AMHERST, Mass. – A new study of possible self-medicating behavior in bumble bees conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst reports that a once-promising finding was not supported by further experiments and analysis. (AgriMarketing, 8/29/17; Science Codex, Laboratory Equipment, Seed Quest, 8/28/17; News Office release, 8/28/17)
News from the Media
UMass Amherst Study of Bee Health Finds No Natural Medicine in Once-promising Compound
August 29, 2017
UMass Lab Analyzes Ticks to Identify Pathogens
August 29, 2017
Microbiologist Stephen Rich's laboratory team at UMass Amhest tests ticks that have crawled across, bitten or otherwise come into human contact. Within three business days of mailing in a tick as part of the Send a Tick to College program, people get a list of any pathogens the ticks carry. (Cape Cod Times 8/26/17)
Wes Autio Comments on Central Massachusetts Juicy Peach Crop
August 24, 2017
Wesley Autio, director of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and professor of pomology at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, said moisture, sun and temperature have been ideal this summer for peaches and apples. (Telegram 8/23/17)
Jon Clements, UMass Extension, Comments on Alternative Specialty Crops
August 23, 2017
Jon Clements, UMass Extension, comments on alternative specialty crops small farmers should consider growing. He says table grapes are in demand and consumers like the idea of picking their own grapes. (Growing Produce 8/22/17)
Jon M. Clements, UMass Extension, comments on alternative specialty crops
Jon M. Clements, UMass Extension, is one of five experts commenting on alternative specialty crops small farmers should consider growing. He says table grapes are in demand and consumers like the idea of picking their own grapes. (Growing Produce, 8/22/17)
Black Fungus on Norway Maple Trees
August 21, 2017
Richard W. Harper, UMass Extension, environmental conservation, says black marks appearing on the leaves of Norway maples trees indicate there is a fungus causing the so-called tar spots. Nicholas J. Brazee, UMass Extension, indicates the spots may be due to a condition called anthracnose. (Globe8/18/17, Western Mass News8/17/17)
Biogeographer Studies Wildfire Risk Related to Invasive Grasses
August 15, 2017
Invasive plant expert Bethany Bradley plans to create the first comprehensive assessment of how more than two dozen non-native, invasive grasses may alter fire patterns and carbon storage across ecosystems in the contiguous United States. (EurekAlert! 8/15/17)
Late Blight Threatens Mass.Tomato Crops
August 17, 2017
The UMass Extension Plant Diagnostics Lab confirmed a case of late blight in tomato crops in Hampshire County last month. UMass Professor of Plant Pathology Robert Wick said the disease has been recurrent in New England since a major outbreak in 2009. (NEPR 8/16/17)
Cranberries May Benefit Gut Bacteria
August 17, 2017
Lead researcher, David Sela, nutritional microbiologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, describes a role cranberries may play in promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. ( Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 9/17, ProHealth 8/6/17)
Boutt to Study Hydrological Cycle in Franklin and Hampshire Counties
August 9, 2017
The University of Massachusetts Amherst received a grant from the state to help waterways and habitats in Franklin and Hampshire counties. David Boutt, associate professor of geoscience, UMass Amherst, will study water samples to understand impacts of drought. Boutt is looking for samples from wells and streams across the region. To contribute a sample, call 413-545-2724, or email dboutt@geo.umass.edu (Gazette 8/8/17)