News Stories - Page 115

News from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Professor Esther van der Knaap, who works at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, is part of the team that is unlocking the history of ancient tomatoes to breed a more sustainable future for modern crops. CAES News
Building Better Tomatoes
New technology has led to a greater understanding of how gene placement within the tomato genome influences gene expression and, therefore, the characteristics of the resulting plant’s fruit, a discovery that is important for breeders and producers.
According to a recent survey, 81% of teens say mental health is a significant issue for young people in the U.S. (Georgia 4-H members during Fall Forum at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, December, 2019) CAES News
Youth mental health
Whether going back to school means in-person or distance learning for the young people in your life, it’s a good time to remember to prioritize mental health. COVID-19 has impacted the lives of young people in many ways, and mental health is no exception.
2020-21 Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors CAES News
Georgia 4-H Board of Directors
Usually, Georgia 4-H fills summer programming with residential camps and statewide events. Due to event restrictions this year, key elements of State 4-H Council normally held at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in June were conducted online to maintain statewide youth engagement.
Spending time outdoors, including activities such as UGA Extension's Great Georgia Pollinator Census to be held Aug. 21-22, offers numerous physical and mental health benefits such as reduced stress, greater cognitive functioning and increased physical activity. CAES News
Natural Benefits
With formalized school programs gearing up in the next few months, many parents and guardians may struggle with helping their children and teenagers disengage from technology and spend time outdoors.
Symptoms of dollar spot include circular discolorations only a few inches in diameter. Spots may run together causing large, irregular patterns. CAES News
Lawn Maintenance
With the heat of summer bearing down on us, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension turfgrass specialists recommend that residents stick to a schedule for healthy lawn maintenance.
Salsas are an example of an acidified food and appropriate for boiling water canning if the final pH of all components is less than 4.6. (photo by Kayla Wall) CAES News
Tomato Preservation
It’s the height of tomato season in Georgia and the harvest is abundant. Tomatoes can be preserved by canning, drying, freezing or pickling. They can also be used in creating fruit spreads like jams, jellies and marmalades.
Georgia 4-H and FFA youth compete in the Junior Beef Futurity Competition. CAES News
Georgia Beef Futurity Winners
Georgia 4-H and FFA members exhibited 310 entries at the Georgia Junior Beef Futurity show that was held July 9-11 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, Georgia.
UGA child development specialist Diane Bales encourages parents to have their kids practice wearing a mask or face covering prior to the start of the school year. CAES News
Mask Tips
If you’re anxious about your child wearing a face covering this fall, you’re not alone.
Pine trees on the UGA Westbrook Farm in Griffin, Ga. (file photo) CAES News
Tax Guide
Keeping up with changes in Georgia’s property tax laws is a full-time job, and a new book shows the fruits of these efforts.
Parents can help lessen their kids' anxiety about returning to school by talking with them about their concerns and reassuring them that it's normal to be both nervous and excited. Finding out as much as you can about their daily schedules and routines in advance also can help give them more confidence, said UGA child development specialist Diane Bales. CAES News
Preparing for Unknowns
First-day jitters are common, but students returning to school this year during the COVID-19 pandemic will face all sorts of unknowns that could lead to heightened anxiety.