Thomas J. Stevens

An Economic Comparison of Biological and Conventional Control Strategies for Whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Greenhouse Poinsettias

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the costs of biologically controlling infestations of silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring, in New England greenhouse operations on poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima Wild. ex Koltz, using the parasitic wasp Encarsia formosa Gahan (Nile Delta strain). Partial budget analysis was used to compare costs for conventional verses biological control regimens. Four alternative whitefly control budgets are developed; two conventional chemical-based control budgets formulated with and without the use of imidacloprid, and two biological control budgets which demonstrate the impact of possibly greater pest monitoring efforts necessary to implement this type strategy successfully. The analysis shows that biological whitefly control costs were >300% greater than conventional chemical-based control strategy costs. Most of this increase is caused by the higher costs of Encarsia formosa as the material control input. If monitoring costs are held constant across different strategies, labor costs actually decline for biological control. This is because of a significant reduction in the number of control applications made and the relatively lower cost of applying E. formosa. If more extensive monitoring efforts are required to implement biological control successfully, labor costs increase by 56% over the conventional pre-imidacloprid regimen. Based on these results, the authors conclude that cheaper and more reliable means of producing E. formosa must be developed before this strategy will become economically viable for commercial poinsettia greenhouse production.

Pricing Linkages in the Supply Chain: The Case for Structural Adjustments in the Beef Industry

Fundamental to almost every agriculture sector is a distribution system or supply chain used to move products beyond the farm gate to the final point of consumption. In many cases the identity of the initial product is almost lost as the product is transformed along the distribution chain. Yet for many of the major agricultural products, such as beef or dairy, the identity remains reasonably clear throughout the distribution system. Points of exchange differ and transformation takes place, yet the initial product in some transformed state is still the major component that is being priced. While the process can become extremely complex, in general the system entails changes in the transformation process often associated with product innovation, new communication and exchange systems, and changes in who is making the decisions. Obviously the latter is related to the underlying control along the distribution system and structural change. Embedded in much of the change is the use of new electronic transaction and information flows.

Local and Regional Food Systems in Florida: Values and Economic Impacts

A survey of 1599 randomly selected Florida households was conducted in 2012 to evaluate the consumer characteristics and economic impacts of local food purchases through retail stores, restaurants, and direct-to-consumer market channels. The total annual value of local food purchases averaged

MARKET INFORMATION SYSTEMS: AN ONLINE AGRICULTURAL MARKET NEWS RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

1114 per household and represented 20.1% of food purchased for at-home consumption. The total economic impacts of local food purchases in Florida were estimated at 183,625 jobs and

Pesticide residues and vertical integration in Florida strawberries and tomatoes

10.47 billion in value-added, including regional multiplier effects for agricultural production and wholesale and retail distribution. These values are significantly higher than found in previous studies in other states.

Economic Impacts of the Florida Citrus Industry in 2012-13

A minicomputer online information retrieval program is described that is designed to facilitate timely distribution of agricultural market news to state and county research and extension faculty. These faculty have designed programs that extend this information to clientele in their areas. An evaluation indicates that users find great value in this network. Usage has grown rapidly over the period the network has been available. This program is available and can be used by other states and clientele.