Entomology
Current entomological research at the Parma Research and Extension Center includes:
Integrated management strategies for pests and beneficial insects and mites in specialty crops including hops, mint and alfalfa seed.Research on management of pollinators in seed crops including alfalfa seed.Identification and management information for insects and mites found in urban and agricultural settings.Parma Cocoon Testing Laboratory provides alfalfa seed growers with accurate information on the health of alfalfa leafcutting bees (Megachile rotundata) used to pollinate their crop.Non-profit, Extension-oriented service.Provides statistically accurate estimates of the proportion of live cells, chalkbrood mortality, pollen ball mortality and parasitoids of the leafcutting bee cells.Accepts leafcutting bee cells thought out the year.Analysis time depends on number of samples received (but usually takes one to two weeks).
For more information, please view bee testing brochure (pdf) and/or email Armando Falcon, entomologist, afalconbrindis@uidaho.edu.
Nematology
Current nematology research at the Parma Research and Extension Center includes:
Soil and plant analysis for nematodes.Development of economical control practices for potato, sugar beet and fruit tree nematodes.Nematode and disease diagnostics.Plant pathology and diagnostics
The plant pathology and diagnostics program investigates plant diseases across a wide range of crops in Idaho. Research focuses on:
Characterizing and managing plant diseasesDeveloping new diagnostic methods for plant pathogens
A plant disease diagnostic lab is also part of the program and offers a wide range of diagnostic services for growers.
For more information contact James Woodhall at 208-722-6701 or jwoodhall@uidaho.edu.
Plant science
Current plant science research at the Parma Research and Extension Center includes:
Management practices to increase yield and quality of potatoes and onions in field and storage.Evaluation of new potato and onion varieties for agronomic performance and storability.
Potato research focuses on cultural management of new potato cultivars, with emphasis on appearance of specialty cultivars. Onion research focuses on nutrient management, remote sensing of disease and stress, and reducing decay in storage.
Pomology
The Parma Research and Extension Center is home to the University of Idaho Pomology Program. The program is responsible for researching various physiological and environmental problems and challenges facing Idaho and the United States fruit growers.
Southwest Idaho has excellent climate conditions for growing apples, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries and grapes. The warm and long days of spring and summer and cool nights result in excellent fruit color and flavor.
Projects
Introduction of Fuji apple. Extensive ongoing research on the Fuji variety is conducted at Parma. From the first Fuji research orchard that was established at the University of Idaho, growers have found that not only can this crop be grown in Idaho, but the fruit quality is superior to that of other states.
Blossom thinning of apples, plums and peaches. Pomology scientists discovered several chemicals for blossom thinning and fruit growers in Idaho and other states use these chemicals, which are far less expensive than hand thinning.
For more information contact Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera at 352-214-9728 or jonathanclavijo@uidaho.edu.
Cropping systems
Current cropping systems agronomy research at the Parma Research and Extension Center is focused on soil fertility, nutrient management, water use and precision agriculture. Research and Extension activities aim to develop agronomical, economical and environmentally sound methodologies for sustainable cropping systems.
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