CHICAGO. IL Although many breakthroughs in agricultur al biotechnology have been reported by scientists recently, several more years of research will be required in most cases to deve lop products which farmers can use for crop or livestock production. Biological insecticides, howev er, are among the few products of biotechnology currently available for use by farmers on a commercial basis. According to Dr. Brian Melin, research entomologist with Abbott Laboratories, most biological insecticides in the marketplace today are made from the naturally occurring bacteria. Bacillus thur ingiensis (Bt). “Bt is one of the few natural pathogens presently available that can be cultivated and produced in quantities large enough for com mercial use on major crops,” Melin says. ‘‘lt is particularly effective against crop-destroying caterpillars of the Lepidoptera order, which are major pests of crops such as com, cotton, bruits Smcas mmx kick Biotechnology For Insert Control and vegetables.” Dave Martin, director of mark eting for the Agricultural Products Division of Abbott Laboratories, notes that a rapid growth in the demand for biological pesticides over the last three years is due to several factors. ‘‘Biologists today are more effective and ecnomical than they’ve ever been due to improved product formulations and recent advances in fermentation and recovery technology,” Martin says. “Equally important is the fact that these materials have shown no toxicity to people or ani mals, and they’re not a threat to groundwater contamination. “Environmental considerations are particularly significant in irri gated crop areas and where leach ing or runoff of chemicals may cause problems,” Martin adds. “The feedback we’re receiving from farmers and their families shows that they want effective pes ticides, but they also want the saf est products available.” Abbott Laboratories is the world’s largest producer of biolog- ical pesticides, including several tries. A $3O million expansion of capacity will be sufficient to meet Bt-based products used to control the company’s laboratory and fer- growing market demand for bio insects on over 200 agricultural mentation facilities was recently logicals over the next several crops in the U.S. and other coun- completed to ensure production years. Ik I *■ t ; •f #4- H* 4 < % Mku,, The Cumberland Cooperative Sheep and Wool Growers recently spon sored a Lamb and Wool Queen Contest. Debra J. Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Martin, Rl, Box 380, Sickmans Mill Road, Conestoga, Pa. was selected to represent them at the Pa. Lamb and Wool Contest. Debra Is shown here with Sandra Hopple (left) of 860 Bolling Springs Road, Mechanlcsburg, who was chosen first runner-up and Carol Perry (right) of R 3 Newvllle, the 1986-87 Cumberland Cooperative Sheep and Wool Growers Lamb and Wool Queen. SOIL - Aer * Wav The AER-WAY is an utility implement that relieves compaction, aerates, cultivates and renovates. It can function as a rotary hoe, a disc, a roller and a harrow. It saves fuel, time and fertilizer. It increases water percolation, bacterial life and root growth. It is an implement for pastureland, grasslands, horse paddocks, general field crops, vegetable production, orchards, vineyards and turfgrass. The higher yields. AJB.C. GROFF. INC. McMILLIAN BROS. Bill Beck Clair McMilhan 110 So. Railroad Ave. Loysburg, PA New Holland, PA 717-789-3961 717-354-4731 TIDEWATER HEDGE ROW DISTRICT SALES TRACTOR IMPLEMENT MANAGER Wick Dudley Scott Cook r „ nr(Jp Hp „ |h Wye Mills, MD Fredericksburg, VA 717 7 , 7 nfin7 301-820-2111 703-786-8572 /i/-/j/-uuuz “Our Most Valuable Asset” THE BETTER WAY To Revitalize The Soil And Increase Yield See Your Area Dealer CHET INGRAM RD 2 Bcllefonle, PA 814-383-2798 and
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