Abstract Discusses the ants' ability to quickly strip entire orchards of leaves, fungal gardens of ants, and the usefulness of leaf-cutting ants. Proposes an experiment to examine fungal parasites.
From the Paper "Leaf-cutting ants (Formicidae: Attini) are capable of devouring enormous amounts of vegetation - about 20 percent of the fresh-leaf biomass in the Neotropics. This makes agriculture of non-native plants which have not evolved a form of ..."
Abstract Discusses the history of the company and Cyrus McCormick's 1831 patent on a reaper, his marketing acumen, and ensuing mergers and acquisitions.
From the Paper "When International Harvester divested its agricultural operations in the mid-1980s, some analysts considered it the end of a well-known and-at one time-highly successful American company. International Harvester was perhaps best-known for ..."
Abstract Discusses the effect of advanced technologies and the increased federal role in farming, as well as government farm subsidies programs and the acreage reduction program.
From the Paper "In the last thirty years, total farm production in the United States has increased by eighty percent while at the same time this abundance has required less labor, capital, and physical resources to implement. This increase in farm production has been ..."
Abstract The paper describes the insertion of DNA into the plant chromosome to produce desired traits, such as resistance to insects and herbicides. It examines the reduction of farming costs, improved nutritional value, and longer shelf life.
From the Paper "Introduction
Genetic modification of plants involves inserting segments of DNA into the chromosome to produce desired traits in the resulting plant. It is commonly used to make plants resistant to insects and to herbicides. This reduces the costs of far..."
This paper discusses that modern biotechnology has the potential and the promise to change radically our world within a matter of decades, especially in the areas of food production and medicine.
Abstract This paper explains that, while the developing world has become one of the fastest growing markets for genetically modified crops (GMO crops), the vast majority of biotech crops are grown in the United States and other developed countries. The author believes that biotechnology, which increases the yield of existing land, may be the only way to save our valuable wilderness in the future. The paper relates that the realm of medicine and science, far more than the realm of food, is where one would expect to see strange, chimerical advances being made as history progresses towards the age of science fiction.
Table of Contents
Why Biotechnology?
Genetic Modification in the Food Production Industries
Biotechnology and the New Revolution in Medicine
Biotechnology in Warfare
Further Speculative Uses
Profits for the Developed World
Conclusion
From the Paper "So it would be safe to say that transgenic foods obviously play a huge role in modern agricultural production and consumption practices. Those who fear for the future in terms of genetically altered foodstuffs and medicines might do well to notice that such a future is with us today. Currently, over 50 types of genetically altered plants, passed through the extensive screening procedures instituted by the American Federal Government, are being widely produced and consumed throughout the world. The reasons farmers choose to plant genetically engineered crops is related to the reasons why consumers often unknowingly prefer them. These transgenic crops are often healthier plants (requiring less herbicides, pesticides, anti-fungal sprays, and so forth) and may have more appeasing, appetizing and abundant yields. All in all, this translates into higher profit for farmers and for the corporations that sell seed stock."
Abstract The shrub, cassava, which is also known as manihot esculenta, is the main source of carbohydrates for millions of people worldwide. This paper examines the origin and economic value of cassava to humans. It then looks at the life history of the shrub, as well as its taxonomy and morphology.
From the Paper "Within a week, the stem cuttings begin to shoot and roots grow. The plants that grow by planting seedlings take a longer time to grow and are found to be small and weaker than the plants bred by stem cutting. Stem cuttings from the same plant are genetically constant while seedlings are found genetically varied. The shoots increase and the roots began to extend within the first few weeks of appearance or coming out. After 8 weeks of planting tuberisation or root hardening begins. (Cock, 17)"
Abstract This paper explains that the art of puppy breeding began shortly after World War II when the US Department of Agriculture encouraged farmers to raise puppies as crops because traditional crop-growing had stalled. The author points out that an owner purchasing a puppy raised in a mill is much more likely to purchase a sick animal, or worse, an animal with a personality disorder resulting in the dog being given up to a shelter for adoption or worse. The paper relates that proponents of puppy mills argue that the USDA has enacted legislation requiring licensing for certain breeders; however, there is much evidence indicating that, currently, the USDA does not have enough inspectors to enforce laws requiring minimum space and standards for puppy breading.
From the Paper "Commercial breeders are one problem, breeding several types of puppy with profit as the primary motive. Many of the dogs raised in such kennels are not adequately screened for genetic illnesses. Also problematic are so called backyard breeder. Puppy mills however, are among the worst offenders, who breed puppies with little or no attention to their health care needs, socialization practices and placement protocols. USDA inspectors typically fail to inspect such mills."
This paper discusses the agricultural negotiations of the World Trade Organization (WTO), an independent international organization, which establishes and maintains rules governing global trade.
Abstract This paper explains that the Doha Round held in 2001 was a once-in-a-generation chance to change the rules that govern international agricultural trade so that both consumers and producers in both developed and developing countries would benefit. The author points out that the WTO agriculture negotiation has been viewed by many as an imbalanced instrument because it gives special and differential treatment to developed countries by strongly protecting them, while putting pressure on developing countries to liberalize more. The paper includes the '12 steps' program that is recommended for global human rights and food security.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The issues slated for discussion in Cancun centered on agriculture's three pillars previously mentioned. The Ministerial also had to discuss services; market access for industrial goods; the implementation of the Uruguay Round and special and differential treatment; geographical indications; investment, competition, government procurement and trade facilitation; environment; trade rules; and dispute settlement. The overall objective was defined as the narrowing down the gap between rich and poor countries."
Abstract This paper briefly explains that there are many issues facing underdeveloped nations today. It examines whether these countries should give up their agriculture sector in order to become well-developed nations.
From the Paper "There are several factors which have a negative impact on the agriculture industry. There are few paved roads to transport the goods, creating a longer delivery time to the markets, and a high rate of spoilage. Erosion and deforestation are reducing the amount of cultivatable acreage, bad weather such as drought or flooding can devastate entire crops, and lack of irrigation systems in these areas can result in a shortened growing season."
Abstract This paper explores the national flower of South Africa, the protea. The paper begins by explaining why the flower was chosen as the floral emblem in 1962. The paper then shows where and how the flower grows and what family it belongs to. The writer then mentions some of the other flowers in the protea family and describes them in detail. The paper explains why the protea is so important in South Africa and has come to represent the very nature of the nation.
From the Paper "The king protea (Protea cynaroides) is the national flower of South Africa. The king protea was first seriously considered for South Africa's official national floral emblem in 1962, when a commission was set up to study its use as a national emblem. The South African Association of Botanists supported the choice of the spectacular flower, the king protea, however the choice of the flower as the national floral emblem did not officially occur until 1975 (SA Embassy). The king protea is the largest member of the proteas. King proteas can reach close to two meters in height, and the flower itself can be up to 30 cm across. The king protea (Protea cynaroids) is generally pink or crimson in its outer bracts, which are covered with silky hairs."
