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April 2014

Apr 16, 2014

New NC State app helps sports turf managers

With outdoor sports like baseball and soccer cranking up – and football on the not-so-distant horizon – the North Carolina State University Turfgrass Program has launched a new app to help the folks who maintain those athletic fields. 

Apr 16, 2014

CALS Dean’s Enrichment Grants awardees announced

Developed as part of CALS’ strategic planning process, the Dean’s Enrichment Grants Program is an internal request for proposals to support people, programs and partnerships in the College. 

Apr 16, 2014

Shale Gas Developments and Home Prices

The extraction of natural gas using underground drilling techniques -- generally called fracking -- is very controversial. Supporters say it will help the country to become energy independent, while detractors worry about environmental and health issues, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “Do we have any way to evaluate these concerns?” 

Apr 15, 2014

N.C. State University leads research into kudzu bug host preferences

N.C. State University Extension Specialist Dominic Reisig wants to find a way to keep growers with kudzu bug problems out of the “spray continuum.” So he and his colleagues from South Carolina and Georgia will use a $168,644 U.S. Department of Agriculture Southern Regional IPM grant to find out why kudzu bugs leave their home in kudzu patches to move to soybean fields. 

Apr 15, 2014

Cable Competition

The proposed merger between Comcast and Time Warner has rekindled questions about competition in the cable provider industry, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “What are the key issues?” 

Apr 14, 2014

‘Apostle for horticulture’ Bryce Lane creates student travel endowment

During his 32-year career, Bryce Lane led students on many national field trips and competitions, as well as international excursions, where he introduced students to world horticulture practices. Creating a fund to support travel opportunities for horticulture students seemed a natural choice as his parting gift to the Department of Horticultural Science when he retired. 

Apr 14, 2014

Strawberry fields forever

North Carolina is the nation’s No. 3 strawberry producer, but many of the state’s berries grow on small plots lacking the acreage to carry out sustainable growing practices like crop rotation. That, combined with constant concerns about soil pathogens and reliance on chemicals to rid plants of ubiquitous pests like spider mites, puts immense pressure on these farms’ long-term health. 

Apr 14, 2014

Almanac Gardener begins 31st season

Almanac Gardener, a weekly horticulture program of UNC-TV, began its 31st season on April 5. The weekly show features long-time host Mike Gray and N.C. Cooperative Extension horticulture agents sharing information and tips for home gardeners. 

Apr 14, 2014

Technology on the Horizon

Many people love new gadgets. Of course many times we look at them for fun, but these gadgets -- or (to be more formal) technology -- can change our lives, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “What do experts say might be game changing technology or gadgets we may soon see?” 

Apr 11, 2014

You Decide: Where is the growth?

Dr. Mike Walden shares and analyzes some of the key insights about our economy from the 2012 Economic Census.