This research project has and will continue to lead to sound recommendations for growers and nurseries based on widespread knowledge of adaptability and performance of fruit trees. To remain competitive, apple growers are replacing older, less productive orchards with new ones planted to new varieties with greater consumer appeal, but also with dwarfing rootstocks that […]
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More than 60% of Maine vegetable growers use hoop houses. Primarily the structures are used for the production of summer season tomatoes and/or fall through spring greens production with little crop rotation or cover cropping. Little attention is given to maintaining soil health other than application of typically large volumes of compost or manures. Overtime […]
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The primary goals of this research are to increase competitiveness for domestic fruit production and preserve fresh-picked quality, which in turn will increase the availability of locally grown and highly perishable fruit. To meet these goals, we will evaluate the storability of new cultivars, make better use of existing storage technologies, and develop new, safer […]
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Sheep and goat farms are the fastest-growing segment of livestock agriculture in Maine, and constitute a diverse group of producers who market high-value products such as wool, milk, and meat to regional markets throughout New England. Internal parasitism is an increasingly important problem for these farmers because it often results in significant death losses and […]
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Mastitis is one of the most important economic impacts on Maine dairy farms. When prototheca is present on a farm, it can spread easily from the environment into the udder. Prototheca elevates the somatic cell count, a critical measure of milk quality for the dairy. Of Maine farms from which prototheca was isolated, one has […]
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According to the Maine Farm Bureau, Maine is home to 35,000 horses, with an economic impact of approximately $364 million. Although isolated, Maine is nevertheless on the front lines of national biosecurity due to its extensive sea and land borders and at risk for new outbreaks of diseases in animal populations. The economic impact of […]
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Various silage additives, which claim to improve forage quality, bunk life, and animal performance, are commercially available to Maine producers. These products often have little or no research data to support their claims and rely on user testimonials to document their efficacy. Our dairy farmers need more than testimonials on which to base their forage […]
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Invasive plant and animal species have been responsible for considerable problems in both natural and managed landscapes, with resulting damage, losses, and efforts to manage them estimated to cost the U.S. economy over $120 billion per year. Management of invasive species, particularly invasive insects, requires immediate, innovative, cost-effective strategies that are compatible with maintenance of […]
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Consumer demand for safe, minimally processed, additive-free, shelf-stable foods that retain the appearance, flavor, texture and nutritional qualities of raw or fresh foods has been a driving force for commercial application of non-thermal food processing methods, such as high pressure (HP) processing. Applying high pressure at 240-350 MPa for 3 min to live oysters to […]
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Excessive weight gain is associated with increased risk of developing many serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Young adults are at a uniquely increased risk for weight gain because of rapidly changing social situations that influence eating and exercise behaviors. Despite extensive efforts to promote weight management, these efforts only reach […]
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