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1982 REPORT



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| Experiment

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Cooperative

| Extension



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COLLEGE.



OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

TABLE OF CONTENTS



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AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION



Agronomy--Crops for Feed and Food .........- ee eee eee cree reece ee enes 3

Vegetables--Varieties for Our Islands .........ee cece eee eee eee e erences 5

Fruits-To Enrich Our Diets ......... 00.0 cess cccccceeeeeee een eneennne 7

Irrigation--For Dry Weather ........ 00. c eee eee eee eee e eee e ee eneeee 10

Pest Management--Alternative Control Methods ..........--+++++eee005 12

Animal Science--Assisting the Beef Industry .......-.- 2 eee ee eee e eee eees 14

Aquaculture--A Possible Major Food Supplement .............-+++-005 15

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Research ...........eeee cece eee eee e eee ene 18



COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE



Agriculture--Assisting Livestock and Crop Producers .......---+++e+0++ 19

Extension Pest Management--Solving Pest Problems .........++.++ee00- 22

Home Economics--Better Living for Our Families.........--.22.+0ee005 25

4-H Youth—Advancing to New Horizons........ 2 cee cee cere eee eens 28



Community and Rural Development--Helping People Work Together ....32



Agriculture and Food Fair--Land-Grant Showcase ........+..eeeeeeeees 34

Associate Depree in Apriculture cass so cc comsmmens sn 6 oxcecmmans sa 0 8 ecesmamcn de

Visitors...... Atid Other AGtivitiéSss s «ss ¢ ssemwnwigs 6 = oe ewes 8 vo 8 wearer 37

Staff ID8O0=1982 oc cccocriew «9 2 0 cocaine an ec cq do Ud HATES Fe ¥ ERIE 39



Some Publications ......--e cece ec ee cece eee eee eee ee eee eens 4l

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The year 1982 brought special recognition to land-grant



programs at the College of the Virgin Islands when the director



was named the recipient of India’s highest award for agricul-



tural research. Dr. Darshan S. Padda received the prestigious



Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award which is given every two years by



the Government of India for his “outstanding work in agricul-



tural research.”



Since Dr. Padda could not attend the award ceremony in



India, arrangements were made for him to receive the award in *



person from the Indian Ambassador in Washington, D.C. In



addition to the handsome medal pictured, Dr. Padda also re-



ceived a written certificate of citation.

FROM THE DIRECTOR



This is the second printed report of the Land-Grant programs at the College of the

Virgin Islands. It covers the research and education activities carried out for the two year

period of 1981 and 1982. Significantly 1982 marks the first decade of land-grant status

granted by U.S. Congress in 1972.



A perusal of this report reflects growth in all programs and the chart presents the

growth in clientele served from 1972 to 1982. | am very pleased with the growth as the

ultimate goal of our research and educational activities is to provide Virgin Islands resi-

dents with research-based information so that they can cope with and benefit from

changes in technology, societal factors and ecology.



At the end of 10 years it is logical to look back and analytically assess whether the ex-

pectations have been met. But whose expectations? My personal expectations - yes and

no. Yes, because the programs have expanded: the Agricultural Experiment Station is

established as a small but effective research station with projects in agronomy, horticul-

ture, pest management, plant pathology, irrigation technology, animal science and aqua-

culture. An AA degree in agriculture is functioning with the appointment of the first

assistant professor of agriculture. The Cooperative Extension Service has offices

functioning on all three islands. For the first time in the history of the islands, there is a

modern computerized soil, plant and water diagnostic laboratory on St. Thomas. New

home economics and pest diagnostic laboratories on St. Croix are providing much

needed services to homemakers and farmers.



Whereas in the areas of both technology development and extension education per-

formance has been impressive, these efforts must result in the development of an agricul-

ture industry. And here is where | have to say no to the fulfillment of my expectations.

There is a definite improvement, but the pace is slow. However, recent initiatives by the

Virgin Island government are encouraging and we can only hope that things will move

faster in the future so that we can help Virgin Islanders grow more food with new tech-

nology and research-based information.



In the meantime let us be proud of the great accomplishments resulting from the hard

work of the dedicated people of the Land-Grant programs and continuously be mindful

that our goal must be to develop a viable agricultural industry in the islands.



I wish to urge the community at large to use the locally developed information con-

tained in this report and call upon us for any assistance that we can provide.



GROWTH OF LAND GRANT PROGRAMS



Enjoyable and informative reading to all.



gO. Pod a



Darshan S. Padda

Director,

Land-Grant Programs



CLIENT CONTACTS IN THOUSANDS



1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 “-"“~"



APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF CLIENT CONTACTS MADE BETWEEN 1972 AND 1982

BY COLLEGE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS LAND GRANT PROGRAMS

(COOPERATIVE SERVICE AND AGRICULTURAL FXPERIMENT STATION)

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The St. Croix campus of the College of the Virgin Islands originally was centered around this



historic building at Estate Golden Grove which today serves as extension headquarters as well



as housing the community and rural development program and extension communications.



Some evening college classes are also held in its classrooms. The handsome old structure was



once the main estate house for vast sugar plantations of St. Croix’s central valley which were



processed in nearby Bethlehem refinery.

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION



ait



Partial view of Agricultural Experiment Station fields used for varietal trials of field crops. Water storage cistern



for irrigation shown in foreground.



Research projects in food and agricultural sciences

continued to expand in the four basic areas of the Agri-

cultural Experiment Station -- Agronomy, Animal

Science, Aquaculture and Horticulture. The Agronomy

program placed its emphasis on research in the pro-

duction of animal feed for livestock and poultry, with

field experiments conducted on grain and forage crops

which can be useful to the local farmer. Evaluation of

the Senepol cattle under Virgin Island conditions has

been the main feature of the Animal Science program



and efforts of the Aquaculture program continue in the

development of practical culture systems for tilapia that

are adapted for home production in the Virgin Islands.

Research projects in determining the best varieties and

production practices for local conditions were the main

thrust of the Horticulture program. Particular consider-

ation was focused on trials of food crop varieties to

select those which withstand heat and droughtas wellas

destructive pests.



AGRONOMY - Crops for Feed and Food



The agronomy program has continued intensive re-

search into animal feed crops which can provide in-

creased protein for cattle and at the same time withstand

insect and bird predation as well as low rainfall levels.

The main areas of concentration have been in grain

crops (sorghum and corn), forage legumes and tropical

grasses. A preliminary study also investigated the feasi-

bility of sunflower production in the Virgin Islands.



Sorghum



Forty commercial varieties of grain and forage

sorghum were field tested in 1980-1981 for adaptation

and agronomic characteristics. Pioneer variety 8815

(grain type) produced the highest yield of 1678 kg

per acre. Among the forage sorghum varieties, top

producers were S-99 with 24.66 metric tons per hec-

tare yield and Sweet Sioux which yielded 22.41 metric



tons per hectare. Local growers have indicated their

main interest is in forage sorghum and trials conducted

in 1981-82 indicated that T-E Hay Grazer was the best

overall adapted forage variety out of 15 varieties used in

two experiments at the station. In other experiments to

determine the best planting time, production and qual-

ity as animal feed, Hay Grazer was found to be a multi-

purpose cultivar that can be well utilized for grazing,

hay, green chop, green manure, or as a cover Crop.

Other forage sorghums which excelled were Sugar-Su-

D, a dry matter high yielder, and both T-E Milkmaker

and T-E Silomaker which were the highest fresh yield-

ing. In grain sorghum production trials, indications

were that T-E Dinero was the top producer, with other

varieties suffering severe damage from birds which

caused a decrease in production. Studies on insect con-

trol revealed that Lanate and Dipel (biological insecti-

Haygrazer proved to be a good multipurpose sorghum

cultivar for grazing, hay, green chop and green manure.



cide) were effective in controlling webworm, corn ear-

worm and fall armyworm.



Legumes



In November 1980 and March 1981] tests for adapta-

tion to soil and climatic conditions were initiated on

four types of legumes -- commercial Siratro (Phaseolus

atropurpureus), Lablab (Lablab purpureus), Jackbean

(Canavalia ensiformus), and cow peas (Vigna spp.).

Other objectives were to test their resistance to pests and

disease, and their quality as dairy and cattle feed. Inves-

tigations were also continued on the soybean Nionoto-

nea (formerly Glycine) wightii. Field observations indi-

cated that N. wightii is well adapted to St. Croix soils

and climate. Based on this observation and previous

work by the agronomy program, N. wightii can be rec-

ommended for pastures on the sections of the island re-

ceiving the most moisture and Lablab can be recom-

mended for the drier areas. Recommended to farmers as

a remedy for feed shortages during the dry season is a

mixture of Buffel grass and Siratro. Jackbeans are also

well adapted to soil and dry climate, and have proven to

do well on calcareous soils which cover so much of the

islands.



Grasses



Klein grass (Panicum coloratum), Guinea grass

(Panicum maximum), and Love Weeping grasses were

evaluated as promising grasses for pasture, hay and



silage, and research was continued on Buffel grass (Cen-

chrus ciliaris) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana).

Measurement of soil pH, available nutrients in soil,

crude protein percent, grass palatability and utilization

were recorded. While the local livestock industry

depends on forage and pastures mainly, studies made

over a two year period have shown that introduced

grasses such as Buffel, Klein, Love Weeping, Bahia,

Blue Stem and common Bermuda were much higher in

total digestible nutrients (TDN up to 40%) than primary

local forage grasses. Observation data also suggests that

Guinea grass and Klein grass were the best adapted and

gave higher yields, with an average of over 6.72 metric

tons per hectare depending on fertilizer rate and source.



Introduced grasses such as Loveweeping contain up to

40% more total digestible nutrients than local forage

grasses.



Recommended to local farmers to augment feed during

dry seasons is Buffel grass (shown) mixed with the

legume Siratro.



Sunflower



Trials with seven Dahlgren varieties of hybrid sun-

flower (Helianthus annus) were begun in March 1981.

The oil varieties included Dol64, Do704xl, Do844,

Do843-35 and Do705. The non-oil varieties were D820

and D135. The objectives of this sunflower introduction

trial were to evaluate crop yield, resistance to drought

and seed quality. The recorded data showed that oil and

Hybrid sunflower trials in 1981 suggest that the sun-

flower could be grown profitably in the Virgin Islands

for either oil or seed, with an appoximate yield of 4000

pounds of seeds per acre.



non-oil varieties were similar, with an approximate

yield of 4.48 metric tons of seeds per hectare. Field ob-



servations and yield data suggest that sunflower could

be grown profitably in the Virgin Islands.



Corn



In studies conducted in 1980-1981, commercial corn

cultivars TE Blanco and TE 6975 produced top grain

yields of 4931 and 4758 kg/ha respectively. Pesticide

effectiveness studies on field corn (Zea mays) conducted

in conjunction with Pest Management specialists to

control mites, fall armyworm and corn earworm, re-

vealed that Kelthane, Insecticidal Soap and Basic H

gave the best control of mites, while Lannate was most



effective against armyworm and earworm.



JoJoba (Simmondsia chinensis)



An investigation on the introduction and feasibility

of JoJoba crop production in the V.I. was initiated on

November 29, 1981. Seeds were planted by hand and

were placed about three (3) cm below the surface of wet

soil (water holding capacity). The seeds of broadleafed

evergreen JoJoba contain a liquid and solid wax in

addition to alcohols. The residues can be used as an

animal feed supplement and fertilizer (due to high nitro-

gen content). Preliminary field observation indicated

that the crop is well-adapted to the V.I. environment

and the possibility of a JoJoba oil industry exists when

more uncultivated land is planted with this crop.



Senators Edgar Isles (left) and Bent Lawaetz stop by the

sorghum fields to check out the latest feed crops with

AES agronomist Dr. Ahmed Hegab.



Lae



VEGETABLES - Varieties Suited for Our Islands



The primary research effort in vegetable production

has been to select and evaluate varieties of locally

adapted crops for home consumption and commercial

production. Yield performance, quality, and resistance

to pests and diseases are the major evaluation criteria.

Vegetable field experiments included variety

evaluations, optimum plant density, fertilization rates

and methods to correct soil alkalinity.



Tomatoes



Three different trials were conducted with tomatoes.

The first experiment (January to April 1981) evaluated

four varieties (Royal Chico, Saladette, Tropic and

Super Beefsteak) using the ground planting system

without trellis or supporting stakes. Royal Chico

proved to be the best in estimated marketable yield with

20.6 tons per hectare, while Tropic, Super Beefsteak and

Saladette gave marketable production of 9.5, 7.2 and

5.9 tons per hectare, respectively. A second experiment

was conducted from August to October 1981 to observe

the performance of heat-tolerant tomatoes from the



Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center in

Taiwan. Royal Chico, used as the control, outyielded all

of the AVRDC heat-tolerant varieties. The third eval-

uation trial from February to May was conducted with

staked tomato varieties. Of fourteen cultivars tested,

Winner, Red Glow and UHN-69 produced the highest

yields.



Eggplant



Evaluation trials on eggplant were conducted fortwo

seasons. The first trial with eight cultivars was started in

August 1980 and the second trial with the best five culti-

vars from the first trial was started in the field during the

first week of July 1981. In both seasons eggplant vari-

eties Midnight and Peerless were the highest yielders. A

ratooning experiment, wherein the old plants were cut

back about six inches from the ground and allowed to

grow back, proved Midnight and Peerless again the

most productive. It was further observed that the

ratooned crop produced approximately 17 percent low-

er yield than the first or primary crop.

Beans



A variety evaluation and planting date trial was con-

ducted with nine snap been cultivars and one string bean

cultivar. The string bean variety (Los Banos bush sitao)

out-yielded all the snap bean varieties; Oregon 4117 and

Contender were the most productive snap beans.

Evidence from the study indicated that on St. Croix

beans perform better when planted during the wetter

months of the year. Ina sulfur and micronutrient study

on snake beans (Vigna sequepedalis), also called bodie

beans, one objective was to release elements made un-

available to the plants due to high soil alkalinity. The

other objective was to improve the nutrient status of the

soil by application of the deficient elements, with snake

beans used as indicator plants because of their appar-

ently high sensitivity to micronutrient deficiencies.

Preliminary results showed that the highest yields were

obtained from plots applied with chicken manure (44

tons per hectare) in combination with iron, manganese

and copper all at a rate of 2.2 kilograms per hectare and

from those plots which received an application of 4.5

tons of sulfur per hectare combined with chicken man-

ure, manganese and iron at the same rates.



Okra



Because okra is a very popular vegetable in many

local dishes and is grown extensively in local home gar-

dens, an okra variety evaluation trial was conducted

comparing Emerald Green and Clemson Spineless, two



Jefferson, an okra cultivar from Arkansas, proved to be

a much higher yielder than two other grown frequently

in the islands.



commonly grown island varieties, with Jefferson, a re-

cently developed okra cultivar from Arkansas. The

results indicated that Jefferson cultivar yielded 55 per-

cent higher than Emerald Green and 85 percent higher

than Clemson Spineless. In a fertilizer rate and popula-

tion density study of Clemson Spineless, six plant densi-

ties were considered (72,000, 43,000, 36,000, 27,000 and

18,000 plants per hectare). Highest yields were ob-

tained with 36,000 plants per hectare. In the fertilizer

rate study using 10-10-10, the highest yield was obtained

with application of 560 kilograms per hectare.



Other Investigations



Four varieties of onions were tested for yield per-

formance. Results indicated that short-day onion culti-

vars Granex 33 and Texas Grano 502PRR out-yielded

Inca (long day) and Pronto (intermediate) under

Virgin Islands’ conditions. Planter’s Jumbo cantaloupe

was tested for the influence of phosphorus applied at

rates of 0, 25, 50 and 100 kilograms per hectare. Plants

receiving 25 and 50 kilograms per hectare increased

yields averaging 11,000 and 14,000 pounds per hectare

respectively while those treated with 0 and 100 kilo-

grams per hectare only produced yields of 8,000 and

10,000 pounds of marketable fruit respectively.



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Granex 33 onion cultivar proved the best in yield tests

conducted of four varieties.



Application of phosphorous at 50 kilograms per

hectare increased yields of Planter’s Jumbo cantaloupe

dramatically.

Thirteen sweet potato varieties from Louisiana Sweet

Potato Center and 18 varieties of two species of yam (D.

alata and D. rotundata) were propagated and initial

observations begun on their agronomic characteristics;

three breeding lines of sweet potatoes specifically devel-

oped for weevil resistance in South Carolina were

propagated and studies begun on their weevil resistance

under tropical conditions. Investigations of horse-

radish trees (Moringa oleifera) for growth and yield

performance were initiated since these trees contain

edible pods and leaves high in protein. Studies were also

initiated on two species of luffa (Luffa acutangularis

and L. cylindrica) which grow well in the Virgin Islands

and whose pods can be used as a nutritious vegetable

when green and for sponge production when mature.

Thirty-six breeding lines of cassava from CIAT, Colum-

bia, along with four sweet cultivars from Puerto Rico,

were planted to be multiplied and characterized in on-

going studies of this popular starchy West Indian staple

crop.



Ay / (0

had an agriculture apprentice

program with AES for older students such as this one

shown learning more abut vegetable science from Dr.

Adriano Navarro.



Tamarind School



The horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera) produces leaves

and edible pods high in protein. Investigations were

initiated for growth and yield of this easily grown island

tree.



Luffa (Luffa acutangularis), much in demand asa natural

bath sponge, is a vine which grows prolifically in the

tropics and can be cultivated as a vegetable similar to

squash if picked when young.



FRUITS - To Enrich Our Diets



The main emphasis in fruit crop research has been

directed towards ongoing studies of bananas, citrus,

avocado, sapodilla (mesple), and pineapple, with work

continuing on the St. Croix papaya decline disease.



Banana



A study was completed on the evaluation of nemati-

cide use on local cassava intercropped with Cavendish

banana. Cassava sticks were planted in April and har-

vested in November. It was found that Mocap 10%G

(Granular) treated plots at 84g per banana plant yielded

the highest amount of intercropped cassava roots (4.5

kg per plant) and Dasanit 15%G yielded the lowest (2.7

kg per plant.) Cassava intercropped with banana plants

receiving cattle and poultry manure yielded 3.9 kg per

plant while plants receiving 10-10-10 fertilizer at

0.85 kg per plant yielded 2.3 kg per plant. An



outbreak of mites on the cassava was controlled with

two sprays of Kelthane EC but there was no infestation

of banana plants, with the cassava providing excellent

windbreak control for the bananas. Cooking tests re-

vealed that slightly earlier harvesting of the cassava

would have minimized the woody nature of the cooked

roots.



The Cavendish banana, a large, sweet banana which

is popular with customers, can be susceptible to soil in-

festation by nematodes. An experiment to evaluate the

effects of three nematicides, Diazinon 2E and differing

rates of fertilizer has been conducted since March 1980.

Preliminary findings showed that the nematicide

treated plants produced healthy plants and suckers.

Wind toppled plants occurred mainly in the control and

Diazinon treated plots. Ammonium sulphate and

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Chicken manure and nematicide Furadan combined to

produce bananas yielding more than 50 pounds per

bunch.

poultry manure fertilizers appeared to have the greatest

effect on plant growth. In the second year, yield data for

the plants receiving fertilizer revealed that chicken

manure (5.5 kg per year) treated plants produced 20.6

kg per bunch. Plants receiving ammonium sulphate (1.4

kg per year) yielded 18.3 kg per bunch and those

receiving 10-10-10- (2.8 kg per year) yielded 17.1 kg

per bunch.



was 100%.



Tissue cultured plantain were drip irrigated after being transplanted to the field. Survival rate in September 1982



The best average bunch yield (22.8 kg) from

combined fertilizer/nematicide treatments resulted

from chicken manure and Furadan 5%G (20 grams per

plant). Plants receiving a double rate (2.8 kg) of

ammonium sulphate per year showed the highest leaf

tissue nitrogen of 2.4% but these did not correspond-

ingly give higher yields.



A varietal trial of 30 plants each of the well-known

commercial cultivars Giant Cavendish, Robusta and

Valery was initiated to evaluate performance under

local conditions. Sword suckers were obtained from

WINBAN in St.Lucia. Chicken manure at 5.5

kg per plant was incorporated in the planting

hole and Furadan 5%G at 20 grams per plant was ap-

plied at planting. Plants were drip irrigated. In July

1982 the first flowering plants were Giant Cavendish

(10%) at an average height of 1.6 meters. Thus far, per-

centage survival is 60% for Giant Cavendish, 53% for

Robusta and 43% for Valery. Also initiated in October

1981 was a germplasm collection of local banana and

plantain cultivars including Giant and Dwarf Caven-

dish, Dwarf Lacatan (Musa sp. AAA), Tall and Dwarf

Horse Banana (Musa sp. ABB), Tall and Dwarf Plan-

tains (Musa sp. AAB), and Bacuba (Silk Fig, Apple

Banana, Musa sp. AAB). The objectives of this collec-

tion are to observe the performance of all local banana

and plantain material to see what improvements can be

made on selections already in use by farmers; to make

selections of promising material for future field trials

under varying fertilizer, cultural and water levels; and to

document growth and fruiting habits of cultivars which

have thus far been only of minor importance.



An intercrop trial was initiated in December 1981

combining Tall type Horse banana (also called Bluggoe,



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Malango or Moko--Musa sp. ABB) with local West

Indian papaya, and Dwarf type Horse banana with Solo

Sunrise papaya. Plots of eight banana plants at 1.9m x

3.2m spacing were interplanted with papaya in inter-

row areas. Severe leaf yellowing of banana plants in

certain areas of the field has been corrected by applying

Fe Sequestrene 138 at 28 grams per plant. Sporadic out-

breaks of Mosaic and Ring Spot virus occurred in

papayas, but so far no evidence of St. Croix papaya

decline disease has been noted.



Introduction of the first batch of tissue cultured plan-

tain plantlets made it possible to evaluate a new method

of banana and plantain propagation which will allow

the farmers to acquire unlimited amounts of pest-free

planting material quickly, easily and at a relatively low

cost. A 75% survival of both the Dwarf and regular

Maricongo Plantain plantlets was obtained and 2'4

months after arrival from the laboratory, plants were

transplanted to the field. All plants were drip irrigated

using potable water. Chicken manure was incorporated

in the planting hole (5.5 kg per plant) at time of

transplanting. To test control of nematodes and corm

borers applications of Furadan 5%G at 20 grams per

plant every four months, Temik 10%G at 45 grams every

six months and Diazinon 2E two tablespoons per gallon

applied to each plant every two months were made to

plots of 6 plants spaced at 1.9m x 3.2m. A field evalua-

tion of plants in September 1982 revealed a 100%

survival rate.



Avocado



The evaluation of fruiting characteristics of selected

varieties of avocados continued for a second year with

data compiled on both early bearing types (July-Octo-

ber) and late bearers (December-March). Information

was recorded on fruit and seed size, pulp color and tex-

turc, and skin thickness. The present avocado orchard

was originally established in 1955 at the experiment

station site. Two varieties of early bearers far exceeded

the late bearing trees in terms of size with DWI Bank

weighing 540 grams and Butler weighing 431 grams. The

largest late bearers were Booth 7 (377 grams) and Lula

(299 grams).



Sapodilla



The fruiting characteristics of nine local and intro-

duced Sapodilla (Mesple) varieties are being evaluated.

Recorded data include time of flowering and fruiting,

yield, time of ripening, fruit size, color, texture, taste

and number of seeds. Variety Russel produced the

largest fruits (195 grams), followed by Boetzberg (188

grams), Jamaica-10 (183 grams) and Morningstar (155

grams).



Citrus



In June 1980 a variety trial of 20 citrus varieties on

two rootstocks was initiated on a 0.42 hectare field.

Plants were spaced 6.5m between rows and 4.9m

between plants on 15 cm raised beds which were

mulched with dried grass. The objective of this trial is to



observe performance of various citrus cultivars on dif-

ferent rootstock so as to select the best scion and root-

stock combination for local conditions. The establish-

ment of the orchard will also serve as a valuable germ-

plasm collection from which scion material can later be

obtained. Several of the varieties which were affected

with Foot Root disease (Phytophthora sp.) showed

good response to drench treatments with the systemic

fungicide Ridomil (1.5 milli-liters per gallon). After two

years growth, eight citrus varieties had a 100% survival.

Among these are Navel orange, Blood orange, Temple

orange, Ponderosa lemon, all on Sour orange root-

stock; also Pineapple orange, Blood orange, Orlando

tangelo and Persian lime on Cleopatra mandarin root-

stock. Eighty percent survivors included Parson Brown

orange, Marsh grapefruit and Thompson Pink grape-

fruit on Sour orange rootstock, and Murcott orange

and Kumquat on Cleo mandarin rootstock.



Pineapple



An experiment to study the effects of three mulch

types on Red Spanish pineapple was initiated in Decem-

ber 1980. Used in the experiment were a silver-coated

plastic, black plastic and cut grass. During the first year

all three mulch treatments effectively controlled weeds

of which the most persistent was wild poinsettia

(Euphorbia heterophylla). However, during the second

year plants were severely affected by mealy bug infesta-

tion and heart rot disease. Although application of



As



A mulch experiment on Red Spanish pineapple con-

ducted over a two-year period revealed black plastic

the best, with 62% surviving.

Malathion checked the spread of mealy bugs, heart rot

proliferation was rapid and uncontrollable. Black

plastic-mulched plants treated with a combined spray of

ammonium sulphate (100 kg per hectare) and iron sul-

phate (10 kg per hectare) had the biggest survival rate of

62%, with 75% flowering in the summer of 1982. Com-

pletely unmulched plants performed most poorly, with

almost the entire treatment lost to mealy bug and heart

rot. Silver coated plastic-mulched plants grew well until

the plastic biodegraded and completely disintegrated

one year after planting. Pineapples mulched with cut

dried grass performed second best and those that were

also treated with the ammonium sulphate/ iron sulphate

fertilizer combination showed a survival of 25% with

50% of those flowering.



Tropical Fruit Collection



A 0.84 hectare orchard of local tropical fruits particu-

larly adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of St.

Croix was begun in 1981. So far selected varieties of

West Indian Cherry, Guava, Black Sapote, Sugar

Apple, Custard Apple, Soursop and Jackfruit have



been planted. Planned future additions to the collection

are: Jujube, Governor plum, West Indian plum, Golden

apple, Star apple, Gooseberry, Malay apple, Mamee

sapote, Breadfruit and Breadnut.



Ornamental Project



Christmas Snowflakes (Euphorbia leucocephala

Lotsy), also called Snow on the Mountains, was eval-

uated as a potential Christmas pot crop using two

growth retarding compounds. Seedlings transplanted in

May 1981 were repotted to 4 gallon containers in

August and the soil was drenched with chemical growth

retardants in October. Although Cycocel at 3000 ppm

produced the most attractive potted plants, Anacymi-

dol at 0.5 active ingredient per pot produced a 37% re-

duction in plant size (height + width) and induced four

times more cyathia (flower? inflorescences) over the

control plants. If this scheduling of potting and chemi-

cal application is followed, potted Christmas Snow-

flakes plants are at their best appearance by December

15 in time for the Christmas season.



IRRIGATION - For Dry Weather



The irrigation program at the experiment station has

as its main objective the investigation of crop response

to irrigation and to provide basic information necessary

for proper irrigation water management of tropical

crops.



Requirements for Dry Season Tomatoes



An area of 0.06 hectares was planted with UH N-69

tropical hybrid tomato on December 7, 1981. Each plot

consisted of three rows of 12 plants spaced at 0.45 x 1.22

meters. The irrigation treatments on split-plot design

were Consumptive Use (CU) ration 1.25, 1.00, 0.75, and

0.50 (main plot) and one and two days frequency (sub

plots). The treatments were replicated three times. The

trickle irrigation system consisted of Bi-Wall 19 tubing

with orifices at 44 cm x 160 cm buried at 8 cm. The sys-

tem included a volumetric valve, pressure regulator, 200

mesh filter and two water meters for each treatment.



Before transplanting, 20 liters of chicken manure and

100 kg per hectare of superphosphate were in-

corporated in each row. Side dressing with a complete

fertilizer was applied twice monthly after fruit set. Foliar

fertilizer with major and trace elements was applied as

nutrient deficiency symptoms developed. Weeds were

controlled with Dacthal herbicide and additional

manual and mechanical cultivation. Leafminers, fungus

and bacterial diseases were controlled by integrated pest

management techniques. By periodically monitoring

insects and diseases the pesticide treatments were

reduced by 60% compared to a standard weekly

schedule.



Tomatoes were harvested twice a week from February

5, 1982 to March 23, 1982. The greatest response to



10



55,054 kg per hectare of tomatoes were harvested in

March 1982 utilizing specific irrigation techniques.



irrigation, with 55,054 kg per hectare of marketable

tomatoes, was obtained with 1.00 CU ratio applied

every other day. The unmarketable yield averaged

under 10%. Statistical analysis is to be continued on

plant height, fruit size and irrigation water efficiency.



Research results show that by using multiple disease

and heat resistant hybrid tomatoes such as UN N-69,

along with trickle irrigation scheduling techniques to

maximize yield per unit of water applied, it is possible to

obtain high marketable yields (55,054 kg/ha) and top

quality tomatoes in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cultivar

UH N-69 yields were 2.6 higher than yields obtained in

1978-1979 trials and 15.6 times higher than tomato tria!]

yields in 1980-1981 conducted at the Virgin Islands

experiment station.



Effect of Irrigation on Watermelon



Previous research on Charleston Gray and other

oblong watermelon varieties in the Virgin Islands shows

that yields were severely reduced by the development of

blossom-end rot. Inadequate irrigation was suspected

to be the reason. In an experiment begun on April I,

1982, Charleston Gray seeds were planted in an area of

0.04 hectares. Cultural techniques employed were

similar to those of earlier experiments. Eight irrigation

treatments replicated three times were applied to deter-

mine the effect of irrigation on watermelon growth and

quality. The irrigation system (trickle) included Bi-Wall

19 tubing buried at 8 cm and a volumetric valve, pres-

sure regulator, 200 mesh filter and two water meters for

each treatment.



Field observations show that the following factors

appeared to have reduced the watermelon yield con-

siderably: a.) inadequate pollination because of the

small number of bee visits per hour to each flower; b.)

severe attack of fungus and anthracnose despite the

supposed disease resistant qualities of Charleston Gray;

c.) severe blossom-end rot in all of the plots. The level of

calcium in the soil was optimum and tissue analysis has

indicated average to high calcium.



The results indicate that for adequate bee pollination,

bee colonies should be brought into the area of water-

melon production. Plastic mulch is required and only

highly disease resistant watermelon varieties should be

considered for use in the Virgin Islands.



Checking water pressure regulator

on irrigation system.



Split plot arrangement of irrigated young papaya plants -- the first such

study in the Virgin Islands.



Effect of Irrigation on Papaya



Irrigation studies were initiated for the first time in

the Virgin Islands on reaction of papaya which is sus-

ceptible in the islands to the St. Croix decline disease.

An area of 0.07 hectares was planted with PR 6-65

papaya on June 26, 1982. Plants were spaced 1.82

meters in a row, 1.82 meters between rows and 3.64

meters between double rows. Plants are in a split-plot

arrangement with four irrigation amounts in main plots

and two frequencies in the subplots. Each subplot con-

sists of six plants, three each from two adjacent rows,

but data is being taken only from the two central plants

of each plot. Treatments are replicated three times.



The irrigation system consists of on-line 3.7 liter per

hour emitters (one per plant) and a volumetric valve,

pressure regulator and two water meters for each treat-

ment. Rain catchment water is filtrated by 200 mesh

filter. Superphosphate was incorporated in the

50x50x50 centimeter holes before transplanting. Nitro-

gen is applied twice a month and fertilizer with trace ele-

ments applied as nutrient deficiency symptoms devel-

oped. Pesticides were sprayed weekly to prevent the

development of St. Croix decline disease and

anthracnose.



Early findings in this continuing irrigation study are

that the decline disease has affected only the weak

papaya plants representing approximately 8% of the

total in the first few weeks after transplanting. Weekly

treatments with Kocide before blossoming seem to

control the disease and field observations show that

papaya responds well to irrigation.

PEST MANAGEMENT - Alternative Control Methods



A chief emphasis of the experiment station Pest

Management program has been to characterize signifi-

cant pests on priority crops and to develop and apply

effective alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides.

One major aim is to achieve efficient control of diseases

and insect pests under tropical island conditions, but at

the same time insuring that unnecessary pesticide appli-

cations are avoided. Another aim is to recognize that

while pesticides will necessarily be a component of any

pest management effort, it is important to develop and

implement an appropriate pesticide storage, use and

handling system as well as a safe disposal process.



In a joint research project with the vegetable science

program, sweet potatoes were evaluated for resistance

to weevil infestation.



Inter-region Cooperation



In an example of inter-regional cooperation, the Pest

Management program joined Inter-region Project 4, a

nationwide effort with other U.S. experiment stations

to gather data necessary for the clearance of pesticides

for use on minor crops including tropical fruits and

vegetables. The program also joined a project spon-

sored by the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation in

Agriculture (IICA) of the Pan-American Health Orga-

nization which is concerned with the incidence of Blue-

tongue virus, a disease of sheep, goats and cattle trans-

mitted by the biting fly, Culicoides. A presumed out-

break of Bluetongue on St. Croix was investigated by

Dr. Paul Gibbs, associate professor of Virology at the

University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine,

who also held a seminar for livestock producers on viral

diseases of livestock.



Sabbatical Aids Local Studies



During a five-month sabbatical leave, Dr. Roger

Bland from Central Michigan University conducted

basic and applied studies that included a comprehensive

assessment of the crop pests and their natural enemies

for beans, cabbage, cantaloupe and corn; evaluations of

the efficacy of a range of insecticides and miticides with

emphasis on low hazard products such as insecticidal



soap; laboratory bioassays using a natural repellent and

feeding deterrant derived from the tropical neem tree

(Azadrachta indica) against melonworms; and field

trials on baits for control of ants that tend aphids. Eight

detailed reports resulted from this work.



Joint Projects in Research



A paper entitled “Integrated Pest and Irrigation

Management Research on Tomatoes in the Virgin

Islands” was presented at the 18th Annual Meeting of

the Caribbean Food Crops Society in Barbados in

August 1982. A joint research project between the irri-

gation and pest management programs resulted in a

standardized survey form, protocol for assessment and

recommendation for treatment which are being applied

presently to a tomato pest management scouting service

by the Cooperative Extension Service. Other research

projects undertaken were weed control in tomato,

cantaloupe and beans; evaluation of sweet potato weevil

resistant germplasm; and control of mites on sweet corn.



Comprehensive recommendations on tropical crop

groups, coordinated with those from Puerto Rico and

Florida, were submitted to the Office of Pesticide Pro-

grams of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in

response to a proposed standardized crop grouping

scheme published in the Federal Register. Many crops

and their uses in tropical regions were not properly re-

presented in the original proposal and this comprehen-

sive response was to redress this imbalance.



A cooperative rescarch agreement with the U.S.

Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research

Service (USDA-ARS) involving field trapping and

monitoring of two of the world’s most serious insect

pests, the tomato fruitworm and the pink bollworm,

was completed on St. Croix. These two insects were the

object of genetic sterility research at the St. Croix

USDA-ARS field station. Among other findings, it was

determined that these insects can be effectively con-

trolled by genetic means. No migration between St.

Croix and neighboring islands was detected.



St. Croix Papaya Decline Disease



In continuing efforts to seck a solution to the St.

Croix papaya decline disease syndrome, various treat-

ments and trials have continued throughout the past

two years at the experiment station. In one, the effects of

sulphur treatment and soil fumigation using methyl

bromide were tried. Although plants in the methyl

bromide treated plots started more vigorously, their

overall growth and performance were far below those of

the control plots. Yields were lower, fruits were smaller

and incidence of decline symptoms were more severe. It

was also evident that effects of methyl bromide fumiga-

tion are very temporary and in the end are a counter-

productive and impractical method for controlling the

decline disease. The application of sulphur did not have

A variety trial of 24 papaya cultivars was begun to

determine resistance to St. Croix papaya decline

disease.



any significant effect on soil pH and therefore does not



appear to be an effective means of lowering the pH in



local soils.



A variety trial of 24 cultivars to observe natural resis-

tance to St. Croix papaya decline disease involved ac-

cessions from the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii,

Costa Rica and Florida. There were 13 harvests starting

in February 1981. Results were not conclusive, and al-

though complete resistance was not found in any culti-

var, field tolerance was shown by some entries and

individual plants.



A significant advance was achieved in Spring 1981

when a possible breakthrough towards a solution of the

decline was achieved with the isolation of an Erwinia

bacterium as a major contributing causal organism by

Dr. Milton Schroth, professor of bacteriology at the

University of California. Research is continuing on this

papaya decline disease problem.



Dr. Roger Bland, entomologist and bi-

ology professor from Central Michigan

University spent a six-month sabbatical

with the AES pest management program . , =



investigating crop pests in the Virgin Renowned scale insect specialist Dr. Michael Kosztarab of Virginia

Islands. He takes time out to snap a State University was a visiting scientist with the pest management

photo of the colorful ‘‘frangipani worm.”’ program where he verified the identity of locally collected specimens.



Papaya plant exhibiting characteristics of decline

disease.

ANIMAL SCIENCE - Assisting the Beef Industry



The main emphasis of the Animal Science program

has been to evaluate Senepol cattle under their native

Virgin Islands environment. This isa unique program in

that all experimental units are derived from cooperating

Senepol breeders’ cattle operations. Collecting and pro-

cessing data from six Virgin Islands breeders and four

mainland cooperators has been greatly improved

through the use of a microcomputer. The on-the-farm

performance testing program data management is now

processed in a timely fashion. Considerable time was

spent adapting data handling programs to the new

computer system from the various systems previously

used.



Animal Science Research Assistant assists local beef

cattle producer grade and weigh Senepol for on-the-

farm performance testing program.



On-the-Farm Performance Tests



Data collected from on-the-farm performance testing

of Senepol beef cattle includes birthdate, sire, dam,

weaning weight and age, postweaning weight and age,

measurement variables and breed characterization

variables. Measurement and breed characterization

variables are evaluated at weaning (7-9) months and at

postweaning (a year for bulls and 18 months for heifers).

Measurement variables include length from withers to

the anterior lumbar, hip height, and length from hooks

to pins. Breed characterization variables are head con-

dition and shape, bumps, sheath evaluation, body con-

dition, frame, color and temperament. Weaning per-

formance data taken at 7-9 months were adjusted toa

205 day weight standard. Summary reports include ad-

justed weights, weight ratios and cow efficiency. Post-

weaning weights were adjusted to a 365-day weight (1

year) for bulls and a 540-day weight (18 months) for

heifers. During this time data was taken on 1152

cows/ calf pairs, 121 mature bulls and 979 postweaning

calves per year.



From 1977-1979 two computer services were used for

processing records. These systems were incompatible

for data transfer to the existing microcomputer. There-

fore, all of the 10,000 collected records are being re-

entered into the present system. Records from 1980 to

present were entcred as collected.



14



Animal Science Research Technician in cooperation



with V.I. Consumer Services conducts a meat quality

and meat cutting workshop for local meat marketers

and other interested persons.



‘Two cooperators have breeding records from 1954 to

1976. These records will be used to determine the genctic

relationship and history of the breed. Of the 51,000

records, all have been tabulated for data entry and

editing. However, only about 10% have been actually

keypunched for analysis.



Effect of Feed



A grain-on-grass feeding experiment involved

feeding level (pasture only and 3 levels of grain on grass)

and feeding length (140 & 168 days on feed) utilizing 1 12

bulls at two locations. As expected, preliminary analysis

suggests the average daily grain and final weight were

augmented as a result of the increase in number of days

on feed and the amount of feed provided.



Sixty-one bulls were slaughtcred with carcass data

and Warner Bratzler shear data collected. There were

no interactions between feeding time and feeding level

for all variables observed. Color, texture and the four

Warner Bratzler shear (tenderness measurement) values

were unaffected by location, feeding time, or feeding

level. Feeding time had a significant effect on live weight

(410 kg), cold carcass weight (234 kg), ribeye area per

body weight (2.02 cm/cwt.), backfat (.11 cm), yield



after collecting data and performing routine manage-

ment duties.

grade (1.75) and age (486 days). Location and feeding

level had a significant effect on live weight, cold carcass

weight, ribeye area per cwt, backfat, dressing percent

(56.9%), marbling score (3.3) and conformation (9.9).



Milk Production Trial



The second year of a milk production trial utilizing

the weigh-suckle-weigh technique, utilized 24 cow/ calf

pairs at one location conducted over a 10 month period.

Cow-calf pairs were put ona sampling schedule within 2

weeks of birth. Birth weights were taken within 36 hours

of birth and averaged 345 + 5.4 kg. Butterfat, total solids

and solids-not-fat measurements were taken during the

eight month lactation period. Preliminary results indi-

cate cows averaged 533 + 5I kg going on trial and

527 + 59 kg coming off the trial. Calf weight averaged

218 + 21 kg when at an average of 202 + 10 days of age.

Results of the first milk composition sample made

within two weeks after birthing showed 2.8% butter-

fat and 10.6% total solids; sample results taken when the

calf was seven months old showed that butterfat was

1.8% and total solids 11.1%. Cows averaged about 1134

kg of milk in a 201 average day lactation period. (Pro-

duction figures have not been adjusted to standard

dates.) All but one cow (17 years old) from the previous

year’s trial rebred and calved within a 12 1/2 month

period. Combined data sets for the two year’s trial will

be analyzed for further information.



Collaboration with Other Agencies



In an effort to determine the general combining abil-

ity (genetic) of the Senepol and to determine how the

purebred Senepol produce relative to various purebred

and cross bred breeds, the research program collab-

orated with the Brooksville Research Station to estab-

lish the first continental purebred Senepol herd at the

Florida Beef Research Station. At this station purebred

and crossbred Senepol can now be compared directly

with various British and Zebu purebred and crosses.

This 18 month effort, with the animal science program

serving as liaison between APHIS-VS, Florida and



Virgin Islands State Veterinarians and the Virgin

Islands Senepol Association, culminated with the ship-

ment of 44 purebred heifers and four purebred bulls on

June 21, 1982 from St. Croix to Florida.



Hydraulic lift transfers Senepol cattle to aircraft for

flight from St. Croix to Florida Beef Research Station

in Brooksville. The experiment station animal science

program on St. Croix was instrumental in expediting

this research opportunity for the Senepol breed.



AQUACULTURE - A Possible Major Food Supplement



The Aquaculture Research program has been in-

volved in three areas of research on the freshwater fish

Tilapia; the study of tilapia cage culture in small fresh-

water ponds; the construction of a facility to study re-

circulating fish culture/hydroponic systems; and

hatchery management techniques for tilapia fingerling

production.



Fish Pond Research



An important problem was identified which can

greatly influence fish culture in many Virgin Islands

ponds. During excessive dry periods, pond levels recede

and dense vegetation proliferates on the banks. When

large rainfalls do occur, excessive runoff from adjacent



15



hills soon fill the ponds to capacity, and within two

to four weeks after these rainstorms, oxygen depletions

occur resulting from the submergence and subsequent

decay of pond bank vegetation. The result is high

mortality among the caged tilapia. To avoid this prob-

lem, pond banks that are exposed below the high water

mark should be maintained relatively free of vegetative

growth.



Feeding Pellets



A year-long feeding experiment was conducted to

evaluate three commercial feeds (Purina and Sunshine

Mills floating catfish pellets, and Central Soya sinking

crumbles) and three feeding rates schedules. The feeding

ae



wh



fingerling production experiments.



rate schedules were 3% of body weight throughout the

experiment; reduction from 5 to I5 of body weight

based on time (time slide); and reduction from 5 to 1%

based on weight (weight slide.) Purina feed produced

26% higher yields with time slide, which was the best

feeding rate schedule.



As a result of poor water circulation through the

cages causing low dissolved oxygen levels, 30 new cages

were constructed with cage mesh increased in size from

6 mm to 19 mm.



A demand feeder was designed for feeding caged

tilapia in freshwater ponds. The feeder stores about 6 kg

of feed and is mounted on the cage top. Caged fish

quickly learn to trigger the release of feed by swimming

into a rod suspended from the feeder. Use of this auto-

matic feeder has substantially reduced the labor re-

quired in feeding.



Newly designed automatic feeder for caged fish in

ponds has reduced labor required in feeding.



New aquaculture research facility was begun in 1981 near the St. Croix campus with 28 tanks for breeding and



New Research Facility



Construction of an aquaculture research facility was

started early in 1981 ona .4 hectare site near the college

enclosed by fencing, with water and drain lines estab-

lished initially. A field laboratory building was con-

structed and work was begun onestablishing 34 circular

swimming pools ranging in size from 3.7 meters to 8.2

meters in diameter and 8,700 to 64,000 liters in volume

to be used in tilapia fish hatchery experiments. Two ex-



An experiment was conducted early in 1982 to deter-

mine effect of stocking density of brood fish on fry pro-

duction. This small pan contains 500 tilapia fry.

periments were conducted in 1982. The first was to

determine the effect of stocking density of brood fish

(Tilapia aurea) on fry production. Results showed that

total production of fry increased as stocking rates in-

creased, but average production per female declined.

The objective of the second hatchery experiment was to

find the optimum stocking rate of fry in pools for rear-

ing them to fingerling size. Tilapia fry were stocked in

circular pools at six rates. Predation by dragonfly lar-

vae caused wide variation in survival (59% average) and

the results were therefore inconclusive. Future stocking

should occur only in pools filled with water just prior to

stocking, thus restricting development of dragonfly

larvae populations. Three new species of tilapia re-

ceived from the Tennessee Valley Authority in Alabama

will be used in future experiments.



Recirculating Systems



One closed recirculating system was completed by

September 1982 and five others were in various stages of

construction. These systems consist of a 1,400-/ rearing

tank, a 1,900-/ sludge settling tank, a 1,400-/ reservoir,

and two 2,300-/ hydroponic tanks. The hydroponic

tanks, 6 m long by 1.2 m wide and .3 m deep, each will

hold almost 4.5 metric tons of gravel as a biofilter and

substrate for vegetable culture. The design of the six re-

circulating systems is based on a small model that has

been tested for two years. The model was constructed

from four oil barrels, with three upright barrels used for

fish culture, sludge removal and water storage, and the

fourth cut in half horizontally and filled with gravel for

biofiltration and hydroponic culture of tomatoes and

lettuce. The system was powered bya small submersible

pump. Total production in the first trial amounted to

9.5 kg of tilapia and 10.4 kg of vegetables over a four

month period; in a second seven-month trial the small

backyard model produced 11.8 kg of tilapia and 32.7 kg

of lettuce and tomatoes. Since the model system was

displayed to the public it has evoked keen interest and

several individuals are now constructing similar systems

for their own backyard use.



Freshwater fish such as tilapia may provide a greater

portion of the protein intake in the diets of island people



Model fish culture-hydroponic systems served as prototypes for commer-



One 7-month trial produced 26 pounds of tilapia and

72 pounds of lettuce and tomatoes utilizing the small

back yard fish culture-hydroponic system.



Marketing study in 1982 revealed that consumers

would pay more than two dollars per pound for tilapia

weighing an average of one pound.



who have heretofore relied heavily on marine fish be-

cause data gathered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-

vice has shown that near-shore marine fishery is exceed-

ing the maximum sustainable yield. In a St. Croix retail

fish outlet marketing study on public consumption of

tilapia conducted in 1981, it was determined that con-

sumers were willing to pay $2.10 per

pound for undressed fish weighing

one pound. More than 200 pounds

were sold during this brief study,

with an added 175 pounds sold to

the Bureau of Corrections. As a

result of this study, aquaculture pro-

gram personnel provided technical

advice for the construction of a 0.08

hectare pond at the Golden Grove

Adult Correctional Facility which

will be used to demonstrate the prin-

ciples of tilapia pond culture and

will provide about 1360 kg of fish

annually for inmates.



<i.



cial scale recirculating systems currently under construction.



17

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Research



Ciguatera is a human affliction suffered when fish

containing ciguatoxin (CTX) are consumed. CTX

apparently originates in a micro-organism called Gam-

bierdiscus toxicus, a dinoflagellate found in tropical

oceans around the world, often on or near coral reefs.

Laboratory studies of field-collected G. toxicus indicate

it produces at least two toxins which cause the same

symptoms as CTX from fish when tested in the mouse

bioassay. The dinoflagellate toxins are probably altered

biochemically as they are passed through the organisms

along the food chain, ultimately becoming the CTX in



reef fish which poisons humans.



Everyone affected by ciguatera recognizes the need

for a simple, reliable test for ciguatoxicity in fish. For a

variety of technical reasons this goal has been extremely

elusive. Recently, a chemical test has been undergoing

development. Such a test is of great value for furthering

our scientific understanding of the ciguatera problem.

The test, counterimmunoelectrophoresis, is formidable

technologically, as its name suggests, but it will hope-

fully lead to a practical, affordable test in the future.



A line drawing of Gambierdiscus toxicus, the dinoflagellate recently implicated in the biogenesis of ciguatoxin,

taken from scanning electron micrographs. Alive, this micro-organism is 80 micrometers or 0.003 inches in dia-

meter (after F.J.R. Taylor, University of British Columbia).



HHH HEKRKRKRKKRKRHRHHKRKRHKRKRKRKRHHHKRHHHHEH HEHEHE HHH KE HH



millimeter ................00000 ce eee mm

centimeter ..................0ceeeeeee cm

hectare... . ccc cee ee eee eee ha

Jiter . 2... cc cece ee eee eee ]



METRIC ABBREVIATIONS USED



KUOSPAM sacajois ss 6 5 eR SF 8 8 Severs kg

granular... ... 0.0... cece cece eee eee G

IMNELER « ccoisecieciorereicos 0 9 8 8 womnereresexevere 9 x € eusreverere m

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE



The years 1981 and 1982 could best be characterized

as years of increasing teamwork as the four main pro-

gram areas of the Cooperative Extension Service--

Home Economics, 4-H Youth Development, Agricul-

ture and Natural Resources, and Community and Rural

Development--worked together to strengthen and sup-

port their mutual goals of serving as the informal educa-

tional outreach service of the College of the Virgin

Islands. And as the extension programs expanded in

terms of staff members, so also did the number of clients

who were reached by these programs.



The network of interprogram cooperation could be

found when a pest management extension agent served

as leader of a new 4-H entomology club aptly called

“The Stingers”; or when the Home Economics staff

assisted in training counselors for 4-H summer camp

and other island summer youth programs; or when

Agriculture specialists showed housing project residents

how to plant small gardens as part of a Home Econom-

ics community beautification program. Nor was exten-

sion’s mutual support philosphy limited to its own

agency, as staff members worked closely on special



projects with schools, the V.1. Department of Agricul-

ture and the Agricultural Experiment Station.



Another keynote of the past two years was the in-

creasing role all members of the staff played in provid-

ing workshops, seminars, classes, training sessions,

community visits, meetings and personal home visits to

persons needing the particular expertise that extension

could offer. Residents on all three islands took advan-

tage of opportunities to learn about grafting or air layer-

ing plants; how to care for sick livestock or improve

milk production; when to spray for insect pests without

jeopardizing beneficial insects; how much to fertilize;

techniques for irrigating small garden plots; where to

seek help in establishing a small business or buying farm

acreage; how to stretch food dollars in a nutritionally

balanced way; and methods for developing leadership

roles with young people.



Increasingly, the role played by the Virgin Islands

extension service has been one of cooperating with

other island agencies in a wide variety of betterment

projects; as a result, the word is out that extension is

there to serve when called.



AGRICULTURE - Expanding Outreach to Farmers



Technical assistance to a greater number of farmers,

growers and gardeners has been provided by the Agri-

culture Program by following three comprehensive

program objectives. These included assistance in im-

proving quality and increasing yields of food and feed

crops; recommendations to livestock growers for im-

proved management practices; and training private and

commercial pesticide applicators. Contacts were made

through traditional extension methods such as personal

farm visits, office visits, seminars, workshops, guided

tours, special classes and telephone communications.



Horticulture



The addition of an extension horticulturist to the staff

has enabled many fruit and vegetable growers in the

three Virgin Islands to receive the technical assistance

they have needed to correct production problems and

receive guidance as well as motivation in the application

of proper cultural practices. Pertinent information on

vegetable and fruit varieties, irrigation practices, plant

disease and pest management, and the best feed crop

varieties based on research at the Agricultural Experi-

ment Station is provided by the horticulturist and his

staff. Changing traditional cultural practices for newer,

more successful methods in some instances is met with

resistance. Inducing selected farmers to use a new

fungicide for control of root-rot and foot-rot on citrus,

for example, was considered a positive breakthrough.



Continued food price inflation did much to stimulate

the home gardening effort and new, first-time home



19



=_..

‘



=



Visits to home gardeners and farmers provide an oppor-

tunity for Extension Agriculture staff to assess cultural

practices throughout the islands. Former farmer-of-

the-year Jose Torres (right) shows a heavily laden bana-

na plant to extension horticulturist Clinton George.

oe ing sapodilla (locally known as mesple), sugar apple,

custard apple, soursop, West India Cherry, guava and

local plums.



Vegetable workshops were attended by a total of 550

growers with stress placed on emphasizing techniques

that are applicable to local conditions. Among these are

time of planting and using proven varieties which are

more adaptable to heat, drought and the myriad of in-

sects and diseases which plague crops year round in the

tropics. Predominant crops grown locally are tomatoes,

okra, pigeon peas, eggplant, peppers, collard greens,

local spinach, cucumbers and pumpkins. A staple for

many residents is the “ground provision” group which

includes cassava, tannia, yam and sweet potato.



”

-/



2s j



Proper shelter for goats is illustrated by guest speaker

at extension Saturday workshop.



Basic crops were grown in demonstration gardens

opposite St. Croix Campus utilizing varieties recom-:

mended by experiment station scientists.



gardeners continued to increase over former years.

Information was sought most frequently on best locally

adapted varieties, fertilization, planting practices, aug-

menting water supplies and crop protection.

Educational activities included tropical fruit work-

shops and seminars which attracted 593 participants

who learned about propagation by air layering, graft-

ing, cutting and budding. Mangoes, papayas, bananas,

avocados and citrus have been the most popular fruits

traditionally with increased interest expressed in plant-



Extension director Darshan Padda addressed St. Croix

gardeners who attended five-day Agriculture Short

Course.



Workshops and seminars were attended by the rela-

tively small group who are full-time farmers along

with part-time farmers and home gardeners, teachers

and others who are new to the islands and are exploring

the possibility of augmenting their diets with locally

grown produce.



The first World Food Day observance was conducted

by extension, with 500 tomato seedlings and cultivating

instructions distributed to the public. To assist housing

project dwellers improve the appearance of their proj-

ect, a seminar was held for 18 residents of Paradise Mills

on growing small gardens. Fourteen families enrolled in



Workshop participant prepares his citrus plant for the program and planted flowers and vegetables around

grafting. their dooryards.



20

Graduation day concludes a five-session Agriculture

Short Course held jointly with V.I. Teachers Corps for

interested St. Croix gardeners who received certifi-

cates for perfect attendance.



Small Livestock



Due to increased interest in keeping small livestock

such as goats, swine and chickens, a full-time assistant

livestock specialist was hired to give farmers technical

assistance and teach day-to-day management tech-

niques. Workshops and small livestock special interest

meetings attracted 287 participants. While goat, sheep

and poultry production has increased slightly in the past

year, the number of pigs decreased. The pig decline is

associated with the high cost of feed, much of which is

imported, and the unreliable processing services at the

local abattoir. An inventory of all classes of livestock on

small farms was begun. In addition, with the assistance

of an extension livestock technician, two farms cooper-

ated in major planning changes to utilize minimum

space for maximum use. Eventually, these farms will be

used as prototypes for other farmers to demonstrate

better efficiency on small farms. A 100-acre forage and

hay pilot project was initiated jointly with the Depart-

ment of Agriculture to mitigate the feed shortage prob-

lem facing farmers during times of drought. Advice also

was given on pasture renovation, health management

and improving forage conditions. In St. Thomas a germ

plasm nursery was started for forage crops.



Extension director, Darshan Padda visits farm which

has installed large grain storage tanks for its chicken



industry. Bulk purchases are less expensive but storage

has always been a problem in tropical climates.



Dr. Charles Gibson, Extension Veterinarian in charge of

Field Services for Michigan State University lectures

on dairy reproduction and nutrition problems on St.

Croix.



Dr. Samuel Guss, University of Pennsylvania Extension

Veterinarian and author of a definitive book on small

livestock management, was special guest at a meeting

of small livestock farmers where he lectured on new

techniques for sheep and goats.



Dairy Extension

In efforts to assist the Virgin Islands Dairy Herd Im-

provement Association (DHIA), Dairy Extension has



bs sks cus + .

Dairy Extension keeps in close contact with farms like

this one at Estate Windsor where cows are being

washed prior to milking.

continued to help cooperating dairymen in collecting

uniform production and management records to

improve management operations. In 1981 and 1982 an

average of 517 cows were performance tested monthly

and the records were sent to the Raleigh Computer Cen-

ter for processing and summarization. It was found by

dairy extension staff that most cows under local pasture

conditions need additional energy and supplemental

minerals, especially potassium and phosphorous. Dr. C.

Gibson, visiting associate professor of Veterinary

Science from Michigan State University spent four

weeks on St. Croix to assist dairies with animal health

programs, placing particular emphasis on reproduc-

tion. Using his recommendations, five St. Croix dairies

have increased the percent of cows in milk from sixty to

seventy, and reduced calving intervals nearly two

months. Dr. Gibson also conducted four workshops on

reproduction attended by a total of 70 dairymen and

small livestock producers.



Soil Testing



In 1981 preparations were made to establish a soil

testing laboratory on St. Thomas. An extension soil

specialist was added to the staff and during the year a

soil testing program was begun with morc than 100 sam-

ples sent off island for elemental analysis and fertilizer

absorption studies. In 1982 preliminary operations were

begun at the soil testing lab using newly installed equip-

ment. More than 9,000 analyses were performed on 754

soil, plant and water samples.



Pesticide Applicators



Training for initial certification and recertification of

both private and commercial pesticide applicators con-

tinues to be an important educational activity. Over a

two year period, 225 applicators were certified in the use

of pesticides and the handling of restricted use pesti-

cides. An additional two-day training workshop was

held for 43 of the agriculture staff at AES-CES and em-

ployees of the V.I. Department of Agriculture. Agricul-

tural training classes for CETA workers assigned to the

Dept. of Agriculture were conducted in May and June

1981.



we mm



Training and certifying pesticide applicators has beena

responsibility of extension working in conjunction with

the V.I. Dept. of Conservation since chemicals have

assumed such an important role in farming and home

gardening. Here training officer demonstrates safety

garment to local applicators.



EXTENSION PEST MANAGEMENT - Solving Pest Problems



Island growers are unanimous in agreement that a

major problem for successful crop production and rais-

ing ornamental plants is the all-pervasive one of pests



Pests and diseases such as ones causing this virus-

stunted tomato plant are all-too prevalent in hot

climates and represent a real challenge to the extension

pest management program.



and their control. Since the island climate with year-

round sunny hot weather is ideal for plant pests and

diseases, their numbers generally far exceed those in

more temperate climates. Among concerns affecting

islanders have been mite-induced scarring of coconuts;

mango flower and fruit drop due to anthracnose;

pinworm on tomatoes, diamondback worm on

cabbage, and mclonworm on cantaloupe; severe infes-

tation of scale and nematodes causing decline in hibis-

cus; and a myriad of problems with Cuban tree frogs,

termites, bats, birds and rats. Also, public health-

related concerns with mosquitoes and sandflies regular-

ly receive attention.



Problem Solving Techniques



The pest management program has addressed many

of these problems by using time-proven techniques of

direct contact with clients at farms, homes and exten-

sion headquarters; or through workshops, field trips,

seminars, publications, and classes. A total of 19 work-

shops attended by approximately 300 participants pro-

vided pest and plant disease identification and recom-

mendations. Site visits were made to 397 homes and

uncertainty when faced with pest problems, a major

constraint to getting started in local food production.



Pest Control Product Survey



A comprehensive evaluation of the pest control prod-

ucts currently available at 195 retail outlets on St.

Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John was completed and

annual updates are planned. Information pertaining to

major pest problems and suggested key materials to

treat them was conveyed to retailers at the time of sur-

vey to assist them in appropriate wholesale selection of

materials pertinent to the islands’ needs.



It is important to identify each problem as it occurs in

fruit trees. In this case, termites have invaded this

mango branch.



in



farms, and 53 demonstrations were conducted on test-

ing methods and products.



A weekly scheduled diagnostic clinic begun in the

summer of 1982 now provides walk-in service for resi-

dents with ailing plant specimens. Diagnosis and rec-

ommendations are offered for a full range of plant dis-

orders as well as public health, arthropod and verte-

brate pest problems. A major advance during the year

has been in the area of plant disease diagnosis and

nematode extraction now available from added staff

and collaboration with experiment station scientists.



Another major development in the past year was the

launching of a structured field survey and monitoring

service for major producers of bananas, plantains, man-

goes and tomatoes. This involves regular visits to grow-

ers’ plots, advisory feedback and integrated control

recommendations when needed for insects and other

arthropods, diseases, nematodes and bees. Basically,

this service is intended to help alleviate the growers’



If uncontrolled, anthracnose fungus can cause up to

50% or more reduction in yield of local mangoes each

year in the Virgin Islands, by attacking flowers, young

and maturing fruits. Post-harvest loss to anthracnose

also can be high.



Targeted Natural Resources Programs



The Virgin Islands extension pest management com-

ponent has been assuming a broader educational role in

terms of natural resources management. The main focus

of the natural resources program is to support food self-

sufficiency goals in the Virgin Islands because these

goals are inseparable from the severe competition for



Similar symptoms require a closer look. Here pest

management scientist determines that while the corn

leaf appears as if it might be deficient in nutrients, ve .

actually the plant has yellow leaf stripe virus which is limited natural resources locally. Two programs high-

transmitted by a plant hopper. light this new direction, both of them congressionally



23

Students from island schools often visit pest manage-

ment laboratory during class field trips. This young lady

is intent on learning about local beetles.



mandated and funded: with the Renewable Resources

extension program, concentration is on pasture and

rangeland improvement; the Non-Point Source Pollu-

tion program assesses the extent and nature of present

and perhaps future pollution from agriculture sources.

This includes fertilizer, pesticide and sediment run-off

into ponds, groundwater, lagoons, bays and other

coastal water zones.



A third program also falls within the natural re-

sources category. This is a joint venture between exten-

sion pest management and the National Park Service in

the Virgin Islands to develop comprehensive baseline

information pertaining to natural resources manage-

ment in the Virgin Islands. Supported by the Natural

Park Service in connection with the Manand Biosphere

Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific

and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the extension

natural resources component is contributing to the

development of a computerized bibliography of all

Virgin Islands literature ever published. The program

leader serves as associate editor in charge of scientific

materials for the bibliography, which is expected to be

published in three volumes with over 20,000 citations.



Making use of a back pack motorized mist blower can

be a real help to farmers, as demonstrated at a field

workshop.



Taking insects to classrooms throughout islands was a

combined project of the pest management program

working with 4-H. Here extension agent Marti Terry

and 4-H aide Leroy James show students a traveling

beetle exhibit.



siti tl a



Minute hairs on pods of Stizo/obium pruriens are so irri-

tating they can cause extreme discomfort if touched.

Pest management teams identified this local climbing

weed as the cause of death of six thoroughbred horses

on St. Croix, who mistakenly ingested the noxious

weed which is also called ‘‘cow-itch.”’

Other Useful Services



A close working relationship with USDA’s Animal

and Plant Health Inspection Service-Plant Protection

and Quarantine Office (APHIS-PPQ) resulted in veri-

fying the existence of a potentially serious outbreak of

black Parlatoria scale insect, a quarantinable pest of

citrus. In another case, a more extensive survey was con-

ducted with APHIS-PPQ concerning the potential exis-

tence of citrus bacterial canker, one of the most serious

citrus diseases known. No infections were found in the

territory.



A common weed herbarium collection was begun in

1981 with almost 200 weeds collected and identified thus



far, in collaboration with Dr. F.R. Fosberg of the

Smithsonian Institution. Plant identification also

played a key role in determining the cause of death of six

thoroughbred race horses on St. Croix by poisoning

from Stizolobium pruriens, known locally as “cow

itch”, or cowage. In assistance to the Virgin Islands

government, a report was prepared regarding the erro-

neous assumption that there were residual harmful

effects from biological warfare trials conducted during

World War II on islands off-shore of St. Thomas. This

report was widely publicized to allay the fears of local

residents that danger from those trials might still persist.



HOME ECONOMICS - Better Living for Our Families



The official dedication and ribbon-cutting of the new,

long-awaited home economics laboratory took place in

May 1982 with CVI president Arthur A. Richards,

home economics program leader Olivia Henry, V.I.

Senator John Bell and extension director Darshan S.

Padda officiating .



The whirr of sewing machines and soft murmur of

voices; the aroma of spicy island cooking; a sense of

something going on ina purposeful environment that is

creative yet unhurried--this is the atmosphere of the

Home Economics Lab which attracts hundreds of par-



ticipants yearly to its many programs. Home economics

took on new meaning and added enrichment this past

year with the opening of the new St. Croix lab with its

modern facilities for cooking (both gas and electric) and

15 new sewing machines for clothing construction

classes.



Thousands of Virgin Islands residents were reached

by the extension home economics program over the past

two years through its many and varied outreach pro-

grams conducted in the lab or out in the field on all three

islands.



Nutrition and Good Eating



Nutrition programs emphasized cultural food dem-

onstrations including Chinese, Vietnamese and West

Indian cooking. The kitchen on St. Thomas was reno-

vated and the home economics staff conducted seven

workshops in conjunction with the Family Education

Program of the Community Action Agency which were

attended by 84 clients interested in nutrition and food

selection. Another workshop during National Nutrition

Week attracted 20 participants interested in nutrition

from a vegetarian point of view. On St. John, three

short seminars were conducted in 1982 for a group



The new home ec lab is constantly busy with its 15

sewing machines utilized by different clothing con-

struction and home sewing classes throughout the day.



Personal health is an important aspect of the home

economics program. A health educator form V.I.

Health Dept. takes a homemaker’s blood pressure.

called TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), with nutri-

tional information provided for the ten dieters enrolled.



Clothing Construction for All Ages



Fifteen classes in basic beginners clothing construc-

tion and six for intermediates were held over the past

two years. Certificates of achievement were awarded to

83 participants who augmented their wardrobes with

stylish and colorful dresses, skirts, blouses and jackets.

Twenty-one senior citizens of the STRIVE program

were instructed in clothing construction. A fashion

show by the creative participants was held, and six re-

ceived achievement certificates. Twelve aides from the

Department of Conservation’s recreation program re-

ceived instruction to improve skills in crafts and cloth-

ing construction in order to prepare them to teach other

senior citizens groups.



A young teen receives a helping hand from home ec

staff member Hope Murphy who instructs her in opera-

tion of the sewing machine.



Learning Fun for Teens



Teenagers 13 to 15 years old joined two programs in

home economics geared specially for them. The after-

noon Teens Program was held each Friday throughout

the school year and taught the 66 young people involved

the basics of clothing construction, crafts, food prepara-



26



Macrame making is a popular activity for summer

teens.



Summer Teens participant proudly displays her com-

pleted basket.



tion, personal development, good grooming and con-

sumerism. The Summer Teens program continued to

grow in popularity, with 70 applicants for the 30 spaces

filled in 1981 and a total of 55 (32 on St. Croix, 15 on St.

Thomas and 8 on St. John) enrolled in 1982. Featuring

an emphasis on personal development, Summer Teens

met for six weeks during the summer, with interesting

* x 7

aM



Basketry is a traditional craft in the Virgin Islands which

is rapidly becoming obsolete. Teenagers in the home

economics summer programs are taught how to weave

simple styles in the hopes of keeping the art alive.



programs scheduled throughout each weekday. Partici-

pants learned basketry, macrame, clothing construc-

tion, good grooming and poise, decoration, nutrition

and meal preparation.



Helping Those Who Need It



Major highlights in working with community groups

included participation in the International Year of the

Disabled and assisting hard-of-hearing students at

Central High School. In an effort to brighten the hearts

of the elderly, games and activities were provided for

shut-ins and handicapped elders at the Herbert Grigg

Home for the Aged. In Frederiksted home economics

staff members and the New Horizon Club planted a

beautiful mango tree in the Whim Gardens yard. To

help the deaf students, money was raised by home-

makers club members as a donation to defray the cost of

athletic equipment badly needed by the students.

Homemakers clubs also contributed to a national fund

raising program conducted by the National Extension

Homemakers Council which was donated to the Save

the Children and Nutrition Fund.



Because the cost of energy is so high in the territory,



Cake decorating is always popular with the teen groups

at home economics sessions.



27



Practice makes perfect is an apt slogan for these girls

who display their first efforts at cake decorating.



extension home economics conducted an energy saving

seminar to assist residents to learn about special tech-

niques to cut energy costs and new ideas in solar and

wind energy for homes. Representatives from the Virgin



Another ribbon cutting -- this time at Paradise Mill proj-

ect Community Club room. Housing Commissioner

Juan Centeno wields the scissors at entrance to the

tastefully decorated room created with assistance from

the home economics program.

Islands Energy Office and several local energy firms

served as guest speakers.



Paradise Mills Homemakers



Working closely with the Commissioner of Housing,

a new program was launched to assist homemakers at

Paradise Mill. Staff, personnel and homemakers at the

project received training in the principles of good house-

keeping and home management as well as learning



about container and small plot gardens with the assis-

tance of the extension agriculture program. The first

phase of the home beautification program at the hous-

ing project was completed in July 1982, when the new

community club room was officially opened, home

gardens and decorations were proudly displayed, and

the many residents shared in a communal celebration.

Twenty-one homemakers participated, with 12 re-

ceiving special commendation certificates.



4-H YOUTH - Advancing to New Horizons



The years 1981 and 1982 were exciting ones for exten-

sion 4-H Youth Development as the staff and programs

took on added dimensions and new directions which

established a good base for dynamic expansion and

effective youth development in the future throughout

the territory. Grants were received to accomplish many

of the 4-H goals towards awareness of cultural identity

as youth with a proud heritage not only as U.S. citizens

but as Virgin Islanders and members of the entire Carib-

bean community. Career awareness training for young

4-H’ers, building special programs with other youth

agencies, and skills training for 4-H members, volun-

teer leaders and staff--all served to reinforce and

strengthen the role of 4-H as an esteemed youth agency

in the community.



Summer Camp Serves Island Youth



The 1981 4-H Summer Camp program was greatly

expanded, with 575 youth and 60 counselors involved in

1981 as compared to 300 youth and 44 counselors in

1980. With camp sites on all three islands, the year’s

program signaled the initial start for the new

ADVANCE concept, which stressed traditional skill

advancement as well as cultural exploration and leader-

ship development. As part of the 4-H “five year plan,”

the concept was instituted in all 4-H programs through-

out the following year, with information about its pro-



An innovation at 4-H Summer Camp in 1981 was the

TV workshop for older campers conducted in coopera-

tion with a local media group, Caribbean Center for

Understanding.



gress published in the quarterly 4-H newsletter.



In 1982 the six-week summer camp involved 547

campers and 56 counselors. Programs stressed during

both seasons included safety, home economics, arts and

crafts, agriculture, environmental study, recreational

activities, and field trips to historic sites, industrial

complexes and the seashore. Innovations were found in

values clarification sessions, learning cultural dances,

mobile TV workshops with a local media group, and

Miss Summer 4-H Queen contest. The traditional Field

and Awards Day ended both camp sessions, with

campers pitting their skills against each other in athletic

events, dances, singing and craft displays.



A lunchtime break is enjoyed by St. Thomas 4-H sum-

mer campers.



Keeping his eye on the ball is this 4-H camper during a

sports and recreation period.

Crafts of all kinds, such as mat weaving, appeal to

young 4-H’ers like John at 4-H summer camp.



It’s fun to take home an achievement certificate when

camp is over after a busy 6 weeks of activities on St.

Thomas.



Grants for Cultural Exploration



Two major efforts which achieved considerable suc-

cess were the Island Identity grant of $2500 from the

Endowment for the Humanities and the V.I. Caribbean

Youth Conference, sponsored in part by the college,



4 ‘ ee A ah ‘a



Waving flags from the 10 Caribbean islands they repre-

sented, 48 delegates to the Caribbean Youth Confer-

ence held in March 1981, got together to celebrate

after three days of intensive workshops.



Henderson 4-H camp presents a colorful drill for

campers from other sites during final field day.



which was held during March 1981 Inauguration Week

for Dr. Arthur A. Richards, the new college president.

The grant enabled the 4-H program to bring citizens

together with diverse backgrounds and interests in a

serics of six seminars on both St. Croix and St. Thomas.

These seminars lead to an evaluation and recommenda-

tions for 4-H program direction over the ensuing five

years. Data was also collected at individual interviews

and from trips to St. Kitts, Tortola, Barbados, and the

Dominican Republic (Ibero-American Rural Youth

Conference.) Continued emphasis on inter-Caribbean

exchange took place in 1982 with visits between St.

Croix and Nevis. Two 4-H members and an adult leader

from each island visited their counterparts in March.

Trips were awarded to 4-H’ers who had shown leader-

ship abilities.



The V.I. Caribbean Youth Conference was sponsored

by the extension service to explore issues of Caribbean

identity and to develop pertinent youth programs.

Working cooperatively with the St. Croix Young

Peoples Union in establishing goals, the conference wel-

comed 48 delegates from 10 islands, including the three

U.S. Virgin Islands. The enthusiastic, highly articulate

young people met in workshops and general meetings



® CORAL AIR



Emphasis was placed on inter-Caribbean Exchange,

with 4-H’ers from St. Croix and Nevis visiting each

other's islands.

over a three-day period at their Girl Scout Camp site

headquarters. A report was published and sent to all

state 4-H programs and to English-speaking Caribbean

countries.



:



bir

i



On-the-job apprenticeship for 20 4-H’ers found them

learning a variety of new skills, such as Rhonda Dore’s

experience in checking reservations at Hotel-on-the-Cay.



Other Grants Broaden 4-H Outreach



A $2500 grant provided by the Private Industry

Council lead to four successful Career Weekends held at

the Howard Wall Boy Scout Camp over a four month

period for 45 teenagers. Youth prepared their own

meals and attended work sessions conducted by island

leaders and professionals. Career training was also en-

couraged during the summer of 1982 for 20 young

people who apprenticed on-the-job at a wide variety of

business firms, hotels, airlines and the National Guard.



A grant of $450 was received from the St. Thomas

Garden Club to encourage gardening by youth with

special awards bestowed at the St. Thomas Agricultural

Fair in May 1982 to all successful young gardeners who

exhibited their achievements. A “Citizenship in Action”

grant of $500 was received from Reader’s Digest

Foundation for a project initiated by the Frangipani



The Frangipani 4-H Club received a grant from

Reader's Digest Foundation which assisted them in

building a handsome new entrance-way to their sector

in Mon Bijou.



30



4-H Club to construct an entry wall with landscaping at

their Mon Bijou homesite on St. Croix.



Working With Other Youth Groups



Joint efforts with four other youth agencies expanded

the resources provided by 4-H to include young people

involved in many interests. A major joint funding

project with the Arawak Program begun during the

summer of 1980 provided Arawak with increased per-

sonnel and materials. Utilizing 4-H practical skills pro-

grams, 70 young people with problems were served ini-

tially. This Arawak/4-H practical skills sequence was

continued through March 1981, providing for an in-

crease of six staff members and new materials for 40

other youngsters undergoing difficulty in school. The

skills emphasized were agriculture, animal husbandry,

ceramics, marine biology, sewing, food preparation,

career awareness and public relations.



In cooperation with St. Croix Boys Clubs, 4-H as-

sisted inaugmenting a Boys Club/4-H Carpentry Labin

Frederiksted. Through joint funding carpentry equipment

was purchased for use by 4-H groups beginning September

1981, while during the summer months through 4-H

efforts the lab was funded for a CETA training project

to make and sell wood outdoor “Adirondac” chairs,

which proved to be a profitable venture all around.

Skills training lead to productivity which was rewarded

through the self-esteem derived from sale of the items.



held Saturdays on the St. Croix campus for participants

ranging in age from 3 to 60 plus.



Another joint agency activity was the 4-H/ V.I. Pace

Physical Fitness running program held on Saturday

mornings for 20 participants from three years of age to

sixty-plus at each running session. Also an Animal

Husbandry special interest 4-H club involving 4-H’ers

and members of Future Farmers of America (FFA) in-

cluded 16 young people who received calves donated by

local livestock owners. Monthly workshops were held in

calf care, feeding and recordkeeping. A stipulation of

the 4-H/FFA calf program is that the calf must be

shown at the agricultural fair for the ensuing two years

and then may be sold.

Extension's 4-H dairy calf program worked coopera-

tively with other youth programs such as Future

Farmers of America in assisting young people learn

about the care of livestock.



Program Development and Youth Leadership



Attendance at two important meetings held off-island

annually does much to reinforce program direction,

updating of techniques and stimulating leadership

responsibility, and development of volunteers. Six

volunteer leaders in 1981 and four in 1982 attended the

October Rock Eagle (Georgia) Conference where they

received new inspiration and skills in order to institute

monthly leader’s training on St. Croix and St. Thomas.

There are currently 41 volunteer leaders on all three

islands.



With continual emphasis on the need for youth lead-

ership as part of the overall 4-H plan, delegations of

local 4-H youth leaders (five in 1981 and six in 1982)

attended the annual 4-H Youth Conference held in

Washington, D.C. each spring. There they participated

in efforts to design 4-H programs reflecting present and

future needs and also learned new leadership skills for

their own participation in local 4-H. In addition, an

adult program advisory committee composed of eight

community leaders, met monthly to assist in implemen-



4-H Program leader Alan Oliver gives a certificate of

achievement to Terrance James of Mutual Homes

Superstars 4-H Club during Awards Night ceremonies

in 1981.



tation of the 4-H plan-of-work and help design future

programs.



Staff visits to National 4-H Center in Maryland,

Michigan State University Exploration Days and First

Anniversary Celebration of 4-H on the island of Nevis

all provided added impetus to the 4-H program. To up-

grade management skills two consultants visited 4-H in

the Virgin Islands: a representative from the Minnesota

4-H Foundation presented a workshop series on suc-

cessful fundraising which was attended by many com-

munity youth organization representatives in addition

to 4-H, and a Michigan extension agent spent one

month in training 4-H personnel and overseeing plans

for increasing office and staff efficiency.



Strawberry 4-H ‘Pom-Pom Girls” performed at 1982

Awards ceremonies.



National 4-H Week



The 27 4-H clubs on all three islands comprising 1229

members celebrated National 4-H Week in the Virgin

Islands with imaginative programs and colorful awards

ceremonies. Since Arbor Day in the islands coincides

with 4-H Week, tree plantings took place on the St.

Croix campus, in Frenchtown on St. Thomas and in

Coral Bay on St. John. To stress the importance of

cultural heritage, former teachers, renowned as old-



At the end of a busy day collecting insects in the field,

these ‘‘Stingers’’ pause for a moment with their leader,

extension agent Marti Terry.

time storytellers, regaled 4-H’ers with tales of jumbies

and anansi, the spider.



Youth Become “Stingers”



The pest management staff organized a special inter-

est 4-H club called “The Stingers” for 25 youth which

met for classes weekly in 1981, with collecting and iden-

tification field trips held on weekends. In 1982, 215



young people participated in insect natural history

projects conducted in cooperation with the St. Croix

school system. Youth projects featured collecting trips,

student-constructed science exhibits, guest speakers

from the pest management and pest control field, films

on insects and field day events. Almost 1000 people

viewed the various exhibits prepared in connection with

“The Stingers” special interest program.



COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT - Helping People



Work Together



Encouraging the development of small business,

better farm management practices, understanding of

agricultural economics, and helping people realize their

potential in a growing community--all of these are chal-

lenging aspects of the extension community and rural

development (CRD) program. Techniques to help

strengthen the community’s ability to define and solve

problems include seminars, working cooperatively with

other governmental agencies and community groups,

conducting surveys and assisting with the formation of

special interest groups such as an association for

farmers. Perhaps the most important challenge for

CRD is to help develop an awareness of the possibility

and ways for achieving success within the framework of

contemporary island society.



Helping the Small Business Person



During the past two years, two highly successful two-

day business seminars were conducted by CRD for a

total of 375 individuals who were interested in going

into business for themselves or who wished to expand

small businesses. Geared initially for residents of the



west end town of Frederiksted which is attempting to

upgrade its economic base, the seminar series attracted

people from all over St. Croix. Co-sponsoring the

seminars was the West End Development Coalition in

conjunction with the V.I. Department of Commerce.

Resource persons representing a wide spectrum of

governmental agencies and the private sector addressed

participants on their areas of expertise. These included

representatives from the Small Business Administra-

tion, the Small Business Development Agency, Consu-

mers Service Administration, Internal Revenue Bureau,

and FmHA. Bankers and private firms in fields such as

insurance, accounting, public relations, advertising and

marketing, offered helpful information about loan pro-

curement, bookkeeping, payrolls, tax forms, insurance

protection, and projecting a positive image. Successful

local merchants explained the need for good consumer

relations, attractive store displays, and updated

methods for purchasing, pricing and inventory. The

topics sparked much questioning and discussion,

demonstrating the wide interest which the Frederiksted

business community in particular feels regarding revi-



Reaching the needs of the business community was achieved through 2-day seminars held in Frederiksted such as

this one at St. Gerard’s Hall.

} ai ; C) i

Successful local merchants and those in such fields as

advertising and store display served as resource spe-

cialists at seminars.

talization of its town.



CRD worked with the Department of Commerce also

in its economic adjustment strategy plans for western

St. Croix. This bootstrap type operation is geared

towards marshalling the necessary funds and technical

assistance to provide an orderly development and im-

provement plan in the Frederiksted area.



Students Learn While Working



In 1981, CRD embarked on an experimental work

program which introduced high school students to

various employment opportunities in agriculture. Seven

high school students were employed as apprentices in

the agronomy, fruit and vegetable programs. In the

summer of 1982, students conducted agricultural

marketing surveys. Production information was col-

lected from most of the farmers on St. Croix to deter-

mine the island’s current production level. The survey

also included data taken from marketing outlets such as

supermarkets, grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

Island hotels were surveyed to determine the amount of

agricultural products consumed by off-island guests. A

presentation of the ongoing development of the market-

ing study was made to the Senate Committee on Agri-

culture in July 1982.



Farm Management



Seven enterprise budgets on crops and livestock were

prepared to assist farmers in making estimates on costs

of production. Budgets include such crops as bell

pepper, cassava, pineapple, mango, avocado, lime and

goat production. Pro-forma income statements, bal-

ance sheets, and cash flow statements for various crops

as well as production record forms were also prepared

for future dissemination.



Assistance and guidance in the formal organization

of the St. Croix Farmers Cooperative Association to

conform with V.I. laws was provided by CRD special-

ists. By-laws, articles of incorporation and a constitu-

tion were developed over a four-month period. Among

the chief aims of the new association are to further agri-

cultural development in the islands and to assist local

farmers in obtaining both private and governmental



33



assistance. The association is also seeking to develop

cooperatives for bringing agriculture production re-

sources to the islands and to form a marketing coopera-

tive for sales of produce.



Links to the Community



CRD on St. Thomas continued to strengthen links to

community groups and governmental agencies. Each

summer since 1979, CRD has joined with the Depart-

ment of Conservation and Cultural Affairs and 200

Youth Conservation Corps students in the Megans Bay

Arboretum restoration project and Agricultural Aware-

ness Program. An environmental study is presently

being prepared for the Megans Bay area. Extension was

also represented on the advisory boards of the Depart-

ment of Education’s Environmental Studies Program

(ESP) and the Instructional Curriculum for Environ-

ment Project (ICE). Workshops for the V.1. Teachers

Corps project were also conducted by the CRD

program.



CRD program leader Kwame Garcia met frequently

with Dept. of Commerce economist to discuss needs of

business community.



Technical advice involving the development of agri-

culture and crafts programs for The Project St. John was

furnished and staff members gave agriculture seminars

and served in an advisory capacity to the St. Thomas/

St. John Farmers Association. Assistance was also pro-

vided to the V.I. Planning Office in procuring a Com-

munity Block Development Grant pertaining to the

Ujamaa Organic Gardening Project on St. Thomas and

one for the Carolina Bay Rum restoration/community

center project on St. John.



Working closely with the National Park Service, an

herbarium for the territory was augmented with speci-

mens from both St. Thomas and St. John. Demonstra-

tion plots were established to provide energy informa-

tion on the use of legumes to reduce nitrogen fertilizer

dependence, utilizing both indigenous and imported

legumes. As a follow-up, acommunity seminar was held

on the use of organic fertilizers.



Interagency Meetings

CRD personnel attended seminars on “Leadership

Development in Rural America” and “Recent Develop- Emergency Preparedness Board, a staff member parti-



ments in U.S. Offshore Areas.” The first was geared cipated in meetings so as to be informed and available in

towards understanding some of the problems facing the event of a natural disaster in the Virgin Islands and

small farmers and the second in understanding the rela- to be prepared to interpret natural disaster assistance

tionship between the territorial and federal govern- obtainable from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.



ments. As a member of the Puerto Rico/ Virgin Islands



AGRICULTURE AND FOOD FAIR - Showcase for Extension



COLLEGE OF TH



Dr. Arthur Richards and Dr. Darshan Padda pause for a moment with some of the Land-Grant team during the 1981 Food

Fair on St. Croix. Behind them is large area where CVI exhibits by extension and experiment station are displayed.



Each year the annual Agriculture and Food Fair on plots and containers. The aquaculture program

St. Croix, sponsored jointly by the Cooperative Exten- featured a small recycling system involving both fresh-

sion Service and the Virgin Islands Department of Agri- water fish rearing (tilapia) and hydroponic gardening

culture, surpasses former years in size and attendance. (tomatoes, lettuce, pakchoy and eggplant) utilizing 55

Almost 21,000 persons attended the fair in 1981 and in gallon oil drums. This prototype for larger more sophis-

1982 there more than 23,000 fairgoers. It is this yearly ticated systems now under construction, created many

event which serves as a showcase for extension service interested inquiries since it is relatively simple and

activities and the range of agricultural research. Color- inexpensive to build in the backyard. The animal

ful exhibits which covered one-third of the exhibit science program exhibit demonstrated the effect of

building floor space explained the far-reaching scope of different types of feed on the quality of meat and

extension from youth and community activities to showed a miniature dairy farm lay-out. As in past years,

agricultural assistance and family enrichment. animal science staff presided over the judging of many



Fruit, vegetable, agronomy and irrigation specialists large and small livestock which were entered for coveted

displayed practical techniques and methods for growing ribbons and prizes.

and irrigating the best island varieties of crops such as Demonstrations of alternative means of pest control

legumes, papaya, banana, cassava and tomatoes in in home and garden along with biological control

addition to some relatively unknown tropical vegetables methods and pesticide application techniques were a

like luffa, pakchoy and bodie beans in small garden feature of the pest management exhibit. The micro-



34

St. Thomas/St. John Agriculture Fair began with



opening ceremonies presided over by Extension Coor-



dinator John Matuszak.

scopes were a popular attraction, with various insects

displayed for young and old viewers. The agriculture

program featured many local fruit trees for the residen-

tial yard and three breeds of dairy goats were shown by

the livestock component. Among the new popular

exhibits was an energy demonstration of an alcohol

distillation unit and solar roaster and a special “mini-

theatre” which showed films on energy, insects and

plant quarantine.



With the theme in 1982 of “Grow More Food in ’82;

Eat Well and Preserve Some Too,” the emphasis was

placed on preservation through processing food grown

in the Virgin Islands. Highlighting this were demon-

strations of canning by a representative of Kerr Glass

Canning Company whose visit from Oklahoma was

arranged by the extension service. In regularly sched-

uled sessions throughout the three-day fair, viewers

learned the process of canning beans, tomatoes and

pineapples by cold pack, water bath and in preserves.

While many of these processes are commonly used in

most stateside farm households, in the islands canning is



St. Thomas fair visitors stop at extension agriculture

booth manned by horticulturist Clinton George and ex-

tension agent Carlos Robles.



35



Aquaculture scientist Dr. James Rakocy explains the

backyard model of a small tilapia fish rearing system to

Gov. Juan Luis and Senator William Harvey while ex-

tension director Darshan Padda looks on.



A prize wins a prize! St. Thomas farmer Altagracia

Wenner prepares to take home a new ram goat prize,

won because her own goat took first place at the St.

Thomas Agriculture and Food Fair.

Vn



Latest techniques in canning foods were demonstrated

by a representative of the Kerr Canning Company from

Oklahoma who is shown next to Home Economics pro-

gram leader Olivia Henry (with mike) during an inter-

lude at the fair. With them are Extension aides Maria

Flores, Hope Murphy, Agatha Ross and Esther

Mischer.



ee



th



Awards for young 4-H gardeners on St. Thomas were

made possible by donation from St. Thomas Garden

Club. Prize winners pose at annual Agriculture Fair at

CVI in May.



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ra .

at s ,

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a relatively new method for preservation of food.



Local cooks who are known for their culinary

prowess shared their knowledge with fair visitors by

demonstrating tasty drinks and dishes. They also

explained preservation of food by drying and salting.

The ever-popular “bush tea” exhibit, with its many jars

of dried leaves attractively arranged ona large wall shelf

unit, attracted many old-timers who were familiar with

the efficacy of Belly-Ache bush, Black Wattle, Jumbie

Pepper bush and Spanish needle.



Demonstrations were conducted on plant propaga-

tion methods, legume innoculation, soil testing and care

and grooming of goats. A special feature was the karate

exhibit by a 4-H program assistant. The 4-H exhibit

area in 1981 and 1982 was doubled in size from previous

years, with 4-H’ers representing all three islands on

hand to show their crafts and again take top ribbons in

the youth category. New in 1982 was a solar energy

exhibit, many breeds of rabbits for home use, and masks

and lanterns created for Christmas festival parades.



Beginning in May 1981 and again in 1982, extension

and the St. Thomas/St. John Farmers Association in

cooperation with the Department of Agriculture pre-

sented a smaller version of the St. Croix fair at the

gymnasium on the St. Thomas campus. This one-day

event grew in size from its modest beginnings, and some

5000 people attended in 1982. Small livestock were

judged, propagation workshops attracted attentive

audiences who learned how to graft mangoes and

avocadoes, and extension mounted attractive exhibits

on pest management, 4-H youth achievements and

home economics displays of food and hand-sewn

clothing. Other cooperating community groups were

the Hibiscus Society which presented a lavish display of

local hibiscus and the St. Thomas Garden Club which

also gave prize awards to winning 4-H gardening

displays.



KKK RK KKK KEKE KKK RH KK KKK KR HK HH HH HH RH HE HK KE KK



ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN AGRICULTURE



The Associate of Arts degree in Agriculture has been

offered at the college since 1979 as part of its land-grant

program because of renewed interest in agriculture both



as a source of food and asa career. The AA in Agricul- -



ture provides information on a credit basis through

both formal classroom instruction and informal labora-

tory experience in the field in such technical areas as

crop production, animal husbandry, agri-business and

the development and use of increasingly sophisticated



36



equipment.



In the 1980-1981 academic year courses in Introduc-

tion to Agriculture, Agronomy and Agricultural Eco-

nomics were offered on both the St. Croix and St.

Thomas campuses with a total of 48 students in atten-

dance, 24 on each campus. In the 1981-1982 academic

year a total of 38 students, 22 on St. Croix and 16 on St.

Thomas, were enrolled in either Introduction to Agri-

culture, Tropical Horticulture or Animal Science.

VISITORS......AND OTHER ACTIVITIES



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Caribbean American Linkage Conference funded by Phelps Stokes to provide educational interchange for minor-



ity institutions concluded Caribbean tour with a visit to St. Croix in April 1981. Director Marie Gadsen is shown



(center) with CVI President Arthur Richards and extension director Darshan Padda.



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The annual meeting of the Southern Regional Beef Breeding Technical Committee (S-10) was



hosted by the Agricultural Experiment Station on St. Croix in June 1981. The regional group



comprises 13 southern states and is concerned with breed evaluation and improvement.



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Extension directors and their spouses from 11 Southern states held their annual meeting on St.



Croix in May 1982 when they evaluated the V.I. extension outreach program. Joining them in a visit



to the Gaspari farm was USDA extension administrator Mary Nell Greenwood (standing center



with shoulder bag).



37

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Experiment station directors from across the nation converged on St. Croix for the 1982 spring meeting of the

Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP). Included in their itinerary were visits to



cooperating farms such as that of Oliver Skov in Mon Bijou.



Dr. Harold Hupp (left), assistant director of CVI's Agri-

cultural Experiment Station, shares a moment with

ESCOP’s chairman, Dr. Kenneth Wing, director of

Maine’s experiment station.



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Preparation for extension’s first World Food Day event

included tiny tomato seedlings planted in paper cups

which are examined by Home Ec’s Olivia Henry, ANR’‘s

Dave Farrar, Marti Terry from pest management and

4-H youth specialist Zoraida Jacobs.



38



Staff management workshop held on main CVI campus

was attended by many from the land-grant programs

and their counterparts in the academic program.



Dr. Bob Brander, Chief Naturalist of the St. John



National Park Service, and Prof. Ray Woodbury,

renowned tropical botanist, collect plant specimens as

part of a survey of the flora of St. John, for the exten-

sion diagnostic herbarium on St. Thomas.

STAFF 1981 and 1982



Administration

Darshan S. Padda................. Director, AES-CES

Harold Hupp .............0005 Assistant Director (AES)



Assistant Director (CES)

Administrative Assistant



Kwame Garcia

Bonnie Andrews



AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION



Animal Science



Harold Hupp .......... eee cece eens Animal Specialist

Douglas Wright * ............00005 Research Assistant II

Sarah Dahl ......... 00.0000 cee eeee Research Assistant |

Audrey Valmont................. Research Technician |

William Janes*..............-.. Research Technician |

Yvonne Horton .............-222 202 eee eeeee Secretary

Aquaculture



Research Aquaculturist

Assistant Aquaculturist



Research Technician |

Research Aide I



Plant Science



Ahmed Hegab..................55 Research Agronomist

Adriano Navarro” ..............++- Vegetable Specialist

Christopher Ramcharan Associate Horticulturist

Stefan Buzdugan .................. Irrigation Specialist

Robert Webb Research Specialist I]

Walter Knausenberger....... Pest Management Specialist



Research Technician |

Station Superintendent

Research Assistant II

Research Assistant |



Eric Dillingham .................

Francisco Medina

Victor Vasquez

Lisa Yntema

Coreen Hughes

Nelson Benitez



eo ee ee Secretary |

Research Aide |



Charles Collingwood*................. Research Aide |

Jeremiah Hassan ............-.---+05- Research Aide I

Osvaldo Lopez ........:e cer eeeeeeeeee Research Aide |

Alejandro Perez ...... 0.00 cece erences Research Aide |

Estanislao Perez ...........0eeeee eens Research Aide I

Kendall Peterson .............002 eee Research Aide I

Narcisco Rivera .............0000000e- Research Aide I



Research Aide |

Research Aide |



Antonio Rodriguez

Ramiro Gomez

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Research



Joseph P. McMillan

Ray Granade................-.2-.



Research Investigator

Research Associate |



COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE (CES)



Agriculture



David Farrar.............. ee ee eee eees Program Leader

Clinton George....... Extension Specialist -- Horticulture

Harold Hupp ............ Extension Livestock Specialist

Rayal Hill*............... Assistant Livestock Specialist

Charles Smith..............0008- Extension Assistant II

Allan Schuster ..............065- Extension Assistant II

Ezekiel: Farrell isc cscas ccs warice vierene einave Extension Aide I

Romelia Camacho-Nanton.................. Secretary |



Community Research Development



Kwame Garcia ......... 0.0 c eee eee eens Program Leader

George Morris ............000005 Extension Specialist --



Rural Development

Lid Wisi ec wees sacs see neue ewes wares Extension Editor

Jéah COOK: exces caw wae we amass waver weeere ev Secretary |



Home Economics



Program Leader

Extension Specialist

Extension Agent I



ST. THOMAS



2 avaiaea auasunes iene exaRAL Extension Coordinator

Extension Specialist--Agronomy

Extension Agent I

Extension Agent I

Extension Agent I

Extension Agent |



John Matuszak



Kim Stearman



Rebecca Day*.............-020200005



* Left CVI since 1982



39



Extension Assistant |

Extension Assistant |

Extension Aide II

Extension Aide I

Extension Aide |

Extension Aide |



Rosalind Browne

Maria Flores *



Pest Management



Walter Knausenberger................. Program Leader

G. Houston Holder ........ Assistant Pest Mgt. Specialist



Marti Terry.............2--222200000. Extension Agent |

Kenneth Olassee Davis ............... Extension Agent |

4-H Youth



Alan S. Oliver*........... 0c cece eee eee Program Leader

Zoraida Edminda Jacobs .... Extension Specialist--Youth

Beulah Thompson ..............e000- Extension Aide II

Miriam Green...........ceee ences anes Extension Aide |

Leroy: James reiece scence wiasare eevee ecavave waves wre Extension Aide |

Lillian Elliot 20.0.0... 0... cc cece eee ee eee Secretary |

- ST. JOHN



Alma Wesselhoft ..............00000- Extension Aide II

Martin McKellar *...............0055 Extension Aide II

Leona Clin@ sis sea2 sens vane aes Bas Bcc © Extension Aide |

Amabell Frett ................ 000 e eee Extension Aide |

Deborah A. Aspen*............0c0ceeeeenes Secretary |

PUBLICATIONS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE



Virgin Islands Grain and Forage Sorghum Performance

Trials. Technical Bulletin No. 2



Virgin Islands Tomato, Pepper and Eggplant Variety

Trials in 1978-1979. Technical Bulletin No. 3

Summary of Vegetable Crop Research, 1980-1981.

Technical Bulletin No. 4



Grain Sorghum and Forage: Production and Utiliza-

tion Potential in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Virgin

Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. |

Virgin Islands Forestry Research: A Problem Analysis.

Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report

No. 9



Prospects for Growing Grapes in the U.S. Virgin

Islands. Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Sta-

tion Report No. 10



Senepol Cattle: History and Development. Virgin

Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. I

(Spanish or English text)



Native Recipes. Extension Bulletin No. |



Learning About Our Virgin Islands Tax System. Exten-

sion Bulletin No. 2



Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service: A Model

for Technology Systems in the Caribbean. Extension

Bulletin No. 3



Avocado Production and Marketing. Extension Bulletin

No. 4



Poisonous and Injurious Plants of the U.S. Virgin Is-

lands. Cooperative Extension Service Reprint Series

No. |



Vegetable Planting and Harvesting Guide. Gardeners

Factsheet No. |



Seeding Vegetable Crops. Gardeners Factsheet No. 2

Growing Vegetable Slips. Gardeners Factsheet No. 3

Transplanting Vegetable Crops. Gardeners Factsheet

No. 4



Mulch For Your Garden. Gardeners Factsheet No. 5

How To Prepare Your Own Compost. Gardeners Fact-

sheet No. 6



Staking and Training Tomato Plants. Gardeners Fact-

sheet No. 9



Growing Spinach in the Virgin Islands. Gardeners Fact-

sheet No. 10



Controlling Nematodes in the Vegetable Garden. Gar-

deners Factsheet No. 11



Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants By Layer-

ing. Gardeners Factsheet No. 12



Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants By Cut-

ting. Gardeners Factsheet No. 13



Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants By Graft-

ing. Gardeners Factsheet No. 14



Propagation of Fruit and Ornamental Plants By Bud-

ding. Gardeners Factsheet No. 15



Fertilizing Your Garden for Optimum Yields. Garden-

ers Factsheet No. 16



How Many Teaspoons is 5 Pounds Per Acre? (Weights

and Measures) Gardeners Factsheet No. 17



Organic Gardening: Soil Fertility. Gardeners Factsheet

No. 18



Organic Gardening: Pest Control. Gardeners Factsheet

No. 19



A Simple Home Drip Irrigation System. Gardeners

Factsheet No. 20



Growing Mangoes. Gardeners Factsheet No. 21

Growing Citrus. Gardeners Factsheet No. 22



Saving Vegetable Seeds for the Home Garden. Garden-

ers Factsheet No. 23



Growing Mesple (Sapodillas). Gardeners Factsheet

No. 24



Testing Soil for Better Yields (Part 1). Gardeners Fact-

sheet No. 25



Interpreting Your Soil Testing Results (Part II) Gar-

deners Factsheet No. 26



LAND-GRANT Programs in Action (an overview of

Virgin Islands programs).



HHH KKH HR E KE RK KRKEKH KH KKH RHE HEHEHE HEHEHE HHH HH HEE



EDITOR

Liz Wilson



Photos by Liz Wilson except where noted as follows: top and lower right, p. 16 - Studio Five;

top right, p. 17 - J. Rakocy; bottom left, p. 28 - R. Burgess; top right, p. 28 - C. Robles; top

right, p. 29- R. Burgess; center left, p. 29 - C. Robles; p. 34 - C. Hedman; center right, p. 38 -



J. Matuszak.



Products and suppliers mentioned by name in this publication are used as examples and in no way imply endorsement or recommendation of these



products or suppliers.



Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914 (as amended), in cooperation with the U.S. Depart-

ment of Agriculture, D.S. Padda, Director, College of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service. The College of the Virgin Islands Cooperative

Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action organization, providing educational services in the fields of agriculture, home eco-

nomics, rural development, 4-H youth development and related subjects to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.