Tips for using a pesticide in Knoxville01/13/2017The most important thing to look for when you are buying pesticides are the labels. Examining the label will give you all that you, or a exterminator, will want to understand for a particular pesticide. The labels on pesticides will contain one of three signal words.Caution – “Slightly Toxic”Warning – “Significantly Toxic”Danger with (poisonous, peligro, image of skull and cross bones) – “Severely Toxic”These will let you know the toxicity of the pesticide that is being handled. It is important for people to keep in mind that although pesticides vary in degrees of toxicity, they are still all dangerous. They all are harmful to humans and animals, specifically if digested or put in contact with the skin or the eyes. Of course, the more severely ranked the toxicity, the more dangerous the pesticide, and the more harmful to people. By looking at these signal words, buyers are able to identify what pesticide poses the least amount of danger but still sufficiently effective to be used for pest control in their Knoxville home. Users should never forget to read all parts of the label and follow directions for using pesticides precisely, in order to avoid getting hurt. If you are accidentally exposed to a pesticide, follow the instructions on the bottle, call your local Knoxville TN poison control center or call the American Association of Poison Control Centers emergency, information, and prevention hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Or seek medical attention at once. If it is necessary for you to get rid of previously bought pesticides, do so safely by searching for toxic or hazardous waste collection day programs or by talking to the Knoxville area solid waste management, health department, or environmental agency. Avoid the hassle and potential hazards all-together by giving your Knoxville pest control experts a call. We’ll take care of the problem so you won’t have to.


Veg+Bloom Website Design and Custom Nutrient Calculator
Solstice Garden Supply came to us as the parent company and sole distributor of a quartet of plant nutrient products, created by Hydroponic Research. Hydroponic Research knew their customers were relying on their products to grow strong, healthy plants, which is why each and every one of their products is formulated using straight-forward ingredients sourced from organic materials, with very low traces of metals.
After building a reputation for high-quality plant nutrient products during their five years on the market, Solstice Supply and Hydroponic Research found themselves poised for massive growth and a need to streamline their marketing and sales process.
Before our team even began working on the initial project for the Hydroponic Research and VEG+BLOOM brands, an urgent marketing opportunity arose and our client found themselves in a bind. One phone call to their project manager was all it took to have our design team adjust their workload to focus on the creation of a full-page magazine ad for VEG+BLOOM’s “Powder To The People” campaign.
In less than 24 hours, our team had created a custom designed full page ad, specifically created to look like an Instagram post. Our team’s flexibility and top-notch design skills showed Solstice Garden Supply that they had made the right choice, in signing on with The Hybrid Creative.
The VEG+BLOOM project included a number of our services, such as website design and development, copywriting, marketing collateral design, trade show booth design, custom illustration, and apparel design.
Throughout the project, special focus was given to the creation and execution of a cross-branding strategy so that customers could see that Hydroponic Research and Solstice Supply were the creators and suppliers of the popular line of plant nutrient products.
Every effort was made to ensure the new website was user friendly, informative, and highly functional. The end result was a site that not only a wealth of educational resources and scientific data, but also gave customers an interactive product locator, downloadable feeding charts, and an intuitive online store.
The crown jewel of the new website, however, was the custom-coded, interactive nutrient calculator. With this robust and multi-function tool, users are able to easily determine which combination and quantities of Hydroponic Research’s products they should be using for an optimal yield, based on their current systems and water quality.
Working with the entire VEG+BLOOM team was a terrific experience and we’re extremely proud of the final results!
Since the 1990s, Christopher LaRose has been perfecting a simple, optimal formula designed to produce ideal results in hydroponic crops at a minimal cost. The formula evolved in both typical hydroponic environments and more complex, controlled circumstances – the result is a broad-spectrum formula that allows hydroponic crops to thrive under an array of conditions. The cumulation of this research is VEG+BLOOM, the most advanced, economical, and outstanding hydroponic nutrient formula available. Overwhelmed by the results, he decided to share the formula with interested growers in 2010 and established Hydroponic Research, a formulator of hydroponic nutrients focused on rapidly maturing, oil-producing plants that generate a maximum yield at a minimum cost.


Ubani Trust in partnership with Safaricom Foundation has embarked on a farming project to make Ubani Trust self-sustaining. The project includes tapping water on our land which will be used to grow crops and rear goats. We intend to use our farm products for income generation.
The Hope Center Project
The Center will have:
A halfway house for girls seeking rehabilitation. In the halfway house, we will provide an environment for the girls to focus on their healing and transformation.
A daycare facility for toddlers. Most of our beneficiaries are young mothers. As they work or attend classes, their children can stay safe in daycare.
A production and training hub. The hub will house the vocational skills training center and a production unit for all our products.
An experiential facility for training vulnerable girls and boys to equip them with skills for life. The center will have camping and outdoor amenities.
A Farm to provide food for everyone in the center.


We are delighted to announce that Bernie Butler, our managing director, has officially been appointed as President of the European Sprouted Seeds Association (ESSA). ESSA is a membership-based factual association based in the headquarters of the European fresh fruit and vegetable association, Freshfel, in Brussels, Belgium.
The primary endeavours of ESSA are to provide a forum where any issues effecting the sprouted seed sector in Europe may be discussed and also to provide support the interests of European sprouted seeds growers. ESSA has strong input in sprouted seeds promotion, food safety and EU regulatory affairs and assists in implementing any new legislation in accordance with the European Union.
To help small producers across Europe and to give a useful tool to competent authorities, ESSA has also started work on general guidelines for hygienic production of seeds for sprouting and sprouts
Bernie is delighted with the appointment, “I am very pleased to be appointed to this position. I look forward to the year ahead and I hope that, with the support of the Board, the Members and the Executive, we can strengthen and develop ESSA as a meaningful interface between growers, producers, suppliers and governing bodies so that we can continue to sustain and develop our industry through the production of safe quality sprouts”.
Bernie has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the production of sprouted seeds and the sprouted seed market and we are very happy for her to be able to share her expertise with likeminded individuals.
We wish Bernie all the best with her new commitment.


Pineapples are a delicious tropical fruit that is Mother Nature’s gift to us, tasting even better than some calorie-laden desserts. Sweet and juicy, the pineapple can be enjoyed in muffins, parfaits, pineapple upside-down cake, or just in sliced rings on its own. This popular fruit is commonly eaten in the summer, although you can indulge in it year-round.
In previous years, you could only find the pineapple in South America. However, thanks to a variety of greenhouses and tropical plantations internationally, this fruit is a lot more accessible for people who live all around the globe. And while the peel might seem prickly and unusable to many, you can make an incredibly tasty drink from it!
So before you think about throwing away the peel or the crown of leaves, remember that it’s 100% edible and really good for you!
What to do with pineapple leaves
Hold on a second before you throw your pineapple crown in the trash! First, twist the leaves off. Don’t worry – this doesn’t require a ton of strength. Afterward, peel off the bottom three or four leaves until the middle is revealed.
Dry the leaves
After this is done, allow the crown to dry. Once it’s been left alone and dried for two days, it’s prepped for the next step.
Get a pot of soil and plant this top part of your pineapple. You can do this by twisting the crown into the ground like a screw, doing so delicately. Bury it up to the base of the leaves.
Afterward, it’s all about maintenance. Water your new pineapple plant from above every few days – once every four to five days should suffice. Try to place the pot in a bright, indirect light source for the best results.
Be sure not to overwater this plant since it has shallow roots and is, hence, vulnerable to root rot. Water it just once a week and wait until the soil isn’t damp anymore.
Growing your new pineapple
After two or three weeks, you’ll start seeing the leaves grow outwards. At a certain point, a stalk will start to grow out of the middle of the plant. The next step will blow your mind. Soon, you’ll start seeing a new pineapple growing.
It begins small as a baby pineapple and slowly gets larger. So, if you want a useful and adorable source of endless tropical fruit, grow your own pineapple plant at home!
The first step of that is saving the leafy top of the next pineapple you buy. Instead of putting it in the garbage, you can have the very fulfilling experience of planting it instead and growing your own pineapple.


The characteristics of our vineyards in Calaceite, Teruel, are very similar to those of the D.O. Terra Alta in Tarragona.
The terroir, located at a height between 300 and 350 m above sea level, has rather poor soils, composed of 38.50% of sand, 22% of clay and 39.50% of silt.
On the other hand we have a rather continental climate, in the sense that temperatures in summer rise a lot but also fall relatively at night, which is very positive for a high quality maturation. Far from what many can believe the high daytime temperatures, when they pass over 35 ºC (we rarely reach them), they are not good for the vineyard since they stop the photosynthesis, but the contrast with the temperatures of the night, around the 11ºC, it's very good.
We also have a relatively low rainfall, around 500 liters per year, which forces us to till the land very well. Some years and depending on how this rainfall is distributed, it is a bit scarce but, on the other hand, it makes us have low relative humidity, very good for the phytosanitary status of the vines: mildew is rarely seen and, practically, only oidium should be controlled with sulfur.
Thanks to these characteristics and the work of viticulture, the vintages are usually ripe and healthy and allow clean elaborations, without the need to add anything to the musts to obtain good and unique wines.
Our viticulture is respectful with the natural environment where our vineyards are. Thanks to that, we obtain excellent quality grapes. Our simple and clean winemaking allows us to produce pleasant wines that express the uniqueness of the land and help with a healthy digestion.


A bitter dispute over garden plots at Collingwood Children’s Farm has reached the court.
Children’s Farm member Peter Cooper brought the case on behalf of himself and other members, claiming they were blocked from the farm’s annual general meeting, which was originally scheduled for this week and was to decide the future of the community gardens.
Tensions have been high since communal garden owners were locked out in June due to safety concerns, including hoses, uneven ground and the risk of being impaled by star palettes.
The communal gardens, which have been used by locals for 42 years, have been closed since the lockout and are planned to be cleared by heavy machinery and rebuilt with new vegetable plots.
The orphanage’s members requested an urgent injunction before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday on the grounds that the estate’s management failed to give adequate notice of the annual general meeting and canceled the membership of persons raising concerns.
In consent orders agreed in court, a mediation between the groups was scheduled for February next year, and the farm’s annual general meeting was postponed from this week to May next year.
Tim Handfield has had a garden plot on the farm for six years. He said the unique character of the farm should be protected.
“There is no place like it in the middle of a city [that is] a fantastic farm environment, and we have managed to escape all the development that is happening around, ”he said. “We do not really understand the depth of the management committee’s hostility towards people who are municipal gardeners.”
Sir. Handfield said it would have only required a few bees to solve the safety issues near the common garden plots, but he had a suspicion the nursery management wanted to get rid of municipal gardeners.


Seed weeds have a purpose, and that’s to grow more plants. That’s why the first step in growing great weed is selecting good seeds from a reputable breeder or seed bank. Buying high quality seeds ensures that your crop will start with solid genetics, and that your plants won’t be plagued by disease or pests.
Growing weed from seed is also an excellent way to experiment with different strains and genetics. However, starting from scratch can be intimidating to new growers. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that will make the process much easier.
The best seeds will be plump and dark in color, and they will have a subtle membrane that covers a harder layer. Underneath this is a substance called albumen, a nutrient reserve that will keep your seed alive until it begins to germinate.
Unveiling the Hidden Potential of Seed Weed: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Benefits and Uses
Seeds also have a very distinctive smell, which is why it’s important to avoid smoking them. Smoking seeds is a lot like eating burnt barbecue — it just doesn’t taste good.
When growing weed from seed, you will have to identify male and female plants (more on that in our video series on how to grow weed). Only female cannabis plants produce buds, so it’s vital to remove the males before harvest. Otherwise, your weed will be filled with seeds and won’t be as potent. This process is known as sexing, and it can be time-consuming for new growers. That’s why many people choose to buy feminized seeds from Dutch Passion, which guarantee 95% or more of the offspring will be female.


Pet Turf System
The Ultimate Pet Turf System provides is a mulit-component system that stands up to urine exposure and is easy to install, making it an affordable and effective solution for controlling pet odor and keeping your turf clean!
Installing the base surface is critical to maintain the stability and integrity of the turf system. First layer is 2"-3" of Class 2 Road Base. Begin dumping pile after pile and spread evenly. Lightly water it thoroughly to allow it to settle while using a vibrating plate compactor. Ensure the base is firm throughout and is leveled. Second layer is 1/4" (quarter of an inch) of Decomposed Granite. Once again, water thoroughly and utilize the vibrating plate compactor once more to create a level smooth surface.
The drain mat underlayment creates airspace between the turf and the base foundation.
The drain mat essentially channels the water and urine to flow naturally to the drains away from the base aggregate foundation.
Smart Pet with Microban®
Smart Pet Plus with Microban® is the ideal turf for pets. It's S-shaped blades is extruded with very precise ribbed texture on the surface of the blade, eliminating weak points in the fibeers creating unprecedented split resistance while making the blades soft to the touch. It features Luster Guard™ tehcnology. This new technology results in an extremely low luster and more natural looking grass while still maintaining complete ultra-violet stability.
Microban® odor control and antimicrobial agents are are integrated into the blades of the turf during the manufacturing process. This patented technology never washes off or wears away and stays active for the life of the product. By inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, Microban® tehcnology helps make cleaning even easier.
Smart Fill™ high quality infill is integrated with antimicrobial which helps control the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and odors. Its coaing process reduces the absorption of liquids and eliminates harmful dust found in silica sand. Its rounded shape is better for drainage adn reduces hardening. Smart Fill™ is non-toxic to pets and family and it improves the life of your turf.


Looking to liven up your landscape with a touch of texture and color? Look no further than landscaping mulch in Durham, NC, courtesy of Decoration Landcare. With a plethora of benefits and a variety of types to choose from, mulch can give your outdoor space a fresh and polished look.
But how do you know which mulch is right for your specific needs? And what are the best techniques for proper mulching? In this discussion, we will explore the world of landscaping mulch, providing you with valuable tips and insights to help you transform your garden into a true masterpiece.
So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets of mulching excellence.
Benefits of Mulch
Mulch offers numerous benefits for your landscaping needs in Durham, NC.
One of the main advantages of using mulch is its ability to retain moisture. By covering the soil with a layer of mulch, you can help prevent water evaporation and keep the soil moist for longer periods. This is especially beneficial during hot and dry summers, as it reduces the need for frequent watering.
Additionally, mulch acts as a natural weed suppressant. By covering the soil surface, it blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds and prevents them from germinating. This helps to minimize the growth of unwanted weeds, saving you time and effort in weed control.
Another advantage of using mulch is its ability to regulate soil temperature. During extreme weather conditions, such as freezing winters or scorching summers, mulch acts as a protective layer that insulates the soil and prevents it from rapidly fluctuating in temperature. This creates a more stable environment for your plants, ensuring their optimal growth and health.
Lastly, mulch helps to improve soil structure and fertility. As it breaks down over time, mulch releases organic matter into the soil, enriching it with essential nutrients and promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
Types of Mulch
To continue exploring the benefits of mulch in Durham, NC, let’s now explore the various types available for your landscaping needs.
When it comes to mulch, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique qualities and benefits.
One popular type of mulch is organic mulch, which is made from natural materials such as wood chips, straw, or bark. Organic mulch not only helps to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth but also enriches the soil as it decomposes over time.
Another option is inorganic mulch, which is typically made from materials like gravel, stones, or rubber. Inorganic mulch doesn’t break down as quickly as organic mulch, making it a great choice for long-lasting landscaping projects.
Additionally, there are colored mulches available, which can add a decorative touch to your garden while still providing the same benefits as traditional mulch.
Lastly, you may also consider using mulch made from recycled materials, such as shredded newspaper or cardboard. These types of mulch are eco-friendly and can help reduce waste.
With so many options available, you can choose the type of mulch that best suits your landscaping needs and personal preferences.
Choosing the Right Mulch for Your Landscape
When selecting the perfect mulch for your landscape, consider the specific needs of your plants and the desired aesthetic outcome. Different types of mulch offer various benefits, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your particular situation.
For plants that prefer acidic soil, such as azaleas or blueberries, pine straw mulch is a great option. It not only helps retain moisture but also adds acidity to the soil as it breaks down over time.
On the other hand, hardwood mulch, made from shredded bark, is a versatile choice that works well for a wide range of plants. It helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter to the soil.
If you’re looking for a more decorative option, consider colored mulch. Available in various shades, such as red, brown, or black, colored mulch adds visual interest to your landscape. Just make sure to choose a dye that’s safe for plants and won’t leach harmful chemicals into the soil.
In addition to considering the needs of your plants, think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you prefer a natural and rustic look? In that case, pine bark mulch or wood chips may be the right choice. If you want a more formal and manicured appearance, consider gravel or stone mulch.
Ultimately, the right mulch for your landscape depends on your plants’ needs and your desired aesthetic outcome. By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect mulch to enhance the beauty and health of your landscape.
Proper Mulching Techniques
Enhance the effectiveness of mulching in your landscape by following these proper techniques.
First, ensure that you apply an adequate layer of mulch. A depth of 2 to 4 inches is recommended to provide sufficient coverage and insulation for your plants. However, be careful not to overmulch, as this can suffocate the roots and prevent proper water and air circulation.
Next, when applying mulch, make sure to create a mulch-free zone around the base of your plants. Leave a small gap between the mulch and the stems or trunks to prevent moisture buildup and potential rotting. This will also discourage pests from accessing your plants.
Additionally, it’s crucial to regularly replenish your mulch. Mulch decomposes over time, adding valuable nutrients to the soil. By adding a fresh layer of mulch annually, you can ensure that your plants continue to receive the benefits of weed suppression, moisture retention, and temperature regulation.
Lastly, keep an eye on the condition of your mulch. Remove any matted or compacted mulch to allow for better water penetration and air flow. Fluffing the mulch with a rake can help prevent the growth of mold and fungi.
Mulching Tips and Maintenance
Maintain the effectiveness of your mulching by implementing these essential tips and conducting regular maintenance.
First, make sure to regularly inspect your mulch to ensure it’s still in good condition. Remove any debris, such as fallen leaves or branches, to prevent them from interfering with the mulch’s performance.
Additionally, be mindful of the depth of your mulch. As it decomposes over time, it may need to be replenished to maintain its proper thickness. A depth of 2-4 inches is generally recommended.
Another important tip is to avoid piling mulch against the base of plants or trees. This can promote rot and attract pests. Leave a small gap around the stems or trunks to allow for proper air circulation.
Moreover, keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases. If you notice any issues, take immediate action to prevent further damage.
Regularly water your mulch to keep it moist but not overly saturated. This will help retain moisture in the soil and promote healthy plant growth.
Finally, consider adding a layer of fresh mulch annually to maintain its appearance and effectiveness.
By using the right mulch for your landscape and following proper techniques, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of mulching.
From retaining moisture to suppressing weeds and improving soil health, mulch is an essential tool for any gardener or landscaper.
Remember to choose the right type of mulch for your specific needs and maintain it properly for long-lasting results.
With proper mulching, you can enhance the beauty and health of your landscape in Durham, NC.


9 lawn and garden tools every first-time homeowner needs in their garage3 min read
Buying a home is like getting into golf: There’s a steep learning curve but you’ve got to start somewhere.
And what better place than in your yard. You know you need a mower. But what else?
Matt Guilfoil is the superintendent of Desert Canyon Golf Club, in Fountain Hills, Ariz., and the co-host of From the Jingweeds, a podcast devoted to the turf-care trade.
Here’s his list of 9 lawn and gardening tools that first-time homeowners shouldn’t try to live without.
1. Garden hose
The ancient Greeks are said to have made garden hoses by disemboweling oxen and using their intestines. Nowadays, the getups are more efficient and less disgusting. You’re going to want one if your new home doesn’t have a working irrigation system, which there’s a good chance it won’t.
2. Moveable sprinkler
Remember jumping through the spray when you were a kid? Here’s your chance to relive that experience. Think of it as a gizmo for spot-watering that doubles as a retail-purchase Fountain of Youth.
3. Weed-and-feed applicator
Inexpensive and effective, these spray nozzle hookups attach to your hose, allowing for targeted applications of fertilizer and weed killer. The best ones have trigger-lock handles for extra ease of use. Look ma, one hand!
4. Backpack sprayer
Good for covering lots of ground quickly, and for getting to those hard-to-reach places with water, fertilizer, wetting agents, and the like.
5. Small pump sprayer
This might seem like overkill. But that’s exactly the point. When you’re looking to kill weeds and other intruders, you’ll want to pump that stuff through a separate sprayer, not the same one you use when you’re watering or feeding your lawn.
6. Spring rake
Unlike your garden-variety plastic leaf rake, a spring rake has flexible metal tines that afford it greater versatility. You can use a spring rake to gather up leaves. But it’s also great for breaking up thatch, a layer of dead stems, roots and other organic material that develops on the surface of the soil. When thatch get too thick, it prevents the free passage of water, nutrients and air. Time for a de-thatching. A good raking with a spring rake will do the trick.
7. Hula hoe
With a head that sways back and forth like a hula dancer, a hula hoe is not the sexiest looking tool, but you’ll fall in love with when it comes time to weed. It’s especially good for tidying up mulch or gravel beds. Just drag it along the ground, and the wiggling head does all the work.
8. Leaf blower
No need for a gas-powered monstrosity that annoys the neighbors and fouls the air with exhaust. “They make excellent little electric ones nowadays,” Guilfoil says.
Nothing glamorous here. But extremely practical. At some point, you’re going to need one, ya dig?


A new series of nonquaternary conjugates for reactivation of both nerve agents and pesticides inhibited hAChE were described in this paper. It was found that substituted salicylaldehydes conjugated to aminobenzamide through piperidine would produce efficient reactivators for sarin, VX and tabun inhibited hAChE, such as L6M1R3, L6M1R5 to L6M1R7, L4M1R3 and L4M1R5 to L4M1R7. The in vitro reactivation experiment for pesticides inhibited hAChE of these new synthesized oximes were conducted for the first time. Despite they were less efficient than obidoxime, some of them were highlighted as equal or more efficient reactivators in comparison to 2-PAM. It was found that introduction of peripheral site ligands could increase oximes’ binding affinity for inhibited hAChE in most cases, which resulted in greater reactivation ability.


Designing, growing, and maintain annuals that bring you season-long color and interest. Vibrant colors. Cascading windowboxes. Gorgeous flowers. Textural Combinations.
Feed the soil & combat against pests
Support the health and success of your landscape with proactive fertilization and wholistic ecological preventions. Resource your trees to defend against common pests and diseases with soil injections. Build a healthy soil biome with compost tea. Promote lush turf growth with pre-emergents and well-timed fertilization.
Our team of Qualified Supervisors pursue continuing education each year to stay at the forefront of new technologies and best practices bringing you the best of what PHC can offer.
We take a wholistic approach to tree health to build facets of environmental support and pathways towards integrated pest management:
Compost Tea Application: Builds healthy soil biomes by introducing beneficial mycorrhizae. These increase the capacity for water and nutrients to be absorbed, binding to the root structure and increasing the surface area of the root systems
Using alternatives to insecticides such as Hort oil to control aphids
High Altitude Turf Program: Uses a proprietary blend of preemergents and fertilizers to promote robust turf health
Loss prevention from common pests and diseases such as aphids and spider mites:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Tree & Landscape Pest Control
Deep Root Fertilization
High Altitude Turf Program
Soil Samples and Analysis
Noxious Weed Control
We’re drawn to the mountains to enjoy the snow—but sometimes we need some help living with it. Ceres helps our clients with managing snow removal, plowing lots and driveways and shoveling walkways and sidewalks so can safely get out and enjoy bounty of winter in the mountains.
Contact Ceres today for help with your snow removal needs.


@Wazobiarice.com shop and buy Nigerian rice at wholesale price. Shop and Save.
Lagos-Kebbi Rice = 'LAKE RICE'
Cultivated in the Fadama, from Argungu to Yauri in Kebbi State Produced and marketed jointly by Lagos and Kebbi State government. A brilliant example of how to cultivate and produce at home
Olam rice has the largest rice farm and mill in African. Olam’s products are quality defined. Compare to the best brand in the world. Shop and save
From the staples of Olam Farm. Quality assured
La Campana rice. Also called Arroz rice. Available in 5kg, 10kg, 25kg and 50kg
Anambra rice is a highly nutritious grain. It is good for the heart, aids digestion and may reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and high cholesterol
Ofada rice is healthy, fibre-filled.
Ofada rice has been grown in Ogun State since the 1940s. It is not indigenous to Africa.It is reported to have been smuggled by a soldier into Nigeria when the soldier returned from Asia and planted the rice in Ofada.
Wazobiarice.com is a platform dedicated for the sale of Nigerian Rice and other Nigerian cultivated grains.
Our mission is to bring the producers closer to the consumers which we believe will ultimately improve the quality and bring down the price of Nigerian rice to affordable level.
We envision a time in the nearest future when Nigerian rice and grains will compete favourably in the international market.


The origins of Pastificio LIGUORI is the eldest in Italy. It dates back to 1795. Family owned and always produced in Gragnano preserving the flavor and quality of an ancient knowledge.
Pasta Linguori is the result of a careful selection of the finest Italian durum wheat grown in the fields of Puglia, Basilicata and southern Molise. From these grains derives high-protein semolina (min 14%). This allows the pasta to always remain “al dente”.
The pasta was awarded on 11th October 2013, as the first plant in the world, the name Pasta di Gragnano IGP (Protected Geographical Indication).


A BRIEF HISTORY OF HEMP
rope, textiles and paper. Furthermore, the seed of the hemp plant contains highly nutritional oil which was not just used for human and animal consumption, but also as lamp oil and to make soap and paint. See outline of uses of Hemp in the 2 diagrams below
emp is one of the oldest crops improved by man. The history of hemp goes back thousands of years. The stalk of the hemp plant produces one of the strongest natural fibres in the world. It was used, for example, for making
HEMP VS COTTON
Our ancestors were well aware that hemp is warmer than cotton, more water absorbent than cotton, has three times the tensile strength of cotton, and is many times more durable than cotton. Fifty percent of all chemicals used in American agriculture today are used in cotton growing. Hemp requires no synthetic chemicals to grow and has very few weed or insect enemies. except for the U.S. government and the DEA, of course. Cotton is one of the most environmentally destructive agricultural crops, annually using over 275 million pounds of pesticides in the U.S. alone. This in addition to massive quantities of fertilizers, defoliants, growth regulators, and general biocides such as methyl
bromide. Conventional cotton refers to cotton grown with the aid of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, defoliants, and herbicides. Conventional cotton occupies only 3% of the world’s farmland yet demands fully 25% of the world’s chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Conventional cotton textile manufacturing involves bleaches, formaldehyde and other chemical finishes. These lead to chemical residues, which may result in skin irritation and respiratory problems. With children, these problems can persist well into their adult years.


MY VALLEY FARMS
innovating with technology
To bring farming and plantation to a different level with the use of technology.
To be the market leader in the industry and set a new benchmark to the
existing and new incoming.
To operate a very conducive and practical production establishment specializing in chicken farming and crop yielding that can support
the demand in the country. The motto of MVF is hygiene, effective and committed.
My Valley Farms (MVF) is founded by a set of very enthusiastic people and perseverance when it comes to running poultry and plantation as a business. With so many technologies that are just around the corner, MVF believes that there are a lot of improvements and enhancement that could be implemented in the farming and plantation industry.
Broilers are fed with a well balanced feed, comprising mainly
maize and soya. The nutrient values are designed by a
A basic vaccination program is given once at day old to the
birds for prevention against common diseases found in the
WHAT IS A BROILER?
A Broiler is Chicken reared for the meat. It is usually from a white coloured breed. Broilers are commercially reared in open or closed sheds. Usually the Broilers are reared around 4 – 6 weeks of age, with a live weight between 2 to 2.4 kgs per bird and are marketed either live or processed.
BIO SECURITY MANAGEMENT
IN BROILER FARM
Bio security : is defined as measures and methods adopted to secure the disease free environment in the farm for improved profitability
- To minimize the pathogen load
- To minimize the use of antibiotics
- To minimize the horizontal transmission
- To prevent the transmission of infections to the human beings
- To maximize the profitability
WHY BROILER CHICKEN?
In 2019, Malaysians have consumed an estimated 46.9 kilograms of poultry meat per person. This puts Malaysia amongst the top global consumers of poultry meat worldwide.The nation is working towards increasing its broiler chicken exports to 30% by 2030
Currently, Malaysia’s exports stands at a mere 7% of the 1.5 million broiler chickens that are produced each day. The Government is calling on broiler chicken processing companies in the country to increase output for the world market. Added that the halal certificates issued by Malaysia were among the best known in the world and many countries were keen to seek them, mainly because halal certifications have a Standard Operating Procedure for hygiene that is appreciated by the world market
In this regard, the Government said, big-scale poultry farmers and breeders needed toimprove their productivity, thus contributing to the country’s food security.
OUR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT
MVF has officially appointed Mr. Gurupathy A/L A.L. Pathy as the consultant for this particular poultry business.
He has 44 years of extensive experience in the poultry industry whether be it an open or closed-house farming system.
He also has been servicing the locally established farmhouses such as Ayam N.S., Linggi Poultry, FedFarms, Arbor Acres Malaysia and QL Breeder Farm.
In foreign countries, he was involved in quite several companies, for example, Ceylon Grain Elevator of Singapore, Nel Farm Sri Lanka, Kazi Farms Limited and Paragon Group of Bangladesh.
meat consumption per capita in Malaysia
in 2019, by type (in kilograms)
Beef and Veal
Consumption per capita in kilograms
MVF TARGET ON BROILER FARM
MVF have targeted 20 acres of land. MVF will start off with four sheds initially as moving forward MVF is looking into utilizing the total land and putting up to twenty four sheds in the total of 20 acres land within 24 months. Eventually by 2023, MVF will be producing about 600,000 broiler chicken each cycle and about 3.6 million broiler chicken per year at the allocated 20 acres land.
MVF have also collaborated with contract farming company’s as they have also given their letter of intent. We have about 3 contract farming company’s interested with MVF.
WHY BROILER CHICKEN?
Initially MVF will collaborate with CP Malaysia on the contract farming for the first 4 sheds as per plan. MVF has two types of breed on the broiler chicks which is Cobb 500 & Ross 308. MVF will intake both the breeds depending on the contract farmers chick quality production and stock availability during the DOC intake.
List of contract farming company’s
MY VALLEY FARMS SDN BHD
3 two square,suite A – 29 – 06,No. 2 Jalan 19/1,46300 Petaling Jaya,Selangor Darul ehsan,malaysia.


A short article to enable you with a more in-depth understanding of how colonial soups played a significant role in the diet of our ancestors. Quick and easy ingredients range with these recipes, and yet, they can be so complex with the addition of various spices. The region’s harvest tends to embellish the meal depending greatly on the failure or success of such crops. In saying this, root crops make their presence known with these recipes much more frequently than plants producing above ground. Still, the most decisive ingredient of all is water. Social status or rank also factors into the planning and preparing the dish. So, the importance of three main components has already shown the association with these soups even before we have prepared one single ingredient. They are the regional output of crops, availability of spices, and social status.
Onions would appear to be the most common elements of colonial soups. Various types of onions grow wild throughout the nation today and were no different during the colonial period. The population witnessed a comeback with this ingredient during the 1950s with french onion dry soup packets. For the colonial period, the average onion stacks up well above the rest in early soups. Other leading candidates are carrots and potatoes, each adding their flavor and texture to the final result. Beans, peas, squash, corn, and tomatoes are at the mercy of a successful harvest and vary with different species, tastes, and regions.
The availability of spices relies on several factors, one being British imports. Primary trading practices with the colonists produced the dependency on pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Changes begin to adapt into the soups before the war of independence by adding local spices such as spearmint leaves, raspberry leaves, and many other local herbs. Massachusetts and the Salem Pepper Trade were responsible for an overwhelming amount of pepper transported in 1806 on the ship Eliza resulting in 500 tons or 1 million pounds of pepper. These independent trade deals kept the colonists thriving with abundant spices after the American Revolutionary War.
Preparing the soup depends on the ingredients, but for the most part, it required the cooking of the main element by frying or boiling. Then, combining this mixture with either water, milk, cream, or a meat broth to allow the main texture of the soup to emerge. Next, add additional spices to flavor and slow cook until done. Dry ingredients prepared and stored would become soup meals later. When mixed with water and brought to a boil, these dry ingredients would produce a tasty soup for weary travelers on the colonial roads.
Often, what was left from the day before became a soup for the next day’s main meal. Prime examples of this would result in leftover meats. Cooked vegetables from the previous day, when added, create additional flavor and texture to the soup. There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to colonial cooking and soups.
The social status regarding soups depends primarily on the resources at hand. Everyone had access to a soup meal, but the prestigious and high-ranked colonial members had access to the finest ingredients available. The social status regards soups by not only taste but by the entire presentation.
Take time to look further into colonial soups and discover a meal that every colonial home served at one time or another. Picture the fire crackling and the slow simmering of the pot. The aroma fills the air as the lid moves just slightly, and the spoon slowly stirs. It’s almost ready. What colonial soup are you serving today?
Categories: Featured Articles, Genealogy #OffTheGrid
Leave a Reply


What is the rainiest city in the United States? If you thought Seattle, guess again! Mobile, Alabama, surprisingly tops the list with 59 rainy days and a whopping 67 inches
of average annual rainfall. In comparison, Las Vegas is the driest with only six rainy days and five inches of rain per year on average. Annual rainfall varies widely throughout the U.S. and can significantly impact the bottom line for commercial property owners and the utility bill for residents when maintaining landscapes and allocating water for irrigation. What should you know about yearly rainfall and how it can impact your water budget?
Water restrictions are a common conservation strategy, but are not a comprehensive solution. A unique study, “The Rain-Watered Lawn,” compares mandatory water restrictions to weather-based add-on water conservation strategies. The yearlong study was conducted in South Florida, a region with distinct wet and dry seasons as well as permanent year-round water restrictions. For the study, a control group adhered to mandatory water restrictions that allowed lawn watering only on certain days or times. For the experimental group, researchers placed a highly visible sign communicating current rainfall levels and a reminder for the net irrigation requirement (NIR) of most South Florida lawns. Prominently displayed at the bottom of the sign: “Is rainfall alone meeting the water needs of your lawn?”
Research revealed an “astounding 61 percent decrease in lawn watering” in the experimental group compared to the control group. Rainfall alone met the water needs of lawns during wet seasons, which enabled the experimental group to avoid unnecessary watering. In addition, findings showed that conservation behaviors within the experimental group carried over from the wet season to the dry one, indicating behavioral changes that can further add to water conservation efforts in individual
Proper water management can address the leaks in water budgets and your bottom line. Maximize your savings and protect this precious resource, and educate yourself on your geographical area’s natural water cycle and utilize current rainfall levels in relation to the NIR.
Contact a Banyan Water expert to find out how you can manage your water budget


As the summer fades away and cooler temperatures approach, property managers are likely thinking about how to transition their landscape for the new season. With the right preparation and care, your property’s outdoor spaces can maintain their appeal during the colder months. In this article, we’ll discuss how professional landscapers can play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition and keep your property looking its best throughout the winter months.
One of the first steps in preparing your landscape for cooler temperatures is cleaning up the outdoor areas. Removing dead foliage and debris, as well as any spent annuals or plants that have stopped producing, is essential to prevent the buildup of disease-causing organisms. A professional landscaper can handle this task efficiently and create space for installing cold-tolerant plants. Flowers like mums, pansies, and asters to name a few will add color and vibrancy to your beds.
In addition to planting, landscapers can provide essential services such as fertilizing and mulching. Fertilization with a nitrogen-rich blend can ensure the soil remains nutrient-rich for healthy plant growth and bold, rich hues during the colder months. Mulching is crucial for maintaining soil moisture, regulating temperature, and protecting plant roots from the cold. Expert landscapers can apply mulch effectively to insulate your plants and prevent damage from frost.
Another vital aspect of transitioning your landscaping is adjusting the irrigation schedule. As the temperatures gradually decline, it’s important to water your plants less frequently but with deeper watering. This helps keep the soil moist enough to support healthy growth and prevent frost damage. Making the necessary adjustments to your watering routine will go a long way toward ensuring the health and longevity of your plants and your grounds.
Because every community has its own unique needs, partnering with an experienced landscaper allows you to take a tailored approach. When you enlist the help of a professional who understands the nuances of your property, you’ll be one step ahead of the game when another new season begins!


Summer Lawn Care Tips
At last, summer is here and you can begin appreciating the grass you’ve worked so perseveringly to idealize! Be that as it may, don’t stop now! Your grass needs all year care to keep it looking great. Take after these mid year yard mind tips to maintain a strategic distance from potential issues that could harm your late spring garden and scene.
For extra care, SavaLawn’s grass mind specialists are accessible to meet with you and talk about your garden mind program inclinations and build up a customized program that causes you meet your yard mind targets. SavaLawn offer numerous assortments of grass mind programs including characteristic garden mind programs, we even offer natural yard mind alternatives.
Visit our month-by-month scene mind schedule to perceive what you ought to improve the situation your yard in the mid year.
Summer Lawn Care Tip #1: Mow
While this may sound sufficiently straightforward, how and when you cut your yard is a basic segment of summer garden support.
A cutting tallness between 2.5 to 3 inches is best for the majority of the season, with the exception of amid summer stresses when the yard cutting stature ought to be raised one-half inch to cut at 3 to 3.5 inches. Raising the cutting tallness gives more protection from summer warm and lessens water misfortune from your dirt.
Make sure not to give your grass a chance to become too long, on the grounds that evacuating more than 33% of the aggregate leaf edge tallness at one time could pressure your garden. Keeping your garden trimmer cutting edges sharp shields the grass from yard sicknesses. A dull trimmer sharp edge shreds or tears the tips of the grass, leaving the grass helpless against garden ailment.
Numerous property holders are befuddled about what to do with their grass clippings. Mulching and restoring your clippings to the grass returns supplements and does not add to cover. The main occasions it bodes well to gather clippings would be on the off chance that you had a serious ailment and you would not like to additionally defile the garden, or if the leaf clippings are too long.
Cut Wet? Or then again Wait?
On the off chance that you have the issue of choosing whether it’s smarter to cut the grass when it’s wet or let it get excessively tall, it’s better, making it impossible to cut it when it’s wet. Despite the fact that this can make some bunching with your clippings, it’s smarter to get the grass cut, and evacuate the clippings as opposed to giving the grass a chance to get excessively tall. Try not to cut a wet yard in the event that you have garden illness so as to limit the spread of numerous ailments including red string, dollar spot, fix infection or other grass parasite maladies.
Summer Lawn Care Tip #2: Irrigate
Like cutting, watering your yard may sound sufficiently simple, however numerous mortgage holders are uncertain about the best recurrence and measure of watering is required as a piece of their aggregate summer garden mind program. The measure of water your yard requires can fluctuate contingent upon climate conditions, soil waste and the measure of sun or shade in your scene. A decent general guideline is to guarantee that your late spring yard gets around one inch of water for each week. You may utilize a rain measure or a compartment to decide how much water you have to supplement any precipitation.
Summer Lawn Care Tip #3: Identify and Treat Lawn Diseases
An expert grass mind benefit like the specialists at SavaLawn can study your scene to recognize any threats for early garden infection and to distinguish the best sorts of weed control items or other yard mind medications to guarantee a solid, green garden all through the mid year.
Among the numerous regular kinds of summer yard illness is dollar spot, which can influence numerous sorts of grass. Fix ailment is another regular sort of summer yard malady, however the contamination doesn’t end up clear until the point that the plants go into pressure, so preventive treatment as a piece of your garden mind program is imperative.
Summer Lawn Care Tip #4: Control Weeds
A critical segment of a late spring yard mind program is weed control. Quality weed control begins with a review of your turf so as to spot undesirable development at an early stage. The yard mind specialists at SavaLawn utilize two essential sorts of grass treatment for weed control in your scene: pre-development weed control medications and post-rise medicines. Your grass pro will build up a program that tends to your own inclinations and coordinates painstakingly focused on medicines for weeds, for example, crabgrass and different issues in your yard.


Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Press
Explore the Midwest in "America's 100th Meridian"
“We are going to create a formidable, vertically-oriented genetics research team with a common goal of discovery.”Dr. Thea Wilkins
Texas Tech Hires Prominent Cotton Geneticist
Building a Better Cotton Boll
With nearly six million acres devoted to the crop, Texas already boasts the world’s largest cotton-producing area. State leaders and Texas Tech University officials are betting it will soon be the most genetically advanced.
Enticed by the promise of millions in combined state and university research dollars and a new prestigious endowment, Dr. Thea Wilkins has quit the West Coast and planted new roots as Texas Tech’s head cotton geneticist.
Wilkins arrives at Texas Tech from the University of California-Davis where she proved herself a premier researcher in the field of cotton genomics--the study of cotton genes and their functions. She will be a professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Department of Plant and Soil Science and the director of genomics for the new International Center of Excellence in Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology,
Bayer Cropscience, a leading producer of agricultural chemicals and genetically modified seeds, endowed the $500,000 research professorship in the college last May to attract a scientist with Wilkins’ background. Tech committed $1 million over the next two years to bankroll personnel and lab equipment for Wilkins. Gov. Rick Perry sweetened the pot considerably by investing the first $1.9 million of his newly-established Emerging Technology Fund to develop Texas Tech’s new biotechnology center.
“We are going to create a formidable, vertically-oriented genetics research team with a common goal of discovery,” Wilkins told a packed room when Gov. Perry visited Lubbock to introduce her. “This strategic alliance is a venture of great promise.”
Perry said repeatedly that he’d envisioned a researcher like Wilkins when he proposed the technology fund to spur new technology and attract top scientists to the state. A portion of the fund is earmarked for recruitment.
“This is a big deal,” he said from a podium in Texas Tech’s new cutting edge Experimental Sciences building, where Wilkins now offices. “The innovations that occur as a result of Dr. Wilkins’ work will lead to the creation of hundreds or even thousands of new Texas jobs.”
In California, Wilkins and her team used a $3.8 million federal grant to identify as many as 60,000 cotton genes, particularly those that determine the length, strength and texture of cotton fiber. This research would allow scientists to genetically improve cotton fiber quality. Wilkins led UC Davis’ Cotton Functional Genomics Laboratory and has become a global leader in the international cotton community.
Gov. Rick Perry has announced that Texas Tech will receive nearly $2 million from the Emerging Technology Fund, approved by the Legislature in 2005 to foster economic development and promote partnerships among researchers and the business community.
Unlike many other major crops, cotton has not had a publicly-available database for DNA markers. Development of DNA-based tools to identify favorable traits and select plants accordingly has been limited by a lack of markers and maps.
Texas Tech leaders are lauding Wilkins’ hiring.
“Dr. Wilkins brings the needed expertise to complement Texas Tech’s cotton genomics and biotechnology research team,” says Marvin Cepica, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “Her presence, in addition to the existing faculty, will help us be recognized as a world leader in cotton genetics.”


Leaf disease detection is a critical issue for farmers and agriculturalists. The detection of leaf diseases at an early stage can help prevent the spread of diseases and ensure a better yield. However, manual detection of leaf diseases is time-consuming and often inaccurate. With the advancement of technology, machine learning, and computer vision techniques can be used to develop automated solutions for leaf disease detection.
In this article, we will discuss the development of a Leaf Disease Detection Flask App that uses a deep learning model to automatically detect the presence of leaf diseases.
Checkout the video here – https://youtu.be/GglezQhUDVk
- HTML, CSS for frontend
- Flask(Python) for backend
Introduction to Flask
Flask is a web application framework written in Python. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it a popular choice for developing web applications. Flask provides tools and libraries to handle web requests and responses, making it easy to develop RESTful APIs.
Leaf Disease Detection Dataset
Sneak Peek at our Leaf Disease Detection App…
The Deep Learning Model
The Leaf Disease Detection Flask App uses a deep learning model to detect the presence of leaf diseases. The model is trained on a dataset of images of healthy and diseased leaves. The model uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract features from the images and classify them as healthy or diseased.
The deep learning model is implemented using Keras, a high-level neural networks API written in Python. Keras provides a simple and intuitive interface for building and training deep learning models.
The Flask App
The Leaf Disease Detection Flask App is a web application that provides an interface for users to upload images of leaves and receive a prediction of whether the leaves are healthy or diseased. The Flask App uses the deep learning model to make predictions on the uploaded images.
The Flask App consists of two main components:
1. The Web Interface
2. The Prediction Engine
The prediction engine is responsible for processing the uploaded image and making a prediction on whether the leaves are healthy or diseased. The prediction engine uses the deep learning model to make predictions on the uploaded image.
The prediction engine is built using Flask and Keras. The Flask application receives the uploaded image and passes it to the prediction engine. The prediction engine processes the image using the deep learning model and returns a prediction to the Flask application. The Flask application then displays the prediction to the user.
Working of our Leaf Disease Detection App…
About Training Code and App
Although I believe in providing the content for free(this whole website is an example) but this is a paid project and you have to provide a minimalistic fee of ₹500 and send me the payment screenshot at [email protected].
You can Pay using the button below…
The Leaf Disease Detection Flask App provides an automated solution for the detection of leaf diseases. The app uses a deep learning model to make predictions on whether the leaves are healthy or diseased. The app is built using Flask, a lightweight web application framework, and Keras, a high-level neural networks API. The app provides a simple and intuitive interface for users to upload images of leaves and receive predictions on whether the leaves are healthy or diseased.
The Leaf Disease Detection Flask App has the potential to improve the efficiency of leaf disease detection and improve crop yields for farmers and agriculturalists. With further development, the app can be expanded to include more types of leaf diseases and additional features to provide more comprehensive information on leaf health.
So this is all for this blog folks. Thanks for reading it and I hope you are taking something with you after reading this and till the next time …
Read my last blog – URL Shortener using Flask – with Source Code


Pine wood shavings are also safe for small animals. It is made completely of spruce and pine shavings that have been kiln dried. It serves as a warm, cosy, and soft bed for rodents and reptiles.
Buy Pine wood shavings online-: Before guiding you from where to buy pine wood shavings online, let me acknowledge you all with its information, benefits and usage.
Pine wood shavings are good for the health of both you and your animals. A lot of your pet’s time is spent indoors. Therefore, it is essential that the ground cover you use is pristine and of high caliber. The indoor air is improved with wood shavings, benefiting both people and animals. Pinewood shaving for chickens is the most famous animal application.
Can You Mulch With Pine Shavings?
The most popular application of pinewood is pine wood shavings for chickens or animal bedding. However, you can mulch with pine shavings as they resemble it in both appearance and texture.
Best Pine Wood Shavings can be used as a mulch; just make sure to raise the nitrogen levels in your soil so they can degrade more quickly. As pine shavings are similarly acidic, they have a tendency to lower the pH of the soil. Regular pH testing is crucial for this reason.
If you wish to mulch using pine shavings, there are other things to think about, such as compactness, aeration, and potential fire hazards. Let’s examine them to determine whether using pine shavings as mulch is a smart idea or pine wood shaving for chickens is best.
Pine Wood Shaving Bulk
Pine Wood Shaving bulk are frequently found at hardware stores because they are an inexpensive byproduct of the timber industry. Since they somewhat resemble hardwood mulch and offer weed control and sun protection, you can use them to mulch your yard.
The majority of the time, people use pine wood shaving bulk as bedding for animals including hamsters, guinea pigs, horses, chickens, and rabbits. For some crops, they can also be employed as a component of the growing media. However, given their high acidity, using them as mulch can be challenging.
Why Are Pine Shavings Too Acidic, Exactly?
What does it mean when pine shavings are said to as “too acidic” for use in soil?
In fact, the molecules of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen make up all organic matter. If a substance contains more carbon than nitrogen, it decomposes into an acidic medium. Therefore, the carbon searches for molecules of nitrogen to balance this acidity.
Let’s use pine shavings as an example now. Pine shavings, when added to soil, aid the nitrogen in the soil breakdown and only “let go” of the nitrogen when the nitrogen has completely broken down. Some plants, like beans and garlic, that require an acidic growing medium may benefit from this.
But most plants can’t grow well on soil with little nitrogen. Because of this, there are a few things you can do to make mulch made of best pine wood shavings work for you. Let’s now discuss several methods for using pine shavings in your garden without endangering your plants.
One of the most popular types of poultry bedding in the US is pine wood shavings for chickens. Both brooders and chicken coops employ them. Mostly people buy pine wood shaving online as they are cherished for their absorption capacity, low price, insulating qualities, and simplicity in composting.
Best Pine Wood Shavings are marketed as being healthy for hens, and many packets even feature chicken images. The shavings in this photo were purchased by me directly from here.


Presentation on the Assessment of Briquetting Potential for Borno State (17 April) - FAO
|Post date||Tuesday, 7 May, 2019 - 17:44|
|Document Type||Assessment Report|
|Content Themes||Protection, Agriculture, Livelihoods|
The presentation was given by FAO during the SAFE WG meeting on 17 April. The final assessment report will be shared by the end of May 2019.


Here’s what 9,000 years of breeding has done to corn, peaches, and other crops
Fruits and vegetables have changed a lot since the onset of agriculture 10,000 years ago, as generation after generation of farmers artificially bred crops to select for more desirable traits like size and taste.
But that change can be hard to visualize. So James Kennedy, a chemistry teacher in Australia, created some terrific infographics to show just how drastic the evolution has been. This one, for instance, shows how corn has changed in the last 9,000 years — from a wild grass in the early Americas known as teosinte to the plump ears of corn we know today:
The evolution of corn
The evolution of corn (maize) is a fascinating story. For a long time, scientists couldn’t figure out where domesticated corn originally came from — it doesn’t look like anything that grows in the wild. It took serious sleuthing by geneticists, botanists, and archaeologists to figure out that maize split off from teosinte grass some 9,000 years ago. (The two are surprisingly similar at the DNA level, differing by just a handful of genes.)
As maize became domesticated in Mesoamerica, it was radically altered through selective breeding. Early farmers would examine their plants and save the seeds of those that were larger, or tastier, or whose kernels were easier to grind. By 4,000 BC, cobs were already an inch long. Within just a few thousands years, cobs had grown to many times that size. Later on, plant hybridization became an important breeding method to further cultivate certain traits.
Nowadays, corn is grown all over the planet, and humans are still making changes using more advanced breeding techniques. In the 1980s, for instance, seed companies turned to genetic engineering — so, for instance, scientists inserted genes from Bt soil bacteria into corn to help the plant ward off pests. And some researchers are hoping to develop corn varieties that can withstand drought.
The evolution of watermelon
Here’s another great graphic from Kennedy. Modern-day watermelons don’t look anything like their distant ancestors from southern Africa. That, too, is the result of thousands of years of breeding. Yet a few of the biggest advances also came in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, when crop scientists helped breed varieties that were resistant to disease and had a thicker rind — allowing watermelons to be grown all over the country.
The evolution of peaches
And here are peaches, which started out in China and were selected for size and juiciness over thousands of years. Note that the water content of peaches has changed drastically in just 6,000 years.
Mind you, not all attempts at selective breeding turn out so well. As Sarah Yager recently wrote at The Atlantic, apple-growers in the United States during the 20th century tried to breed Red Delicious apples to be as bright and shiny as possible and stay on shelves for as long as possible without noticeable bruising. The result? “As genes for beauty were favored over those for taste, the skins grew tough and bitter around mushy, sugar-soaked flesh.” Nowadays, as storage and transport have become more advanced, tastier apple varieties like the Honeycrisp or Gala are surpassing the Red Delicious.
(Thanks to Calestous Juma for the pointer to Kennedy’s blog.)
* Correction/update: An earlier version of this post implied that seedless watermelons were also produced through selective breeding. That’s not really a good description — the chemical colchicine is used to double the number of chromosomes in a watermelon. The resulting watermelon is then bred back with a regular watermelon to produce a new plant with no seeds.
A related earlier story: “Traditional crop breeding” isn’t nearly as traditional as you think
Another related earlier story: Those ubiquitous “all-natural” labels on food are meaningless. Let’s get rid of them.
How GMOs conquered the United States.
It might help to distinguish genetic engineering from traditional techniques for producing food.
Humans have been selectively breeding plants and animals for tens of thousands of years to get certain desired traits. Over time, for example, farmers (and scientists) have bred corn to become larger, to hold more kernels on an ear, and to flourish in different climates. That process has certainly altered corn’s genes. But it’s not usually considered “genetic engineering.”
Genetic engineering, by contrast, involves the direct manipulation of DNA, and only really became possible in the 1970s. It often takes two different forms: There’s “cisgenesis,” which involves directly swapping genes between two organisms that could otherwise breed — say, from wheat to wheat. Or there’s “transgenesis,” which involves taking well-characterized genes from a different species (say, bacteria) and transplanting them into a crop (say, corn) to produce certain desired traits.
Ultimately, genetic engineering tries to accomplish the same goals as traditional breeding — create plants and animals with desired characteristics. But genetic engineering allows even more fine-tuning. It can be faster than traditional breeding and it allows engineers to transfer specific genes from one species to another. In theory, that allows for a much greater array of traits.
Here’s a diagram from the Food and Drug Administration:


The Advantages of Working With a Specialist Lawn Solution
Keeping a gorgeous lawn can be an obstacle for homeowners, particularly those with hectic timetables. A well-manicured grass calls for normal watering, fertilization, mowing, as well as other jobs that can be time-consuming and also frustrating. Luckily, there’s a remedy for active homeowners: employing a professional lawn service. In this post, we’ll discuss the advantages of working with a professional grass service.
Knowledge as well as Experience
Specialist grass services have a team of professionals with extensive expertise as well as experience in grass treatment. They have the skills and also tools to analyze your grass’s needs, determine any kind of issues, as well as develop a customized plan that satisfies your grass’s certain demands. Whether your yard requires pest control, weed control, or fertilizing, an expert lawn service can handle all of it.
Preserving a lawn needs a lot of time and effort, specifically if you don’t have the right tools and also devices. By hiring a specialist grass solution, you can conserve your valuable time as well as use it for various other important jobs or activities. Specialist lawn service providers have all the required devices as well as equipment to get the job done effectively and also successfully.
Boosted Visual Allure
A properly maintained lawn can add considerable worth to your property. It can additionally boost your home’s visual charm and create a welcoming exterior area for your family and guests. Working with a specialist lawn service can make certain that your lawn looks its ideal all the time, which can boost your residence’s worth and also produce a gorgeous exterior living area for your household.
Contrary to common belief, employing a specialist yard solution can be affordable in the long run. An expert lawn service can assist you stay clear of pricey mistakes, such as making use of the incorrect type of plant food or overwatering your grass, which can harm your property. By working with a specialist yard service, you can make certain that your grass gets the ideal treatment and care it needs, which can save you money over time.
Hiring an expert grass service can use various benefits, including proficiency and experience, time-saving, improved visual charm, and also cost-effectiveness. If you’re a busy homeowner seeking a trusted and also efficient way to keep your yard, think about employing a specialist yard solution. Your grass will certainly thanks for it!
Lessons Learned About
Getting Down To Basics with


In an effort to bolster cooperation between European and African countries as they face joint challenges in agriculture, food and the environment in a context of climate change, two French science bodies, in cooperation with 20 African universities and institutes along with three sub-regional organisations, have launched a research initiative to improve food security, fight global warming and tackle youth employment, among others.
Professor Adipala Ekwamu, the executive secretary of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), based in Uganda, told University World News: “This initiative is important because it is recognition that Africa has a place in the generation of knowledge for Africa and the rest of the world; an opportunity for Africa to play an active role in the global knowledge economy; and an opportunity for integrating and reducing the knowledge and skills gaps between Europe and Africa.”
The initiative, Transforming Food and Agricultural Systems through Research in Partnership with Africa, or TSARA, was launched at the 2022 Paris International Agricultural Show, which concluded early in March.
The 20 African institutions (indicated in brackets) involved in setting up TSARA are located in 14 African countries, namely, South Africa (3), Benin (1), Burkina Faso (1), Cameroon (2), Côte d’Ivoire (1), Egypt (1), Kenya (1), Madagascar (1), Mali (1), Morocco (1), Mozambique (1), Senegal (2), Tunisia (3) and Zimbabwe (1).
The two French research institutes involved are the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development and France’s National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment.
The three subregional organisations involved in developing TSARA are the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel, or CILSS, the International Centre for Research-Development of Animal Husbandry in Sub-humid Zones, or CIRDES, and CORAF – an international non-profit association of national agricultural research systems in 22 countries in West and Central Africa.
The governance of the TSARA initiative will include a general assembly with two co-chairs, an external advisory board and a Franco-African secretariat.


A touch-activated digital greenhouse in Tokyo is more than visually stunning because of its psychedelic lights. This magical place is home to a “vegetable orchestra,” by studio PARTY. The garden contains seven types of vegetables, each of which, when touched by visitors, trigger different sounds and visuals. Sound artist Ray Kunimoto says, “Tomatoes are violin, carrots are trumpet, cabbages are oboe, mini radishes are flute, sweet potatoes are piano, eggplants are harp, pumpkins are clarinet.” The mission is to create conversation about agriculture. Read more at CNN.
Digital Greenhouse’s “Vegetable Symphony”


Coffee isn't just a daily ritual; it's a connection to global agriculture and flavors that change with the seasons. Have you ever wondered why your favorite blend tastes a little different throughout the year, or why some coffees are labeled as 'seasonal?' In this article, we'll examine the seasonality of coffee, exploring various harvest cycles that span across the world, and uncover how these natural rhythms affect your cup.
Coffee Harvesting Seasons
The rhythmic dance of coffee harvest seasons is a complex and captivating story that unfolds across the globe. In the Northern Hemisphere, harvests might peak as winter's chill sets in, while in the Southern Hemisphere, beans might be ready for picking under the warm summer sun. These cycles are not mere agricultural routines; they define the character, aroma, and flavor of your coffee.
Spring to Summer Harvesting:
- Taste Impact: Bright, fresh, often with a subtle sweetness or hints of tropical flavors.
- Why: During spring and summer, the temperatures are generally higher, and there is increased sunlight. This causes the cherries to ripen at a moderate pace, developing bright and fresh flavors. The subtle sweetness could be attributed to higher sugar content developed in the cherries during these seasons.
- Taste Impact: Complex and nuanced flavors, often with fruity, berry-like, or spicy notes.
- Why: Fall is often a transitional season, with temperatures starting to cool down. The fluctuation in temperature and humidity can lead to the development of complex and layered flavors in the coffee cherries. Depending on the region and specific weather conditions, these can translate into unique flavor characteristics like fruity or spicy notes.
- Taste Impact: Vibrant, crisp, sometimes with citrus or floral notes.
- Why: Winter, with its cooler temperatures and often reduced sunlight, may slow down the ripening process of the coffee cherries. This slower development often leads to more concentrated flavors, resulting in vibrant and crisp notes in the cup. In some regions, specific climatic conditions of winter can enhance particular flavor attributes like citrus or floral notes.
Winter to Spring Transition:
- Taste Impact: Balanced, subtle flavors, often with mild acidity or fruitiness.
- Why: The transition from winter to spring offers a blend of climatic features from both seasons. The cooler temperatures of winter combined with the beginning warmth and freshness of spring can result in a balanced flavor profile. The coffee cherries might develop mild acidity or subtle fruitiness, reflecting the seasonal transition.
Global Coffee Harvesting Seasons and Flavor Profiles.
|Country||Sub-Varieties||Harvest Months||Season||Flavor Notes|
|Colombia||Bourbon, Typica, Geisha||April to September||Spring to Summer||Bright acidity, caramel, nuts|
|Guatemala||Bourbon, Geisha, SL28||November to April||Winter to Spring||Fruity, floral, crisp acidity|
|Ethiopia||Heirloom, Geisha||October to March||Fall to Winter||Complex, berry, citrus notes|
|Yemen||Yemenia, Tuffahi||October to March||Fall to Winter||Fruity, spicy|
|Papua New Guinea||Arusha, Typica||April to September||Spring to Summer||Tropical, chocolate hints|
|Kenya||SL28, SL34||October to December||Fall||Bright acidity, berry flavors|
|Costa Rica||Geisha, Villa Sarchi||December to March||Winter||Vibrant citrus, floral notes|
|Brazil||Bourbon, Yellow Catuai||May to September||Fall||Nutty, chocolatey flavors|
|Honduras||Bourbon, Pacas||November to April||Winter to Spring||Subtle fruitiness, mild acidity|
Note: The table above represents only a fraction of the coffee world, with hundreds of Arabica sub-varieties and producing regions that span across nearly 70 countries. Different regions may have unique harvesting months, seasons, and flavor notes, reflecting the rich and complex diversity of coffee cultivation.
Ethical and Sustainable Considerations
The seasonality of coffee is more than a curiosity; it's a guiding principle with a strong relation to ethical and sustainable practices. Here's how:
- Reducing Waste: By aligning with harvest cycles, consumers and businesses can reduce waste by only buying what's fresh and in season.
- Energy Efficiency: Seasonal harvesting often means local sourcing, reducing transportation, and the associated energy consumption.
- Soil and Farm Health: Following natural seasonal patterns promotes healthier soil and more biodiverse farming practices.
- Seasonality Supports Local Farms: Building closer connections between farmers and consumers, purchasing in-season coffee can contribute to fairer prices for farmers, recognizing the true value of their work. It encourages quality-driven farming rather than mass production, nurturing more sustainable agricultural practices.
The Final Sip
Embracing the seasonality of coffee is more than just appreciating a diverse flavor profile; it's connecting with a global agricultural dance that sustains communities and enriches our sensory experience. As you enjoy your next cup, reflect on the journey those beans have taken through various seasons and landscapes. See you soon!


Quick and Easy
Beach Party Popcorn
Cookies N' Cream Popcorn
Just for Kids
Big League Snack Attack
Did you know that popcorn requires 18-24 inches of water during the growing season?
From Seed to Snack >
Ever wonder how high popcorn can pop? It might be higher than you think!
There are 4 basic types of corn and they all have distinguishing traits and uses. You can't pop sweet corn and you wouldn't want to eat field corn.
Get the scoop on the different types of corn!
The Popcorn Board
330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2000 | Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 644.6610 | Email: email@example.com
The Popcorn Board now offers alternate sites in other languages:
Spanish-Language Website | Thai-Language Website | Mandarin-Language Website


🌱 Spring Deals 🌱
We Ship worldwide and you can pay with credit card. We have the Best Genetics and now carry photoperiod seeds. Now at an unbeatable 40% discount with code AUTO40 at checkout. To cultivate success, you should start with the best seeds and you've come to the right place. Explore our diverse menu below, and find the perfect autoflower and photoperiod strains to elevate your winter growing endeavours. All our seeds are feminized and germination is guaranteed.
Thank you for your continued support from the most trusted seed company In Canada
-Free shipping with tracking on orders over 125 Canadian dollars
- Extra seeds with every order
- Pay with Credit Card, Google pay, Apple pay, Crypto, or e-transfer
|85% Indica 15% sativa
|85 days from seed
|Where to Grow
|Indoor, Greenhouse, Outdoor
|Taste / Flavor
fruity, Pepper, spicy
|up to 2.5m tall
|8 oz. per plant dry
Autoflower.ca is a Canadian company based in Saskatoon Saskatchewan. Although we are a fairly new company (EST. 2019) we have a very knowledgable and qualified staff with decades of experience in the industry. With Canada's recent changes to the criminal code in regards to marijuana, it is now legal for Canadian residents to obtain seeds and grow their own marijuana. Our team has carefully curated a selection of strains most suitable for our northern climate. All our seeds are feminized. We specialize in autoflower seeds which is what you need to grow outdoors in Canada's short summer. Autoflower's are great for indoor grows as well with much shorter seed to harvest time than traditional photoperiod seeds. In addition to our autoflower strains we have started offering an ever-expanding selection of photo-period varieties as well. It is our aim to deliver a product held to the highest standard and we stand by that, we guarantee 9/10 seeds to germinate. We also guarantee our plants are fully feminized which eliminates worry about pollination or wasted space and nutrients on male plants that you end up having to cut down. These strains are all ideal for growing indoors and outdoors. Autoflower genetics have come a long way in the last ten years with higher potency levels than ever before ,if you're looking for good old fashioned photo-period (regular)(feminized)we got that too. Be sure to update your progress on our Facebook page (autoflower.ca seeds) where you can also share knowledge and ask questions about growing. Welcome to the Autoflower.ca family.
The seeds were cheaper than other places and awesome. All 10 sprouted.
Fast Shipping, all 10 poped
Sent me extra seeds, got them quick


Targeted Grazing Electric Fence Systems
Targeted grazing can be used for many reasons, some users choose this portable option to ensure their cattle use the available forage appropriately, to maximize weight gain and support ecosystem health. Another use of targeted grazing is to reduce fine fuel load, in order to reduce fire hazard.
Cattle are confined to targeted areas, using a portable electric fence system. Once the fuel load is reduced sufficiently, or the forage is exhausted the system can be moved to the next target area.
We offer two options, you can purchase the system and install it yourself, or we can install it onsite for you (we are limited to certain geographic zones). Contact us to receive a consultation on your specific project. Below are photos of some of the projects that we’ve completed in the past.
For more information on targeted grazing, the following document from the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association outlines a trial, completed in 2020/2021 using our Range Ward electric fence and portable solar water pump system


First of all, rice terrace is one of nature view most people will love to see, and the island of Bali offers the best view of rice terrace field. One of it is Tegalalang rice terrace Ubud Bali.
The questions now! Where can you find Tegalalang rice terrace Ubud? Therefore, keep reading this page! We will give you the information, on how you can get the locations, of beautiful rice terrace in Tegalalang as your attractions in Ubud.
Ubud Rice Terrace
Before the tourism industry in Ubud grow like nowadays, most of Balinese makes a living as farmer specialize on rice farming.
Even though some of the local people have changes their way to make a living in the tourism industry, some of them still remain as rice farmers. This what make, the rice terrace is well maintained in Bali and you will see a lot of rice terrace in Ubud Bali and one of the most beautifully located in Tegalalang Ubud.
The fact that Ubud, Bali has three most beautiful rice terraced landscape view beside the Tegalalang rice terrace. Rice terrace in Pejeng villages, and rice terrace in Campuhan village Ubud.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud Bali Location
Tegalalang rice terrace address located at Tegalalang village. It’s located in the north part of Ubud, Gianyar regency and 600 meters above sea level. This makes the average air temperature in daytime around 24 degree Celsius. You will need about 25 minutes driving from Ubud market.
To see the rice terrace view is quite easy, because you are able to see a rice terrace view from the main road of Ubud – Kintamani.
While there are several ways to visit Tegalalang rice terrace Ubud Bali, and the best one is to get Bali car rental with driver. Definitely it has gone to be easier to see the location the Tegalalang rice field on the map isn’t it? Please click the link below to see the map on Google map.
Recommended Place To Visit In Bali
Tegalalang rice terrace field became well-known by tourist and recommended place to visit in Bali. Because the locations of Ubud Tegalalang terraces, between 2 famous tourism site in Bali, which is Kintamani and Ubud.
As a result, visiting Tegalalang rice terrace, has become one of the best things to do in Ubud by the traveler. That’s why if you visit the Tegalalang rice terrace, you will find many tourists on site enjoy their outdoor activity.
While there are several cafes and restaurants, selling food and drink. You can enter into one if this cafe, and enjoy the view of Tegalalang rice terrace Ubud Bali, while enjoying your drink.
Therefore, if you love the scenery of green rice field! The best way to enjoy it, is by doing white water rafting in Bali. Most of all, there are two main rivers in Bali for white water rafting and the rivers are,


Main Article Content
Can we abandon traditional irrigation to the detriment of modern irrigation in the oasis of Ouakda? Is the question we posed in this study. Indeed, based on three missions carried out in the oasis of Ouakda during the years 2013, 2014 and 2015, we made visits and investigations to ancestral works as well as surveys of the local population. The results indicate that the Ksourian population irrigated the gardens and the palm grove by surface and underground water. Two ancestral dams made on the wadi Bechar for irrigation the gardens of the lower part. On the other hand, the foggaras irrigated the upper part of the palm grove. Today, new land has been built on the upper part of the palm grove. Thanks to new hydraulic techniques such as drilling and motor pumps, modern agriculture has developed on the other side of the palm grove to the detriment of oasis agriculture.
Keywords: Algeria, Oasis, Ouakda, Foggara, Irrigation, Agriculture