Weed competition, especially within the crop row, limits the productivity and profitability of organic crop production. Abrasive weeding, a mechanical alternative to hand weeding, uses air-propelled grits to control small weed seedlings growing within the crop row. Recent research has demonstrated the successful use of abrasive weeding to reduce weed competition and increase yields in organic maize (Zea mays), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and green and red pepper crops (Capsicum annuum), but the profitability of this weed control tactic has not been assessed. Our objective was to determine the profitability of abrasive weeding using empirical yield data from three previously published studies, a range of crop prices and revenues, and a range of costs for wages, grit applicator ownership, tractor use, abrasive grits, and fuel. Results suggest that abrasive weeding was not profitable in organic maize production, and may reduce net income by US$223–3537 ha−1 compared with inter-row cultivation alone for weed control. The cost of abrasive weeding in maize was largely dependent on the cost of abrasive grits and the cost to own a four-row grit applicator (US$736–2105 yr−1). However, abrasive weeding was less expensive than hand weeding, especially as the scale of production increased. Abrasive weeding was profitable in tomato and pepper crops and increased net mean income by US$12,251–33,265 ha−1. However, abrasive weeding was not 100% effective and hand weeding for weed-free conditions was always the most profitable approach to in-row weed management in vegetable crops. The profit potential of the hand-weeded, weed-free treatments demonstrates the importance of weed control in high-value specialty crops–even those grown in plastic mulch film. Despite the profit potential for hand weeding observed here, labor is increasingly difficult to source, retain and afford, and abrasive weeding offers a mechanical alternative with 66% less labor required. Further research is needed to improve the efficacy of abrasive weeding and to reduce the cost of abrasive grits and application.

Research experiences for undergraduate (REU) students are valuable for exploring STEM professions. Students from underrepresented groups and non-research institutions may not have the opportunities to engage in hands-on research. A primary goal of our Applied Plant Systems REU was to provide authentic research experiences for students who may not have the chance. Mentoring is key to the success of a REU, yet intentional mentoring is not often prioritized. Over three summers, we explored student perception of the value of mentoring within an agricultural STEM REU. Pre- and post-survey responses were analyzed, and we found that the students valued specific aspects of mentoring during their REU. Interestingly, at the end of the REU, the survey result showed that the students placed a higher importance on items such as mentoring being a systematic process and that mentoring is based on friendship. There is clear indication that students know good mentoring when they experience it, even if it is not verbalized. Based on the survey responses and comments from students involved in this REU, we developed practical mentoring items which can be incorporated into research programs to enhance the mentoring experience.

Universities continue to cut budgets and reduce faculty. Such cuts occurred at the Univ. of Nebraska in 1986-87. To ensure that floral design courses would continue to be taught, despite reduction in teaching appointments, an industry-university teaching partnership was proposed. While the teaching relationship started out as a team approach, it successfully evolved into a-strong partnership that permitted growth on the part of the industry instructor, and movement into a strictly supervisory role for the faculty partner. Thus, the overall goal of keeping floral design courses as an integral part of the floriculture curriculum was met without using extensive amounts of faculty time.

Rubber stamps have traditionally been used in business to deliver visual or concise verbal messages. That tradition has changed as rubber stamps have also become an art form. Stamps are now available in virtually any horticultural design, including flowers, vegetables, fruits, trees, cacti, turf and as landscape design forms. Stamps can be purchased at specialty stores, craft stores, book stores, kiosks at shopping malls, and from catalogs or they can be easily crafted from gum or rubber erasers. Two periodicals are available that describe stamping techniques and provide catalog sources: Rubberstampmadness (Corvallis, Oregon) and Rubber Stampers World (Placerville, California). Using rubber stamps is fun and promotes creativity! Stamps can be used in a wide range of colors and they allow versatility in positioning, whether on paper or fabric. They are cost effective because they can be reused. Some suggested uses include enhancement of visual displays, personalization of mailings, and application for 4-H projects. A list of selected references will be available.

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