Book Review: Gus and Button
Karen Gus and his dog Button live in a beige monochromatic town made entirely of mushrooms where life seems very dull and boring. When something bright green drops into the town…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Chickpea (Cicer arientinum)
Also known as carbanzo bean, chickpea is an annual in the legume family, Fabaceae, that also include lupine, acacia, and scotch broom. It was domesticated about 7500 years ago and…
Book Review: Be A Plant-Based Woman Warrior
Karen Meyers Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior by Jane Esselstyn and Ann Crile Esselstyn, is no ordinary vegan cookbook; it is an introduction to a way of living that is based on…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Carrot (Daucus carota)
The carrot is a herbaceous biennial in the parsley family, Apiaceae, that also included celery, anise, and parsnip. It is probably native to Persia where it was cultivated for its…
Common Diseases of Tomato and Their Control: Late Blight
The fungus-like water mold, Phytophthora infestans, causes late blight in tomatoes and potatoes as well as in some other members of the nightshade family, Solonaceae. It appears first as dark…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Cucumus (Cucumber and Melons)
The genus Cucumis is in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, and includes at least two species valued by the ancient Romans for food: cucumber (Cucumis sativus,) and muskmellons (C. melo). Plant…
Common diseases of Corn and Their Control: Goss’s Wilt
Similar to Stewart’s wilt, this bacterial disease has two phases. The first appears early in the season and is characterized by orange to brown discoloration of diseased vascular tissues and…
Common Diseases of Corn and Their Control: Smut
Caused by the fungus Ustilago maydis, this disease can affect all above ground parts of the plant but is most economically significant when it attacks the ears. It causes the…
Common Diseases of Corn and Their Control: Northern Corn Leaf Blight
Northern corn leaf blight is caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum, and first appears on the lower blades at the time of silking or at full maturity It is characterized…
Book Review: The Vegetarian Flavor Bible
Karen Page’s book, The Vegetarian Flavor Bible, is a comprehensive guide to plant-based flavor pairings for a wide range of foods including vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. By…