USVI Public Records

Document text

1983-1984 REPORT Agriculturo Expe Sta 4! NO rimes gil> gv ott Cr 1 pol oN (Ww) Ea a= COLLEGE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 1983-1984 Report of College of the Virgin Islands Land Grant Programs AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE October 1985 TABLE OF CONTENTS Fromthe Ditectot: seencsnpasesmaecscaes cen cn tate tes ear anus eateries 1 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION .........-.-0 ese eeeeeeeeees 3-20 Fish Culture Systems ............ 202022 cece eee eee eee e ees 3 Animal Science on the Fats wesc cies oss. susiensrarnacowarereconreeinsoiniess 7 Feeding out Livestock: sisss sie ase aoa tee tees araN Tes 8 Itrigation Water Management .........- 2... 6060s eee eee e ences 10 Banana and Plantain Studies ............0.cccecceeeeseesseeee 14 “St. Croix Papaya Decline” —a Disease Puzzle .........-..------- 17 Working with Nature— Biological Control ........-.....0-0-e ees 19 Some AES Publications ...........0 050.2 e cece eee eee eeeeees 20 COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE.........-- 0-0: e eee ee eee eeeeeens 21-48 The Extension Message — Through Many Mediums..............-. 21 Growing Out Own z2csicsnsecamerswoso mim amewemsniews wn 23 People, Plants and Animals ..........6.00 sees eee e cece eee ees 27 Our Natural Resoutces: a: asscecsssrariaceremaneanen anes ass aacranece araue 31 The Advisory Role of CRD ........0 20-020 c eee eee nee e eens 33 “Something for Everyone” .:0:.:s::escs06 aisie wave ave ocere weie oieie sis wes 35 Involving the Youth j 62.03.06 ss Sass 366 seg ee aiuee Ree MEE yee aR 39 Honors, Meetings, Visitors and Fairs ...........-60 200 ee eee ee 43 Staff 1983 and 1984......... 0.2 cece eee 49 Publications Currently Available. 2..00:0 is cee cases 08s cas tee Sale cee oe 50 Editor Liz Wilson Photo Credits: All photos by Liz Wilson with the exception of the following: p. li-top, USDA; ii- bottom, Custom Photo, p. 1, Studio Five; p. 4-bottom, p. 5-center and bottom, p. 6-left, J. Rakocy; p. 26-bottom, J. Matuszak; p. 36-center, A. Lake; p. 39-left, Del deLugo’s office. Pp and by name in this are used as and in no way imply endorsement or recommen- dation of these products or suppliers. Issued in fur ofc i work, acts of Congress May 8 and June 30, 1914 (as amended), in cooperation with the U.S. Department 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 Opp yiAfti ive Action providing i i in the fields of ag home rural 4-H youth and related i to all p regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. : Typist, Christene Henry Layout & Typography, New Image Graphics Printing, Antilles Graphic Arts ~ aN > og Sy \™ BS oS - °y oF y a“ a Land-Grant Director Darshan S. Padda received Ciodoncaanporganbbned Award from “John R. Block (left) in May 1983. ia Wr , pit) a4 ih 4 iy United States Department of Agriculture Award for Distinguished Service DARSHAN S. PADDA Cooperative Extension Service St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands AL FORESIGHT AND LEADERSHIP IN FOR EXCEPTION. LOPIN' AND CONDUCTING EXTENSION EDUCATION AMS ERVE AS MODELS FOR TECHNOLOGY ER TE 5 IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, CARIBBEAN, AND OT A DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. lap 1983 SH 8 Orb FROM THE DIRECTOR This report covers research and educational activities carried out by the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service respectively for the period covering 1983 and 1984. Both agencies have ex- panded their programs and activities during this period of report and have successfully attained their mission of serving the people of the Virgin Islands. Both partners in the Land Grant System have carried out their commitments in supporting the work of the research and extension staffs who are dedicated to develop and transfer locally relevant food and agricultural technology. The federal partner—the U.S. Department of Agriculture—provided financial assistance and program support in an understanding and satisfactory manner. The local partner —the College of the Virgin Islands under the leadership of President Richards —has played a pivotal role in turning Land Grant programs into a Virgin Islands success story as these programs have received un- precedented acceptance from the people of these islands. Mention should be made here also of the supporting role of the college Board of Trustees who, through their keen interest in our work, have boosted our spirits and have provided encouragement at all times. During this reporting period, establishing and upgrading of home economics, pest diagnostic ser- vice and management, and soil and water testing laboratories, have greatly enhanced the capability of Land Grant programs to provide much needed professional services not only to the Virgin Islands’ residents but to the entire eastern Caribbean region. The Land Grant programs also played a most significant role in helping establish an Eastern Caribbean Center at the College of the Virgin Islands. Under the auspices of this center, proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society held in October 1984 on St. Croix are being published and disseminated to the larger agricultural community in the Caribbean. This 5-day meeting was the best attended in the 20 year history of the Society, bringing together hundreds of agricultural scientists from the region and the mainland. The addition of a Natural Resources Program at the Cooperative Extension Service has added yet another dimension to our community outreach work. Active educational programs in the areas of agriculture, home economics, 4-H youth development, and community resource development have reached thousands of Virgin Islands residents with research based information to help improve the quality of life for each individual. And to guarantee this continuous flow of locally relevant research information the scientists at the Agricultural Experiment Station have worked with great zeal on pro- jects in animal science, aquaculture, agronomy, vegetable crops, fruits, irrigation technology, plant pathology, and entomology. I hope the information contained in the report will give added insight to readers on the roles of both the experiment station and extension service and will help Virgin Islanders to become better gardeners, farmers, homemakers, community leaders and citizens. o, Yodd Yoo S. Padda Director, Land-Grant Programs res Murr N I™j= VAG] ary Dr. Darshan S. Padda, Director Agricultural Experiment Station College of the Virgin Islands Cordially invites you,to attend The Official Dedication Ceremonies of the Aquaculture Research Facility Melvin H. Evans Center for Learning, St. Croix Campus on Saturday, June 11, 1983 Please RSVP to 4:00 o'clock p.m. Liz Wilson - 8-0246 Facility located east of the main St. Croix Campus via Annex building road. Ag ricultural Experiment Station The Agricultural Experiment Station serves as a small yet effective research station with Projects concentrating mostly in aquaculture, animal science, agronomy, horticulture, ir- rigation technology, pest management and plant pathology. During the period of 1983 and 1984 the main spectrum of emphasis was on research in the production of animal feed for livestock and poultry, with field experiments conducted on grain and forage crops useful to the local farmer; evaluation of Senepol Cattle under Virgin Islands’ condi- tions and characterization of the Senepol breed utilizing computers for ready access to in- formation; evaluation of culruring methods for freshwater tilapia fish that can be adapted for home production in the Virgin Islands; determining the best fruit and vegetable varieties and production practices for island climate conditions, focusing on trials of food crop varieties which withstand heat and drought as well as the myriad of destructive tropical pests and diseases encountered in the islands. Athough not purely educational in nature, the Agricultural Experiment Station does conduct field days and tours as well as having direct contact with local producers. Scientists work closely with outreach staff in the Cooperative Extension Service to augment their assistance to local residents. A major event of 1983 was the of- ficial dedication of the aquaculture research facility. Members of the com- munity, college officials, faculty and staff, as well as representatives of the Virgin Islands government, toured the new facility for a first hand look at the tilapia hatchery and the six new fish culture/hydroponic systems. These new recirculating systems were constructed to study the intensive culture of freshwater tilapia and ex- plore the feasibility of integrating hydroponic vegetable culture into the freshwater treatment process. Research Facility The systems consist of a 3000-gallon rearing tank, a 500-gallon sludge settling tank, a 375-gallon reservoir and two hydro- ponic biofilters consisting of shallow tanks of crushed gravel with a total surface area of 152 ft?. The total water FISH CULTURE SYSTEMS volume of each system is approxi- mately 4000 gallons. In a preliminary trial one of the systems was stocked with 5000 tilapia fingerlings weighing a total of 59 pounds. Five months later their total weight had increased to 522 pounds and the carrying capacity of the system had not yet been reached. Following the trial, an experiment was initiated to determine the carry- ing capacity of the system, to measure the concentrations of nutrients found in fish wastewater which are impor- tant to plant culture, and to evaluate the production of six tomato varieties under three nutrient treatments. Each system was stocked with 1200 fingerlings (Ti/apia aurea) averaging 132 lb in total weight. After 6 months of growth, an average of 873 lb of fish were harvested per system with a sur- vival rate of 97.6%. The average feed 3 conversion ratio (total feed weight divided by fish weight gain) was 1.67. The main factor limiting production was the buildup of ammonia, which resulted from biofilter clogging. Tomato production was low, less than 2 lb per plant, due to ammonia toxicity, insect infestation and vascular tissue damage at the base of the stems which were cut by the sharp edges of the gravel as wind rotated the plants. Insects were brought under control by acephate, a systemic insecticide that is relatively non-toxic to fish. Experiment Results Generally low tomato production obscured vari- ety and treatment differences, but some observations were made. The concentrations of calcium, magnesi- um, nitrate, and most of the micro- nutrients that were generated from fish feed appeared to be adequate for Nair points to lush tomato growth John H tank. Mish culture system optimum plant growth. The levels of iron were low and supplementation with a chelated iron compound was required. The results also indicate that the plants may benefit from the addition of potassium, phosphorus and sulfur. The buildup of nutrient salts to toxic levels is a potential prob- lem in closed systems. Analysis While an economic analysis of the system has not been completed, initial results suggest that it may be profitable. The major expenses for feed and electricity amount to $1.19 to produce a pound of fish which can be sold for $2.00/Ib of more. Several modifications were made to the systems to correct problems that occurred during the experiment. The major changes were the installation of false bottoms in the hydroponic tanks to prevent clogging, the replacement of vinyl liners in the rearing tank with Building additional new fish culture tanks. with oll drums. more durable hypalon liners and the addition of air lines in the rearing tanks as a backup to the agitators. Second Experiment An experi- ment was then conducted to evaluate the growth of four varieties of tomatoes and 12 varieties of green leafy vegetables. Each system was stocked with 1000 tilapia fingerlings averaging 70 pounds in total weight. After 165 feeding days, an average of 727 pounds of fish were harvested per system, with a survival rate of 96.4%. The average feed conversion ratio was 1.52. Water and electrical require- ments were 10.5 gallons and 3.7 kWh per pound of production. The bio- filters did not clog, but the buildup of ammonia continued to limit feed- ing and production. Modifications to the system im- proved operations but a new problem developed. Herbicides applied to the soil beneath the hypalon liners to pre- stocks a culture vent nutsedge from growing through the liners proved to be toxic for the vegetables (but not the fish) by ap- parently volatilizing through the liners into the culture water. Work continues on this project with an affirmative outlook. Cage Culture Feeding Methods I An experiment to evaluate feeding methods for cage culture of tilapia was completed. The fish were stocked at a rate of 400 fish in cubic meter cages and fed for 20 weeks. The treatments consisted of manual feeding twice dai- ly seven days a week and demand feed- ing, which allowed the fish to feed themselves. The fish triggered the release of feed from a bucket, which can hold 13.2 Ib of feed, by hitting a tod suspended in the water. Demand feeding produced a higher net yield (301 lb compared to 261 Ib for manual feeding) and a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (1.48 compared to Completed tanks with hydroponic beds to the left. 2.05). The demand feeders were re- filled an average of 34 times compared to 285 manual feedings, which is equi; valent to an 88% reduction in labor with the use of demand feeders. The estimated annual profit from cages with demand feeders is $650 compared to $177 for cages fed manually. Cage Culture Feeding Methods II Another experiment was conducted to evaluate demand and manual feeding at stocking rates of 200, 300 and 400 fish per cubic meter in a 2.5 acre pond and 300 fish per cubic meter in a 0.25 acre pond. In the large pond, demand fed fish had a lower production (147 Ib) than manually fed fish (183 Ib) and a lower feed conversion ratio (1.94 compared to 2.48). In the small pond, demand fed fish also had lower total production (158 Ib) than manually fed fish (249 Ib) and a lower feed conversion ratio (2.03 compared to 2.23). There was no conclusive result as to the most productive stogk- ing density because a tropical storm caused considerable mortality that varied among the three stocking rates. The fish were fed for 28 weeks and growth rates were low due to low water temperatures. Although manual feeding was more productive in this study, demand feeding resulted in bet- ter feed conversion ratios and an average labor reduction of 93%. De- mand feeding was approximately 12 times more productive per unit of labor than manual feeding. Rain Catchment A rainwater catch- ment system was established to provide a supply of rainwater for the fish culture-hydroponic experiments since well water in the Virgin Islands is often too high in salt content for hydroponic culture. A nylon-reinforced vinyl tar- paulin 100 feet by 200 feet with a sur- face area of nearly one-half acre was installed on a gentle slope (3%) south of the research facility. Rainwater is re- Freshman senators of the 15th visited facility. They included Cleone Creque Maynard, Lorraine Berry, Adelbert Bryan and Virdin Brown. A rainwater catchment to collect and store rainwater from a 100 X 200 foot tarp can collect more than 400,000 gallons of rainwater annually. A tranquil view of cage culture in local pond with automatic feeder on top of cage. 5 " FRIDAY CVI AGRI EXPERIMENT Fish sales are held periodically tained by small dikes at the lower por- tion of the tarp. As it flows into a four- inch pipe leading to a 3000 gallon sump it is then pumped to a 17,000 gallon above-ground storage tank equipped with a floating cover to pre- vent evaporative loss. When the stor- age tank is full, the sump and catch- ment provide 19,800 gallons of addi- tional storage capacity. The catchment system, including the storage tank, cost $19,800 to con- struct in 1983. Based on an average rainfall of 44 inches, the system should collect 442,000 gallons of rainwater an- nually, valued at $13,260. The pay- back period for the system is approxi- mately 1.5 years. FISH SALE FARM-RAISEO TILAPIA 9-530 to introduce full grown tilapia to the public and provide funds for equipment. STATION ‘ant Tilapia Pond Culture Two dem- onstrations of tilapia pond culture were completed in a “%-acre pond at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility not far from the college campus. Under the direction of aquaculture program personnel, prison staff and inmates have been involved in learning about the rearing of tilapia. After an initial 20-week production period, 1,098 pounds of tilapia were har- vested. Average weight per fish was 0.61 pounds and survival was 86.0%. The feed conversion ratio of 2.45 was much higher than expected because overfeeding early in the demonstration caused a deterioration of water quality. The pond was later restocked with Full grown tilapia average weight Is over a pound. 2000 tilapia fingerlings that had been sex-reversed using the hormone 17a-methyltestosterone. After a 26 week production period, the pond yielded only 618 pounds of marketable fish and more than 700 pounds of fin- gerlings. Excessive reproduction was the result of accidental mixing of the male sex-reversed fingerlings with nor- mal female fingerlings. Experimental production of tilapia amounted to 4400 pounds in 1983 and increased to 5600 pounds in 1984. Most of the fish were sold to the public to generate interest in the fish culture and to provide funds for the aquacul- ture program. White-hair sheep in Prior to from St. Croix to after tlek dipping and WINROCK in Trinidad and Tobago. Note long, silky, rather than wooly, hair of the breed developed for hot climates. Young cattle weighing at Lawaetz’ farm. ANIMAL SCIENCE ON THE FARM The Senepol Breed The Agri- cultural Experiment Station animal science program works very closely with the local cattle breeder and dairyman since the college does not maintain its own experimental herd. While some cattle are raised on St. Thomas, the main commercial livestock operations occur on St. Croix where a large cooperative dairy is in operation and several growers have large hetds of Senepol cattle. The latter are used for beef as well as providing breeding stock which are shipped off-island to the United States, South America and other Caribbean islands. Developed to meet the specific requirements of the tropical Caribbean climate, the Senepol cattle breed was started in the early 1900's by crossbreeding Red Poll and N’Dama cattle. The characteristics of both breeds have combined in the Senepol to produce an animal with heat tolerance and insect resistance which is extremely gentle, has good meat and high milk production. Called Cruzan Breed, St. Croix Cattle or Nelthropp Cattle (the latter after early Crucian Senepol developer Bromley Nelthropp), the Senepol trademark was registered in the United States in 1954 as “St. Croix Senepol” and the Virgin Islands Senepol Association of St. Croix was chartered in 1976. Evaluation of Senepol \n general, the emphasis of the Animal Science research program has continued to be evaluation of Senepol cattle under Virgin Islands conditions. Data were collected and processed on eight V.1. cooperators and four stateside cooper- ators for the on-the-farm Senepol Per- formance Testing Program. Emphasis was placed on keeping existing records up to date, with 30,000 edited and nearly 25,000 records in the process of being entered for analysis of the pre- foundation (prior to 1977) farm data. Technical information and assistance were given to the V.I. Senepol Associ- ation (VISA) concerning performance testing, data management and promo- tion. This included assistance to beef producers in the selection of superior breeding stock and in the development of comprehensive breeding plans. And, more specifically, in aiding the development of a Senepol Sire and Dam summary to indicate superior animals. Cooperating cattle raisers were assisted in the selection of breeding stock for their own herds and 7 for export. Also a comprehensive col- lection of blood (for type) was made from bulls to be used for breeding or export. Computer Help The performance test program has been greatly en- hanced by the acquisition of the research program's new computer system. The program was maintained by regular visits to 12 V.I. Senepol co- operators and by processing data of 12 off-island cooperators, thus expanding the data base on Senepol across numer- ous environments. White Hair Sheep In 1983 Westview Press (Boulder, Colorado) published a book entitled Hair Sheep of Western Africa and the Amentcas which featured one segment entitled “Virgin Islands White Hair Sheep,” co- authored by Dr. Harold Hupp, the ex- periment station animal scientist and Dr. Duke Deller, V.1. Department of Agriculture veterinarian. The animal science program collaborated also with Winrock International Sheep Research Station on Tobago, by assisting in securing representative samples of the Virgin Islands White Hair Sheep for the Winrock evaluation program which is almost completed. The agronomy program has con- tinued to concentrate its investigative efforts on the identification of ap- propriate feed crops for the livestock industry. The main areas of interest have been sorghum (for grain, hay, silage and grazing), forage legumes and tropical grasses. In St. Croix, forage provides most of the feed units consumed by ruminant livestock. The occurrence of wet and dry seasons leads to abundant forage during the rainy seasons but acute shortages dur- ing the dry scason. Sorghum, millet, grasses and legumes offer a real solu- tion to the feed shortage in the Virgin Islands during both the wet and dry seasons. Recognizing the limitation of St. Croix soil, climate and other crop pro- duction factors, agronomy research has continued an intensive study of animal feed crops which focuses on the pro- duction and management aspects of these crops. Grain crops included both commercial and non-commercial sor- ghum and millet trials. Tropical forages were the other basic area of forage production and utilization. Commercial Grain Sorghum Trials In trials of commercial sorghum for grain production and evaluation studies it was revealed that Pioneer 821W was the highest grain yielder (8997 kg/ha) and had the lowest percentage of bird damage over all other varieties. ‘he application of 80 kg of nitrogen, 20 kg phosphorus, 20 kg potassium, and 1.0 kg minor elements mixed per hectare resulted in an increase of grain yield by 39% in comparison to non-fertilized plots. Dry matter yicld results showed that Pioneer varieties produced the highest mean average dry matter of 6,917 kg oven dried forage per hectare followed by Garrison varieties (5409 kg/ha) and Taylor varieties (4486 kg/ha). The mean average bird damage percent was FEEDING OUR LIVESTOCK approximately the same for both Pioneer and Taylor (T-E) varieties (ap- proximately 7%) followed by Garrison varieties (14%). The fungicide Bravo was effective in reducing the number of heads infested with smut. However, sorghum trials have been conducted on the same land for a number of years. Consequently, rotation will be prac- ticed to determine its influence on disease incidence. Sorghum midge control was obtained by application of Sevin, Dipel and Lannate. Forage Sorghum Pioneer 988 culti- var of of commercial forage sorghum was the top green producer with 45,062 kg/ha/yr and also the best dry yield producer with 13,892 kg/ha/yr. Silomaker cultivar, however, has the advantage of more prolific grain and leaves in comparison with all varieties in the studies. Results of studies of non-commercial forage sorghum revealed that forage yield (both green and oven-dried) of PR 5 PR cultivar was higher than all commercial varieties in terms of over- all production. PR 5 PR produced 8,469 kg/ha/yr of grain in addition to its forage yield. As expected, wet season planting (September-Decem- ber) gave a higher yield than planting in the dry season (January-July). Millet Research Two experiments on the introduction and evaluation of millet (Pe am. ) for grain and forage production were in- itiated on November 11, 1982 and April 13, 1983. The varieties used in these studies were Ghali 3 hybrid pearl millet, Red Millet, Canary seed, White Millet, Ghali pearl millet, and Ghali pearl millet certified. Experimental design, row arrangement, weed control and pest control procedures were very similar to sorghum for forage investi- gation. Grain yield was harvested weekly for a period of four weeks because the plants reached full bloom at different times and bird damage was severe on the mature seed heads. Ghali 3 hybrid pearl millet was the largest producer with 4320 kg/ha of grain. Next highest yield was obtained from White millet with 4,231 kg/ha. Based on data taken, it is recommended that millet should be planted in the rainy season for one or two crops because Field measured and staked in preparation for grain and forage sorghum trials of 40 commercial varieties. <-> Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum) appears to be one of the p adapted to St. Croix. grain and forage yield decline signiti- cantly after the first harvest. Forage Grasses On St. Croix, forage grasses and legumes provide most of the feed units consumed by ruminant animals. Research by the agronomy program is directed towards introduc- ing and selecting forage plants which will have good yields, high nutritive quality, seasonal distribution and adaptability to climate and soil condi- tions on the island. One of the most suitable forage grasses appears to be Green Panic (Panicum maximum vat. trichoglume) with the highest yield of hak p 7 on * tropical 14,488 kg dry forage/ha/yr. Not only does Green Panic yield the most but it seems to adjust well to extreme water stress conditions. Farmers attest to its increasing popularity in the eastern sector of St. Croix where the rainfall is abundant sorghum seed head. high quality animal intake as verified by local eastend farmers. Average nitrogen percent in the Green Panic was 1.41%, which adds to its advan- tage as promising forage with good quality composition. Rhodes (CA/oris gayana), Weeping Love (Eragrostis cur- scarce. Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) was the second highest with 9,560 kg/ha/yr. Both of these grasses adjust- ed to dehydration so well that photo- synthesis and growth continued even as water stress increased. Water loss is controlled by various means such as closure of stomata, position of leaves and rooting system. P. maximum makes a good quality hay and has a Weeping Love Grass trial Indicated It was not the highest producer. vula), Common Bermuda (Cynodon dactylon) and Klein (Panicum col- oratum) grasses were also evaluated for production and utilization. Weeping Love grass was the lowest producer in comparison with all tested varieties. Legumes Perennial legumes have several advantages as a feed crop in the Virgin Islands: they can be utilized for grazing by cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, and they can be incorporated into gfass pasture to improve its quality. Legumes are also drought resistant and tolerate a high pH (7.9-8.7). Results of several studies on tropical legumes have indicated that the perennial soy- bean Nionotonia wight, Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum), Alfalfa Florida 77 (Medicago sativa),Centrosema (Centrosema pubescens) and Labab (Lablab pur- pureus) are the most promising uopical legumes adapted to St. Croix. Rating comparisons were made for mineral deficiency, stand _ perfor- mance, drought resistance and nutri- tional quality. Festival Queen produced the highest market- able yield, with a possibility of a return of $42,320 per year. 2 Bacterial canker on papaya cultivar PR6-65 was minimal in first year when using proper ir- rigation techniques. Neutron probe determines soil water content as demonstrated by irrigation specialist Stephen Buzdugan. oot f. Wet season studies ‘of UH N-69 tomato indicated less than 5% unmarketable with a total of 92,603g kg/ha prime for the market. IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT The development of a competitive agricultural industry in the Virgin Islands requires the introduction of ir- tigation. Limited water and energy supplies indicate trickle as the ap- propriate irrigation method. The complexity of the tropical environ- ment requires an integrated approach to irrigation: land improvement, tropical cultivars which are resistant to heat and diseases, and integrated pest management must be considered at the same time with irrigation. Water for growing crops, or the uncertainty of sufficient quantities to grow crops on a planned, steady basis, has been a major constraint to suc- cessful farming in the Virgin Islands for decades. The main thrust of the ir- rigation research program has been irrigation water management for tropi- cal crops, with emphasis on watermelon, tomatoes, and papaya. Previous research on Charleston Gray and other watermelon varieties showed severely low yields, with inadequate ir- tigation regime suspected as the reason. Other factors possibly con- tributing towards low watermelon yields identified in 1982 were inade- quate pollination because of the small number of bees observed visiting the flowers, severe attacks of anthracnose and other fungal diseases, even though Charleston Gray was considered to be disease resistant, and severe blossom- end rot in all plots. Watermelon Trial \n June 1983 an irrigation trial was begun with Glory (oblong) and Festival Queen (round) hybrid watermelons on 0.1 hectares of land, with harvest taking place in August and September. Each plot consisted of two rows of 12 plants mulched with black plastic. Both wa- termelon varieties received daily irriga- tion applications of four treatments (1.25, 1.00, 0.75, 0.50 CU ratio). The treatments were replicated three times. The trickle irrigation system consisted of Bi-Wall tubing buried at 8 cm. with orifices at 24” x 96". Before transplanting, about 40 liters of chicken manure per row and 100 kg per hectare of complete fertilizer were incorporated into the soil. Complete fertilizer was injected twice a month and foliar fertilizer with trace elements was applied as nutrient deficiency nk > he Research aide Kirk Benoit and research assistant Kendall Petersen harvest Glory (oblong water- melon). symptoms developed. Weeds were controlled with Dacthal herbicide, while insects and diseases were con- trolled by weekly pesticide applica- tions. Two bee colonies were placed near the watermelon field experiment a few weeks after planting to provide adequate pollination. Results and Economic Returns Trial results showed that Festival Queen irrigated at 1.25 CU ratio pro- duced the highest marketable yield (103,618 kg/ha) and had the highest water use efficiency with 253.7 kg/ha/mm when irrigated with 0.50 CU ratio. (Table 1) This watermelon study encouraged speculation on the possibility of high net returns for farmers raising watermelon in the Virgin Islands. Based on four crops per year, Glory variety could return $33,120 per year with its highest yield of 94,000 kg/ha, and Festival Queen, yielding 103,000 kg/ha, could return $42,320 per year. These figures are based on high marketable yields and high wholesale prices for vegetables in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Table 2) Tomato Studies Following a 1981- 1982 study made on irrigation of tomatoes during the dry season, a se- cond study was initiated in late 1982 to determine the effect of irrigation fre- quency and amount on tomato growth and quality during the dry season. A similar area of 0.6 hectares was planted with UH N-69 multiple disease and heat resistant tropical hybrids. Each plot consisted of three rows of 12 plants. The irrigation treatments on split-plot design were irrigation amount, CU ratio 1.25, 1.00, 1.75, 0.50 (main plot) and irrigation fre- quency, one and two days (subplot). The treatments were replicated three times. CR-21 micrologger weather station. The trickle irrigation system con- sisted of Bi-Wall tubing with orifices at 18” x 72” buried at 8 cm. The system included a volumetric valve, pressure regulator, 200 mesh filter, and two water meters for cach treatment. Approximately 7.5 tons per hectare of chicken manure and 100 kg per hec- tare of superphosphate were incorpor- ated into the soil before transplanting. 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. Insect pests, Table 1. Marketable watermelons Kg/ha Hybrid Watermelon Irrigation Amount Festival Queen CU Ratio Glory (Oblong) (Round) Marketable watermelon Kg/ha 1.25 86,285 103,618 1.00 94,989 88,783 0.75 61,232 64,297 0.50 59,756 71,715 LSD) 05° Between varieties at the same level 18,705 Kg/ha. Between varieties at different amount levels 17,685 Kg/ha. Visitors enjoy freshly harvested tomatoes during a field day workshop. é NPT Table 2. Ec of Trickle Irrigated W: lon in the U.S. Virgin Islands 1. Net Return per hectare/crop (4 crops/ year) Marketable Gross Income yield Wholesale | (considering Variable Net Crop kg/ha Price 5% loss) Cost Return U.S.dollars Hybrid Watermelon Glory 94,000 (oblong) (1983) 0.55/Kg | 49,120 11,000 38,120 Festival Queen 103,000 (round) (1983) 0.55/Kg | 53,820 11,500 42,320 2. Income and expense budget Item Per Crop Total (4 crops/ year) Income/hectare of watermelon 94,000 Kg/ha $0.55/Kg 49,120 196,480 Expense 15,500 62,000 Net cash balance 33,620 134,480 12 fungal and bacterial diseases were con- trolled in cooperation with the Pest Management Program. Tomato Yields Tomatoes were harvested twice weekly from October 12 to December 2, 1982. The greatest response to irrigation, with 92,603 kg/ha marketable tomatoes, was ob- tained with 1.25 CU ratio but no significant differences at 0.05 level between treatments were found. There were significant differences bet- ween irrigation amount treatments at 0.1 level. The unmarketable yield averaged under 5%. By monitoring insects and diseases. the pesticide ap- plications were reduced compared toa standard weekly schedule. In a later study of the economic ad- vantages and disadvantages of trickle irrigation on tomatoes in the Virgin Islands, a comparison was made of wet and dry season irrigation showing a marketable yield of 55,000 kg/ha during the dry season for a net return of $62,875 and the wet season yield of 92,000 kg/ha with a net return of $115,600. (Table 3) Papaya Studies In papayastudies, PR6-65 papaya for processing and fresh consumption was planted March 16, 1984 to determine the effect of irriga- tion frequency and amount on growth and quality. Plants were spaced 1.82 m in a row on a total experimental area of 0.07 hectares. The irrigation treat- ments arranged on split-plot design are irrigation amount, CU ratio 1.25, 1.00, 0.75, 0.50 (main plot) and fre- quency, one and two days (subplot). The treatments were replicated three times. The trickle irrigation system con- sisted of Ry-Pol tubing and two emit- ters per full grown plant. An auto- matic valve, pressure regulator and two water meters were used for each treat- ment, with rain catchment water fil- trated by 200 mesh filter. A quantity of 0.300 kg superphos- phate per plant was incorporated before planting. Side dressing with nitrogen and complete fertilizer was applied twice a month, and trace elements applied as nutrient deficiency symptoms developed. Weeds were controlled with Dacthal herbicide and additional mechanical cultivation; pesticides were sprayed weekly. Although the study is still ongoing, field observations thus far have reveal- ed only 1% of the plants were affected by diseases initially, and that papaya responds favorably to irrigation. Pre- liminary calculations on _ irrigated PR6-65 papaya show that by using trickle irrigation and good cultural practices, it is possible to obtain one full crop of papaya despite incidents of bacterial canker disease. Many farmers have visited the field experiments on watermelons, papaya and tomatoes and, as a result, have introduced not only proper trickle irrigation systems, but also soil improvement, bee col- onies for pollination, and use of tropical hybrids to augment the effec- tiveness of their farm operations. Weather Station — rrigated crop production is related to many environ- mental factors including atmospheric conditions. A CR-21 micrologger wea- ther station was installed at the experi- ment station to measure solar radiation and precipitation. The weather station is powered by solar cells backed up by rechargeable batteries. Similar systems could be used for irrigation scheduling for agricultural producers. In order to have accurate data, the neutron probe, an excellent method of soil-water con- tent determinations on irrigation re- search, was installed also along with an IBM PC computer system to be used in analyses of field research data and weather conditions. Table 3. of Trickle Irrigated Tomato in the U.S. Virgin Islands 1. Net Return per Hectare Marketable Gross Income yield (considering Variable Net Crop kg/ha Price 5% loss) Cost Return U.S.dollars UH N-69 Tropical Hybrid 55,000 1,50/Kg 78,375 15,500 62,875 ‘Tomato (1982) 92,000 1.50/Kg 131,100 15,500 115,600 (1982) 2. Income and Expense Budget Item Per Crop Total (3 crops/ year) Income/hectare of tomato 55,000 Kg/ha $1.50/Kg 78,375 235,125 Expense 25,500 76,500 Net Cash Balance 52,875 158,625 Eval of net side used on banana was conducted of over 3-year period. BANANA AND PLANTAIN STUDIES Most of the banana production in the Virgin Islands is on a small scale, using varieties of varying plant height and yicld potential. Any large scale production will depend on utilizing well-known cultivars that are not too tall and which will produce fairly large sized uniform bunches. Three varieties obtained in 1981 from WINBAN in St. Lucia have been studied—Giant Cavendish, Robusta and Valery (Musa AAA) suckers. Although producing more uniformly shaped bunches, the Robusta and Valery plants are taller (1.8m-2.4m), have thinner pseudo- stems and are mote prone to toppling than Giant Cavendish. The latter plants are sturdier, thicker and have more leaves at fruiting. Final studies in 1984 revealed that Robusta variety pro- duced the heaviest bunch. In two harvests the average bunch weight for Robusta was 5.0 and 3.7 kg heavier than Valery and Giant Cavendish, with 25.8 and 11.8 more fruits per bunch in each respective harvest. (Table 1) Tissue Culture The present de- mand for bananas in the Virgin Islands is estimated at approximately 2270 kg/week (5000 Ibs.) Most of these are now imported from neighboring Car- ibbean islands, mainly Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo. In general, a main constraint to meeting the demand through local production has been the lack of healthy planting material, which because of Plant Quarantine restrictions cannot be readily supplied from neighboring islands. The mass production nature of clean plantlets produced in tissue-culture is ideal for establishing large acreage in areas such as the Virgin Islands. However, plant- lets shipped from laboratories usually must undergo a period of hardening off and acclimatization for successful establishment. As a result, studies were conducted to evaluate the feasi- bility of shipping tissue-cultured banana clones into the Territory. Re- sults of this investigation indicated that Giant Cavendish plantlets ship- ped into St. Croix can be transplanted using a synthetic growing mix with a 80-90% survival rate. Although de- layed transplanting overall produced better plants, delayed transplanting for 3-6 days using forestry trays gave the biggest and most healthy plants. This method of delayed transplanting and of using forestry containers in estab- lishing banana plantlets is already be- ing used by the V.I. Department of Agriculture which has successfully established several thousand plants for distribution to farmers. Attacking the Problem — Major problems affecting banana production in the Virgin Islands are parasitic nematodes and the banana root borer (Cosmopolites sordidus). Determining a successful fertilizer program suited to local soil conditions is also important. A study begun in 1980 has attempted to select an appropriate nematicide that may have a dual effect on nema- tode and borer control and to make recommendations on optimum rates and constituents of fertilizer for Cavendish Banana (suckers). The most effective nematicide appears to be Furadan (carbofuran) 5%G at 20g per plant applied at four monthly intervals. Well rotted chicken manure at 5.5 kg yearly or ammonium sulfate at 1.4 kg yearly (applied at two month intervals) produced the heaviest bun- ches of fruits. However, a combina- tion of chicken manure and Furadan 5%G was the most successful treat- ment with plants yielding bunches weighing 22.7 kg. Yield data for the first and second ratoon crops were severely affected by tropical storms in the summer of 1982. Most toppling or uprooting of plants occurred either in untreated plots or those receiving Diazinon 2E soil drenches, which indicates the beneficial effects of nematicides on Table 1. Yield and Growth Characteristics of Three Varieties of Bananas Yield Height Width bunch Hands/ | Fruits/ Varieties at shooting | at shooting kg bunch | bunch Leaves Robusta 1.8m 12.2. cm 15.0 7.8 111.6 9.2 Valery 19m 13.5 cm 10.0 6.3 85.8 7.3 Giant Cavendish 1.8m 13.2 cm 11.7 7.0 100.5 8.3 sturdy root development. Although several plant parasitic nematodes, in- cluding Radopholus similis, have been recovered in soil and root assays, thus far no clear pattern between nematicides and nematode popula- tions has emerged. No corm borers have yet been found in any plants and minor outbreaks of Sigatoka leaf spot have been cleared up by immediate pruning and destruction of infected leaves. Explant Evaluation A field ex- periment of Giant Cavendish banana explants completed in 1984 evaluated two planting methods (hand dug and tractor dug holes), two fertilizer treat- ments (chicken manure and ammoni- um sulphate) and two nematicides (Temik 10%G and Furadan 5%G). After completion of two harvests the best yield was 33.5 kg for two bunches obtained with ammonium sulphate (NH4SO«) and Temik (aldicarb), util- izing hand dug holes. (Table 2) The second harvest revealed taller and wider stems at shooting than the first harvest. The average height and width in the second harvest was 2.01 m and 16.5 cm respectively, compared to 1.7 m and 14.2 cm in the first harvest. With respect to nematode assays, the most important fact was the total absence of the burrowing nematode (R. similis) which is the one usually causing major damage in both bananas and plantain (Table 3). A better con- trol of Rootknot and Spiral nematodes resulted from using different treat- ments which, however, were not as ef- fective on Reniform nematode. No appreciable difference was observed between the two methods for prepar- ing the hole. In general, comparisons with the Giant Cavendish explants of the pfeviously mentioned study, the yield difference is obvious. The Giant Cavendish suckers averaged 11.7 kg/ bunch while the explants averaged 15.1 kg/bunch. Table 2. Yield and Growth Characteristics of Giant Cavendish Explants in Two Harvests Days from Shooting to Harvest Yield/Bunch/Kg Fruits/ Bunch Treatment | Ist harv.. 2nd hary. lst harv. 2nd harv. | Ist harv. 2nd harv. NFA 77 59 17 18.9 116.2 135.4 NA 75 66.9 12.9 17 105.2 145.3 CA 72 83.7 12.5 16.2 120.5 127 CFA 77 80.7 13 15.7 119.8 143 CTA 79 66 13.8 16.9 119.8 141.7 x 75.7 74.6 12.7 17.2 16 139.5 NIB 76 76.8 14.7 18.8 109.5 130.2 NFB 75 59.6 11.9 17.5 114.4 143.4 NB 75 59.4 10.9 17.1 133.6 135.5 cB 69 67.5 12.7 18.4 126.3 142.8 CFB 68 81.5 13 15.8 115.2 139.6 CTB 79 71.7 12.8 19 117.3 140.5 x 73.6 69.4 12.7 ‘17.8 119.4 138.7 *N - NH«SOs T - Temik 10%G A - Tractor dug holes B - Hand dug holes F - Furadan 5%G C - Chicken Manure Table 3. Mean Number of Major Nematodes Extracted from 100 cc of Soil from Rhizosphere of Giant Cavendish B: Grown from Explants Total Treatments Roor-Knot Spiral Reniform popul. NTA* 71.6 9.3 45.3 126.2 NFA 37.3 16 78.6 131.9 NA 28.3 52 200 280.3 CA 43.3 8 132 183.3 CFA 76.6 22.6 93.6 192.8 CTA 60 30.6 136. 226.6 NIB 34 70.3 382 486.3 NFB 35.3 18.6 306.3 360.2 NB 92.6 17.6 136 146.2 CB 24.6 17.3 317.6 359.5 CFB 88.6 6 126 220.6 CTB 48.0 48.0 351 447.0 *N - NH«SO« T - Temik 10%G A - Tractor dug holes B - Hand dug holes F - Furadan 5%G C - Chicken Manure A citrus orchard was established to provide a tobe used for scion in grafting. Priority Crops __Plantains and cook- ing bananas have been cited as the priority crops of the world’s starch fruits, in a listing of global crop priorities (1982 Annual Report of the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources.) Like banana, plantain plays an important role in the diet of many Virgin Islanders, but this crop is also affected by the same problems of pests, lack of information on fertilizer requirements and nonavailability locally of large quantities of good planting material. The Maricongo or Horn type of plantain is popular with local residents while the Dwarf Plan- tain with its short stocking stem is suited to local windy conditions. In December 1982 a field study of Maricongo and Dwarf Plantain tissue- cultured clones was begun, using methods described previously for Giant Cavendish plantlets. A report on the plant crop performance over a two- year period indicated several signifi- cant factors. Of major significance was the genetic variability of clones as evidenced by the appearance of Congo or French type plantain in approxi- mately 22-31% of the plant popula- tion (Table 4). Although these variants produced heavier bunches, fruits were irregular in size and smaller than those of true Maricongo and Dwarf Plantain. Plantains are noted for their genetic in- stability and it would appear that even tissue-cultured clones do mutate. The Dwarf Plantain showed a 19% rever- sion to Dwarf French Plantain. This latter cultivar is unique to this area since there are no reports of its wide- spread occurrence in the Caribbean. The variant Dwarf French typed yield- ed 46 tons/ha with bunches averaging about 226,460 fruits/ha. The Regular Maricongo or Horn Plantain yielded only 14.4 tons/ha or about 61,841 fruits/ ha. The mutant Dwarf French Plantain produced in this trial appears to be well adapted to local conditions and further ratoon crops are being closely monitored for yield, and agronomic and variability character- istics. At the same time of the above studies, a ficld evaluation of Mari- congo Plantain tissue-cultured clones using four fertilizer systems was con- ducted. Fertilizers applied over the two-year period of the trial included water containing Tilapia fish manure, slow release urea (IBDU), both ammo- nium and potassium sulfate and 10.10.10. After one and one-half harvests were completed, the average weight per bunch for all treatments together was only 5 kg, an indication that Maricongo is not well adapted to the soil of the Agricultural Experiment Station. TROPICAL FRUIT ORCHARD The original objective of this project was to establish a one-acre orchard of local tropical fruit species particularly adapted to soil and climatic conditions of St. Croix. In 1983 the addition of nine species of fruits brought the total to 25 species, with five more added in 1984. These new additions include: Star Apple - Chrysophyllum caimito West Indian Plum - Spondias sp. Breadfruit - Artocarpus communis Breadnut - Artocarpus communis Pommegranate - Punica granatum Gobernor Plum - Flacourtia indica Egg Fruit - Pouteria campechiana Sapodilla - Achras sapote Gooseberry - Phyllanthus acidus Feijoa - Feijoa sellowiana White Sapote - Castmoroa edulis Carob - Ceratonia siliqua Strawberry Guava - Psidium cattleianum Passion Fruit - Passiflora edulis In April 1983, a drip irrigation system was installed using %” poly head lines. Watering is controlled automatically by two water watches set Y% hour per day at 20 psi water pressure using a potable water supply source. Table 4. Yield and Growth Characteristics of Plant Crop of Regular Maricongo and Dwarf Plantains Grown from Explants Non- Regular Dwarf Maricongo Type Yield (tons/ha)” 16.1 20.3 38.9 Fruits/bunch 31.0 34.8 76.9 Height at shooting (m) 2.5 ay 2.1 Stem Girth at Im (cm) 50.4 34.7 $1.7 Days to shooting 326.2 338.5 302.5 Days from shooting to harvesting 714 78.2 85.0 No. leaves at harvest 11.6 13.5 13.4 Percentage Non-Maricongo 23.5 31.2 *Based on a plant population of 1742 plants/ha. “ST. CROIX LS acaba DECLINE” —A DISEASE PUZZLE Evaluation of various can canker past two years. Bacterial canker of papaya has been implicated as a component of the disease syndrome known for years as “St. Croix Decline.” Also called “Papaya Decline Disease,” this disease has caused a serious problem with papaya production, resulting in the re- quest for a 406 grant to undergo a comprehensive study of the syndrome. Approval of the grant was received and work started in July 1983. Resistant Varieties The first year's research focused on finding resistant varieties of papaya to bacterial canker, investigating the effectiveness of bactericidal compounds, antibiotics and microbial antagonists for disease management, determining a taxo- nomic classification of the otganism and factors influencing disease spread. Consequently, a total of 26 varieties were screened in six separate trials for resistance to bacterial canker. Of these, six varieties were shown to have a signi- ficantly higher tolerance to infection in greenhouse trials. (See Table 1.) Also, to determine the ability of promising papaya varieties to resist or tolerate in- fection in the field, a variety orchard was established which contains the most promising varieties. One of these, Barbados 2X, appears not only to possess a high tolerance to bacterial canker but also appears to be better adapted to growing conditions unique to St. Croix—sporadic rainfall, high winds, and alkaline soil with low nutrient levels. Treatments and Observati A 200-tree planting was established to evaluate the effects of various bactericidal compounds, antibiotics and selected microbial antagonists upon disease impact and population fluctuations of the pathogen. Evalua- tions of pathogen recovery from leaf surfaces and of disease severity showed no significant differences among the treatments and controls. Observations made upon experi- mental papaya plots used for irrigation studies indicated that the pathogen was disseminated by wind and rain rather than being soil borne. Subse- quent experiments showed that the disease organism is well adapted to sur- vive on the leaf surfaces of papayas and to produce copious inoculum from leaf and stem lesions. Experiments design- ed to determine the pathogen’s ability to survive in the soil show that under dry conditions the organism cannot survive longer than two weeks and under moist conditions less than one week. Taxonomy Many years ago the causal agent of a similar disease in Java was determined to be Bacillus papa- yae, later placed in the genus Erwinia. Efforts to determine the bacterium’s taxonomy have shown it to possess no unique overall biochemical or physio- logical characteristics. However, the bacterium is shown to be different from the bacterium reported by Tru- jillo and Schroth from the Marianas Islands and isolates of the pathogen have been sent to Drs. Schroth and Hildebrand at the University of California at Berkeley for DNA homology typing to give a more ac- curate picture of where the bacterium should be categorized taxonomically. In the second year study of the bacterial canker research continued on the susceptibility of papaya cultivars to the pathogen. It was found that varia- tions in susceptibility were observed for the same cultivars in both spray and wound inoculation trials. Least suscep- tible were Barbados Dwarf 2X, Trini- dad Pink, STT 638-1, and PR 10-65. The remaining cultivars were extreme- ly susceptible and not significantly dif- ferent from one another. Intercropping An inter-cropping system for disease management utiliz- ing papaya, pigeon pea, pineapple and cowpea was established. Preliminary evaluations have shown a decreased in- cidence of bacterial canker as well as papaya ringspot virus in the papaya in- tercrop as compared to monocultures. Seasonal Affects Observations of losses occuring from disease outbreaks show that this disease is most destruc- tive on St. Croix during the short rainy Culture of pathogenic bacterium is tested at pathology lab. seasons, although symptoms may be observed throughout the entire year. Rainfall does not appear to increase pathogen survival or symptom severity and in fact, symptom severity appears to be decreased by 72 hours of free moisture. This seems to indicate that the pathogen is well adapted to the semi-arid climate of St. Croix. Controls Studies have also shown that the bacterium may survive for in- definite periods in the cankers and leaf infections of affected papaya trees and on the leaves of tomato and canta- loupe. Attempts to control the disease with bactericides, antibiotics and other agents have not yet been successful. Presently the most effective control is the use of resistant cultivars, the most promising of which, thus far, is the Batbados Dwarf. Another control stra- tegy being investigated is the use of suitable barrier crops—those that do Not support epiphytic populations of the pathogen, such as cassava, banana, and pigeonpea. Observations of small local farms where papayas are com- monly intercropped with a wide variety of fruit and vegetable crops have shown a lower incidence of the canker disease than is found in monocultures. Use of the term “St. Croix Papaya Decline” has now been shown to in- dicate a variety of factors, 7.¢., nutrient or water deficiencies, virus infections, etc., which affect the normal develop- ment of papaya. Many symptoms, such as greasy spots on papaya stems caused by viral infections, are often misdiagnosed as bacterial cankers. Because of the confusion surrounding the term “St. Croix Papaya Decline Disease” it is proposed that it be replaced with “bacterial canker of Papaya.” Table 1. Relative Variety Susceptibility Most Variety Susceptible Moderately Susceptible Least Susceptible Waimanalo + Kapoho Sunrise Higgins Wilder P.R. 6-65 P.R. 6-65 Improved P.R. 6-65 Dwarf P.R. 7-65 P.R. 8-65 P.R. 9-65 P.R. 10-65 S-64 Catie 12914 Catie 12915 Catie 12917 CVI 283-1 CVI 283-2 CVI 383-1 CVI 383-2 CVI 483-1 + CVI 583-1 +. Trinidad Pink “x” + Trinidad Pink Trinidad Yellow + Barbados Dwarf “2x” ++ te eit ++ + ++ + et t+ SOIL SOLARIZATION RESEARCH In soil solarization research which was started in 1983, the crops and their diseases targeted for study in order of priority based on severity of need and economic considerations were fusarium wilt, damping off and root knot nema- tode in tomato, pepper and eggplant; papaya root fot; stem rot of water- melon; crown rot of thyme; and whorl rot of pineapple. The results of trials made on two off-station and three on- station sites over a nine-month period showed that soil temperatures did not attain the required high temperatures necessary for the disinfestation of soil- borne pathogens. Maximum tempera- tures obtained under polyethylene mulch during the six week solarization periods were 48, 44 and 41 C at 8, 15 and 23 cm, respectively, for the months of June and July. Plots that were not mulched attained tempera- tures of 38, 33 and 31 C at the same depths. In trials conducted during the months with cooler temperatures and/or shorter days, both mulched and non-mulched plots were 2-5 C cooler. However, disease and yield evaluations could not be made on these plots because of damage caused by an unseasonable tropical storm. Disease incidence was low in the re- maining trials since most of them were conducted on small, privately owned farms and artifical inocula could not be used. Results indicated there were no significant differences in yields or losses due to disease between the solarized and non-solarized plots; air temperatures and total solar radiation were lower than average for the 1983-84 testing period. Other results have shown that solarization is not ef- fective in rocky or hilly areas where rototillers cannot be used to loosen the soil or in areas where water availability restricts the maintenance of moisture under tarped areas. Eight varieties of sweet a for to sweet potato weevil. WORKING WITH NATURE— BIOLOGICAL CONTROL General pest and pesticide manage- ment research has been a diversified collaborative effort, with Station and outside scientists working to build an information base on the local plant and animal pest situation as well as evaluating alternative control methods which stress reducing the risks of pesticide use. A main emphasis at the experiment station is the development of biological control projects for major local insect pests. One of these projects produced results which may have far- reaching affects, both in the V.I. and on the mainland. Insect Discovery As the result of work initiated by the pest manage- ment program leader and continued in collaboration with entomologist Dr. Roger Bland from Central Michigan University in 1983, a beneficial insect new to science was discovered and described. The parasitic ichneumonid wasp from St. Croix named Agnypon caribbaeum Bland was later an- nounced in the January 1984 issue of the Annals of the Entomological Socie- ty of America. The wasp holds great Promise as a natural enemy for the biological control of melonworms, a serious pest of cucumbers, melons and squashes in the Caribbean and else- where. Collaborative efforts with USDA staff in Mississippi and South Carolina have led to the establishment of a laboratory colony of this newly described species. Over 1000 parasit- ized melonworm prepupae and pupae were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Stoneville Research Quarantine Facility in Mississippi and the wasp underwent field trials in Florida in 1984. Beneficial Insects _n March 1983, Dr. Kent Elsey, entomologist at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina, spent FIG.1 Anew Ichneumon wasp, Agrypon caribbaeum (above), natural enemy of the melonworm, was reared on St. Croix, and is being studied as a biocontrol agent of the melonworm. several days in the Virgin Islands ex- ploring for A. cantbbaeum and other natural enemies of both the melon- worm and the pickleworm. A produc- tive visit by the AES entomologist to Barbados in August 1983 gave a fur- ther boost to Virgin Islands’ biological control efforts as records of the Com- monwealth Institute of Biological Con- trol revealed information on beneficial insect introductions into St. Croix done several decades ago which ap- parently were never published. The pfospects for introducing natural enemies of several important local crop pests are now more encouraging, par- ticularly of the diamondback moth (cabbage family pest), the fall army- worm and the coconut-scarring mite, among others. Dr. Bland and the AES entomolo- gist also published two short notes on insecticides and acaricide evaluations done with Bland on local crops, and a co-authored paper entitled “Prelimin- ary Studies on the Culicoides spp. Associated with Ruminants in the Car- ibbean Region.” The latter concerns the bluetongue virus and was pub- lished in the international journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine Vol. 2 (1984): 389-399. This project has now been terminated after 2% years, due to lack of funding at the level re- quired. Plantain Clones A field experi- ment with tissue-cultured clones of plantains begun in 1982 was the sub- ject of a paper co-authored by the pest management entomologist and re- search horticulturist Christopher Ramcharan, senior author. Entitled “A Preliminary Evaluation of Field Planted Maricongo and Dwarf Plan- tains Grown from Explants . .” the paper was presented in September 1983 at the 19th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society. Among other results, there was a notable absence in these tissue- cultured plants of burrowing nematodes and black weevil borers, usually prevalent pests on this crop. Sweet Potato Weevil The second of two field experiments evaluating eight varieties of sweet potatoes for resistance to the common sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius elegantulus) was completed in 1983. The varieties most promising were “White Star,” “W119,” and “Porto Rico,” but none showed sufficient resistance to justify recommendation. Weed Hosts —_A week-long survey of weed hosts of viruses was conducted on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas with a team from Puerto Rico Agricul- tural Experiment Station led by Dr. J. Bird-Pinero, Professor of Plant Path- ology and Virology. Over 30 species of weeds and other plants harboring vi- tuses of potential or actual economic significance were catalogued at numer- ous locations throughout the islands. Viruses which use weeds as alternate hosts can be transmitted to economic plants in various ways. This work seeks to elucidate the role which weed-har- bored viruses play in agriculture, and to contribute to existing information on the host-to-host transmission cycle. During the survey, about 40 specimens wete added to the diagnostic her- barium. Pest Lists With the assistance of specialists at the Insect Identification and Beneficial Insect Introduction In- stitute (USDA) and elsewhere, about 100 species have been added to the list of insects of St. Croix, and new lists have been started for the other two islands. Plant disease and host lists are also being developed, along with lists of weeds and other significant pests. Since receiving an excellent series of 80 slides of Virgin Islands scale insects (Coccoidea) from the collection of Dr. M. Kosztarab, world Coccoidea spec- ialist, identification of these scale in- sect pests of local plants has been greatly enhanced. The slides are the result of a joint survey made by the AES research entomologist and Dr. Kosztarab, and form a significant part of a scale insect checklist of the V.I. be- ing prepared by S$. Nakahara, USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory, which should be available soon. Bland, R.G. 1983. Evaluation of insecticides to control Nd ee and cabbage loopers on cabbage. Insecticide and Acaricide Tests 1983. V Bland, R.G., A.E. Hegab and W.1. RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS Rakocy, Digest. 4:42-44, 1983. to control mites, fall armyworm and corn earworm in sweet corn. 1982, innoctionte and Acaricide Tests Vol. 8:108-109. Bland, R.G. 1984. A new species of /, J.E. 1984. Fish farming; a new Rakocy, J.E., J.A. Hargreaves and A. Nair. agricultural water supply. Pages C 3/1-15 in H.H. Smith, ed. Proc. of 2nd Int'l. Cont. for the Cari! Cari 1984. A rainwater catchment for on Rain Water Cistem Syst., St. Thomas, V.1. "y jae) in the Ci Somes E.C., Gl. Garris, K. Thom; Gibbs. 1 i from (Lepi- Annals Entomol. Soc. Amer. Vol 77(1):29-31. I. Knausenberger, J. repel and EP. Rakocy, J.E. and A. Nair. 1984, Tilapia fry and fingerling production in small tanks. Pages 236-242 in Proc. of 20th An. Mig. Knausenberger and L.D. Yntema, editors. In press. of CFCS, St. Croix, V.I. R.R. Webb, W.I. trials on Giant Thompson, W. Y Studies on the Cull in the Carib region. J. J.-A. 1984, Some Spp. 'y Med. Vol. 2380-300. on the role of aquaculture in the develop- Ramcharan, C. a C. and W4. Cavendish banana in the Virgin Islands. in /nt’ 7 Banana Nutrition News!. No. 4:25-26. ind W.I. 1983. A of fleld- ment of small farm systems for the eastem Caribbean. in Proceedings of the 20th an. n. Meeieg of the Caribbean Food Crops Society, St. Croix, U.S.V.J. pages 137-143. R. Webb, W.I. Knausenberger, and L.D. Yntema, editors. In Press. ‘iio, S., R.R. Webb. Quantification of foliar plant disease symptoms by micro comeuleccloitized video image analysis. piytorall {abstr.) 73811. P. food capabilities in ‘ne ‘Caribbean. in Proc. of 20th an Mtg. of CFCS, St. Croix, V.I., pages 3-7. R.R. Webb, W.I. Knausenberger, and L.D. Yntema, editors. In press. Rakocy, J.E. 1983. Research on closed recirculating systems in the US. Virgin Islands. Rodale’s NETWORK, Winter:5. planted Maricongo and Dwarf Plantain grown trom explants, using nematicides, standard culitvation and fertilizer practices. Pages 155-164. in Proc. of 19th An, Mtg. of CFCS, Mayaguez, P.A. Ramcharan, C. 1983. Studies on nardening-off methods and starter containers for Giant Cavendish banana explants shipped into St. Croix. Pages 89-96 in Proc. of 19th An. Mtg. of CFCS, Mayaguez, P.R. Watten, B.J., and R.L. Lemesale 1984. Tropical aurea) and water System. rAghacuinies 41:271-283. Webb, F.R. . Variations in response of 24 papaya varieties Infected with bacterial pts Phytopath. (Abstr.) 73:811 of tilapia in a small scale recirculating Cooperative Extension Service Many of the programs which comprise the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) have greatly expanded their outreach in the past two years, more clearly defining their role in the community by providing an enrichment for thousands of program par- ticipants which previously had been unavailable. As CES continuously explores and analyzes its mission, one point becomes apparent: it is possible to expand program subject matter into new areas which have not been reached by other programs and agencies in the community—and to achieve an enthusiastic response by doing so. Fears that perhaps island residents might be embarrassed to attend a seminar on teenage pregnancy or that there are not enough farmers interested in improving their pasturage have proved groundless. The large keenly interested attendance serves as a guideline that CES is definitely on the right track! THE EXTENSION MESSAGE— THROUGH MANY MEDIUMS Extension Communications con- veys the extension message to clients and the public in as many mediums as are available. Whether it is through factsheets for farmers, gardeners and livestock producers, or bulletins, booklets, pamphlets, newsletters and reports for anyone that is reachable and interested; whether it is through television, the daily local newspapers or radio talk shows— Extension Com- munications is ready to get the message out through news releases, captioned photos, weekly columns, feature stories and guest appearances on radio shows. By publicizing the events which cram the calendars of the many Virgin Islands extension programs, the assurance is there that the classes will be filled, the seminars and workshops well attended. New Publications New publica- tions brought out by Extension Com- munications included two handbooks. Extension Handbook No. 1 entitled “Island Insects” is for teachers, parents and apt students of nature to help identify insects, collect them and pre- serve them. The 50-page compilation supplemented with much original material has been adapted specifically for use in the Virgin Islands and has proven to be a great help to all who are interested in natural history and the world of insects. Extension Handbook No. 2 entitled “Virgin Islands. Beef Cattle Improvement Handbook” was printed to assist beef cattle growers keep accurate records. The 32-page booklet contains instructions on per- formance testing, sample records and recordkeeping sheets designed by the 21 extension animal science program to aid commercial cattle growers in the islands. Also published were three ex- tension bulletins: “Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service: A Model for Technology Transfer Systems in the Caribbean,” “Avocado Production and Marketing,” and “Sor- tel Production and Marketing.” The technology transfer bulletin has gone into a second printing, due to its popularity as an information resource pertinent to creating an Eastern Carib- bean Center at the College of the Virgin Islands. It is proposed that the Center will offer cooperative programs of study, research and training for the people of the Eastern Caribbean region with an ultimate goal of encouraging cooperation between the nations of the tegion and the United States. Newsletter informing the public of events occurring in 4-H, Agriculture and Home Booklets and Reports The avocado and sorrel booklets provide informa- tion on producing the popular fruits all the way from cultivation to harvest as well as the economics of production and recipes using the fruit. Other publications include a pest manage- ment factsheet on the banana root borer; a farm management factsheet on accounting methods for farmers; and a special College booklet entitled “College of the Virgin Islands—Our First 22 Years,” a 28-page overview and history of the College. Earher Reports —_n. 1983, the com- bined Experiment Station and Coop- erative Extension Service annual report was published for the years 1981 and 1982. As an indication of the increased size, scope and number of land grant programs in the Virgin Islands, the report contained 42 pages and 98 photographs compared to 21 pages and 36 photographs in that of the 1979-1980 report. In all, a total of 6,519 extension publications were distributed by mail or personal contact from October 1982 to September 1984. News Media _In that period also, a total of 224 press releases were written and dispensed to 12 media destina- tions for an overall total distribution of 2,688. In addition, 74 photographs with captions were released over the 22 the year. appear two-year period and the popular Pest Management gardening column called “From the Ground Up” appeared each Monday in the Avs. On Friday morn- ings extension specialists were featured on the hour-long “Conversation Show” emanating from St. Thomas over WVWI and also participated in the Miss J. Show over WSTA on several oc- casions. Newsletters were distributed throughout the islands by the Agricul- ture, 4-H and Home Economics pro- grams on a quarterly basis. The Agriculture Program at exten- sion covers many aspects of food pro- duction. From fruit and vegetable culture, including soil and water analysis and diagnosis, to pesticide applicator training, small livestock management, improvement of pas- tures and dairy herds. The main thrust of the program is to offer assistance, ideas, waining, and advice to our gardeners and farmers so they can become more self-sufficient at the same time they learn about their responsibility for good stewardship of the land and its creatures. Growing Forage Crops _ Asignifi- cant number of livestock farmers in all districts have begun to focus on local feed production since, with a decline in sorghum acreage, efforts of farmers have shifted to their own pasture development. Farmers were assisted in the procurement of adapted grass and legume seeds and fertilizers while receiving technical assistance in plant- ing and management procedures. A new emphasis is in the establishment of forage crops demonstration plots utilizing four legumes, three grasses GROWING OUR OWN and two legume-grass mixtures. The demonstration plots have informally attracted farmers and other visitors almost daily to the site located op- posite the entrance to the College cam- pus and several farmers have planted acres to buffel, green panic and pangola grasses. Livestock Demonstrations On St. Thomas, five result demonstrations were initiated for acacia control, pasture legumes, leaf miner control on tomatoes, chemical weed control on thyme, and onion root fot control. Plans were made to revitalize livestock associations on all three islands and in 1984, some 115 livestock farmers at- tended initial planning meetings fol- lowed by a small livestock man- agement seminar attended by 104 farmers held on St. Croix. Specialists lead discussions on common herd health problems, breeding, manage- ment, feed and nutrition, and training and grooming animals for show. A new livestock breeding and marketing system, referred to as “The Small Live- stock Exchange System,” was begun in order to eliminate inbreeding of sheep and goats, and 15 individual farmers were assisted in designing manage- ment systems unique to their livestock operations. Working With Groups Inall,a total of 2,081 island gardenets, farmers and breeders attended the many work- shops, seminars, field demonstrations, short courses and lectures offered by the extension agriculture program. Subject matter included fruit tree management, tomato production and marketing, growing fruit trees, vege- tables in containers, tropical tree pro- pagation, and management of woody ornamentals. Extension was helpful on both St. Croix and St. Thomas in assisting island farmers launch the St. Thomas/ St. John Farmers Association and the St. Croix Farmers Cooperative Associ- ation. On St. Thomas, in particular, the emphasis in outreach was on group programs, with extension providing classroom training to such groups as UJAMAA Young Adults Training Pro- gram in organic gardening. Twenty- Field days covera wee variety of agriculture subjects. This groupleams — School groups of all ages visit extension to leam about gardening. about buds from Clinton George. 23 Charles Smith are a two young people received a full year of combined agriculture studies and field work. Garden projects with the Community Mental Health Center and the East End Mental Health clinic were established; workshops and semi- nars were held for the St. Thomas/St. John Hibiscus Society, the Orchid Society, Sr. Citizens Recreation Cen- ter, Dober School, Kirwan Terrace Housing Project, and agriculture pro- grams were conducted at 11 other public and private schools. A full week of agriculture related topics were covered for the Department of Educa- tion’s Summer Agriculture Program which enrolled 31 members on St. Croix. Box Gardens Technical assistance in planning, care and maintenance of home gardens was given to 185 home gardeners on St. Croix. For those who do not have the garden space, box gardening has proved to be a boon. Designed by the agriculture program for families in housing projects, apart- ments or for school students in science and agriculture programs, workshops and demonstrations were held for to provide growing space with 55% of those suc- more than 250 residents. Several schools have already constructed box gardens modeled on plans provided by extension. Another program for home gardeners was a four session “short course,” with 65 participants, many of them senior citizens, receiving “gradu- ation” certificates. Grafting Trees Since more than 5,000 grafted trees are purchased an- nually from outside the Virgin Islands, a series of five propagation workshops were conducted to assist residents in grafting their own trees. Of the 145 participants who attended the work- shops, 55% were successful in propa- gating at least one type of fruit tree. The highest rate of success was ob- tained from air layering lime trees and grafting avocados. Least effective were mesples (sapodillas) and mangoes. Another help for ten farm producers was the installation of drip irrigation systems which resulted in better varietal selections and more efficient production, reportedly increasing their ptoductivity by more than 100%. 24 fting 145 p cessful In propagating at least one type of fruit tree. Pesticide Apphcators Eight pesti- cide applicator training classes were held for 54 initial first time applicators and 13 current applicators were recerti- fied in 1983. A total of 59 applicators received certification status. In 1984 a total of 119 applicators were trained and certified. Since this is an ongoing program with both private and com- mercial pesticide operators certified every year, the number is quite high, teflecting an increased interest in the use of pesticides by growers. In addi- tion, most of those certified have ex- pressed willingness to be recertified, as new manuals are issued on the proper handling of restricted use of pesticides. A pesticide locator booklet entitled “How to Locate Plant and Animal Pro- tection Chemicals for Farm and Gar- den” was produced for all islands after a lengthy survey of pesticide dispens- ing business establishments. A pesti- cide storage, handling and disposal facility was designed to provide a func- tional model suitable for the agency's use. Soil Testing The formal opening of the extension diagnostic soil testing laboratory on St. Thomas campus took place in February 1983, thus providing the Virgin Islands and the Eastern Caribbean area with a modern facility of benefit to all. In the first 20-month period, 1,405 soil, 244 water and 722 plant tissue samples were analyzed. Soils were analyzed for pH, organic matter, soluble salts, calcium, magnes- ium, potassium, nitrogen, phosphor- us, sulphur, copper, iron, manganese, zinc and sodium. Fertilizers and soil amendments were recommended. Water was analyzed for salt and metal contents and plant tissue samples were measured for total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ifon, copper, zink, manganese and sodium. In the first year alone more than 200 farmers and home gardeners availed themselves of the new laboratory’s services. A com- puter program form was written specifically for soil testing procedures and final results are reported using this form. In order to assist the first-time soil collectors, Factsheet No. 25 Testing Soil for Better Yields, and Factsheet No. 26 Interpreting Your Soil Testing Results were published to assist those with soil problems. Among those touring the new lab were 20 members of the Caribbean Basin Administrative Group for Tropi- cal Agriculture (CBAG) and 70 visitors to the St. Thomas Food Fair. One seminar was given for 22 persons in conjunction with the Perkin-Elmer Company of Connecticut on tech- niques of atomic absorption flame phtometry, and approximately 100 cli- ents attended four workshops on sampling soil and interpreting results on St. Thomas. On St. Croix 68 parti- cipants attended a seminar on soil management fundamentals with more than 150 soil samples taken by growers for analysis. Dairy Herd Improvement The Dairy Herd Improvement Program (DHIP) conducted performance tests on an average of 570 cows monthly, with records maintained through the Raleigh Computer Center. The 80% participation by Virgin Islands dairy operators is the highest in the U.S. It has been found that most dairy cows under pasture conditions need added energy and supplemental minerals. Dr. C. Gibson, Associate Professor of Veterinary Services, Michigan State University, spent two one-week periods on St. Croix to assist with animal health programs, with parti- cular emphasis on reproduction. As a result, the percent of cows in milk has increased up to 80% and the calving interval has been reduced nearly two months. In 1983 two of the five herds were enrolled on the computerized FARMX herd health program which provides dairymen with better man- agement techniques overall. In 1984 the FARMX program was revitalized when the V.I. state veterinarian posi- tion was filled after being vacant for a year. The original two dairies were reinstalled and two additional ones were added. On St. Thomas, assistance was given to the local dairy and others in pasture improvement for their herds. The rolling herd average for the August 1984 summary of the herds on test was 7,121 pounds of milk (- 2% under the last year and 51% of the Southern Region) for an average herd size of 137 cows (540 total cows on test.) There were 480 cows in milk (19% over the last year). The projected calving interval is 17 months (7% more than a year earlier but 14% over the regional average.) The average days in milk decreased 2% over the last year to 181. The average days open de- creased to 238 days (16%) but was still 64 days (48%) longer than the regional average. 25 Agriculture Aide Alf Smith shows students from Alfredo Andrews School some of the vegetables which grow well in containers. The extension FARMX herd health program provides dairymen with better management techniques. Beef Handbook _\n September 1984 the Virgin Islands Beef Cattle Im- provement Program (BCIP) Handbook was published. This 35-page manual gives explicit details on the operation and various codes used in the on-the- farm performance test program, and is distributed to all requesting cattle growers in the Virgin Islands and else- where in the Caribbean. To assist in alleviating reproductive problems, the extension assistant in charge of the DHI milk program completed a week- long workshop on reproduction and artificial insemination in Florida, with the result that improved efforts are be- ing made to reduce calving intervals and increase the genetic base of local herds. Four workshops on husbandry, records and showmanship were con- ducted for the 4-H/FFA Animal Hus- bandry Program to prepare partici- pants for later judging of dairy calves at the annual Agriculture and Food Fairs on St. Croix. Soll testing lab opened formally in 1983 and has analyzed thousands of soil, water, and plant tissue samples. PEOPLE, PLANTS AND ANIMALS General pest and pesticide manage- ment assistance covers a broad spec- - trum under categories which affect the health and welfare of people, plants and animals. Throughout the territory 23 seminars, workshops and lectures were presented in one year alone. Eleven result demonstrations were con- ducted for weed (8), insect (2) and disease (1) control of plants in response to specific requests in the same period. A very successful concept, that of com- munity plant clinics held on Saturdays in shopping centers, became a popular monthly event, reaching some 3,040 persons in one year. Many who attend- ed these clinics merely came to ask questions while others brought ailing plant specimens for diagnosis. Other outreach included pest management training for livestock producers and ur- ban and forest tree managers. X Ae Insect awareness starts at an early age. The Pest prog has had an “Open House” for young people of all ages to aug their ge of and Scouting for Insects Anew crop _ insects. monitoring program was begun in 1983. Cooperating producers were trained in monitoring their own crops in order to maximize crop quality and yield, and to reduce pesticide hazards. One full year of tomato scouting was completed on St. Croix, involving seven producers in 21 crops. In bana- nas, three producers and three peren- nial (continuous harvest) crops were in- volved in a trial program. Growers received instruction in pest scouting techniques and seven scouts became fully trained in identification of destructive and beneficial insects. As a result of the scouting, yield quantity increased 25% in tomatoes and 50% in bananas, according to comparisons with their own previous yields which were made by producers. Producer ac- ceptance of the scouting program re- mains high, and a greater understand- ing of Integrated Pest Management Princip les was apparent for all COOREE: Pest Management program leader Walter Knausenberger demonstrates the use of a pesticide ators at year's end. Indeed, failure to sprayer at a Field Day Open House. 27 follow treatment recommendations based on scouting reports resulted in complete failure of certain crops in some instances. Scouting protocols were developed for cucurbits, avocados and mangoes. In many cases, biologi- cal insecticides are now recommended and being used for tomatoes and cu- curbits. Improving Grazing Lands Atange improvement and vegetation manage- ment program was begun because rangeland constitutes by far the largest single use of land in agricultural pro- duction (75%) in the Virgin Islands. Much of this land has low grazing value due to erosion and undesirable plant growth. Nearly all rangelands are unimproved, poorly managed guinea grass pastures. The emphasis was on providing a baseline survey of the vegetation present on range and pas- tureland, to initiate weed control demonstrations, and to strengthen the Students of junior and senior high school age chosen by principals from five schools took part in six-week management and agriculture. diagnostic herbarium in range plants represented. Nine St. Croix producers cooperated with this program initially. Plant collections were conducted in St. Croix pastures and the diagnostic her- barium now contains about 90% of the economically significant range plants. Field trials and qualitative rangeland condition surveys are con- tinuing under the impetus of the ex- tension natural resources sector. To in- crease productivity of rangeland and pastures and to reduce deteriorating acres, control procedures which are less environmentally disruptive than tradi- tional methods such as bulldozing or “slash and burn” were urged for 60 producers who attended seminar-work- shops and 15 producers who participat- ed in field demonstrations. Two major weed management demonstration pro- jects were undertaken in 1984, while two others were completed and reports submitted to the cooperating farmers and chemical manufacturers. Three of 28 q during In the field trials involved Acacia spp. control, which is a major pasture prob- lem. In addition to Acacia, tan-tan and thibet weed species were chemical- ly controlled for one-half or less than the cost of locally traditional control methods. Pesticide Locator — Atleast 95% of all Virgin Islands suppliers of agricul- tural pest control products were in- cluded in an annual update of a pesti- cide locator entitled “How to Locate Plant and Animal Protection Chemi- cals for Farm and Garden.” Asa result, all inquiries for pest management recommendations received by the ex- tension service can now be answered with accurate, timely, and targeted in- formation about where to locate speci- fically desired products. Availability of pest control products is constantly in- creasing due to input by pest manage- ment staff to retailers on relative bene- fits and quantities of pesticides; 15% of the dealers adjusted their stocks dur- lab for in adjusts at ing the past year. Two new clientele groups —livestock produccrs and urban plant management professionals — were reached with workshops which in- cluded pesticide management infor- mation. Two new chemical dealers opened for business on St. Croix in 1984. One had explicitly drawn on pest management advice for his order- ing decisions. When feasible, organic insecticides are recommended. A serious deficiency has existed in the selection and availability of chemical and biorational pesticides. Livestock production, mainly beef and dairy, is the strongest agricultural enterprise, with heavy pesticide use. Pesticide ex- posure issues continue to generate much public interest, but misinforma- tion is prevalent. Whenever possible pest management staff are interviewed on radio talk shows and conduct edu- cational meetings to explain the uses and misuses of pesticides. pest Insect Natural History for Kids A\- though environmental studies pro- grams are enthusiastically received by teachers and their students, there are very few resource people availablé on the islands. In fact, only 15% of the teachers of science and mathematics in the Virgin Islands secondary schools are trained specifically in those fields. Thus, exposure of school children to natural history subjects, with the ex- ception of an Environmental Studies Program (ESP) funded in the early 1970's on St. John in conjunction with the National Park System, has been minimal. In particular, students are rarely given the opporutnity to gain in- sight into the world of insects, and the significant role that insects play in the ecosystem. The pest management pro- gram at extension developed a highly popular insect natural history program for school children ages 8-13 which reached 2,041 young people in 1982-83 (approximately 60% of the Insect Natural Siaatd was an Important leam- Ing experience for hundreds of St. Croix students like this sally school population in this age group on St. Croix alone). Sixteen of the 18 public and private schools, including 110 teachers, were involved. A main criteria for success of such a program rests not only on interesting, well-pre- sented material by extension pest man- agement staff but also the enthusiastic cooperation of the teachers which was evident as the program developed. Presentations were made in the class- rooms at each school involved in the program, with material and sugges- tions to the teacher for further explor- ation of the insect world. Young “en- tomologists” went on Saturday field trips and insect collecting expeditions and learned to use sophisticated equip- ment to study, preserve and mount their collections. The culmination each year was a Field Day for all classes together at the college. In 1984 600 students participated in lecture dem- onstrations and field trips. Insect Handbook In response to general demand and need, a major emphasis most recently was the com- pletion of a 50-page profusely illus- trated booklet entitled Island Insects - A Handbook for Insect Study. Intend- popularity was attested by the fact that ed asa tool for educators of local young _ parents and other residents also sought people, the handbook covers insect out the book for themselves and their classification, collecting, pinning, pre- children. serving, identifying and rearing. Its MAJOR PESTICIDE CATEGORIES AND RETAIL OUTLETS ON ST. CROIX 1983 DISTRIBUTOR/LOCATION Caribe Home Center - Sunny Isle C & W Hardware - Hannah's Rest Cruzan Gardens - Calquohoun Gannet Hardware - Gallow's Bay Gi Gi Pet Shop - Sion Farm Shopping Center Grange Hill Nursery - Centerline Rd. Est. Orange Grand Union - Sunny Isle HMS Inc. - Gallow's Bay Merwin Hardware - La Grande Princesse Pat Logan's Pet Store - Sunny Isle Pueblo - Golden Rock Pueblo - Ville la Reine St. George Botanical Garden - Est. St. George Tool Box - North Shore Rd. Est. Concordia V.I. Dept. of Agriculture - Centerline Rd. Est. Lower Love Woolworth's Department Store - Sunny Isle Ye Old Feed Shoppe - Peter's Rest This chart was prepared by the Ci Service Pest Management distributors listed carry one or more of the 8 of i) Program at CVI after a survey of 140 St. Croix outlets. The 17 for use outside the home. More than 150 plants on the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses were Identified and labeled as part of the Natural History program. OUR NATURAL RESOURCES Given the severe competition for limited natural resources (NR) in the Virgin Islands, the Cooperative Exten- sion Service has begun to address public education issues in natural resources management and to serve in an advisory capacity regarding natural resources issues. With a population density of about 1000 persons/square mile, the Virgin Islands rank among the top in terms of human impact. Less than one-third of the land surface re- mains minimally developed. The shoreline-to-land ratio is very high, and the coastal zone interface is a pro- minent element of NR concern. Steep slopes and land clearance cause serious erosion. More indigenous species of plants grow in the V.I. per unit area than anywhere in the 49 continental U.S. states. Endangered Species Of the 800 to 1000 naturalized or indigenous plants, at least 10 are considered endangered and recent work has brought to light five more probably endemic species thought to be new to science, which also appear to be endangered. At least one lizard and one native bird are also threatened with extinction. There is very little public awareness about the importance of our natural resources, and since jobs are scarce on the islands, any suggestion that the environment take precedent over building and land development is tantamount to heresy. Working with Other Agencies Direct intercession and enhancement of public knowledge about the impor- tance of a balanced ecology in a fragile island ecosystem are the two routes towards approaching the problem of the endangered environment. One method has been to work with other agencies in enhancing public know- ledge of the flora of the Virgin Islands including the National Park Service 31 als. eine and Environmental Education Pro- gram of the V.I. Department of Education. There have been some positive preliminary results. The Nature Conservancy obtained land in one water shed that was about to be developed which contained two en- dangered plant species. An endan- gered species was located on the site of the proposed solid waste recovery plant and plans were modified so as not to disturb it. Two nurseries are now pro- pagating and offering native plants for sale and three hotels have increased the number of native plants on their grounds. However, public awareness must still be increased to the point that residents serve as protectors of their en- vironment against the haphazard re- zoning and encroachment of poorly planned development. The extension service is being recognized as a source of expert information on terrestrial flora and other natural resources. Col- laboration has increased with the Na- tional Park Service on St. Croix and St. John, the V.1. Planning Office and the V.1. departments of Agriculture, Edu- cation, and Conservation and Cultural Affairs. Local offices of the Forest Ser- vice, Soil Conservation Service, real estate firms and nurserymen have also been involved. Recently extension was invited to become a member of the V.I. Resources Management Coopera- tive, to which 13 regional NR agencies belong. Project VIBIB —_ Another major acti- vity of NR management information is related to assessing the current state of knowledge pertaining to resources management in the islands. This is be- ing accomplished in conjunction with Project VIBIB, the Virgin Islands bib- liography project, with responsibility for all science materials under the ex- tension NR program auspices. Major support for this effort is being provid- ed by the Man and Biosphere Program via the National Park Service. This work is due to be published in three volumes sometime in 1986. Campus Plants Labeled Asa pub- lic service, more than 100 plants on the St. Thomas college campus and over 50 plants on the St. Croix campus have been properly identified and labeled with durable aluminum plaques to serve as an informal botanical “course” for college visitors, students and staff. Maps have also been prepared and guide booklets are being developed. St. Thomas-St. John Projects The Natural Resources program is currently working with three major land devel- opment projects on St. Thomas and St. John to insure the preservation of en- dangered species of plants and reduce environmental damage. The projects include Fish Bay, St. John (Cocoloba Development), Frenchman's Bay, St. Thomas (Green Cay Development), and Stalley Bay, St. Thomas (Waste Recovery Project). A total of four en- dangered plant species are reported from those areas alone. The plants con- sidered endangered are Tilandsi lineatispica, Erythrina eggersit, Zan- thoxylum thomasianum and Calyp- tranthes thomasiana, Fruits and flowers were collected from four varieties of plants which may be new species. They include Malphigia sp., Eugenia sp., Psidium sp., and Byr- Sonima sp. Specimens were sent to the Smithsonian Institute and the Newe York Botanical Garden for evaluation. tural exploitation and soil erosion is being examined. The National Park Service provided a $10,000 grant to the extension service to participate in the Project. Other Outreach —_ nother NR out- reach, the program assisted the V.I. Chamber of Commerce and R.A.R.E. Inc. (World Wildlife Fund) in the de- velopment of educational program- ming in the Salt River Bay area which was designed for media use and infor- mation for tourists essentially, and is now being used by the St. Croix Taxi Association. An agro-forestry project involving the improvement of 25 acres of highly visible land with desirable tree species at Martin Marietta was ad- vised by the natural resources program from its inception. Another National Park Service grant was received to develop a list of terrestrial invertebrates of St. John and other islands, with biologist Dr. William Muchmore spending one month working on the project in its final stage. Dr. George Proctor, Puerto Rico University Department of Natural Resources, was d by the ion NR staff Attempts are being made by to propagate these species. Initial steps were taken to imple- ment a collaborative project on forest succession on St. John. The principals involved are the extension service, Na- tional Park Service and New York Botanical Garden. Forest recovery after clearcutting, slash and burn, agricul- 32 while in the islands collecting botanical specimens which were contributed to the extension herbarium collection. At least 120 species of plants have been added to the herbaria of both St. Croix and St. Thomas, with the chief focus on collections of grasses, crops, legumes and endangered species. In cooperation with V.1. Legal Services and the St. Croix Farmers Cooperative Association (FCA) a two-day seminar was eon by CRD. eget man Joseph Laplace, CRD Economist George Moris, Legal seminar. Allison Th and FCA Cla: Rich THE ADVISORY ROLE OF CRD The Community Resource Develop- ment program (CRD) has as its goal the improvement of community life for islanders. While the other pro- grams of Extension are more specifi- cally oriented towards their own clients, such as youth, homemakers, farmers or gardeners, CRD and its pro- gram embraces everyone. Whether it is in one-to-one assist role or with a seminar or a factsheet, CRD reaches out to fill a specific need through its advisory capacity in many fields. Enterprise Budgets In 1983 the CRD program began to develop a series of agricultural enterprise budgets made available to the general public covering production of goats, cassava, cucumber, eggplant, avocado, mango, pepper, sorrel, banana and limes. Variable and fixed costs were outlined in detail to show the difference in types of input used in the production process. Extension has received fepreated requests for such informa- tion over the years, particularly from beginning or novice farmers or gardeners. A farm management fact- sheet on essential farm financial records and types of accounting methods was also brought out to assist the farmer in the essentials of good business. CRD's Advisory Role Numerous presentations, seminars and workshops were conducted throughout the 1983 and 1984 period to augment agricul- tural development in the islands and to serve in an advisory capacity to other governmental agencies. Extension staff served on the Technical Advisory Board for the V.I. Planning Office's Long Range Plan and worked closely with their Community Block Grant Development sector and their Historic Preservation program. St. Thomas Ex- tension personnel also served in a technical advisory capacity for the Education Department's 1.C.E. pro- gram and as members of “The Project: St. John” steering committee to pro- vide agricultural assistance and help in establishing a viable youth training program in agriculture on the Hammer Farm site. Also on St. Thomas, the CRD program worked closely in an ad- visory capacity with the St. Thomas-St. John Farmers Association, the St. Thomas Livestock Association, the Hibiscus Society, UJAMAA Organic Gardens, Bordeaux All-For-The- Better, and the St. Thomas Garden Club in developing a legislative pro- gram for the improvement of agricul- ture in the Virgin Islands. Presenta- tions were also made for some 75 Up- ward Bound Students during their Career Day where they learned of career opportunities in agriculture, natural resources and home economics. Helping Farmers CRD assisted the newly developed St. Croix Farmers Cooperative Association (FCA) meet its legal requirements of incorporation in 1983, and in 1984 rendered techni- cal assistance to FCA in areas of plan- ning, organization, education on cooperatives, and marketing; six farmers were also aided in preparing farm plans and FmHA loan applica- tions. Assistance was provided to the Emergency Board of the Agriculture Stabilization Service in compiling and analyzing recommended procedures that could reduce the damaging effects of future drought conditions on local livestock producers who wished to ac- quire emergency drought relief funds. In a joint effort with the FCA and the V.1. Legal Services, CRD sponsored a two-day education seminar for 25 per- sons on Agricultural Cooperative Development. The chief focus was to educate local producers on structures of cooperatives including types, laws, financing and management. In No- vember of 1983, a farm financial seminar was conducted for 20 farmers. The emphasis was on procedures for completing farm financial statements which included income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, farm credit and real estate loans. Working with the Integrated Pest Management program, CRD prepared a cost comparative study of weed con- trol methods for farmers. In this study the cost of controlling weed growth by using a combination of herbicides and manual weeding was compared to the cost of using only manual weeding. It was found that the labor cost of manual weeding alone was 65% greater than if chemicals were used. Preparing Youth For The Future A major extension role is to assist young people with future career choices. A presentation by CRD to over 700 students at Alexander Hen- derson School Career Day outlined the various possible career fields in agricultural economics and rural development. In May 1984 a presenta- tion on farm financial management and agricultural marketing was con- ducted for 120 students at the John H. Woodson School in conjunction with the 4-H Youth program. The students were familiarized with the basic con- cepts and tools for effective farm finan- cial recordkeeping practices. They were also introduced to modern retail marketing techniques for fruit and vegetable crops. In June, again work- ing with the 4-H program, CRD pro- duced a seminar on agriculrural marketing and careers in agricultural economics for 25 summer students employed by the Department of Education. In July a workshop on researching and development of careers was conducted for 40 teenagers in the 4-H Camp Apprenticeship pro- gram. The young pcople learned about educational requirements, employ- ment opportunities, possibilities for advancement and potential earnings associated with fields in which they were interested. “SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE” Extension Home Economics means different things to different people, but an apt summation of the high regard felt for this program is a state- ment overheard at last year’s Agricul- ture and Food Fair. As two women paused at the entrance to the colorful Home Ec exhibit, one remarked to the other, “What I like about this program is that there is something for everyone to get involved in.” This was no exag- geration. Beginning with teenagers who attended the Summer Teens pro- gtam for six weeks and completing the chronological spectrum to include senior citizens at Aldersville, with all kinds of programs in-between, the Virgin Islands Extension Home Econ- omics component is a true example of extension at its best, with new projects and programs cropping up as the com- munity need is felt. It is this flexibility which provides the dynamics of most extension programming. New Programs Among the new programs conducted by Home Econ- omics was a popular Babysitting Course to familiarize not only teen- agers but also mature adults with various aspects of child care. Babysit- ting attracted 18 participants the first year, 24 the second year, and expand- ed into an Adult Sitter Clinic for 54 mature persons. The latter were in- structed in how to properly care for the elderly and other dependent adults by 22 professionals from various fields, such as doctors and nurses, who volun- teered to share their expertise with par- ticipants. For All Ages Our older citizens were not forgotten: classes in sewing and crafts were offered and during the month of May (Senior Citizens Month) 120 seniors attended Nutrition Work- shops held at five senior citizen centers on St. Croix. The culmination was a special Senior Citizen Celebration held = é ro esa | Housing specialist Dr. Joseph Wysocki of Penn State Wolvetsity gave a seminar on home plan- ning and layout, First group of babysitters qualifying for certification after Home are congratulated by program leader Olivia Henry. ats = The Summer Teens six weeks program attracted 85 young people in 1984 who learned to con- struct their own g: as well as to prepare food properly and develop skills in arts and crafts. in the Home Economics Laboratory on the College Campus. Since the trend is now firmly established that usually both heads of households are em- ployed outside the home, often we find retirees among the participants in daytime home economics classes; they now have the interest and the time to improve their skills in sewing for the home, clothing construction or crafts. There were 309 participants in these free classes which included home beau- tification, clothing recycling and a Christmas Decoration Workshop. Two Creative Cooking courses were con- Adult Sitter Clinic offered to 50 mature p in how to care for elderly and other ducted with an enrollment of 16. The dependent adults. main objectives were to stimulate in- terest in utilizing available foods with which to create new and tasty recipes for family meals, and also to develop skills in preparing bulk cookery. A Head of Household energy conserva- tion workshop was also held in cooper- ation with the V.I. Energy Office. The emphasis was on educating household- ers about the energy crisis with tips on how to get the most energy for the least expenditure. EFNEP Grows The federally funded j f E : Expanded Food and Nutrition Educa- Certification for completion of many courses such as Stati for sinter Citizens was a popular ton Program (EFNEP) showed in- occasion as shown at this over by prog: aide Hope betes i withcRD Cfcases in young Virgin Islands’ program leader and director Kwame Garcia doing the honors clientele, with a jump from 18 to 50 enrolled in 1983, to 124 in 1984. In addition, 304 homemakers received nutrition information through the Nutrition Outreach Program. An EFNEP Bake-Off Contest was held for 15 contestants with prizes awarded for the best baked goods. Twenty-six students at the Alfredo Andrews School were enrolled in an Extension Home Economics class during the 1984 Spring semester; youngsters learned about nutrition and food preparation, clothing construction and crafts. Summer Teens —_1n. 1983 the Sum- mer Teens Program attracted 54 young j people and in 1984 the program was ‘tone beautilieation Gn a bibdset ‘Siay (center) @ imiagt expanded to all three islands with an native uses for fabrics. enrollment of 85. These teenagers 13 wr Fi 7 Ke ra] cae}, <= f oy - T> «4 N Workeh, Visiting U.S. ofA ial at the Food by the Cooperative sion Service of the college g for the of With them seated from left are V.1. Agriculture Commissioner Patrick N. Wil ms; CVI Extension Service director Dr. Darshan S. Padda; Home Economics program leader Mrs. Olivia Henry. st a a oo. & } Perm he an a4 e [eB - =z lage . og \k ¥ bal i/ -@ e> B. a —_ ing about simple home repairs can save money, explains electri- The guava is a fruit of many’ uses. Extension Aide Agatha Ross Evanor Gibs to homemakers at Extension. demonstrates all the good things made from local guava, such as preserves, juice, pies and “leather” candy. “ a a “a Ss): > '@ his fret r- i ‘> ¢ eet 2 ie —s «y +) ¥ Two creative cooking coursse were held for those who wished to ex- Clothing Cc: nach how to sew from a pattern. plore tasty new cooking me’ 5 37 to 15 years old were involved in a wide variety of personal growth activities covering learning how to sew their own outfits, the importance of good nutri- tion and food preparation, crocheting, embroidery work and other arts and crafts. Culminating this popular sum- mer youth activity was the Sixth An- nual Achievement Ceremony for the teens and 125 adults who all received certificates for successfully completing various program achievements. Advisory Council A Home Econ- omics Advisory Council was formed comprising five members. The Council gives input and advice on community needs which can be met by the Home Economics component. Combined housing and gardening workshops were held over a two-day period which featured a professional housing specialist from Penn State University and an horticulturist from the Univer- sity of Florida. Food Procurement Workshop What was referred to as the “best workshop ever” covered a four-day period in February 1984 and attracted hundreds of participants. The Food Procurement Workshop was presented jointly by the Home Economics program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eight fepresentatives of USDA along with a score of representatives from mainland and local agencies, as well as food businesses all spoke to the 100 persons who attended each day's sessions. Par- ticipants represented government and private business industries who deal with food, including school, hospital and elderly food programs along with food producers, wholesalers and retailers. A major highlight of the workshop was the appearance of Dr. Joan S. Wallace, USDA’s administra- tor for the Office of International Cooperation and Development. Speci- al commendation certificates for those attending all four days of the workshop were awarded to 37 individuals. bed The Virgin Islands had a winner when Mrs. Olive Henderson of Estate Whim and her family were proclaimed “Great American Family of 1982,” in December of that year. The award, signed by Mrs. Ronald Reagan, the rroccants wife, cited Mrs. Henderson, mother of five foster children, as having made a her and A of St. Paul's Anglican Church, ne “civic Club, Business and Professional iets 's Club and a 4-H volunteer, Mrs. Henderson Is shown being d by the assis- tant for F Teofilo Receiving the gavel from Home Ec program leader Olivia Henry was new Homemakers Council president Marjorie Tyson, while agent Dorothy Gibbs looks on. New 4-H Programs Virgin Islands young people, like youth all over, re- spond to the challenge of being in- volved in imaginative activities, par- ticularly in a social setting where they meet with their own peers. Many of the activities promoted by the exten- sion 4-H Youth Program appeal to this aspect and need in the islands’ young people. Several new programs emerged in 1983-1984 in addition to those that are ongoing. Included among these is a special interest group called Musical Youth at St. Patrick’s School in Fred- eriksted involving 90 youth and five teachers. They have given public per- formances at 4-H affairs and appeared in the opening ceremonies at the An- nual Agriculture and Food Fair. A new 4-H Wildlife Program has as its main emphasis the rearing of pigeons. The program involves eight members and 143 pigeons. The Youth Garden Pro- gram originally was oriented towards junior and senior high school aged children, but in 1984 it took on a new look with participants as young as cight-years old involved in raising their own crops. During the year three schools, one youth group and an in- INVOLVING THE YOUTH dividual group participated in two gardening workshops to learn about soil, pest management, food process- ing and marketing and general garden- ing from extension technical staff. The Animal Husbandry Program focused on projects with heifer and bull calves, rabbits and goat rearing. All groups bent their best efforts toward achieving recognition and ribbons at the Annual Agriculture and Food Fair held each February on St. Croix. 4-H Clubs The club system is the backbone of the 4-H program. Made up of one or more volunteer leaders and at least five intersted youth, club projects are chosen by each club and can vary according to participants’ in- terest area. Currently there are four clubs on St. Thomas, three on St. John and 25 on St. Croix. While many clubs have varied interests, the focus of others is directed towards gardening, animal husbandry, home economics and sewing, arts and crafts, music, agriculture, woodworking, culture awareness, dairy, wildlife and natural resources. There are also special in- terest groups which meet for one d to the 4H ¢ specific purpose such as animal hus- bandry, Expanded Food and Nutrition (EFNEP), music education, youth gardens and wildlife-natural resources. Outside Exposure As important as the youth programs, are the training sessions offered for adult volunteers. A highlight each October is Rock Eagle Conference in Georgia. These annual leadership training meetings usually involve volunteer leaders and 4-H staff members. Partial funding for travel ex- penses has been received from J.C. Penney Company. April is the month for National 4-H Conference held just outside Washington, D.C. which sees our six delegate 4-H’ers and two staf- fers join with hundreds of other delegates across the nation. “Inspiring” is the one word they have chosen to describe their national experience. Part of this has meant learning about new program ideas, making new friends from all over the U.S.A., exchanging state mementos and learning about other parts of the world. In 1983 a ma- jor highlight occurred for the V.I. delegation when the Virgin Islands ex- = A 4H highlight annually is the visit by The 1984 group visiting V.I. Delegate to Congress Ron deLugo while in Washington, D.C. were 4-H Agent Shelton Shulterbrandt, 4-H Aide Yvonne Phillips, volunteer leader Gwendolyn Molloy, 4-H’er Tessa Alexander, delegate deLugo, 4-H’ers Lorraine Simon, Lucy Boodoosingh and Peter Christian, 39 a especially when same direction as four! The event w Sports Field Day. 4-H has celebrated World Fi coconut and papaya. The 4-H Mask and Lantem Parade Is an old large display and free recipe books offered at Christiansted Market Place. In 1982 they featured + asl ce in October with a signal of Christmas festivities by Extension 4-H. hibit was voted among the top five at the conference. Later, in June, three 4-H’ers and one staff member attend- ed Michigan Exploration Days in East Lansing. Delegates were exposed to more than 120 career options. After the three-day conference, delegates spent two weeks with Michigan host families in a cultural exchange. Another new program which has pro- ven successful for 4-H is Staff Orienta- tion conducted at the beginning of each fiscal year to provide 4-H with continuing meaningful direction, in- creasing emphasis on leaders’ training and streamlining the 4-H Advisory Council. Leaders assisted by staff also participated in arts and crafts fairs held at Island Center and Sunny Isle during the early spring. Annual 4-H Week The second week of October is always Virgin Islands 4-H Week. It is at this time that 4-H opens its doors to the public, and through a variety of colorful pro- grams, encourages the increased parti- cipation of island youth and adult volunteers. Since national World Food Day also occurs at the same time, it has proven to be an excellent opportunity for 4-H to focus on food that can be grown locally. Each year 4-H mounts a large display in the Christiansted mar- ketplace centering around one specific ctop, such as papaya, coconut or breadfruit. Emphasizing local fruit trees, the virtues of guava as a versatile fruit were extolled vial public service TV presentations by 4-H youngsters. The many various ways to serve these local foods were demonstrated to the public, with samples offered to bystanders and recipe books compiled by 4-H given out free. Other activities during 4-H Week include Arbor day with the planting of a native fruit tree on each of the three Virgin Islands; Open House which introduces former 4-H membets and leaders as honored guests; and Storytime for island youngsters “under the tamun tree” with famous local storytellers remind- The summer Apprenticeship Program placed many Lape people in jobs throughout the com- Gua by Andrea Bryan. munity. Here Lyria Samuel leams to use a ing listeners of the adventures of Bru Nancee, or telling scary jumbee stories that are guaranteed positively true! Often 4-H Week closes with an Awards Ceremony to recognize the top 4-H members and volunteers. A total of 320 took part in the week-long ac- tivities in 1983. Mask and Lantern _ nits efforts to encourage traditional culture in the Virgin Islands, on St. Croix each year at Christmastime the 4-H sponsors an old time Mask and Lantern parade. In both 1982 and 1983 more than 120 4-H'ers and the public participated by showing skills in mask and costume making, utilizing natural resources. “Just like in TV,” young apprentices leamed the art of fingerprinting while working at Public Safety. Many prizes, including trips to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, were awarded to winners who displayed excellent creative skills in their unusual masks and decorated lanterns. On St. Thomas 4-H’ers held a carol sing for senior citizens at Lucinda Millin Home and at the Senior Citizens Center. Arbor Day is important to 4-H with placed on planting fruit trees in the V.I. like this mango at Woodson School. Crago Animal Clinic. 4) wiggly dogs, as these two 4-H apprentices learned at EFNEP The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) was begun in the schools in January 1983. Nutritional information on the Basic Four food groups was presented to 142 students from three schools and two 4-H clubs. Interest was keen, and principals, teachers and students re- quested that the program be repeated the next year. From a September 1983 total of 165 enrolled in EFNEP, due to its popularity enrollment increased to 240 young people by the end of Sep- tember 1984, including 19 family groups. Summer Camp The 4-H Summer Camp program was funded exclusively by extension resources in both 1983 and 1984. In 1983 11 counselors were hired to oversee activities at three campsites on St. Croix and one each on St. Thomas and St. John for a total of 118 young campers. In an innovative approach, each campsite offered a special activity theme: drama, sea en- vironment, teen apprenticeship and cultural awareness. More than 45 com- munity leadets and specialists partici- pated as guest speakers the first year. The teen apprenticeship program has had the wholehearted cooperation of businessmen and agency heads. In 1983 15 sites provided actual working experience three days a week. The other two days teen campers learned skills in resume writing, interview role playing, research and presentation. In Sea Environment, campers were taught swimming by lifeguards at Vincent Mason Pool in Frederiksted, as well as learning fish identification, cooking methods for different types of fish and shell collecting-identification. The season ended with drama presenta- tions, field days, crafts displays and ceremonies on all three islands. Summer camp opened on June 25 and ran through August 10 in 1984. There was a total of 133 campers enrolled on all three islands. Staff in- cluded 12 counselors, four legislature- funded volunteers and three others. Camps specialized in theatre, sea en- vironment and teen apprenticeship. The latter totaling 40, were employed at 17 different private and public sec- tor jobs, and were widely acclaimed by those for whom they worked for their aptitude and serious intent. Final sum- mer activities included an enthusiastic and often times uproarious field day, theatrical presentations and crowning of Miss and Mr. 4-H at the Awards Ceremony. Nomet Some 4-H’ers were interested in learning about sewing a new with 4-H A Beulah Th iding the i h Summer Royalty chosen during closing ceremonies of 4-H camp proudly displa Sea 42 8 large group of water lovers. t HONORS, MEETINGS, VISITORS AND FAIRS WEI Delegates to the 20th Annual Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS) meeting held on St. Croix from were greeted by this P. Crops the Dr. S. Padda gavel, Hh Society to newly elected president Dr. St. his 1984 p Clair Forde of Trinidad. Service and Agriculture Department. Food Distinguished Service Award In May 1983 the staff of CVI's Land- Grant programs celebrated the an- nouncement that Director Darshan S. Padda had been chosen to receive the U.S. Department of Agriculture's highest honor, the prestigious Distinguished Service Award. Agri- culture Secretary John R. Block, in presenting the award, stated that Dr. Padda was recognized for his leader- ship in developing and conducting ex- tension education programs that serve as models for technology transfer systems not only in the Caribbean region but also for other developing countries in the world. Caribbean Food Crops Society In September 1983 Dr. Padda was elected president of the Caribbean Food Crops Society at the 19th annual meeting held in Puerto Rico. The twentieth an- nual meeting of the Society took place in October 1984 and was considered a most successful international gathering of professionals involved in the pro- duction and distribution of food crops in the Caribbean Basin. By far the largest conference ever sponsored by the Society, some 225 participants were officially registered, with the total attendance well over 300 including spouses and unregistered local partici- pants. The program included 133 papers presented in concurrent technical ses- sions held at the Hotel-on-the-Cay convention site in Christiansted. Har- bor. Delegates represented 23 nations and territories, including Antigua, Barbados, Bermuda, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Grenada, Guade- loupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mar- tinique, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad-Tobago, U.S.A., U.S. Virgin Islands and Vene- zuela. Translation into English, French and Spanish was simultaneous when needed. ie wes — 4 A! Ei ¢ ai Py a, ES on %, “/ iz} \ Right, Cat NEP more about EFNEP display at Home Economics booth caused much attention with children who loved the big Soll Screrteaton:e as Semmes by plant path- EFNEP dolly. was in charge. ologist Rob W AT THE FAIR 1 bon ate — St. Thomas Extension Coordinator John Matuszak checks out some billboard displays CFCS meeting. Wi Ve nF ws Wi = Pak ny xo EGRATED PEST Fa AND AGEMr a ™“ las > a “ ee a i +¢ at es jam © y ‘eh Ts zi ¥ a\ cee tae ae eS 2 , © Or. Joan S. Wallace, administrator for the U.S. ‘> > Department of Agriculture’s Office of Intema: al was o at the 1984 and to those Food Fair. Dr. for the Food P gavea Poisonous plants as well as beetles, bugs and butterflies were play by pest at Workshop just prior to the fair. Agriculture and Food Fair. Visitors... Several mainland groups and individuals were hosted by the Land-Grant programs in the Virgin Islands. In March 1983 the annual meeting of the Caribbean Basin Ad- ministrative Group (CBAG) for Tropical Agriculture was held on St. Thomas to review research proposals and fund allocations. CVI's Agricul- tural Experiment Station received ap- proval for three projects with an an- nual funding of $159,900 at that ’ time. Special staff member for the pausing tor a moment prior to CFCS Banquet were from left CVI president Arthur A. Richards, Rockefeller Foundation Dr. E. J. USDA’ y for and Dr. Orville G. Bentley Wellhousen, who is a world renowned 44 CFCS president Darshan 8. Padda. agricultural scientist, visited St. Croix in April as part of the UNICA-BID mission to learn more about the Caribbean agricultural production, research, education and technology transfer. In September, 12 members of the International Science and Education Council (ISEC) research committee visited St. Croix enroute to the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) in Trinidad. Director Darshan Padda hosted them during their stay, with a visit also to various Land-Grant facilities and a breakfast meeting with CVI President Arthur A. Richards. . and Meetings The following pean Society. April the annual meeting of the Sou- thern Extension Directors was held on St. Thomas at the Virgin Islands Hotel with representatives of 11 states attending. A highlight of the mecting, which was to decide regional and national policies affecting exten- sion programs in the southern region, was the presence of both Dr. Mary Nell Greenwood, USDA's Extension Service Administrator, and Dr. Howard G. Diesslin, executive direc- tor for extension of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC). The annual meeting of the Southern Region Cooperative Research Project S-168 for Warmwater Aquaculture was co-hosted by the CVI Agricultural Experiment Station and the Universi- them Extension Directors met with the CVI extension service on St. Thomas in 1983 for an- ty of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. On nual meeting. Cc A A met with the ¢ Food 45 Dr. Mary Nell USDA's A . paused for ‘ing and was joined by extension aldes Amabell Frett and Alma Wesselhoft and od Irene Gibson. June 21 the group of 19 participants representing 10 research institutions and the USDA visited aquaculture research facilities on St. Croix. The first biennial meeting of the newly formed Caribbean Aquaculture Asso- ciation was also held October 1984 in bee conjunction with the Caribbean Food Crops Society meeting, and was at- tended by 15 aquaculturists, several of whom delivered papers to those at- } ) tending the food crops meeting. E _— a . Bhs St. Lucla Minister of Agriculture | visited with Land-Grant director Darsha F s. Pade, ‘along with Io local businessmen Sim Frences (iett, " . nena’ Eastern Caribbean Center Repre- sentatives from the experiment station and extension service professional staff joined with others at the college to assist with preliminary recommenda- tions and plans creating an Eastern Caribbean Center at CVI. The Center is planned to be an_ international educational institution fully integrated into the College of the Virgin Islands in order to offer cooperative programs of study, research and training for the people of the Eastern Caribbean region. The Cooperative Extension Service, with its many outreach capa- bilities which have proven so success- ful, has announced its willingness to assist others beyond the territorial = A's ee ts os shores, as it has in the past through Dr. A. J. hseprang author of Poisonous and injurious Plants of the Virgin which was such services as soil and water analysis by the Service, visits the Extension Resource Room with his wife, Mae, to pick up a few paid th of the booklet. With them is pest management agent Olasee Davis. and cultural youth exchange programs. Agriculture Fairs \n 1983, despite a late start, the extension service joined with the V.I. Department of Agricul- ture in presenting a modified agricul- ture fair called an “Agriculture Exposi- tion,” with most of the displays and ac- tivities taking place in the main ex- hibits building at Estate Lower Love on St. Croix. Both the extension service and experiment station mounted handsome exhibits, with 4-H awarded first prize in the youth division. The following year, the traditional fair was again held in February and Land- Grant programs featured large displays on everything from trickle irrigation to 4-H masks, with both Home Econom- ics and 4-H again taking top awards for their colorful exhibits. In addition to entertaining the crowd with the 4-H Musical Youth group, another 4-H in- novation was the selection of the first youth gardener of the year asa result of the youth garden program. A donation of $200 was given by Martin Marietta towards the prizes in the gardening competition. Some 22,000 persons at- tended the three-day 1984 fair on St. Croix while on St. Thomas that year more than 5,000 persons were at- tracted to their annual fair held at the CVI gymnasium for one day in March. As in the previous year, exhibits in- cluded those from extension home ec- onomics, 4-H, agriculture, pest man- agement and small livestock. Joining with them were the colorful blossoms of the St. Thomas Hibiscus Society. Congratulations were in order for the first A hi of Arts gi in Charles Collingwood (center). With him are Dr. Mary Savage, St. Croix Campus administrator, agriculture Arthur Darshan S. Padda. Mi of the his mother Mrs. Collingwood, and Land-Grant director Council (ISEC) of USDA met In September on St. Croix enroute to CARD! meeting in Trinidad. They are shown with Dr. Arthur Richards and Dr. Darshan Padda who showed them Land Grant facilitles at CVI. ADVISORY COMMITTEES - 1983-84 Extension Germaine Cherry Mario Gasperi Oscar Henry Agatha Ross Home Economics Otis Hicks Michele Thurland Hilda Todman Rosalie Jones 47 4H Theodore Thomas Sam Thomas Antonio Steele Nicholas Castruccio Maude Christian oe -_~ ‘ae 1 Tlie = “i \ ¥ ary y \\ |'/ Pa “| if © t¢ a a 2) > eas *n, ~ ys @ 4 > Se\mi ea | a2] ax val x ‘eae -_ i} ~ mae 4 5 Martin Luther King’s Birthday was 8 commemorated in January 1984 _ brid e cieD ot a mango tree. are sioner Patrick N. Williams and L d- 9! eae ‘e ‘a a lj fi se Lis AREA SEIT (3 i jo ew L > | = + « a “a a fl = a > ta mJ = ~~ B= oat oo ey ak. ated rani Tar ae x ss ®t rf ht RP ets =! ae Paves ty je ok aia ec Dr. Harold Hupp carefully checks 6 ears of calf during judging at the Agriculture and Food Fair. STAFF 1983 and 1984 ADMINISTRATION Darshan S. Padda ..........2..4.. Director, AES-CES *Harold Hupp................ Assistant Director (AES) Kwame Garcia.............-. Assistant Director (CES) Bonnie Andrews ...........-- Administrative Assistant AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION ANIMAL SCIENCE *Harold Hupp vcxcccosaws comment Animal Scientist Douglas Wright .............-. Research Technician II Audrey Valmont ........--.---- Research Technician I Yvonne Hotton ss cesscasssisscas eesaress Secretary II AQUACULTURE James Rakocy:s i356. -osstsises Research Aquaculturist Ayyappan Nair ............... Assistant Aquaculturist John Hargreaves. ...........5055 Research Technician I Vernon Smith ............. 0. eee ee eee Research Aide PLANT SCIENCE *Ahmed Hegab ................. Research Agronomist Arthur C. Petersen .........- Vegetable Crop Specialist Christopher Ramcharan ........ Associate Horticulturist Stephan Buzdugan .............-- Irrigation Specialist Agenol Gonzalez ....2.. 0.00. 6.050% Research Specialist Robert: Webb nssisicsoamccncawccnes Research Specialist Walter I. Knausenberger. . . . Pest Management Specialist *Eric Dillingham. ...........200000000- Farm Manager Albion Francis .....-..-......+55 Research Assistant II Mary Gozelski .........-..--.055 Research Assistant II Kirk Benoit ..............--200- Research Assistant II Lisa Yotemaswsenwnca sasainvesas Research Technician I Nelson Benite? :c:ascccscennasemmmenncconuee Research Atde Ezekiel Clark .........0.0000200000005 Research Aide Ramiro Gomez s:aisstoinss Georneaies Research Aide Jeremigh: Hasse isis cias-ssaisseirowanccencess Research Aide Oswaldo LOPEZ 6:0; e.si0:eresnixseierenrnceiviere-erere Research Aide *Alejandro Perez ............ ees eeeees Research Aide *Estanislao Perez vis sisasicanwanaaceais a0 Research Aide Kendall Petersen ......... 22.2 -.c00eeeees Research Aide *Narcisco Rivera.......-.-2 220202020 eee Research Aide Antonio Rodriguez ................... Research Aide AUgUSHO RINE cia aseecamesscummaces Research Aide Coreen Hughes........-..-. 0020-2 c cece Secretary COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE AGRICULTURE David Pattat sissecsriccesscwceeemaeecowse Program Leader Clinton George ..... Extension Specialist — Horticulture *Harold Hupp 5 ss25sseaouwnacaue wae Animal Scientist Paul Boateng ..............- Small Livestock Specialist Charles Smith .............0055 Extension Assistant II Allan Schuster. «. :..54 s003 Sek susews Dairy Assistant IT TALE Sint ly assia2s arisamsaccssseacracsraasassracararens Extension Aide I Romelia Camacho-Nanton ........-.--.+++ Secretary I 49 COMMUNITY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Kwame Garcia... 0.20.02. eee eee eee Program Leader *George Morris..............0.005 Extension Specialist LZ W800 esissssrnicsrontnnasrenrs Communications - Editor Randall Macedon..............---+ Extension Agent I Lawrence Sarauw .............0005: Extension Aide Il *“Olonzo Williams ............------ Extension Aide Il *Nullister DeWese 2.20.2... 0s ee eee Extension Aide II Jean Cook... 2.0.0. <.0:008 SUSE N Se eee NaS ees Secretary II PEST MANAGEMENT Walter I. Knausenberger ..........-.- Program Leader G. Houston Holder ......... Plant Protection Specialist Martti Tetty ssicscesieaaisconarnencssauncns Extension Agent I Kenneth Davis...............055-5 Extension Agent I Christene Henry: si sisisisgesaciccsiens Office Assistant II HOME ECONOMICS Olivia Henty 265.5555 es axetes See seus Program Leader *Bemice Jacobs: wxzxscssswacie cae Extension Assistant II Evannie E. Jeremiah ...........- Extension Assistant II *Doris Edwards .............+--- Extension Assistant II Dorothy Gibbs................. Extension Assistant II Miriam Greene ... «2.22... 6 002 e ees Extension Aide II *Angela Lake ..........-----0--2-0 Extension Aide II Hope Murphy ...........--------+- Extension Aide II Rosalind Browne .............------ Extension Aide I 4H Zoraida E. Jacobsircagweasssinsawsawgis Program Leader Shelton Shulterbrandt............- Extension Agent I Sarah Dahl-Smith ............-..-. Extension Agent I Jillian C. Webster .............-. Extension Assistant 1 Jaities Weeks o:sceenecate wscaue scones Extension Assistant I Beulah Thompson..............+ Extension Assistant I Alejandro Bolques ....-......--- Extension Assistant I WLetoy Jamies sicoicswiseiresiememeaveswecs Extension Aide I TRU aa BUNGE ce: o:socorese nares erenasereneneneseseveserpinantess Secretary I ST. THOMAS - ST. JOHN John Matuszak ................ Extension Coordinator *Kim Stearman........ Extension Specialist Agronomy Catlos Robles sisisie cssssvsccnascesaatcrunes Extension Agent I DAG MOHWORS eseccnmmemmencseennre Extension Agent 1 *Rebecca Day..............-0-2-2-- Extension Agent I lrene Gibson iaswasicoraancosn wecewe Extension Agent I Alma Wesselhoft ...............0005 Extension Aide I Blanche Mills ...............-..+--- Extension Aide I Leone Clune: asia sencoscnsnaeresiaie Extension Aide I *Amiabell Prete ssicos sissicanccmnsaawenrses Extension Aide I *John LaPlace...............-2-0-00- Extension Aide 1 PLilltan Cate cisceaiess Ses SUENS GREATS Secretary | *Debotal: Aspen esis ses wsessmemcnsmananamsr Secretary I *Left CVI since 1984 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, Technical Bulletin No. 4 Grain Sorghum and Forage: Production and Utilization Potential in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. 1 1980-1981. Senepol Cattle: History and Development. Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. 11 (Spanish and English text) Native Recipes. Extension Bulletin No. 1 Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service: A Model for Technology Transfer Systems in the Caribbean. Extension Bulletin No. 3 Avocado Production and Marketing. Extension Bulletin No. 4 Sorrel Production and Marketing in the Virgin Islands. Ex- tension Bulletin No. 5 Island Insects: Handbook for Insect Study. Extension Handbook No. 1 Beef Catle Improvement Handbook. Extension Handbook No. 2 Poisonous and Injurious Plants of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cooperative Extension Reprint Series No. 1 Vegetable Planting and Harvesting Guide. Gardeners Factsheet No. 1 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 Factsheet No. 6 Staking and Training Tomato Plants. Gardeners Factsheet No. 7 Growing Spinach in the Virgin Islands. Gardeners Fact- sheet No. 10 Controlling Nematodes in the Gardeners Factsheet No. 11 Vegetable Garden. Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants by Layering. Gardeners Factsheet No. 12 . Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants by Cutting. Gardeners Factsheet No. 13 Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants by Grafting. Gardeners Factsheet No. 14 Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants by Budding. Gardeners Factsheet No. 15 Fertilizing Your Garden for Opti: 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 Imigation System. Gardeners Fact- sheet No. 20 Growing Mangoes. Gardeners Factsheet No. 21 Yields. Gardeners Growing Citrus. Gardeners Factsheet No. 22 Saving Vegetable Seeds for the Home Garden. Gardeners Factsheet No. 23 Growing Mesple (Sapodillas). Gardeners Factsheet No. 24. Testing Soil for Better Yields (Part I). Gardeners Factsheet No. 25 Interpreting Your Soil Testing Results (Part Il). Gardeners Factsheet No. 26 Banana Root Borer and Its Control. Pest Management Factsheet No. 1 Pest Control for Home Vegetable Gardeners in the Virgin Islands. Miscellaneous Publication No. 1 Essentials of Farm Fi tal Manag t: Fi ‘al Management. Farm Management Factsheet No. 1 Essentials of Farm Financial Manag t: Depr Methods. Farm Management Factsheet No. 2 Land-Grant Programs in Action (an overview of Virgin Islands programs). College of the Virgin Islands: Our First 22 Years.