For years gardeners all over the state have added sweetness to those vegetables by growing sweet corn. The most popular variety has been silver queen. But a Horticulturist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says varieties called sugary enhanced were introduced back in 1980. "Well when you compare something like silver queen to one of these super sweet types or sugary enhanced types, they're probably right after they're picked very similar in sweetness, but they hold that sweetness a lot longer, now some of them may be actually a little sweeter." Terry Kelley with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who adds supersweet corn varieties, which were developed in 1970, are also available that maintain their sweet flavor much longer than silverqueen. If you plan to grow a supersweet corn variety, make sure you isolate it from silverqueen or sugary enhanced varieties. Otherwise, they will cross-pollinate and cause the supersweet types to be more starchy. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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The research project began in the late nineties, with scientists breaking down and analyzing digital photos taken of fields from an airplane. Ali Csinos, a Scientist with the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences says this new technology helps them learn a lot about fields in South and Middle Georgia. "We've discovered that you can really see a lot in the images as far as the different soil characteristics in your fields, and it's been real helpful for growers to determine different management zones of how they might want to vary inputs within those fields, and also just looking at the way crops perform out in the field during the course of the season." That was Ali Csinos with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The new technology helped identify a problem with a center pivot irrigation system on one farm. By studying aerial photos with digital technology, a sprinkler that was not working was found. Once the problem was identified, the farmer was able to change the sprinkler so the system would operate more efficiently. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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Farmers have been waiting and worrying while congress debates and tries to hammer out a new farm bill. Nathan Smith, an Agricultural Economist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says the quota program, which many farmers are concerned about, would be a thing of the past if the farm bill currently being considered passes through congress. "Quota would be eliminated under the current proposal, and replaced with a marketing loan type program, similar to other crops. This would have an effect of lowering prices paid and received for peanuts." Nathan Smith with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The university scientist goes on to say congress must still work out several differences before a vote on a final version of the new farm bill will be taken. Most peanut farmers are hoping congress will pass a new farm bill soon, or they could face a lot of problems and headaches in 2002 without a farm bill. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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You can't see them, but fleas are beginning to hop across lawns in the state, and could soon make themselves at home on your pet dog or cat. Nancy Hinkle, an Entomologist with the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences says warm, humid conditions during the spring creates ideal conditions for the flea population to explode in Georgia. She adds there are many species of fleas. "That's right, there are several species of fleas, actually over 1200. Fortunately we really only have to deal with one primary pest flea and that is the cat flea. The cat flea is the common name of the flea that is found on both dogs and cats here in North America." Nancy Hinkle with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who adds even if your home is pet free, you can still have fleas. Cat fleas also live on stray dogs and cats, as well as wild animals like racoons, and opossums. The university scientist goes on to say many highly effective on-animal products are on the market that do a good job controlling fleas on dogs and cats. However, they must be prescribed by your local veterinarian. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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For many Georgian's the spring season brings coughing, sneezing, and plenty of discomfort, as they suffer through another allergy season. Mel Garber, a Horticulturist with the University of Georgia Extension Service says the blooms and new growth of trees and shrubs also puts a lot of pollen in the air, which leads to allergic reactions in a lot of people. "I don't know if there's any particular pollen, I think we all have a sensitivity to the pollen from different plants, but certainly, you know, pine pollen is for instance very prevalent in this part of the country and a lot of people have some level of reaction to it, and the same with a number of other plants, particular for instance I guess the other that comes to mind is the oaks." Mel Garber with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who doesn't expect the mild, dry winter to cause a significant increase in allergy problems this spring. Mother nature could provide a helping hand this spring by providing frequent rain showers to wash the pollen out of the air, and several cool snaps to slow down new growth in trees and shrubs, which will also reduce the amount of pollen in the air. John Harrell, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, reporting from Tifton.

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