Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
A quick glance would lead passers by to believe that little transpires in panhandle fields, other than routine planting, irrigation and harvest. But a Field Day hosted this week by the University of Nebraska's High Plains Agriculture Laboratory, north of Sidney, suggests so much more.
One research project, presented by Dipak Santra, focused on a new millet seed being developed that will require less water for germination and growth. Millet is often a risky crop—temperamental, yet with high returns in good years. Santra is also involved in a project to grow fenugreek, which is popular in India. In addition to its use as an herb, fenugreek is a key ingredient in the production of Metformin, used for treating Type II Diabetes.
Jeff Bradshaw is experimenting with alternative ways to combat the destructive sawfly. Along with the use of pheromones to lure the fly into traps, he is studying the effect of planting to deter the fly. Flax, barley and hardwheat are sturdy enough to prevent sawflies from laying their eggs. When the larvae emerge, they slice wheat stems in half.
Farmers and researchers interested in UNL projects toured the fields in open cars, pulled by tractors. At different stations they heard the progress of the university's studies, both in the field and back at the lab.
Justin McMechan tracks the wheat curl mite, like the sawfly a virulent pest this farming season. His work involves learning the mite's migration patterns—the how and where of an insect's decision making process.
After touring the research fields, on Aug. 6, members of the High Plains Agriculture Laboratory broke ground for a new headquarters building. Construction was made possible by a fund-raising campaign. A local committee and the University of Nebraska Foundation raised about $500,000 toward completion of the facility.
The 2,800-square-foot building will include a laboratory and space for equipment, conference room, offices for permanent staff and workstations for students or visiting scientists.
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