Circulars: Recent submissions
Now showing items 1-20 of 119
-
Potato Variety Performance, Alaska 1997A yield trial comparing 45 cultivars of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) was conducted during the 1997 growing season at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station’s (AFES) Palmer Research Center, Matanuska Farm, located six miles west of Palmer, Alaska. Varieties with a history of commercial production in the Matanuska Valley (Alaska 114, Bake-King, Green Mountain, and Superior) were included to serve as a comparative base for newly developed varieties or older named varieties that have not been tested at this location. Russet Burbank, the variety most widely grown in the United States, also was included to broaden the base of comparison although past trials have demonstrated its unsuitability for this area. Varieties that compare favorably with the above listed local standards may warrant consideration by commercial growers. Nonirrigated trials have been conducted annually since 1982 whereas irrigated trials were initiated in 1985. Results of these trials were published in AFES Circulars and are available at AFES offices.
-
Head Lettuce Variety Performance, Matanuska Valley, Alaska 1997In 1995, 27 head lettuce varieties were evaluated in a replicated study at the Palmer Research Center, and two growers’ fields in the Matanuska Valley. The 15 varieties that performed best in 1995 were selected for evaluation in 1996 and 1997. The performance of those 15 varieties in 1997 is summarized in this report. Results from the 1995 and 1996 trials may be found in UAF circulars 106 and 108 respectively.
-
Annual Flower & Perennial Landscape Plant Evaluations 1995In 1989, a systematic evaluation o f woody and herbaceous perennial landscape plants was begun at the University o f Alaska Fairbanks Georgeson Botanical Garden (64 51'N , 147°52'W). These evaluations w ere expanded to include annual flowers in 1992 and ferns in 1993. The purpose o f this research is to identify hardy perennials capable o f surviving in subarctic environments; to evaluate the ornamental potential o f perennials and annuals; and to fulfill a growing demand for information on landscape plant materials by homeowners, commercial growers, and landscapes.
-
Potato Variety Performance Alaska 1994A yield trial in which 44 named varieties and one numbered selection of potatoes were compared, was conducted during the 1994 growing season at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station’s (AFES) Palmer Research Center, Matanuska Farm, located six miles west of Palmer, Alaska.
-
Annual Flower and Perennial Landscape Plant Evaluations 1994In 1989, a systematic evaluation of woody and herbaceous perennial landscape plants was begun at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Georgeson Botanical Garden (64°51’N, 147°52’W). These evaluations were expanded to include annual flowers in 1992 and ferns in 1993. The purpose of this research is to identify hardy perennials capable of surviving in subarctic environments; to evaluate the ornamental potential of perennials and annuals; and to fulfill a growing demand for information on landscape plant materials by homeowners, commercial growers, and landscapers.
-
Reindeer Calf Productivity and Survival on the Seward Peninsula, AlaskaFactors influencing calf survival are predation, insects, weather, diseases, and-ultimately-dam condition. In addition, reindeer calves on the Seward Peninsula are also subjected to annual herding and handling. The effects of any of these factors were unknown in reindeer herds on the Seward Peninsula. Our objectives were to determine the causes of mortality, particularly through purportedly high grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) predation; and to determine the survival rates of reindeer calves in one herd and provide management recommendations, based on a simple model, attempting to increase the herd numbers.
-
PRODUCING & PROCESSING REINDEER VELVET ANTLERWe initiated this study to develop a single small scale boiling tank and test a drying technique on samples of velvet antler.
-
Annual Flower and Perennial Landscape Plant Evaluations 1993In 1989, a systematic evaluation of woody and herbaceous perennial landscape plants was begun at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Georgeson Botanical Garden (64051’N, 147°52’W). These evaluations were expanded to include annual flowers in 1992 and ferns in 1993. The purpose of this research is to identify hardy perennials capable of surviving in subarctic environments; to evaluate the ornamental potential of perennials and annuals; and to fulfill a growing demand for information on landscape plant materials by homeowners, commercial growers, and landscapers.
-
Potato Variety Performance Alaska 1993A yield trial in which 43 named varieties and one numbered selection of potatoes were compared was conducted during the 1993 growing season at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station’s Palmer Research Center, Matanuska Farm, located six miles west of Palmer, Alaska.
-
Design for a Portable Reindeer CrushIn Alaska, reindeer are managed under both free-ranging and farm conditions. W here reindeer are herded, they are handled twice yearly to harvest velvet antlers and to perform health and record-keeping duties. Under farm conditions, rein deer are handled more frequently to provide routine health care and monitor weight gain. In both types o f management there is a need to efficiently and safely restrain the animal with minimal stress to it. A pneumatic crush for red deer is manufactured in New Zealand and has been used in Alaska for years to restrain reindeer. However, this crush is both expensive and cumbersome to transport. The Reindeer Research Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks designed a lightweight, portable reindeer crush that can be built locally. This crush can be manufactured with materials that are readily available and assembled with minimal welding and construction skills. The materials can be purchased in most areas for less than $500. The design is offered as a prototype for the builder and should be personalized and improved upon to meet the needs of each handling facility. If the crush is to be stationary, heavier materials can be incorporated into its construction and additional bracing can be added at stress points. Also, smaller or larger versions can be built to specialize in restraining calves or bulls.
-
Perennial Landscape Plant Evaluations 1991In 1989, a systematic evaluation of woody and herbaceous perennial landscape plants was begun at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Georgeson Botanical Garden (64° 51' N, 147° 52' W). The purpose of this research is to identify hardy perennials capable of surviving in subarctic environments; to evaluate the ornamental potential of these plants; and to fulfill a growing demand for information on hardy landscape plant materials by home owners, commercial growers, and landscapers.
-
Congenital Defects in Reindeer: A Production IssueHigh rates of female breeding success and offspring survival are the two major factors in productivity of any commercial livestock industry. To im prove breeding success and offspring survival, the herd m anager will establish selection criteria and choose which males and females will breed. The genetics or characteristics of future animals will reflect their parentage. Selection pressure is evident in both wild and captive populations of herbivores. Predators, environment, and human harvest strategies are a few forces which influence the characteristics of freeranging populations of reindeer, caribou, moose, wapiti, etc. In livestock production systems, herd managers often breed for specific characteristics such as larger body size, high birth and growth rates, leanness, etc. A single color or combination of colors has been another characteristic often selected by purebred cattle producers as well as reindeer herders.
-
Corral Design and Operation For Improved Handling Efficiency and Reindeer SafetyReindeer in western Alaska have been described as a free-ranging, semi-domesticated animal. Herd management is minimal and animals are less tractable when compared to domestic livestock. Consequently, when reindeer are moved through a corral system they are more susceptible to stress. Stress can occur as a result of circumstances that are related to nutritional, social (crowding), induced psychological or physiological trauma, and parasitic problems, all of which can be interrelated. Excessive stress can reduce herd productivity by lowering reproductive rates, weight gains, survivorship, and immune response. Stress during corralling can result in trauma from overcrowding and trampling, inadequate food and water, disturbance of normal behavioral patterns, and exhaustion. Proper corral design and its operation play a vital role in both prevention of injury and the level of stress the reindeer experience.
-
Results from the 1991 Alaska Barley Breeding ProgramThe development of improved plant cultivars is accomplished through comprehensive plant breeding programs. Such programs: 1) evaluate promising germplasm to identify superior-performing genotypes for use as parents; 2) create new genetic recombinations from these selected parental genotypes using crossing or other means; 3) evaluate segregating progeny from the resulting families while exerting selection pressure for desirable characteristics; and 4) identify superior-performing cultivars in yield trials conducted across multiple environments. This circular documents the current status of research in cultivar development associated with the Alaska barley breeding program.
-
POTATO VARIETY PERFORMANCE ALASKA 1990A yield trial which compared 45 named varieties and numbered selections of potatoes was conducted during the 1990 growing season at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station's Palmer Research Center, Matanuska Research Farm, located six miles west of Palmer, Alaska. Varieties with a history of commercial production in the Matanuska Valley (Alaska 114, Bake-King, Green Mountain, and Superior) are included and serve as a comparative base for newly developed varieties, numbered selections or older varieties that have not been tested at this location. Varieties that compare favorably with the above listed standards may warrant consideration by commercial growers. Non-irrigated trials have been conducted annually since 1982; irrigated trials were initiated in 1985 (AFES Circulars 49,54, 58, 65, 71, and 77). These circulars are available at the AFES offices in Fairbanks and Palmer. Included in this report are the results of abbreviated versions of the AFES potato yield trial conducted by cooperating individuals and agencies at eight locations in Alaska.
-
Perennial Plant Trials at the Georgeson Botanical GardenTrials were begun in 1989 at the Georgeson Botanical Garden (64°51’N, 147° 52’W, elevation 475 feet; 136 meters) to evaluate the hardiness and ornamental potential of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennial ornamentals. Woody ornamentals are tested for 10 years, and herbaceous perennials for five years. This report is the first summary of perennials that have survived the trial period with a winter hardiness rating between zero and 2.5. Each plant in the trial is evaluated annually for winter injury and rated on a scale of zero through four. A zero rating denotes no visible injury, and four is death. A score of 2.5 and lower indicates the plant grew well in the Garden. It may have shown symptoms of winter injury but recovered in subsequent seasons. The species and cultivars listed in Table 1 are recommended for further trial throughout Interior Alaska. Plants are grown on a south-facing slope in Fairbanks silt loam soil. The plots have been cultivated since about 1910. All plants receive full sun except those located in the shade house. Plants receive supplemental irrigation, mostly hand weeding, and an annual application of 500 lb per acre (560.5 kg/ha) 10-20-20S fertilizer. Lilies receive 1500 lb (1,681.5 kg/ha) per acre of the same fertilizer. No plant receives winter protection such as mulches, wind barriers or snow fences. Weather data are compiled annually from U.S. Weather Service station (elevation 475 feet; 136 meters) located approximately 350 feet (105 meters) west of the Garden. A summary of pertinent weather statistics is shown in Table 2.
-
Results from the 1990 Alaska Barley Breeding ProgramThe development of improved plant cultivars is accomplished through comprehensive plant breeding programs. Such programs: 1) evaluate genetically-diverse germplasm in order to identify superior-performing genotypes; 2) create new genetic recombinations from crosses or other means using selected parental genotypes; 3) evaluate segregating progeny from these families while exerting selection pressure for desirable characteristics; and 4) identify superior-performing genotypes in yield trials conducted in multiple environments. This circular documents the current status of research in cultivar development associated with the Alaska barley breeding program.
-
Results from the 1989 Alaska Barley Breeding ProgramThe development of improved cultivars of barley is accomplished through comprehensive plant breeding programs. Such programs: 1). evaluate genetically-diverse germplasm in order to identify superiorperforming genotypes; 2). create new genetic recombinations from crosses or other means using selected parental genotypes; 3). evaluate segregating progeny from these families while exerting selection pressure for desirable characteristics; and 4). identify superior-performing cultivars in yield trials conducted at multiple locations over years. This circular documents the current status of research in cultivar development associated with the Alaska barley breeding program.
-
POTATO VARIETY PERFORMANCE ALASKA 1989A comparative yield trial with 45 named varieties and numbered selections of potatoes was conducted during the 1989 growing season at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station's (AFES) Palmer Research Center, Matanuska Research Farm, located six miles west of Palmer on Trunk Road. Nonirrigated trials have been conducted annually since 1982 and irrigated trials were begun in 1985. Results of previous trials are recorded in AFES Circulars 49, 54, 58, 65 and 71. These circulars are available at the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station offices in Fairbanks and Palmer. Also included in this report are the results of abbreviated versions of the AFES potato yield trial that were conducted by cooperating individuals and agencies at six locations in Alaska. Varieties with a history of commercial production in the Matanuska Valley (including Alaska 114, Bake-King, Green Mountain and Superior) are included and serve as a comparative base for newly developed varieties, numbered selections or older varieties that have not been tested at this location. Varieties that compare favorably with the above listed standards may warrant consideration by commercial growers.
-
Record Keeping for Reindeer HerdsRecord keeping is an important tool in the management of any productive enterprise. In the area of reindeer herding, consistent and accurate record keeping can provide valuable information for making profitable herd management decisions. Making the right decisions can mean the difference between a non-productive herd and one that yields high profits. In this paper, it will be shown how keeping records can contribute to decision making and how computers can help the record keeping process.