After 55 years, NMSU Ag Science Center still has strong partnership with area farmers
By ASHLEY TRUJILLO
Daily Press Staff Writer
The New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center celebrated its 55th anniversary at its biennial field day Tuesday evening. Researchers at the field day continued the tradition of sharing information with the public by addressing current research projects.
Agronomist John Idowu spoke about the future of cotton in the agricultural industry and displayed the varieties currently in use at the center.
Because fiber is currently cotton’s only use, production is on the decline. Scientists have been working to find other ways to use the crop.
A variety of glandless cotton has been developed that does not contain gossypol — a compound which acts as a naturally-occurring pesticide in plants but is toxic to animals.
According to Idowu this “opens a wide door” in cotton farming because it can be used as food for animals.
“If this goes well it will create a new market in the state,” Idowu said.
Charlene Carr, an environmental science graduate student, spoke about the use of boron on green chile. Carr said that the highly marketable plant accounts for 90 percent of U.S. crops. […] Subscribe for the rest of the story.
