Month: December 2016

Formulation: The form in which a pesticide is sold for use, e.g., emulsions, wettable powders, etc., which can be mixed with water. Properly managing pesticide formulations ensures effective pest control and environmental safety.

miticide: a substance that kills mites. Understanding the application and effects of miticides can help farmers manage mite infestations more effectively, ensuring better crop and livestock health.

VLAA: Abbreviation for Veterinary Laboratories Agency. The VLA’s work is crucial for managing animal health and preventing disease outbreaks.

grey leaf: Grey leaf is a disease of cereals caused by manganese deficiency. Managing grey leaf disease ensures healthy cereal crops, preventing yield losses and improving farm productivity.

Animals that live in the soil and contribute to soil health and ecosystem function. Soil fauna includes earthworms, insects, and other invertebrates. For example, promoting soil fauna diversity through organic farming practices to enhance soil health and support sustainable agriculture.

Exmoor Horn: A stock fat sheep, with a broad head, curled horns, and dense fleece. Mainly found on Exmoor, the breed has been crossed with the Devon Longwool to create the Devon Closewool. Raising Exmoor Horn sheep helps farmers produce high-quality wool and meat.

earlies: Potatoes grown for harvesting early in the season. Compare maincrop potatoes. Early potatoes can provide farmers with a quick return on investment and an early market presence.

Colorado Beetle: Colorado beetle /k?l?r?d?? bi:t(?)l/ noun a beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) with black and yellow stripes which eats and destroys potato plants. Managing Colorado beetles involves using integrated pest management strategies to protect potato crops.

moisture: a slight amount of water as found in the soil or air. Understanding moisture levels can help farmers manage irrigation and crop health more effectively, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.

pecking order: The order of social dominance in a group of birds, and also animals (NOTE: The equivalent in cattle is the ‘bunt order’). Understanding social hierarchies in livestock helps in managing animal behavior and welfare.