew well until the plastic biodegraded and completely disintegrated one year after planting. Pineapples mulched with cut dried grass performed second best and those that were also treated with the ammonium sulphate/ iron sulphate fertilizer combination showed a survival of 25% with 50% of those flowering. Tropical Fruit Collection A 0.84 hectare orchard of local tropical fruits particu- larly adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of St. Croix was begun in 1981. So far selected varieties of West Indian Cherry, Guava, Black Sapote, Sugar Apple, Custard Apple, Soursop and Jackfruit have been planted. Planned future additions to the collection are: Jujube, Governor plum, West Indian plum, Golden apple, Star apple, Gooseberry, Malay apple, Mamee sapote, Breadfruit and Breadnut. Ornamental Project Christmas Snowflakes (Euphorbia leucocephala Lotsy), also called Snow on the Mountains, was eval- uated as a potential Christmas pot crop using two growth retarding compounds. Seedlings transplanted in May 1981 were repotted to 4 gallon containers in August and the soil was drenched with chemical growth retardants in October. Although Cycocel at 3000 ppm produced the most attractive potted plants, Anacymi- dol at 0.5 active ingredient per pot produced a 37% re- duction in plant size (height + width) and induced four times more cyathia (flower? inflorescences) over the control plants. If this scheduling of potting and chemi- cal application is followed, potted Christmas Snow- flakes plants are at their best appearance by December 15 in time for the Christmas season. IRRIGATION - For Dry Weather The irrigation program at the experiment station has as its main objective the investigation of crop response to irrigation and to provide basic information necessary for proper irrigation water management of tropical crops. Requirements for Dry Season Tomatoes An area of 0.06 hectares was planted with UH N-69 tropical hybrid tomato on December 7, 1981. Each plot consisted of three rows of 12 plants spaced at 0.45 x 1.22 meters. The irrigation treatments on split-plot design were Consumptive Use (CU) ration 1.25, 1.00, 0.75, and 0.50 (main plot) and one and two days frequency (sub plots). The treatments were replicated three times. The trickle irrigation system consisted of Bi-Wall 19 tubing with orifices at 44 cm x 160 cm buried at 8 cm. The sys- tem included a volumetric valve, pressure regulator, 200 mesh filter and two water meters for each treatment. Before transplanting, 20 liters of chicken manure and 100 kg per hectare of superphosphate were in- corporated in each row. Side dressing with a complete fertilizer was applied twice monthly after fruit set. Foliar fertilizer with major and trace elements was applied as nutrient deficiency symptoms developed. Weeds were controlled with Dacthal herbicide and additional manual and mechanical cultivation. Leafminers, fungus and bacterial diseases were controlled by integrated pest management techniques. By periodically monitoring insects and diseases the pesticide treatments were reduced by 60% compared to a standard weekly schedule. Tomatoes were harvested twice a week from February 5, 1982 to March 23, 1982. The greatest response to 10 55,054 kg per hectare of tomatoes were harvested in March 1982 utilizing specific irrigation techniques. irrigation, with 55,054 kg per hectare of marketable tomatoes, was obtained with 1.00 CU ratio applied every other day. The unmarketable yield averaged under 10%. Statistical analysis is to be continued on plant height, fruit size and irrigation water efficiency. Research results show that by using multiple disease and heat resistant hybrid tomatoes such as UN N-69, along with trickle irrigation scheduling techniques to maximize yield per unit of water applied, it is possible to obtain high marketable yields (55,054 kg/ha) and top quality tomatoes in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cultivar UH N-69 yields were 2.6 higher than yields obtained in 1978-1979 trials and 15.6 times higher than tomato tria!] yields in 1980-1981 conducted at the Virgin Islands experiment station. Effect of Irrigation on Watermelon Previous research on Charleston Gray and other oblong watermelon varieties in the Virgin Islands shows that yields were severely reduced by the development of blossom-end rot. Inadequate irrigation was suspected to be the reason. In an experiment begun on April I, 1982, Charleston Gray seeds were planted in an area of 0.04 hectares. Cultural techniques employed were similar to those of earlier experiments. Eight irrigation treatments replicated three times were applied to deter- mine the effect of irrigation on watermelon growth and quality. The irrigation system (trickle) included Bi-Wall 19 tubing buried at 8 cm and a volumetric valve, pres- sure regulator, 200 mesh filter and two water meters for each treatment. Field observations show that the following factors appeared to have reduced the watermelon yield con- siderably: a.) inadequate pollination because of the small number of bee visits per hour to each flower; b.) severe attack of fungus and anthracnose despite the supposed disease resistant qualities of Charleston Gray; c.) severe blossom-end rot in all of the plots. The level of calcium in the soil was optimum and tissue analysis has indicated average to high calcium. The results indicate that for adequate bee pollination, bee colonies should be brought into the area of water- melon production. Plastic mulch is required and only highly disease resistant watermelon varieties should be considered for use in the Virgin Islands. Checking water pressure regulator on irrigation system. Split plot arrangement of irrigated young papaya plants -- the first such study in the Virgin Islands. Effect of Irrigation on Papaya Irrigation studies were initiated for the first time in the Virgin Islands on reaction of papaya which is sus- ceptible in the islands to the St. Croix decline disease. An area of 0.07 hectares was planted with PR 6-65 papaya on June 26, 1982. Plants were spaced 1.82 meters in a row, 1.82 meters between rows and 3.64 meters between double rows. Plants are in a split-plot arrangement with four irrigation amounts in main plots and two frequencies in the subplots. Each subplot con- sists of six plants, three each from two adjacent rows, but data is being taken only from the two central plants of each plot. Treatments are replicated three times. The irrigation system consists of on-line 3.7 liter per hour emitters (one per plant) and a volumetric valve, pressure regulator and two water meters for each treat- ment. Rain catchment water is filtrated by 200 mesh filter. Superphosphate was incorporated in the 50x50x50 centimeter holes before transplanting. Nitro- gen is applied twice a month and fertilizer with trace ele- ments applied as nutrient deficiency symptoms devel- oped. Pesticides were sprayed weekly to prevent the development of St. Croix decline disease and anthracnose. Early findings in this continuing irrigation study are that the decline disease has affected only the weak papaya plants representing approximately 8% of the total in the first few weeks after transplanting. Weekly treatments with Kocide before blossoming seem to control the disease and field observations show that papaya responds well to irrigation. PEST MANAGEMENT - Alternative Control Methods A chief emphasis of the experiment station Pest Management program has been to characterize signifi- cant pests on priority crops and to develop and apply effective alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides. One major aim is to achieve efficient control of diseases and insect pests under tropical island conditions, but at the same time insuring that unnecessary pesticide appli- cations are avoided. Another aim is to recognize that while pesticides will necessarily be a component of any pest management effort, it is important to develop and implement an appropriate pesticide storage, use and handling system as well as a safe disposal process. In a joint research project with the vegetable science program, sweet potatoes were evaluated for resistance to weevil infestation. Inter-region Cooperation In an example of inter-regional cooperation, the Pest Management program joined Inter-region Project 4, a nationwide effort with other U.S. experiment stations to gather data necessary for the clearance of pesticides for use on minor crops including tropical fruits and vegetables. The program also joined a project spon- sored by the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) of the Pan-American Health Orga- nization which is concerned with the incidence of Blue- tongue virus, a disease of sheep, goats and cattle trans- mitted by the biting fly, Culicoides. A presumed out- break of Bluetongue on St. Croix was investigated by Dr. Paul Gibbs, associate professor of Virology at the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine, who also held a seminar for livestock producers on viral diseases of livestock. Sabbatical Aids Local Studies During a five-month sabbatical leave, Dr. Roger Bland from Central Michigan University conducted basic and applied studies that included a comprehensive assessment of the crop pests and their natural enemies for beans, cabbage, cantaloupe and corn; evaluations of the efficacy of a range of insecticides and miticides with emphasis on low hazard products such as insecticidal soap; laboratory bioassays using a natural repellent and feeding deterrant derived from the tropical neem tree (Azadrachta indica) against melonworms; and field trials on baits for control of ants that tend aphids. Eight detailed reports resulted from this work. Joint Projects in Research A paper entitled “Integrated Pest and Irrigation Management Research on Tomatoes in the Virgin Islands” was presented at the 18th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society in Barbados in August 1982. A joint research project between the irri- gation and pest management programs resulted in a standardized survey form, protocol for assessment and recommendation for treatment which are being applied presently to a tomato pest management scouting service by the Cooperative Extension Service. Other research projects undertaken were weed control in tomato, cantaloupe and beans; evaluation of sweet potato weevil resistant germplasm; and control of mites on sweet corn. Comprehensive recommendations on tropical crop groups, coordinated with those from Puerto Rico and Florida, were submitted to the Office of Pesticide Pro- grams of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in response to a proposed standardized crop grouping scheme published in the Federal Register. Many crops and their uses in tropical regions were not properly re- presented in the original proposal and this comprehen- sive response was to redress this imbalance. A cooperative rescarch agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) involving field trapping and monitoring of two of the world’s most serious insect pests, the tomato fruitworm and the pink bollworm, was completed on St. Croix. These two insects were the object of genetic sterility research at the St. Croix USDA-ARS field station. Among other findings, it was determined that these insects can be effectively con- trolled by genetic means. No migration between St. Croix and neighboring islands was detected. St. Croix Papaya Decline Disease In continuing efforts to seck a solution to the St. Croix papaya decline disease syndrome, various treat- ments and trials have continued throughout the past two years at the experiment station. In one, the effects of sulphur treatment and soil fumigation using methyl bromide were tried. Although plants in the methyl bromide treated plots started more vigorously, their overall growth and performance were far below those of the control plots. Yields were lower, fruits were smaller and incidence of decline symptoms were more severe. It was also evident that effects of methyl bromide fumiga- tion are very temporary and in the end are a counter- productive and impractical method for controlling the decline disease. The application of sulphur did not have A variety trial of 24 papaya cultivars was begun to determine resistance to St. Croix papaya decline disease. any significant effect on soil pH and therefore does not appear to be an effective means of lowering the pH in local soils. A variety trial of 24 cultivars to observe natural resis- tance to St. Croix papaya decline disease involved ac- cessions from the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Costa Rica and Florida. There were 13 harvests starting in February 1981. Results were not conclusive, and al- though complete resistance was not found in any culti- var, field tolerance was shown by some entries and individual plants. A significant advance was achieved in Spring 1981 when a possible breakthrough towards a solution of the decline was achieved with the isolation of an Erwinia bacterium as a major contributing causal organism by Dr. Milton Schroth, professor of bacteriology at the University of California. Research is continuing on this papaya decline disease problem. Dr. Roger Bland, entomologist and bi- ology professor from Central Michigan University spent a six-month sabbatical with the AES pest management program . , = investigating crop pests in the Virgin Renowned scale insect specialist Dr. Michael Kosztarab of Virginia Islands. He takes time out to snap a State University was a visiting scientist with the pest management photo of the colorful ‘‘frangipani worm.”’ program where he verified the identity of locally collected specimens. Papaya plant exhibiting characteristics of decline disease. ANIMAL SCIENCE - Assisting the Beef Industry The main emphasis of the Animal Science program has been to evaluate Senepol cattle under their native Virgin Islands environment. This isa unique program in that all experimental units are derived from cooperating Senepol breeders’ cattle operations. Collecting and pro- cessing data from six Virgin Islands breeders and four mainland cooperators has been greatly improved through the use of a microcomputer. The on-the-farm performance testing program data management is now processed in a timely fashion. Considerable time was spent adapting data handling programs to the new computer system from the various systems previously used. Animal Science Research Assistant assists local beef cattle producer grade and weigh Senepol for on-the- farm performance testing program. On-the-Farm Performance Tests Data collected from on-the-farm performance testing of Senepol beef cattle includes birthdate, sire, dam, weaning weight and age, postweaning weight and age, measurement variables and breed characterization variables. Measurement and breed characterization variables are evaluated at weaning (7-9) months and at postweaning (a year for bulls and 18 months for heifers). Measurement variables include length from withers to the anterior lumbar, hip height, and length from hooks to pins. Breed characterization variables are head con- dition and shape, bumps, sheath evaluation, body con- dition, frame, color and temperament. Weaning per- formance data taken at 7-9 months were adjusted toa 205 day weight standard. Summary reports include ad- justed weights, weight ratios and cow efficiency. Post- weaning weights were adjusted to a 365-day weight (1 year) for bulls and a 540-day weight (18 months) for heifers. During this time data was taken on 1152 cows/ calf pairs, 121 mature bulls and 979 postweaning calves per year. From 1977-1979 two computer services were used for processing records. These systems were incompatible for data transfer to the existing microcomputer. There- fore, all of the 10,000 collected records are being re- entered into the present system. Records from 1980 to present were entcred as collected. 14 Animal Science Research Technician in cooperation with V.I. Consumer Services conducts a meat quality and meat cutting workshop for local meat marketers and other interested persons. ‘Two cooperators have breeding records from 1954 to 1976. These records will be used to determine the genctic relationship and history of the breed. Of the 51,000 records, all have been tabulated for data entry and editing. However, only about 10% have been actually keypunched for analysis. Effect of Feed A grain-on-grass feeding experiment involved feeding level (pasture only and 3 levels of grain on grass) and feeding length (140 & 168 days on feed) utilizing 1 12 bulls at two locations. As expected, preliminary analysis suggests the average daily grain and final weight were augmented as a result of the increase in number of days on feed and the amount of feed provided. Sixty-one bulls were slaughtcred with carcass data and Warner Bratzler shear data collected. There were no interactions between feeding time and feeding level for all variables observed. Color, texture and the four Warner Bratzler shear (tenderness measurement) values were unaffected by location, feeding time, or feeding level. Feeding time had a significant effect on live weight (410 kg), cold carcass weight (234 kg), ribeye area per body weight (2.02 cm/cwt.), backfat (.11 cm), yield after collecting data and performing routine manage- ment duties. grade (1.75) and age (486 days). Location and feeding level had a significant effect on live weight, cold carcass weight, ribeye area per cwt, backfat, dressing percent (56.9%), marbling score (3.3) and conformation (9.9). Milk Production Trial The second year of a milk production trial utilizing the weigh-suckle-weigh technique, utilized 24 cow/ calf pairs at one location conducted over a 10 month period. Cow-calf pairs were put ona sampling schedule within 2 weeks of birth. Birth weights were taken within 36 hours of birth and averaged 345 + 5.4 kg. Butterfat, total solids and solids-not-fat measurements were taken during the eight month lactation period. Preliminary results indi- cate cows averaged 533 + 5I kg going on trial and 527 + 59 kg coming off the trial. Calf weight averaged 218 + 21 kg when at an average of 202 + 10 days of age. Results of the first milk composition sample made within two weeks after birthing showed 2.8% butter- fat and 10.6% total solids; sample results taken when the calf was seven months old showed that butterfat was 1.8% and total solids 11.1%. Cows averaged about 1134 kg of milk in a 201 average day lactation period. (Pro- duction figures have not been adjusted to standard dates.) All but one cow (17 years old) from the previous year’s trial rebred and calved within a 12 1/2 month period. Combined data sets for the two year’s trial will be analyzed for further information. Collaboration with Other Agencies In an effort to determine the general combining abil- ity (genetic) of the Senepol and to determine how the purebred Senepol produce relative to various purebred and cross bred breeds, the research program collab- orated with the Brooksville Research Station to estab- lish the first continental purebred Senepol herd at the Florida Beef Research Station. At this station purebred and crossbred Senepol can now be compared directly with various British and Zebu purebred and crosses. This 18 month effort, with the animal science program serving as liaison between APHIS-VS, Florida and Virgin Islands State Veterinarians and the Virgin Islands Senepol Association, culminated with the ship- ment of 44 purebred heifers and four purebred bulls on June 21, 1982 from St. Croix to Florida. Hydraulic lift transfers Senepol cattle to aircraft for flight from St. Croix to Florida Beef Research Station in Brooksville. The experiment station animal science program on St. Croix was instrumental in expediting this research opportunity for the Senepol breed. AQUACULTURE - A Possible Major Food Supplement The Aquaculture Research program has been in- volved in three areas of research on the freshwater fish Tilapia; the study of tilapia cage culture in small fresh- water ponds; the construction of a facility to study re- circulating fish culture/hydroponic systems; and hatchery management techniques for tilapia fingerling production. Fish Pond Research An important problem was identified which can greatly influence fish culture in many Virgin Islands ponds. During excessive dry periods, pond levels recede and dense vegetation proliferates on the banks. When large rainfalls do occur, excessive runoff from adjacent 15 hills soon fill the ponds to capacity, and within two to four weeks after these rainstorms, oxygen depletions occur resulting from the submergence and subsequent decay of pond bank vegetation. The result is high mortality among the caged tilapia. To avoid this prob- lem, pond banks that are exposed below the high water mark should be maintained relatively free of vegetative growth. Feeding Pellets A year-long feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate three commercial feeds (Purina and Sunshine Mills floating catfish pellets, and Central Soya sinking crumbles) and three feeding rates schedules. The feeding ae wh fingerling production experiments. rate schedules were 3% of body weight throughout the experiment; reduction from 5 to I5 of body weight based on time (time slide); and reduction from 5 to 1% based on weight (weight slide.) Purina feed produced 26% higher yields with time slide, which was the best feeding rate schedule. As a result of poor water circulation through the cages causing low dissolved oxygen levels, 30 new cages were constructed with cage mesh increased in size from 6 mm to 19 mm. A demand feeder was designed for feeding caged tilapia in freshwater ponds. The feeder stores about 6 kg of feed and is mounted on the cage top. Caged fish quickly learn to trigger the release of feed by swimming into a rod suspended from the feeder. Use of this auto- matic feeder has substantially reduced the labor re- quired in feeding. Newly designed automatic feeder for caged fish in ponds has reduced labor required in feeding. New aquaculture research facility was begun in 1981 near the St. Croix campus with 28 tanks for breeding and New Research Facility Construction of an aquaculture research facility was started early in 1981 ona .4 hectare site near the college enclosed by fencing, with water and drain lines estab- lished initially. A field laboratory building was con- structed and work was begun onestablishing 34 circular swimming pools ranging in size from 3.7 meters to 8.2 meters in diameter and 8,700 to 64,000 liters in volume to be used in tilapia fish hatchery experiments. Two ex- An experiment was conducted early in 1982 to deter- mine effect of stocking density of brood fish on fry pro- duction. This small pan contains 500 tilapia fry. periments were conducted in 1982. The first was to determine the effect of stocking density of brood fish (Tilapia aurea) on fry production. Results showed that total production of fry increased as stocking rates in- creased, but average production per female declined. The objective of the second hatchery experiment was to find the optimum stocking rate of fry in pools for rear- ing them to fingerling size. Tilapia fry were stocked in circular pools at six rates. Predation by dragonfly lar- vae caused wide variation in survival (59% average) and the results were therefore inconclusive. Future stocking should occur only in pools filled with water just prior to stocking, thus restricting development of dragonfly larvae populations. Three new species of tilapia re- ceived from the Tennessee Valley Authority in Alabama will be used in future experiments. Recirculating Systems One closed recirculating system was completed by September 1982 and five others were in various stages of construction. These systems consist of a 1,400-/ rearing tank, a 1,900-/ sludge settling tank, a 1,400-/ reservoir, and two 2,300-/ hydroponic tanks. The hydroponic tanks, 6 m long by 1.2 m wide and .3 m deep, each will hold almost 4.5 metric tons of gravel as a biofilter and substrate for vegetable culture. The design of the six re- circulating systems is based on a small model that has been tested for two years. The model was constructed from four oil barrels, with three upright barrels used for fish culture, sludge removal and water storage, and the fourth cut in half horizontally and filled with gravel for biofiltration and hydroponic culture of tomatoes and lettuce. The system was powered bya small submersible pump. Total production in the first trial amounted to 9.5 kg of tilapia and 10.4 kg of vegetables over a four month period; in a second seven-month trial the small backyard model produced 11.8 kg of tilapia and 32.7 kg of lettuce and tomatoes. Since the model system was displayed to the public it has evoked keen interest and several individuals are now constructing similar systems for their own backyard use. Freshwater fish such as tilapia may provide a greater portion of the protein intake in the diets of island people Model fish culture-hydroponic systems served as prototypes for commer- One 7-month trial produced 26 pounds of tilapia and 72 pounds of lettuce and tomatoes utilizing the small back yard fish culture-hydroponic system. Marketing study in 1982 revealed that consumers would pay more than two dollars per pound for tilapia weighing an average of one pound. who have heretofore relied heavily on marine fish be- cause data gathered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- vice has shown that near-shore marine fishery is exceed- ing the maximum sustainable yield. In a St. Croix retail fish outlet marketing study on public consumption of tilapia conducted in 1981, it was determined that con- sumers were willing to pay $2.10 per pound for undressed fish weighing one pound. More than 200 pounds were sold during this brief study, with an added 175 pounds sold to the Bureau of Corrections. As a result of this study, aquaculture pro- gram personnel provided technical advice for the construction of a 0.08 hectare pond at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility which will be used to demonstrate the prin- ciples of tilapia pond culture and will provide about 1360 kg of fish annually for inmates. <i. cial scale recirculating systems currently under construction. 17 Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Research Ciguatera is a human affliction suffered when fish containing ciguatoxin (CTX) are consumed. CTX apparently originates in a micro-organism called Gam- bierdiscus toxicus, a dinoflagellate found in tropical oceans around the world, often on or near coral reefs. Laboratory studies of field-collected G. toxicus indicate it produces at least two toxins which cause the same symptoms as CTX from fish when tested in the mouse bioassay. The dinoflagellate toxins are probably altered biochemically as they are passed through the organisms along the food chain, ultimately becoming the CTX in reef fish which poisons humans. Everyone affected by ciguatera recognizes the need for a simple, reliable test for ciguatoxicity in fish. For a variety of technical reasons this goal has been extremely elusive. Recently, a chemical test has been undergoing development. Such a test is of great value for furthering our scientific understanding of the ciguatera problem. The test, counterimmunoelectrophoresis, is formidable technologically, as its name suggests, but it will hope- fully lead to a practical, affordable test in the future. A line drawing of Gambierdiscus toxicus, the dinoflagellate recently implicated in the biogenesis of ciguatoxin, taken from scanning electron micrographs. Alive, this micro-organism is 80 micrometers or 0.003 inches in dia- meter (after F.J.R. Taylor, University of British Columbia). HHH HEKRKRKRKKRKRHRHHKRKRHKRKRKRKRHHHKRHHHHEH HEHEHE HHH KE HH millimeter ................00000 ce eee mm centimeter ..................0ceeeeeee cm hectare... . ccc cee ee eee eee ha Jiter . 2... cc cece ee eee eee ] METRIC ABBREVIATIONS USED KUOSPAM sacajois ss 6 5 eR SF 8 8 Severs kg granular... ... 0.0... cece cece eee eee G IMNELER « ccoisecieciorereicos 0 9 8 8 womnereresexevere 9 x € eusreverere m COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE The years 1981 and 1982 could best be characterized as years of increasing teamwork as the four main pro- gram areas of the Cooperative Extension Service-- Home Economics, 4-H Youth Development, Agricul- ture and Natural Resources, and Community and Rural Development--worked together to strengthen and sup- port their mutual goals of serving as the informal educa- tional outreach service of the College of the Virgin Islands. And as the extension programs expanded in terms of staff members, so also did the number of clients who were reached by these programs. The network of interprogram cooperation could be found when a pest management extension agent served as leader of a new 4-H entomology club aptly called “The Stingers”; or when the Home Economics staff assisted in training counselors for 4-H summer camp and other island summer youth programs; or when Agriculture specialists showed housing project residents how to plant small gardens as part of a Home Econom- ics community beautification program. Nor was exten- sion’s mutual support philosphy limited to its own agency, as staff members worked closely on special projects with schools, the V.1. Department of Agricul- ture and the Agricultural Experiment Station. Another keynote of the past two years was the in- creasing role all members of the staff played in provid- ing workshops, seminars, classes, training sessions, community visits, meetings and personal home visits to persons needing the particular expertise that extension could offer. Residents on all three islands took advan- tage of opportunities to learn about grafting or air layer- ing plants; how to care for sick livestock or improve milk production; when to spray for insect pests without jeopardizing beneficial insects; how much to fertilize; techniques for irrigating small garden plots; where to seek help in establishing a small business or buying farm acreage; how to stretch food dollars in a nutritionally balanced way; and methods for developing leadership roles with young people. Increasingly, the role played by the Virgin Islands extension service has been one of cooperating with other island agencies in a wide variety of betterment projects; as a result, the word is out that extension is there to serve when called. AGRICULTURE - Expanding Outreach to Farmers Technical assistance to a greater number of farmers, growers and gardeners has been provided by the Agri- culture Program by following three comprehensive program objectives. These included assistance in im- proving quality and increasing yields of food and feed crops; recommendations to livestock growers for im- proved management practices; and training private and commercial pesticide applicators. Contacts were made through traditional extension methods such as personal farm visits, office visits, seminars, workshops, guided tours, special classes and telephone communications. Horticulture The addition of an extension horticulturist to the staff has enabled many fruit and vegetable growers in the three Virgin Islands to receive the technical assistance they have needed to correct production problems and receive guidance as well as motivation in the application of proper cultural practices. Pertinent information on vegetable and fruit varieties, irrigation practices, plant disease and pest management, and the best feed crop varieties based on research at the Agricultural Experi- ment Station is provided by the horticulturist and his staff. Changing traditional cultural practices for newer, more successful methods in some instances is met with resistance. Inducing selected farmers to use a new fungicide for control of root-rot and foot-rot on citrus, for example, was considered a positive breakthrough. Continued food price inflation did much to stimulate the home gardening effort and new, first-time home 19 =_.. ‘ = Visits to home gardeners and farmers provide an oppor- tunity for Extension Agriculture staff to assess cultural practices throughout the islands. Former farmer-of- the-year Jose Torres (right) shows a heavily laden bana- na plant to extension horticulturist Clinton George. oe ing sapodilla (locally known as mesple), sugar apple, custard apple, soursop, West India Cherry, guava and local plums. Vegetable workshops were attended by a total of 550 growers with stress placed on emphasizing techniques that are applicable to local conditions. Among these are time of planting and using proven varieties which are more adaptable to heat, drought and the myriad of in- sects and diseases which plague crops year round in the tropics. Predominant crops grown locally are tomatoes, okra, pigeon peas, eggplant, peppers, collard greens, local spinach, cucumbers and pumpkins. A staple for many residents is the “ground provision” group which includes cassava, tannia, yam and sweet potato. ” -/ 2s j Proper shelter for goats is illustrated by guest speaker at extension Saturday workshop. Basic crops were grown in demonstration gardens opposite St. Croix Campus utilizing varieties recom-: mended by experiment station scientists. gardeners continued to increase over former years. Information was sought most frequently on best locally adapted varieties, fertilization, planting practices, aug- menting water supplies and crop protection. Educational activities included tropical fruit work- shops and seminars which attracted 593 participants who learned about propagation by air layering, graft- ing, cutting and budding. Mangoes, papayas, bananas, avocados and citrus have been the most popular fruits traditionally with increased interest expressed in plant- Extension director Darshan Padda addressed St. Croix gardeners who attended five-day Agriculture Short Course. Workshops and seminars were attended by the rela- tively small group who are full-time farmers along with part-time farmers and home gardeners, teachers and others who are new to the islands and are exploring the possibility of augmenting their diets with locally grown produce. The first World Food Day observance was conducted by extension, with 500 tomato seedlings and cultivating instructions distributed to the public. To assist housing project dwellers improve the appearance of their proj- ect, a seminar was held for 18 residents of Paradise Mills on growing small gardens. Fourteen families enrolled in Workshop participant prepares his citrus plant for the program and planted flowers and vegetables around grafting. their dooryards. 20 Graduation day concludes a five-session Agriculture Short Course held jointly with V.I. Teachers Corps for interested St. Croix gardeners who received certifi- cates for perfect attendance. Small Livestock Due to increased interest in keeping small livestock such as goats, swine and chickens, a full-time assistant livestock specialist was hired to give farmers technical assistance and teach day-to-day management tech- niques. Workshops and small livestock special interest meetings attracted 287 participants. While goat, sheep and poultry production has increased slightly in the past year, the number of pigs decreased. The pig decline is associated with the high cost of feed, much of which is imported, and the unreliable processing services at the local abattoir. An inventory of all classes of livestock on small farms was begun. In addition, with the assistance of an extension livestock technician, two farms cooper- ated in major planning changes to utilize minimum space for maximum use. Eventually, these farms will be used as prototypes for other farmers to demonstrate better efficiency on small farms. A 100-acre forage and hay pilot project was initiated jointly with the Depart- ment of Agriculture to mitigate the feed shortage prob- lem facing farmers during times of drought. Advice also was given on pasture renovation, health management and improving forage conditions. In St. Thomas a germ plasm nursery was started for forage crops. Extension director, Darshan Padda visits farm which has installed large grain storage tanks for its chicken industry. Bulk purchases are less expensive but storage has always been a problem in tropical climates. Dr. Charles Gibson, Extension Veterinarian in charge of Field Services for Michigan State University lectures on dairy reproduction and nutrition problems on St. Croix. Dr. Samuel Guss, University of Pennsylvania Extension Veterinarian and author of a definitive book on small livestock management, was special guest at a meeting of small livestock farmers where he lectured on new techniques for sheep and goats. Dairy Extension In efforts to assist the Virgin Islands Dairy Herd Im- provement Association (DHIA), Dairy Extension has bs sks cus + . Dairy Extension keeps in close contact with farms like this one at Estate Windsor where cows are being washed prior to milking. continued to help cooperating dairymen in collecting uniform production and management records to improve management operations. In 1981 and 1982 an average of 517 cows were performance tested monthly and the records were sent to the Raleigh Computer Cen- ter for processing and summarization. It was found by dairy extension staff that most cows under local pasture conditions need additional energy and supplemental minerals, especially potassium and phosphorous. Dr. C. Gibson, visiting associate professor of Veterinary Science from Michigan State University spent four weeks on St. Croix to assist dairies with animal health programs, placing particular emphasis on reproduc- tion. Using his recommendations, five St. Croix dairies have increased the percent of cows in milk from sixty to seventy, and reduced calving intervals nearly two months. Dr. Gibson also conducted four workshops on reproduction attended by a total of 70 dairymen and small livestock producers. Soil Testing In 1981 preparations were made to establish a soil testing laboratory on St. Thomas. An extension soil specialist was added to the staff and during the year a soil testing program was begun with morc than 100 sam- ples sent off island for elemental analysis and fertilizer absorption studies. In 1982 preliminary operations were begun at the soil testing lab using newly installed equip- ment. More than 9,000 analyses were performed on 754 soil, plant and water samples. Pesticide Applicators Training for initial certification and recertification of both private and commercial pesticide applicators con- tinues to be an important educational activity. Over a two year period, 225 applicators were certified in the use of pesticides and the handling of restricted use pesti- cides. An additional two-day training workshop was held for 43 of the agriculture staff at AES-CES and em- ployees of the V.I. Department of Agriculture. Agricul- tural training classes for CETA workers assigned to the Dept. of Agriculture were conducted in May and June 1981. we mm Training and certifying pesticide applicators has beena responsibility of extension working in conjunction with the V.I. Dept. of Conservation since chemicals have assumed such an important role in farming and home gardening. Here training officer demonstrates safety garment to local applicators. EXTENSION PEST MANAGEMENT - Solving Pest Problems Island growers are unanimous in agreement that a major problem for successful crop production and rais- ing ornamental plants is the all-pervasive one of pests Pests and diseases such as ones causing this virus- stunted tomato plant are all-too prevalent in hot climates and represent a real challenge to the extension pest management program. and their control. Since the island climate with year- round sunny hot weather is ideal for plant pests and diseases, their numbers generally far exceed those in more temperate climates. Among concerns affecting islanders have been mite-induced scarring of coconuts; mango flower and fruit drop due to anthracnose; pinworm on tomatoes, diamondback worm on cabbage, and mclonworm on cantaloupe; severe infes- tation of scale and nematodes causing decline in hibis- cus; and a myriad of problems with Cuban tree frogs, termites, bats, birds and rats. Also, public health- related concerns with mosquitoes and sandflies regular- ly receive attention. Problem Solving Techniques The pest management program has addressed many of these problems by using time-proven techniques of direct contact with clients at farms, homes and exten- sion headquarters; or through workshops, field trips, seminars, publications, and classes. A total of 19 work- shops attended by approximately 300 participants pro- vided pest and plant disease identification and recom- mendations. Site visits were made to 397 homes and uncertainty when faced with pest problems, a major constraint to getting started in local food production. Pest Control Product Survey A comprehensive evaluation of the pest control prod- ucts currently available at 195 retail outlets on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John was completed and annual updates are planned. Information pertaining to major pest problems and suggested key materials to treat them was conveyed to retailers at the time of sur- vey to assist them in appropriate wholesale selection of materials pertinent to the islands’ needs. It is important to identify each problem as it occurs in fruit trees. In this case, termites have invaded this mango branch. in farms, and 53 demonstrations were conducted on test- ing methods and products. A weekly scheduled diagnostic clinic begun in the summer of 1982 now provides walk-in service for resi- dents with ailing plant specimens. Diagnosis and rec- ommendations are offered for a full range of plant dis- orders as well as public health, arthropod and verte- brate pest problems. A major advance during the year has been in the area of plant disease diagnosis and nematode extraction now available from added staff and collaboration with experiment station scientists. Another major development in the past year was the launching of a structured field survey and monitoring service for major producers of bananas, plantains, man- goes and tomatoes. This involves regular visits to grow- ers’ plots, advisory feedback and integrated control recommendations when needed for insects and other arthropods, diseases, nematodes and bees. Basically, this service is intended to help alleviate the growers’ If uncontrolled, anthracnose fungus can cause up to 50% or more reduction in yield of local mangoes each year in the Virgin Islands, by attacking flowers, young and maturing fruits. Post-harvest loss to anthracnose also can be high. Targeted Natural Resources Programs The Virgin Islands extension pest management com- ponent has been assuming a broader educational role in terms of natural resources management. The main focus of the natural resources program is to support food self- sufficiency goals in the Virgin Islands because these goals are inseparable from the severe competition for Similar symptoms require a closer look. Here pest management scientist determines that while the corn leaf appears as if it might be deficient in nutrients, ve . actually the plant has yellow leaf stripe virus which is limited natural resources locally. Two programs high- transmitted by a plant hopper. light this new direction, both of them congressionally 23 Students from island schools often visit pest manage- ment laboratory during class field trips. This young lady is intent on learning about local beetles. mandated and funded: with the Renewable Resources extension program, concentration is on pasture and rangeland improvement; the Non-Point Source Pollu- tion program assesses the extent and nature of present and perhaps future pollution from agriculture sources. This includes fertilizer, pesticide and sediment run-off into ponds, groundwater, lagoons, bays and other coastal water zones. A third program also falls within the natural re- sources category. This is a joint venture between exten- sion pest management and the National Park Service in the Virgin Islands to develop comprehensive baseline information pertaining to natural resources manage- ment in the Virgin Islands. Supported by the Natural Park Service in connection with the Manand Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the extension natural resources component is contributing to the development of a computerized bibliography of all Virgin Islands literature ever published. The program leader serves as associate editor in charge of scientific materials for the bibliography, which is expected to be published in three volumes with over 20,000 citations. Making use of a back pack motorized mist blower can be a real help to farmers, as demonstrated at a field workshop. Taking insects to classrooms throughout islands was a combined project of the pest management program working with 4-H. Here extension agent Marti Terry and 4-H aide Leroy James show students a traveling beetle exhibit. siti tl a Minute hairs on pods of Stizo/obium pruriens are so irri- tating they can cause extreme discomfort if touched. Pest management teams identified this local climbing weed as the cause of death of six thoroughbred horses on St. Croix, who mistakenly ingested the noxious weed which is also called ‘‘cow-itch.”’ Other Useful Services A close working relationship with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Plant Protection and Quarantine Office (APHIS-PPQ) resulted in veri- fying the existence of a potentially serious outbreak of black Parlatoria scale insect, a quarantinable pest of citrus. In another case, a more extensive survey was con- ducted with APHIS-PPQ concerning the potential exis- tence of citrus bacterial canker, one of the most serious citrus diseases known. No infections were found in the territory. A common weed herbarium collection was begun in 1981 with almost 200 weeds collected and identified thus far, in collaboration with Dr. F.R. Fosberg of the Smithsonian Institution. Plant identification also played a key role in determining the cause of death of six thoroughbred race horses on St. Croix by poisoning from Stizolobium pruriens, known locally as “cow itch”, or cowage. In assistance to the Virgin Islands government, a report was prepared regarding the erro- neous assumption that there were residual harmful effects from biological warfare trials conducted during World War II on islands off-shore of St. Thomas. This report was widely publicized to allay the fears of local residents that danger from those trials might still persist. HOME ECONOMICS - Better Living for Our Families The official dedication and ribbon-cutting of the new, long-awaited home economics laboratory took place in May 1982 with CVI president Arthur A. Richards, home economics program leader Olivia Henry, V.I. Senator John Bell and extension director Darshan S. Padda officiating . The whirr of sewing machines and soft murmur of voices; the aroma of spicy island cooking; a sense of something going on ina purposeful environment that is creative yet unhurried--this is the atmosphere of the Home Economics Lab which attracts hundreds of par- ticipants yearly to its many programs. Home economics took on new meaning and added enrichment this past year with the opening of the new St. Croix lab with its modern facilities for cooking (both gas and electric) and 15 new sewing machines for clothing construction classes. Thousands of Virgin Islands residents were reached by the extension home economics program over the past two years through its many and varied outreach pro- grams conducted in the lab or out in the field on all three islands. Nutrition and Good Eating Nutrition programs emphasized cultural food dem- onstrations including Chinese, Vietnamese and West Indian cooking. The kitchen on St. Thomas was reno- vated and the home economics staff conducted seven workshops in conjunction with the Family Education Program of the Community Action Agency which were attended by 84 clients interested in nutrition and food selection. Another workshop during National Nutrition Week attracted 20 participants interested in nutrition from a vegetarian point of view. On St. John, three short seminars were conducted in 1982 for a group The new home ec lab is constantly busy with its 15 sewing machines utilized by different clothing con- struction and home sewing classes throughout the day. Personal health is an important aspect of the home economics program. A health educator form V.I. Health Dept. takes a homemaker’s blood pressure. called TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), with nutri- tional information provided for the ten dieters enrolled. Clothing Construction for All Ages Fifteen classes in basic beginners clothing construc- tion and six for intermediates were held over the past two years. Certificates of achievement were awarded to 83 participants who augmented their wardrobes with stylish and colorful dresses, skirts, blouses and jackets. Twenty-one senior citizens of the STRIVE program were instructed in clothing construction. A fashion show by the creative participants was held, and six re- ceived achievement certificates. Twelve aides from the Department of Conservation’s recreation program re- ceived instruction to improve skills in crafts and cloth- ing construction in order to prepare them to teach other senior citizens groups. A young teen receives a helping hand from home ec staff member Hope Murphy who instructs her in opera- tion of the sewing machine. Learning Fun for Teens Teenagers 13 to 15 years old joined two programs in home economics geared specially for them. The after- noon Teens Program was held each Friday throughout the school year and taught the 66 young people involved the basics of clothing construction, crafts, food prepara- 26 Macrame making is a popular activity for summer teens. Summer Teens participant proudly displays her com- pleted basket. tion, personal development, good grooming and con- sumerism. The Summer Teens program continued to grow in popularity, with 70 applicants for the 30 spaces filled in 1981 and a total of 55 (32 on St. Croix, 15 on St. Thomas and 8 on St. John) enrolled in 1982. Featuring an emphasis on personal development, Summer Teens met for six weeks during the summer, with interesting * x 7 aM Basketry is a traditional craft in the Virgin Islands which is rapidly becoming obsolete. Teenagers in the home economics summer programs are taught how to weave simple styles in the hopes of keeping the art alive. programs scheduled throughout each weekday. Partici- pants learned basketry, macrame, clothing construc- tion, good grooming and poise, decoration, nutrition and meal preparation. Helping Those Who Need It Major highlights in working with community groups included participation in the International Year of the Disabled and assisting hard-of-hearing students at Central High School. In an effort to brighten the hearts of the elderly, games and activities were provided for shut-ins and handicapped elders at the Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged. In Frederiksted home economics staff members and the New Horizon Club planted a beautiful mango tree in the Whim Gardens yard. To help the deaf students, money was raised by home- makers club members as a donation to defray the cost of athletic equipment badly needed by the students. Homemakers clubs also contributed to a national fund raising program conducted by the National Extension Homemakers Council which was donated to the Save the Children and Nutrition Fund. Because the cost of energy is so high in the territory, Cake decorating is always popular with the teen groups at home economics sessions. 27 Practice makes perfect is an apt slogan for these girls who display their first efforts at cake decorating. extension home economics conducted an energy saving seminar to assist residents to learn about special tech- niques to cut energy costs and new ideas in solar and wind energy for homes. Representatives from the Virgin Another ribbon cutting -- this time at Paradise Mill proj- ect Community Club room. Housing Commissioner Juan Centeno wields the scissors at entrance to the tastefully decorated room created with assistance from the home economics program. Islands Energy Office and several local energy firms served as guest speakers. Paradise Mills Homemakers Working closely with the Commissioner of Housing, a new program was launched to assist homemakers at Paradise Mill. Staff, personnel and homemakers at the project received training in the principles of good house- keeping and home management as well as learning about container and small plot gardens with the assis- tance of the extension agriculture program. The first phase of the home beautification program at the hous- ing project was completed in July 1982, when the new community club room was officially opened, home gardens and decorations were proudly displayed, and the many residents shared in a communal celebration. Twenty-one homemakers participated, with 12 re- ceiving special commendation certificates. 4-H YOUTH - Advancing to New Horizons The years 1981 and 1982 were exciting ones for exten- sion 4-H Youth Development as the staff and programs took on added dimensions and new directions which established a good base for dynamic expansion and effective youth development in the future throughout the territory. Grants were received to accomplish many of the 4-H goals towards awareness of cultural identity as youth with a proud heritage not only as U.S. citizens but as Virgin Islanders and members of the entire Carib- bean community. Career awareness training for young 4-H’ers, building special programs with other youth agencies, and skills training for 4-H members, volun- teer leaders and staff--all served to reinforce and strengthen the role of 4-H as an esteemed youth agency in the community. Summer Camp Serves Island Youth The 1981 4-H Summer Camp program was greatly expanded, with 575 youth and 60 counselors involved in 1981 as compared to 300 youth and 44 counselors in 1980. With camp sites on all three islands, the year’s program signaled the initial start for the new ADVANCE concept, which stressed traditional skill advancement as well as cultural exploration and leader- ship development. As part of the 4-H “five year plan,” the concept was instituted in all 4-H programs through- out the following year, with information about its pro- An innovation at 4-H Summer Camp in 1981 was the TV workshop for older campers conducted in coopera- tion with a local media group, Caribbean Center for Understanding. gress published in the quarterly 4-H newsletter. In 1982 the six-week summer camp involved 547 campers and 56 counselors. Programs stressed during both seasons included safety, home economics, arts and crafts, agriculture, environmental study, recreational activities, and field trips to historic sites, industrial complexes and the seashore. Innovations were found in values clarification sessions, learning cultural dances, mobile TV workshops with a local media group, and Miss Summer 4-H Queen contest. The traditional Field and Awards Day ended both camp sessions, with campers pitting their skills against each other in athletic events, dances, singing and craft displays. A lunchtime break is enjoyed by St. Thomas 4-H sum- mer campers. Keeping his eye on the ball is this 4-H camper during a sports and recreation period. Crafts of all kinds, such as mat weaving, appeal to young 4-H’ers like John at 4-H summer camp. It’s fun to take home an achievement certificate when camp is over after a busy 6 weeks of activities on St. Thomas. Grants for Cultural Exploration Two major efforts which achieved considerable suc- cess were the Island Identity grant of $2500 from the Endowment for the Humanities and the V.I. Caribbean Youth Conference, sponsored in part by the college, 4 ‘ ee A ah ‘a Waving flags from the 10 Caribbean islands they repre- sented, 48 delegates to the Caribbean Youth Confer- ence held in March 1981, got together to celebrate after three days of intensive workshops. Henderson 4-H camp presents a colorful drill for campers from other sites during final field day. which was held during March 1981 Inauguration Week for Dr. Arthur A. Richards, the new college president. The grant enabled the 4-H program to bring citizens together with diverse backgrounds and interests in a serics of six seminars on both St. Croix and St. Thomas. These seminars lead to an evaluation and recommenda- tions for 4-H program direction over the ensuing five years. Data was also collected at individual interviews and from trips to St. Kitts, Tortola, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic (Ibero-American Rural Youth Conference.) Continued emphasis on inter-Caribbean exchange took place in 1982 with visits between St. Croix and Nevis. Two 4-H members and an adult leader from each island visited their counterparts in March. Trips were awarded to 4-H’ers who had shown leader- ship abilities. The V.I. Caribbean Youth Conference was sponsored by the extension service to explore issues of Caribbean identity and to develop pertinent youth programs. Working cooperatively with the St. Croix Young Peoples Union in establishing goals, the conference wel- comed 48 delegates from 10 islands, including the three U.S. Virgin Islands. The enthusiastic, highly articulate young people met in workshops and general meetings ® CORAL AIR Emphasis was placed on inter-Caribbean Exchange, with 4-H’ers from St. Croix and Nevis visiting each other's islands. over a three-day period at their Girl Scout Camp site headquarters. A report was published and sent to all state 4-H programs and to English-speaking Caribbean countries. : bir i On-the-job apprenticeship for 20 4-H’ers found them learning a variety of new skills, such as Rhonda Dore’s experience in checking reservations at Hotel-on-the-Cay. Other Grants Broaden 4-H Outreach A $2500 grant provided by the Private Industry Council lead to four successful Career Weekends held at the Howard Wall Boy Scout Camp over a four month period for 45 teenagers. Youth prepared their own meals and attended work sessions conducted by island leaders and professionals. Career training was also en- couraged during the summer of 1982 for 20 young people who apprenticed on-the-job at a wide variety of business firms, hotels, airlines and the National Guard. A grant of $450 was received from the St. Thomas Garden Club to encourage gardening by youth with special awards bestowed at the St. Thomas Agricultural Fair in May 1982 to all successful young gardeners who exhibited their achievements. A “Citizenship in Action” grant of $500 was received from Reader’s Digest Foundation for a project initiated by the Frangipani The Frangipani 4-H Club received a grant from Reader's Digest Foundation which assisted them in building a handsome new entrance-way to their sector in Mon Bijou. 30 4-H Club to construct an entry wall with landscaping at their Mon Bijou homesite on St. Croix. Working With Other Youth Groups Joint efforts with four other youth agencies expanded the resources provided by 4-H to include young people involved in many interests. A major joint funding project with the Arawak Program begun during the summer of 1980 provided Arawak with increased per- sonnel and materials. Utilizing 4-H practical skills pro- grams, 70 young people with problems were served ini- tially. This Arawak/4-H practical skills sequence was continued through March 1981, providing for an in- crease of six staff members and new materials for 40 other youngsters undergoing difficulty in school. The skills emphasized were agriculture, animal husbandry, ceramics, marine biology, sewing, food preparation, career awareness and public relations. In cooperation with St. Croix Boys Clubs, 4-H as- sisted inaugmenting a Boys Club/4-H Carpentry Labin Frederiksted. Through joint funding carpentry equipment was purchased for use by 4-H groups beginning September 1981, while during the summer months through 4-H efforts the lab was funded for a CETA training project to make and sell wood outdoor “Adirondac” chairs, which proved to be a profitable venture all around. Skills training lead to productivity which was rewarded through the self-esteem derived from sale of the items. held Saturdays on the St. Croix campus for participants ranging in age from 3 to 60 plus. Another joint agency activity was the 4-H/ V.I. Pace Physical Fitness running program held on Saturday mornings for 20 participants from three years of age to sixty-plus at each running session. Also an Animal Husbandry special interest 4-H club involving 4-H’ers and members of Future Farmers of America (FFA) in- cluded 16 young people who received calves donated by local livestock owners. Monthly workshops were held in calf care, feeding and recordkeeping. A stipulation of the 4-H/FFA calf program is that the calf must be shown at the agricultural fair for the ensuing two years and then may be sold. Extension's 4-H dairy calf program worked coopera- tively with other youth programs such as Future Farmers of America in assisting young people learn about the care of livestock. Program Development and Youth Leadership Attendance at two important meetings held off-island annually does much to reinforce program direction, updating of techniques and stimulating leadership responsibility, and development of volunteers. Six volunteer leaders in 1981 and four in 1982 attended the October Rock Eagle (Georgia) Conference where they received new inspiration and skills in order to institute monthly leader’s training on St. Croix and St. Thomas. There are currently 41 volunteer leaders on all three islands. With continual emphasis on the need for youth lead- ership as part of the overall 4-H plan, delegations of local 4-H youth leaders (five in 1981 and six in 1982) attended the annual 4-H Youth Conference held in Washington, D.C. each spring. There they participated in efforts to design 4-H programs reflecting present and future needs and also learned new leadership skills for their own participation in local 4-H. In addition, an adult program advisory committee composed of eight community leaders, met monthly to assist in implemen- 4-H Program leader Alan Oliver gives a certificate of achievement to Terrance James of Mutual Homes Superstars 4-H Club during Awards Night ceremonies in 1981. tation of the 4-H plan-of-work and help design future programs. Staff visits to National 4-H Center in Maryland, Michigan State University Exploration Days and First Anniversary Celebration of 4-H on the island of Nevis all provided added impetus to the 4-H program. To up- grade management skills two consultants visited 4-H in the Virgin Islands: a representative from the Minnesota 4-H Foundation presented a workshop series on suc- cessful fundraising which was attended by many com- munity youth organization representatives in addition to 4-H, and a Michigan extension agent spent one month in training 4-H personnel and overseeing plans for increasing office and staff efficiency. Strawberry 4-H ‘Pom-Pom Girls” performed at 1982 Awards ceremonies. National 4-H Week The 27 4-H clubs on all three islands comprising 1229 members celebrated National 4-H Week in the Virgin Islands with imaginative programs and colorful awards ceremonies. Since Arbor Day in the islands coincides with 4-H Week, tree plantings took place on the St. Croix campus, in Frenchtown on St. Thomas and in Coral Bay on St. John. To stress the importance of cultural heritage, former teachers, renowned as old- At the end of a busy day collecting insects in the field, these ‘‘Stingers’’ pause for a moment with their leader, extension agent Marti Terry. time storytellers, regaled 4-H’ers with tales of jumbies and anansi, the spider. Youth Become “Stingers” The pest management staff organized a special inter- est 4-H club called “The Stingers” for 25 youth which met for classes weekly in 1981, with collecting and iden- tification field trips held on weekends. In 1982, 215 young people participated in insect natural history projects conducted in cooperation with the St. Croix school system. Youth projects featured collecting trips, student-constructed science exhibits, guest speakers from the pest management and pest control field, films on insects and field day events. Almost 1000 people viewed the various exhibits prepared in connection with “The Stingers” special interest program. COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT - Helping People Work Together Encouraging the development of small business, better farm management practices, understanding of agricultural economics, and helping people realize their potential in a growing community--all of these are chal- lenging aspects of the extension community and rural development (CRD) program. Techniques to help strengthen the community’s ability to define and solve problems include seminars, working cooperatively with other governmental agencies and community groups, conducting surveys and assisting with the formation of special interest groups such as an association for farmers. Perhaps the most important challenge for CRD is to help develop an awareness of the possibility and ways for achieving success within the framework of contemporary island society. Helping the Small Business Person During the past two years, two highly successful two- day business seminars were conducted by CRD for a total of 375 individuals who were interested in going into business for themselves or who wished to expand small businesses. Geared initially for residents of the west end town of Frederiksted which is attempting to upgrade its economic base, the seminar series attracted people from all over St. Croix. Co-sponsoring the seminars was the West End Development Coalition in conjunction with the V.I. Department of Commerce. Resource persons representing a wide spectrum of governmental agencies and the private sector addressed participants on their areas of expertise. These included representatives from the Small Business Administra- tion, the Small Business Development Agency, Consu- mers Service Administration, Internal Revenue Bureau, and FmHA. Bankers and private firms in fields such as insurance, accounting, public relations, advertising and marketing, offered helpful information about loan pro- curement, bookkeeping, payrolls, tax forms, insurance protection, and projecting a positive image. Successful local merchants explained the need for good consumer relations, attractive store displays, and updated methods for purchasing, pricing and inventory. The topics sparked much questioning and discussion, demonstrating the wide interest which the Frederiksted business community in particular feels regarding revi- Reaching the needs of the business community was achieved through 2-day seminars held in Frederiksted such as this one at St. Gerard’s Hall. } ai ; C) i Successful local merchants and those in such fields as advertising and store display served as resource spe- cialists at seminars. talization of its town. CRD worked with the Department of Commerce also in its economic adjustment strategy plans for western St. Croix. This bootstrap type operation is geared towards marshalling the necessary funds and technical assistance to provide an orderly development and im- provement plan in the Frederiksted area. Students Learn While Working In 1981, CRD embarked on an experimental work program which introduced high school students to various employment opportunities in agriculture. Seven high school students were employed as apprentices in the agronomy, fruit and vegetable programs. In the summer of 1982, students conducted agricultural marketing surveys. Production information was col- lected from most of the farmers on St. Croix to deter- mine the island’s current production level. The survey also included data taken from marketing outlets such as supermarkets, grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Island hotels were surveyed to determine the amount of agricultural products consumed by off-island guests. A presentation of the ongoing development of the market- ing study was made to the Senate Committee on Agri- culture in July 1982. Farm Management Seven enterprise budgets on crops and livestock were prepared to assist farmers in making estimates on costs of production. Budgets include such crops as bell pepper, cassava, pineapple, mango, avocado, lime and goat production. Pro-forma income statements, bal- ance sheets, and cash flow statements for various crops as well as production record forms were also prepared for future dissemination. Assistance and guidance in the formal organization of the St. Croix Farmers Cooperative Association to conform with V.I. laws was provided by CRD special- ists. By-laws, articles of incorporation and a constitu- tion were developed over a four-month period. Among the chief aims of the new association are to further agri- cultural development in the islands and to assist local farmers in obtaining both private and governmental 33 assistance. The association is also seeking to develop cooperatives for bringing agriculture production re- sources to the islands and to form a marketing coopera- tive for sales of produce. Links to the Community CRD on St. Thomas continued to strengthen links to community groups and governmental agencies. Each summer since 1979, CRD has joined with the Depart- ment of Conservation and Cultural Affairs and 200 Youth Conservation Corps students in the Megans Bay Arboretum restoration project and Agricultural Aware- ness Program. An environmental study is presently being prepared for the Megans Bay area. Extension was also represented on the advisory boards of the Depart- ment of Education’s Environmental Studies Program (ESP) and the Instructional Curriculum for Environ- ment Project (ICE). Workshops for the V.1. Teachers Corps project were also conducted by the CRD program. CRD program leader Kwame Garcia met frequently with Dept. of Commerce economist to discuss needs of business community. Technical advice involving the development of agri- culture and crafts programs for The Project St. John was furnished and staff members gave agriculture seminars and served in an advisory capacity to the St. Thomas/ St. John Farmers Association. Assistance was also pro- vided to the V.I. Planning Office in procuring a Com- munity Block Development Grant pertaining to the Ujamaa Organic Gardening Project on St. Thomas and one for the Carolina Bay Rum restoration/community center project on St. John. Working closely with the National Park Service, an herbarium for the territory was augmented with speci- mens from both St. Thomas and St. John. Demonstra- tion plots were established to provide energy informa- tion on the use of legumes to reduce nitrogen fertilizer dependence, utilizing both indigenous and imported legumes. As a follow-up, acommunity seminar was held on the use of organic fertilizers. Interagency Meetings CRD personnel attended seminars on “Leadership Development in Rural America” and “Recent Develop- Emergency Preparedness Board, a staff member parti- ments in U.S. Offshore Areas.” The first was geared cipated in meetings so as to be informed and available in towards understanding some of the problems facing the event of a natural disaster in the Virgin Islands and small farmers and the second in understanding the rela- to be prepared to interpret natural disaster assistance tionship between the territorial and federal govern- obtainable from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ments. As a member of the Puerto Rico/ Virgin Islands AGRICULTURE AND FOOD FAIR - Showcase for Extension COLLEGE OF TH Dr. Arthur Richards and Dr. Darshan Padda pause for a moment with some of the Land-Grant team during the 1981 Food Fair on St. Croix. Behind them is large area where CVI exhibits by extension and experiment station are displayed. Each year the annual Agriculture and Food Fair on plots and containers. The aquaculture program St. Croix, sponsored jointly by the Cooperative Exten- featured a small recycling system involving both fresh- sion Service and the Virgin Islands Department of Agri- water fish rearing (tilapia) and hydroponic gardening culture, surpasses former years in size and attendance. (tomatoes, lettuce, pakchoy and eggplant) utilizing 55 Almost 21,000 persons attended the fair in 1981 and in gallon oil drums. This prototype for larger more sophis- 1982 there more than 23,000 fairgoers. It is this yearly ticated systems now under construction, created many event which serves as a showcase for extension service interested inquiries since it is relatively simple and activities and the range of agricultural research. Color- inexpensive to build in the backyard. The animal ful exhibits which covered one-third of the exhibit science program exhibit demonstrated the effect of building floor space explained the far-reaching scope of different types of feed on the quality of meat and extension from youth and community activities to showed a miniature dairy farm lay-out. As in past years, agricultural assistance and family enrichment. animal science staff presided over the judging of many Fruit, vegetable, agronomy and irrigation specialists large and small livestock which were entered for coveted displayed practical techniques and methods for growing ribbons and prizes. and irrigating the best island varieties of crops such as Demonstrations of alternative means of pest control legumes, papaya, banana, cassava and tomatoes in in home and garden along with biological control addition to some relatively unknown tropical vegetables methods and pesticide application techniques were a like luffa, pakchoy and bodie beans in small garden feature of the pest management exhibit. The micro- 34 St. Thomas/St. John Agriculture Fair began with opening ceremonies presided over by Extension Coor- dinator John Matuszak. scopes were a popular attraction, with various insects displayed for young and old viewers. The agriculture program featured many local fruit trees for the residen- tial yard and three breeds of dairy goats were shown by the livestock component. Among the new popular exhibits was an energy demonstration of an alcohol distillation unit and solar roaster and a special “mini- theatre” which showed films on energy, insects and plant quarantine. With the theme in 1982 of “Grow More Food in ’82; Eat Well and Preserve Some Too,” the emphasis was placed on preservation through processing food grown in the Virgin Islands. Highlighting this were demon- strations of canning by a representative of Kerr Glass Canning Company whose visit from Oklahoma was arranged by the extension service. In regularly sched- uled sessions throughout the three-day fair, viewers learned the process of canning beans, tomatoes and pineapples by cold pack, water bath and in preserves. While many of these processes are commonly used in most stateside farm households, in the islands canning is St. Thomas fair visitors stop at extension agriculture booth manned by horticulturist Clinton George and ex- tension agent Carlos Robles. 35 Aquaculture scientist Dr. James Rakocy explains the backyard model of a small tilapia fish rearing system to Gov. Juan Luis and Senator William Harvey while ex- tension director Darshan Padda looks on. A prize wins a prize! St. Thomas farmer Altagracia Wenner prepares to take home a new ram goat prize, won because her own goat took first place at the St. Thomas Agriculture and Food Fair. Vn Latest techniques in canning foods were demonstrated by a representative of the Kerr Canning Company from Oklahoma who is shown next to Home Economics pro- gram leader Olivia Henry (with mike) during an inter- lude at the fair. With them are Extension aides Maria Flores, Hope Murphy, Agatha Ross and Esther Mischer. ee th Awards for young 4-H gardeners on St. Thomas were made possible by donation from St. Thomas Garden Club. Prize winners pose at annual Agriculture Fair at CVI in May. : P é ‘ oer ‘i \ =" ‘ ra . at s , ~ 3 ¢ a relatively new method for preservation of food. Local cooks who are known for their culinary prowess shared their knowledge with fair visitors by demonstrating tasty drinks and dishes. They also explained preservation of food by drying and salting. The ever-popular “bush tea” exhibit, with its many jars of dried leaves attractively arranged ona large wall shelf unit, attracted many old-timers who were familiar with the efficacy of Belly-Ache bush, Black Wattle, Jumbie Pepper bush and Spanish needle. Demonstrations were conducted on plant propaga- tion methods, legume innoculation, soil testing and care and grooming of goats. A special feature was the karate exhibit by a 4-H program assistant. The 4-H exhibit area in 1981 and 1982 was doubled in size from previous years, with 4-H’ers representing all three islands on hand to show their crafts and again take top ribbons in the youth category. New in 1982 was a solar energy exhibit, many breeds of rabbits for home use, and masks and lanterns created for Christmas festival parades. Beginning in May 1981 and again in 1982, extension and the St. Thomas/St. John Farmers Association in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture pre- sented a smaller version of the St. Croix fair at the gymnasium on the St. Thomas campus. This one-day event grew in size from its modest beginnings, and some 5000 people attended in 1982. Small livestock were judged, propagation workshops attracted attentive audiences who learned how to graft mangoes and avocadoes, and extension mounted attractive exhibits on pest management, 4-H youth achievements and home economics displays of food and hand-sewn clothing. Other cooperating community groups were the Hibiscus Society which presented a lavish display of local hibiscus and the St. Thomas Garden Club which also gave prize awards to winning 4-H gardening displays. KKK RK KKK KEKE KKK RH KK KKK KR HK HH HH HH RH HE HK KE KK ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN AGRICULTURE The Associate of Arts degree in Agriculture has been offered at the college since 1979 as part of its land-grant program because of renewed interest in agriculture both as a source of food and asa career. The AA in Agricul- - ture provides information on a credit basis through both formal classroom instruction and informal labora- tory experience in the field in such technical areas as crop production, animal husbandry, agri-business and the development and use of increasingly sophisticated 36 equipment. In the 1980-1981 academic year courses in Introduc- tion to Agriculture, Agronomy and Agricultural Eco- nomics were offered on both the St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses with a total of 48 students in atten- dance, 24 on each campus. In the 1981-1982 academic year a total of 38 students, 22 on St. Croix and 16 on St. Thomas, were enrolled in either Introduction to Agri- culture, Tropical Horticulture or Animal Science. VISITORS......AND OTHER ACTIVITIES tbl Et f ti —_ ‘ty (.. “£} lad. om » 3 & 7+ ae an ? oy - : me : hte i Ce o Santon > ite Caribbean American Linkage Conference funded by Phelps Stokes to provide educational interchange for minor- ity institutions concluded Caribbean tour with a visit to St. Croix in April 1981. Director Marie Gadsen is shown (center) with CVI President Arthur Richards and extension director Darshan Padda. aS sj 2. ? 8 9 99% @ y 4 >» = —— ie - or \. g tore 44 ) =e 7 & ? s <= Ree =e ~ — Sady The annual meeting of the Southern Regional Beef Breeding Technical Committee (S-10) was hosted by the Agricultural Experiment Station on St. Croix in June 1981. The regional group comprises 13 southern states and is concerned with breed evaluation and improvement. «a =z — ———EEEE As + ea | a ea = @ ey te = bi > . a "7 - & Pe \egime yy SSN é weed es, re? - Le B ze Ni at hy ji ¥ $ Hi fi =a b A) Extension directors and their spouses from 11 Southern states held their annual meeting on St. Croix in May 1982 when they evaluated the V.I. extension outreach program. Joining them in a visit to the Gaspari farm was USDA extension administrator Mary Nell Greenwood (standing center with shoulder bag). 37 “ fiber a allt adh eee, te | Sy ni M te tae a Experiment station directors from across the nation converged on St. Croix for the 1982 spring meeting of the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP). Included in their itinerary were visits to cooperating farms such as that of Oliver Skov in Mon Bijou. Dr. Harold Hupp (left), assistant director of CVI's Agri- cultural Experiment Station, shares a moment with ESCOP’s chairman, Dr. Kenneth Wing, director of Maine’s experiment station. ae ae PY ri ¥e ml "ae “4d i . ae, sey Ste = Preparation for extension’s first World Food Day event included tiny tomato seedlings planted in paper cups which are examined by Home Ec’s Olivia Henry, ANR’‘s Dave Farrar, Marti Terry from pest management and 4-H youth specialist Zoraida Jacobs. 38 Staff management workshop held on main CVI campus was attended by many from the land-grant programs and their counterparts in the academic program. Dr. Bob Brander, Chief Naturalist of the St. John National Park Service, and Prof. Ray Woodbury, renowned tropical botanist, collect plant specimens as part of a survey of the flora of St. John, for the exten- sion diagnostic herbarium on St. Thomas. STAFF 1981 and 1982 Administration Darshan S. Padda................. Director, AES-CES Harold Hupp .............0005 Assistant Director (AES) Assistant Director (CES) Administrative Assistant Kwame Garcia Bonnie Andrews AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Animal Science Harold Hupp .......... eee cece eens Animal Specialist Douglas Wright * ............00005 Research Assistant II Sarah Dahl ......... 00.0000 cee eeee Research Assistant | Audrey Valmont................. Research Technician | William Janes*..............-.. Research Technician | Yvonne Horton .............-222 202 eee eeeee Secretary Aquaculture Research Aquaculturist Assistant Aquaculturist Research Technician | Research Aide I Plant Science Ahmed Hegab..................55 Research Agronomist Adriano Navarro” ..............++- Vegetable Specialist Christopher Ramcharan Associate Horticulturist Stefan Buzdugan .................. Irrigation Specialist Robert Webb Research Specialist I] Walter Knausenberger....... Pest Management Specialist Research Technician | Station Superintendent Research Assistant II Research Assistant | Eric Dillingham ................. Francisco Medina Victor Vasquez Lisa Yntema Coreen Hughes Nelson Benitez eo ee ee Secretary | Research Aide | Charles Collingwood*................. Research Aide | Jeremiah Hassan ............-.---+05- Research Aide I Osvaldo Lopez ........:e cer eeeeeeeeee Research Aide | Alejandro Perez ...... 0.00 cece erences Research Aide | Estanislao Perez ...........0eeeee eens Research Aide I Kendall Peterson .............002 eee Research Aide I Narcisco Rivera .............0000000e- Research Aide I Research Aide | Research Aide | Antonio Rodriguez Ramiro Gomez Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Research Joseph P. McMillan Ray Granade................-.2-. Research Investigator Research Associate | COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE (CES) Agriculture David Farrar.............. ee ee eee eees Program Leader Clinton George....... Extension Specialist -- Horticulture Harold Hupp ............ Extension Livestock Specialist Rayal Hill*............... Assistant Livestock Specialist Charles Smith..............0008- Extension Assistant II Allan Schuster ..............065- Extension Assistant II Ezekiel: Farrell isc cscas ccs warice vierene einave Extension Aide I Romelia Camacho-Nanton.................. Secretary | Community Research Development Kwame Garcia ......... 0.0 c eee eee eens Program Leader George Morris ............000005 Extension Specialist -- Rural Development Lid Wisi ec wees sacs see neue ewes wares Extension Editor Jéah COOK: exces caw wae we amass waver weeere ev Secretary | Home Economics Program Leader Extension Specialist Extension Agent I ST. THOMAS 2 avaiaea auasunes iene exaRAL Extension Coordinator Extension Specialist--Agronomy Extension Agent I Extension Agent I Extension Agent I Extension Agent | John Matuszak Kim Stearman Rebecca Day*.............-020200005 * Left CVI since 1982 39 Extension Assistant | Extension Assistant | Extension Aide II Extension Aide I Extension Aide | Extension Aide | Rosalind Browne Maria Flores * Pest Management Walter Knausenberger................. Program Leader G. Houston Holder ........ Assistant Pest Mgt. Specialist Marti Terry.............2--222200000. Extension Agent | Kenneth Olassee Davis ............... Extension Agent | 4-H Youth Alan S. Oliver*........... 0c cece eee eee Program Leader Zoraida Edminda Jacobs .... Extension Specialist--Youth Beulah Thompson ..............e000- Extension Aide II Miriam Green...........ceee ences anes Extension Aide | Leroy: James reiece scence wiasare eevee ecavave waves wre Extension Aide | Lillian Elliot 20.0.0... 0... cc cece eee ee eee Secretary | - ST. JOHN Alma Wesselhoft ..............00000- Extension Aide II Martin McKellar *...............0055 Extension Aide II Leona Clin@ sis sea2 sens vane aes Bas Bcc © Extension Aide | Amabell Frett ................ 000 e eee Extension Aide | Deborah A. Aspen*............0c0ceeeeenes Secretary | PUBLICATIONS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE Virgin Islands Grain and Forage Sorghum Performance Trials. Technical Bulletin No. 2 Virgin Islands Tomato, Pepper and Eggplant Variety Trials in 1978-1979. Technical Bulletin No. 3 Summary of Vegetable Crop Research, 1980-1981. Technical Bulletin No. 4 Grain Sorghum and Forage: Production and Utiliza- tion Potential in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. | Virgin Islands Forestry Research: A Problem Analysis. Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. 9 Prospects for Growing Grapes in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Sta- tion Report No. 10 Senepol Cattle: History and Development. Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. I (Spanish or English text) Native Recipes. Extension Bulletin No. | Learning About Our Virgin Islands Tax System. Exten- sion Bulletin No. 2 Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service: A Model for Technology Systems in the Caribbean. Extension Bulletin No. 3 Avocado Production and Marketing. Extension Bulletin No. 4 Poisonous and Injurious Plants of the U.S. Virgin Is- lands. Cooperative Extension Service Reprint Series No. | Vegetable Planting and Harvesting Guide. Gardeners Factsheet No. | Seeding Vegetable Crops. Gardeners Factsheet No. 2 Growing Vegetable Slips. Gardeners Factsheet No. 3 Transplanting Vegetable Crops. Gardeners Factsheet No. 4 Mulch For Your Garden. Gardeners Factsheet No. 5 How To Prepare Your Own Compost. Gardeners Fact- sheet No. 6 Staking and Training Tomato Plants. Gardeners Fact- sheet No. 9 Growing Spinach in the Virgin Islands. Gardeners Fact- sheet No. 10 Controlling Nematodes in the Vegetable Garden. Gar- deners Factsheet No. 11 Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants By Layer- ing. Gardeners Factsheet No. 12 Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants By Cut- ting. Gardeners Factsheet No. 13 Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants By Graft- ing. Gardeners Factsheet No. 14 Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants By Bud- ding. Gardeners Factsheet No. 15 Fertilizing Your Garden for Optimum Yields. Garden- ers Factsheet No. 16 How Many Teaspoons is 5 Pounds Per Acre? (Weights and Measures) Gardeners Factsheet No. 17 Organic Gardening: Soil Fertility. Gardeners Factsheet No. 18 Organic Gardening: Pest Control. Gardeners Factsheet No. 19 A Simple Home Drip Irrigation System. Gardeners Factsheet No. 20 Growing Mangoes. Gardeners Factsheet No. 21 Growing Citrus. Gardeners Factsheet No. 22 Saving Vegetable Seeds for the Home Garden. Garden- ers Factsheet No. 23 Growing Mesple (Sapodillas). Gardeners Factsheet No. 24 Testing Soil for Better Yields (Part 1). Gardeners Fact- sheet No. 25 Interpreting Your Soil Testing Results (Part II) Gar- deners Factsheet No. 26 LAND-GRANT Programs in Action (an overview of Virgin Islands programs). HHH KKH HR E KE RK KRKEKH KH KKH RHE HEHEHE HEHEHE HHH HH HEE EDITOR Liz Wilson Photos by Liz Wilson except where noted as follows: top and lower right, p. 16 - Studio Five; top right, p. 17 - J. Rakocy; bottom left, p. 28 - R. Burgess; top right, p. 28 - C. Robles; top right, p. 29- R. Burgess; center left, p. 29 - C. Robles; p. 34 - C. Hedman; center right, p. 38 - J. Matuszak. Products and suppliers mentioned by name in this publication are used as examples and in no way imply endorsement or recommendation of these products or suppliers. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914 (as amended), in cooperation with the U.S. Depart- ment of Agriculture, D.S. Padda, Director, College of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service. The College of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action organization, providing educational services in the fields of agriculture, home eco- nomics, rural development, 4-H youth development and related subjects to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.