Publications

The Chesapeake Bay oyster resource and fishery have shown wide temporal population fluctuations generating controversy regarding restoration methods. Disagreements stem from a lack of accurate and defensible data upon which to base decisions. Many commercial oyster harvesters favor dredging using metal scrapes towed by powered harvest vessels as a beneficial practice. Harvesters state that expanding this type of dredging throughout the Bay would lead to increased biomass and public harvest. Scientific and environmental communities dispute this claim, pointing to differences between bottom renovation and recruitment. This has created problems for managers who must consider multiple factors in regulating fisheries. To understand the effect of dredging on populations, we analyzed data from scientific studies to predict the likely outcome of these activities. This paper evaluates the cost-effectiveness and effects on production of restoration options. We compare power dredging and natural recruitment to rebuild biomass to contemporary aquaculture techniques. Authors: Donald Webster and Donald Meritt; Title: Predicting Oyster Production: A Comparison of Natural Recruitment and Aquaculture (EB-449)

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating approach to address chronic disease. It emphasizes fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and whole grains as the foundation of the diet. Authors: Jennifer Dixon Cravens, and Dhruti Patel; Title: Healthy Eating with the Mediterranean Diet (FS-1168)

Recent concerns about the widespread use of glyphosate and its potential impacts have propelled this herbicide into the national spotlight. This article provides an overview of the regulatory processes glyphosate and other pesticides must undergo to ensure they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. Author: Kurt Vollmer; Title: Understanding Glyphosate and Other Pesticides (FS-1193)

Herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth and common ragweed are two weed species that pose a major challenge to farmers. It is recommended that an effective postemergence herbicide be applied before these weeds are 3- to 4-inches tall. Palmer amaranth and common ragweed plants that exceed this height are challenging to control. This report summarizes research and discusses the challenges of managing large Palmer amaranth and common ragweed plants. Authors: Kurt Vollmer, Michael Flessner, Dwight Ligenfelter, Vijay Singh, Mark Vangessell, and John Wallace. Title: Control of Large Palmer Amaranth and Common Ragweed in Soybean or Corn (FS-1192)

Managing legal risks can mean following a well-thought-out process to hire new employees, correctly training new employees, allowing them additional training to stay current on the most recent chemical application and animal welfare practices, and developing other proactive strategies to limit legal challenges impacting a farm operation. This publication assists readers in better understanding what can go into this process. Title: Developing Proactive Legal Strategies for Handling Protesters and Hiring Employees to Limit Legal Issues on Your Farm (FS-1163). Author: Paul Goeringer, Ellen Pearson

Clostridium botulinum (referred to as C. botulinum in this publication) is a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium that produces a potent neurotoxin. An anaerobic bacterium survives in low-oxygen environments, such as home-canned foods. Authors: Shauna C. Henley, Terry Serio, and Becky Ridgeway; Title: Clostridium botulinum: A Food Safety Risk to Home Food Preservation (FS-1031)

The purpose of this report is to provide farmers with important information regarding the development of on-farm solar PV systems. We explore the opportunities, motivations, and benefits of installing solar PV for your home, farm or business. Author: Drew Schiavone, Title: A Brief Guide to On-Farm Solar (FS-1187)

In this report, we explore the historical trends, current status, and potential growth of Maryland’s solar photovoltaic (PV) market in terms of market share, use sectors, and current investments. Author, Drew Schiavone. Title: Solar Panels are an Increasingly Common Sight on Urban and Rural Properties Across Maryland (EB-455)

Attaining the optimal fruit texture is a challenge all growers must face in order to maximize consumer acceptability. Fruit texture, and particularly flesh firmness, is an important maturity index, in combination with other quality parameters. Learning how to measure fruit texture and what factors that affect it is an integral part of orchard management. Authors: Macarena Farcuh, Cameron McPherson. Title: Fruit Texture and the Science Behind It (FS-1189)

Babysitting/Entrepreneurship 101 is a six-hour course that provides participants all the tools needed to establish a trustworthy professional babysitting business with leadership skills to promote in diverse communities. Educators of all levels of experience will find the materials easy to adapt and utilize. Authors: Sheryl Bennett and Chris Rein; Title: Babysitting 101 (EC-11)