Author: April Kingsman

bird cherry-oat aphid: A pest of cereals that spreads viruses. Monitoring and controlling bird cherry-oat aphids protects cereal crops from disease.

isoglucose: Same as high fructose corn syrup. Helps farmers understand food ingredients and processing.

blister mite: A small mite that infests plants, causing blister-like galls. Managing blister mites through integrated pest management protects crop yields.

Lignin: Lignin is the material in plant cell walls that makes plants woody and gives them rigidity and strength. Understanding lignin can help farmers manage plant growth and crop quality.

buckeye: A type of tree or shrub, also a breed of chicken. Understanding different uses of terms like buckeye helps farmers manage diverse farm operations.

saddle bow: A high part of a saddle in front of the rider. Farmers benefit from saddle bows by ensuring rider stability and control during horseback activities.

plant hormones: Hormones such as auxin which particularly affect plant growth. They are more accurately called ‘plant growth substances’. Helpful content: Understanding plant hormones can help farmers manipulate plant growth for better yield and quality. For instance, applying auxins can promote rooting in cuttings, leading to successful plant propagation.

Biodiversity Action Plan: A detailed scheme to maintain the biodiversity of a specific area. Implementing BAPs helps farmers protect and enhance biodiversity on their land.

brine: A solution of salt in water. Using brine for food preservation and processing supports farm product quality and shelf life.

scarify: 1. To stir the surface of the soil with an implement with tines, e.g. a wire rake, but without turning the soil over. Lawns can be scarified to remove moss and matted grass. 2. To slit the outer coat of seed in order to speed up germination. Farmers benefit from scarifying to improve soil health and enhance seed germination rates.