University of Florida Digital Library Center 2004 UF00016262 Agricultural and Food Fair of the Virgin Islands s.n. St. Croix, V.I. 1982 usvi

Front Cover 12th annual agriculture and food fair of the virgin islands 1982 JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE V. i. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE COLLEGE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE AGRICULTURE EXPERIMENT STATION Table Of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Honorable Juan Luis, Governor of the Virgin Islands ................................................1 Message from Commissioner Rudolph Shulterbrandt, President of the Agriculture and Food Fair .....................................3 Message from Dr. Arthur A. Richards, President, College of the Virgin Islands ......................................... 5 Agriculture and Food Fair Administrative Staff . .................................. 7 Two Agencies Working Together For Islanders .................................. 8-9 Milk - A Bargain at Any Price ................................................. 11 Agricultural Production on the Last Few Acres ................................... 15 Wanted: Aquaculturists! ....................................................... 19 Forestry Today in the Virgin Islands ............................................ 23 Some Interesting Tropical Vegetables ............................................ 27 Saving Energy in Agriculture...................................................33 The Use of Tropical Fruit Trees in the Home Landscape ........................... 35 Chemical Fertilizers are Expensive - Use Them Efficiently .......................... 39 The Frangipani Worm - Take It or Leave It? .........................·............ 45 Role of the Compost Pile in Intensive Gardening .................................49 From Our Photo Album....................................... 53-56 Diseases of Dogs and Cats in the United States Virgin Islands ...................... 59 Diagnosing Your Soil Problems ......... ......................................63 Agricultural Systems of the Aborigines of the West Indies .........................67 Prize-Winning Food Fair Cooks ................................................73 Island Hopping with 4-H - Do Rabbits Have a Future in the Virgin Islands?........................................................79 Why Agricultural Quarantine .................................................. 83 Editor Liz Wilson Advertising Ophelia Turner All photos by Liz Wilson, unless otherwise noted. Pages 1, 3, 5, 15, 16, bottom 53-V.l. Gov't; pages 23, 24,25-U.S. Forest Service; pages 35, 36, 37- Clinton George; pages 45, 46-Walter Knausenberger; page 63-John Matuszak; pages 67, 68, 69- Smithsonian Institution: page 79-Investigator's Book of Smaller Livestock, F.S. Bolger. Mention of product names in this book in no way implies endorsement by the authors or by the Agriculture and Food Fair Administrative staff. Message From Honorable Juan Luis, Governor Of The Virgin Islands Message from Honorable Juan Luis Governor of the Virgin Islands Once again it is a special pleasure to welcome the annual Agriculture and Food Fair here in St. Croix -- the twelfth year that this event has been held. My '7-- ^^H^^I^^^^^R heartiest congratulations to everyone whose dedication has contributed to this entertaining and educational fair, especially the hard-working farmers and the board and committee representing the two sponsors. the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and the College of the Virgin Islands Extension Service. The theme this year is apt: Grow More Food in '82' , _.^^^^^ - "~~-- Eat Well and Preserve Some Too. It is heartening to note the increase each year in the number of people who participate in growing some food, as a means of . saving and especially of eating a more healthful and flavorful diet. Most of these growers have enough bounty to put some aside for the future in the form of ' our especially flavorful Virgin Islands preserves, pic- kles and other good recipes that are being shared with everyone at the fair this year. Charlotte" ~J-_ : l S o ,.VgIasAgriculture continues to be a high priority in my Administration and I am'pleased that the higher bud- gets for which I have fought are paying off in the ar- rival of new equipment for all three islands with which the Department of Agriculture can assist farmers and home gardeners and in the development of more land for agriculture purposes. Cooperation among govern- ment departments has led to, among other things, the initiation of energy-saving projects for agriculture such THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES as the use of energy from our abundant trade winds OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR through windmills. These and other projects'will con- Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands tinue to receive heavy support and subsidy from my Administration. A legislative goal high on the list for this year is the development of marketing potential,and a viable mar- keting strategy for agriculture in the Virgin Islands. I~ ,This will greatly assist in the overall economy, which must be more diversified during these times of world- wide recession. On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I commend all the participants and organizers of the Twelfth Agriculture and Food Fair and wish you con- tinued success as you strive for a viable agricultural program for the Virgin Islands. 0386G 8 0 Juan Luis Governor COMPLIMENTS OF -,,,t, V ,.hl.ff-A r,- P ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I. GROWING yourway.... 2 Message From Commissioner Rudolph Shulterbrandt, President Of The Agriculture And Food Fair Message from Commissioner Rudolph Shulterbrandt President of the Agriculture and Food Fair Once again I have the pleasure of welcoming you to our 12th Annual Agriculture and Food Fair. Our motto "Grow More Food in '82, Eat Well and Preserve Some Too" should serve as an appropriate stimulus for addressing a most im- portant need of our islands. The problems of adequate food are world-wide and a major concern of almost all mature persons wherever they may live. There are some who daily wish that they did not have to eat or could just forget food and get by without eating. This may be so because of dietary restrictions or limitations, the high cost of food, or the desire to lose weight. Fasting or hunger strikes have personal justification or application, but to the great majority of us, after five or six hours of fasting the pangs of hunger soon remind us that food is a required necessity. It is projected that by the year 2000 the population of the world will double, but the land for agriculture will not in- crease to meet the needs of an increasing population. Food shortages and starvation are now being experienced and mil- lions are starving and even dying in certain parts of the world. It is rather unfortunate that the world power nations who are spending billions of dollars for weapons of destruction or so-called defense, could not be channeling this money to food production systems or for other life prolonging needs which will lead to increased health and happiness. It is also unfortunate that here in the Virgin Islands, agriculture has such a low priority that we have not been able to purchase some of the idle acres of land for food production, but we are able to find the money to meet crises as they occur in other areas. It should not be too difficult to perceive the phenomenon of the rapidly increasing population versus the decreasing land areas for food production. We should not allow this to happen here. We must increase our acreage of farming in the Virgin Islands. In this regard, I am urging you to follow the motto of this fair: "Grow More Food in '82, Eat Well and Preserve Some Too." As you observe'the activities of the fair this year. be sure to pay special attention to the demonstrations on canning, freezing, and drying. You may find one of these methods of food preservation handy in the near future. Enjoy our 1982 Agriculture and Food Fair! 3 Very best wishes from VIRGIN ISLANDS TELEPHONE CORP. ~iH4~HlsrWs- Message From Dr. Arthur A. Richards, President, College Of The Virgin Islands Message From Dr. Arthur A. Richards President, College of the Virgin Islands .. ., The 1982 Agriculture and Food Fair theme, "Grow More Food in '82--Eat Well and Preserve Some Too" is particu- larly appropriate as an expression of an important priority "-A direction for all island residents. With new energy crises looming on the horizon which threaten the tenuous lifeline of food importation by ocean transport and air cargo lines, and with the cost of food rising daily, we in the Virgin Is- lands must address ourselves to the imperative for increased food production at home. This year's Fair theme is closely allied with the continuing goals of the College of the Virgin Islands which are to pro- vide our community with the best in academic instruction, research and public service. Continual emphasis is being ,. .'.A placed on strengthening our teaching program in agriculture as an important aspect of our goal commitments. Our re- search programs have already reached a stage of reliable cre- dibility in the community and the main thrust of the Col- lege's extension service activities are well known. Presently the research being conducted by our Agricul- tural Experiment Station in horticulture,. agronomy, pest management, animal science and aquaculture are directed chiefly toward providing information to our residents about the best food crops to cultivate for their tables and the best feed crops to grow for livestock. Assistance to local dairy- men and livestock producers is aimed at increasing produc- tion efficiency. Our work in aquaculture is aimed at encour- aging the potential of augmenting our table protein with homegrown freshwater fish. Bringing this information to the people in a practical and easily applicable way is the task of our Coopertive Exten- sion Service which goes out to the community to demon- strate the results of our research to farmers, gardeners, homeowners, housewives, and island young people. Whether f -1t~ill .~it be problems with insects on crops, learning how to propa- gate fruit trees or how to start a garden, or learning about the best methods to preserve your produce, the extension staff is there to offer assistance and demonstrate the best techniques to achieve increased self-sufficiency. The College of the Virgin Islands is dedicated not only to provide service to our community here at home, but to the Caribbean at large. As president of the College, I have com- mitted myself to develop CVI as a center for educational, COLLEGE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS technical, and cultural interchange with the eastern Carib- bean. Our land-grant programs will play a very important OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT role in this new outreach effort. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands I would like to commend the board of directors of this year's Fair as well as others who contributed so much time and effort toward making this Fair the success that it al- ways is. The Fair has become an important tradition in our island community and I urge Virgin Islanders to visit all of the exhibits, but in particular, our CVI booths which de- monstrate our goals and efforts. 5U~ Compliments 0 otf GRAND UNION J . The IOIAL supermarkets in the Virgin Islands 6 Agriculture And Food Fair Administrative Staff AGRICULTURE AND FOOD FAIR ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF- 1982 President Vice President Commissioner Rudolph Shulterbrandt Dr. Darshan S. Padda Fair Superintendent Eric L. Bough Executive Secretary Treasurer Kwame Garcia Carl Andrews Director St. Thomas/St. John Activities Director of Facilities John A. Bernier. Jr. Ruben Sargent Director of Food Exhibits Director of Special Activities Ruth Lang Laurit7 Schuster Director of Farm Exhibits Director of Schools and Youth Roy Rogers Zoraida Jacobs Director of Caribbean Participation Recording Secretary Bill Bass Isabel Morton 7 Two Agencies Working Together For Islanders WORKING TOGETHER V.I. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE By Commissioner Rudolph Shulterbrandt The Virgin Islands De- The following are the services offered and rendered by apartment of Agriculture the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture: and the Cooperative Ex- tension Service of the 1. LAND PREPARATION College of the Virgin Islands have branches on the three a. Land Clearing Virgin Islands - St. Croix. St. Thomas and St. John. On b. Plowing St. Croix, the major agricultural island, these two c. Harrowing(Refinement) agricultural agencies are less than one-half mile apart on d. Banking the centerline road, approximately in the center of the island. 2. SOURCE OF SEEDS, SEEDLINGS, AND FRUIT TREES Though these agricultural agencies serve agriculture in different ways, their goals are the same. That is, to serve 3. PESTICIDES the agricultural interest of the islands to assure that the a. Horticultural Spraying maximum potential of agriculture will be attained. It b. Livestock Spraying or Dipping does not matter if it is a new farmer or an old established farmer, he will still need the service of these two agencies 4. VETERINARY SERVICE in some way. a. Livestock b. Regulatory Inspection and Surveillance The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture has developed its organization based on areas of necessary 5. ABATTOIRS agricultural service or basics. Our organization is not a. Slaughtering and Wholesome Meats geared to produce food for self-sufficiency of the islands. Inspection That is not the policy of our government. Rather, we exist b. Egg Inspection Service to help others produce food by serving most of the island 6 F T r i -~~~r * * 0 ~6. FORESTRY farmers who utilize our services in many ways. rr a. Reforestration Program b. Tree Trimming If a farmer wants to know what variety of tomato or b. Nursery Amini melon to plant, or what varieties will perform best on the c. Nursery Admnistration islands, he should call on the Cooperative Extension 7. POULTRY AND SWINE SUPPLYING Service for this assistance. They have already conducted the scientific research to develop this type of information. 8. LIVESTOCK ROUGHAGE PROGRAM However, suppose after receiving the desired information a. Hay Making the farmer needs to have his land prepared to enable b. Green Chop Feed production of the crop, and he does not own the necessary equipment to prepare his own land: he will 9. SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION have to turn to the Virgin Islands Department of SERVICE Agriculture to fulfill this need. After the land has been a. Farm Pond Drainage prepared for planting, the farmer will again come to the b. Drainage Ditches Department of Agriculture for the necessary slips, seeds, c. Terrace Construction or seedlings. Since it is almost impossible to produce certain vegetable crops without some application of an 10 MARKETING ASSISTANCE insecticide, the farmer must again turn to the AS TA WIT TA A {_-. . . * c * < ~ r~ 11. ASSISTANCE WITH TAXES AND Cooperative Extension Service for the proper OTHER INCFNTIVE PROGRAMS identification of the pest, and the most effective control. 12. COMMUNITY GARDEN The foregoing is the basic relation between the Virgin ADMINISTRATION Islands Department of Agriculture and the Cooperative Extension Service of the College of the Virgin Islands. If you are a farmer in need of assistance in any of the Both organizations work together to provide the effective above needs, the Virgin Islands Department of technology and service to the Virgin Island farmer. Agriculture will use its available resources to assist you. 8 FOR ISLANDERS ... C.V.I. LAND GRANT PROGRAMS By Director Darshan S. Padda The Annual Agriculture and Food Fair stands as a fruit production, livestock concrete example of what can be achieved by the efforts production, irrigation, of various public agencies working together for the pest control, pesticide use benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands. Under a and certification. limited resource situation such as ours, multiplication of economics programs offer assistance in 2. Home economics programs offer assistance in expertise through joint projects is absolutely essential. food preparation, nutrition and health, clothing Neither the V.I. Department of Agriculture nor the construction and crafts, consumer education, family Cooperative Extension Service has the capability of development and personal growth, and housing and organizing and managing such a high quality event alone. home improvement. But working jointly we have not only succeeded in providing educational exhibits to our farmers and 3. 4-H youth programs offer services it the areas of homemakers but have offered the general public a three- leadership development, practical skills for self reliance day sociocultural function. We hope this years' fair will and production, ecology, interpersonal skills, cultural receive the same acceptance from our people as has been identity, and organization development and in previous years. maintenance. We, at the College of the Virgin Islands under the 4. Community and rural development programs leadership of President Richards feel committed to work offer assistance in business management and economics; with other public agencies and particularly with the V.1. government operation and finance, rural development, Department of Agriculture since mutual endeavors, if agricultural energy, and cooperatives. pursued vigorously and sincerely, can greatly enhance our quest for increased food production in the islands These services are prvied through individual and the ultimate realization of our hopes for self- contacts, field visits, seminars and workshops, teen-age sufficiency in food production. The technology classes, 4-H clubs and annual 4-H summer camp. The developed by the CVI land grant staff is made available to Cooperative Extenslon Servlce reaches approximately the agriculture department in many areas including 50,000 people every year. information on recommended varieties and cultural Agricultural Experiment Station conducts basic The Agricultural Experiment Station conducts basic practices of crops suitable for the Virgin Islands climate and applied research to support these educational and soil conditions; proper pesticides for use on crops services through the following projects: and livestock; and assistance with beef and dairy cattle and smaller livestock .-...-...... . ,. L Imnrnpvement o vepetahle ProrQdutio._.in. tbhVirein ious methods that the Islands. The fair is only one of va :o reach our diversified 2. Improvement of fruit production in the Virgin Islands. extension service at CVI uses nation on farming, home 3. Irrigation research on minimum water requirements for clientele with educational info 4-H and youth, and important tropical crops. gardening, home economics, ent. 4. Development of papaya resistance to diseases. community and rural develop 5. Sorghum production for grain, silage and forage in the Service is a part of the Virgin Islands. The Cooperative Extension e of the Virgin Islands. 6. Selection of superior forage grasses and management land-grant system at the Colleg n are (I) the agriculture practices for the Virgin Islands. The other two parts of the system irriculum leading to an 7. Breeding methods for beef cattle-Senepol development, teaching program that offers ci agriculture, and (2) the 8. Development of culture techniques for freshwater fish. Associate in Arts degree in A which serves as a local 9. Studies and research on ciguatera fish poisoning in the Agricultural Experiment Statio pension with the latest Virgin Islands. research base to provide ext i to the public. The 10 Pesticide impact assessment. technologies to be transferred vice, therefore, is a Cooperative Extension Ser is organized with four For additional information please call the following technology transfer agency. It servicestheyofferareas numbers: St. Croix Extension Service 778-0246; St. main programs and the technical Thomas Extension Service 774-0210; St. John Extension follows: sources offers assistance Service 776-6492; Plant Science Research 778-1043; 1. Agriculture and naturalre ;, vegetable production, Animal Science Research 778-0050. in the areas of kitchen gardenin 9 CASTLE - NUGENT FARMS .... MARIO GASPERI CORN HILL FARM ....... .HENRY NELTHROPP WINDSOR FARM ............ ST. CROIX DAIRY PRODUCTS. INC. MON BIJOU FARM .............OLIVER SKOV SIGHT FARM........... CHARLES SCHUSTER a A.O !s· IV VIRGIN ISLANDS DAIRYMEN'S ASSOC. Fresh Grade "A" Milk For Your Table 10 Milk - A Bargain At Any Price Milk - A Bargain at Any Price By Harold Hupp tissue. Milk fat contains fat soluble vitamins A,D,E,K. Livestock Specialist Minerals (0.7% of milk) help the body grow and keep C.V.I. Cooperative Extension Service healthy. As the primary source of calcium and phosphorous for bone development, milk includes Milk is a nearly perfect food that all female mammals smaller quantities of potassium, sodium, sulfur, feed their newborn young until the young are able to eat aluminum, copper, iodine, iron, manganese and zinc. solid foods. Man has learned to "harvest" milk from Three and a half percent of milk is protein which is many different mammals for his consumption. The dairy essential for proper growth and tissue maintenance and cow is a very efficient "milk factory" that converts forage can also be used for energy if necessary. Proteins are and grain into a nutritionally balanced food. made of amino acids which are the building blocks for Throughout the world man gets milk from other sources blood and tissue. such as goats, sheep, reindeer, llama, yak, camels and water buffalo, According to the definition of milk used by Vitamins, as we know, are essential for proper growth, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA, 1978)"milk is body health and the prevention of certain diseases (i.e. the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum (first beriberi and rickets). Milk has adequate supplies of more milk) obtained by the complete milking of one or more vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B2, C, E, K and niacin) than in healthy cows." This article is meant to inform the reader most other single natural foods. Since milk contains low about the nutrientvalue of milk and dairy products. The levels of Vitamin D, most processing plants add vitamin article will also familiarize the reader with the various D to the milk to bringit up to adequate levels. Additional dairy product terfminology.rz, tearwhhvcomponents of milk include at least 20 enzymes that have been isolated from milk and the activities of an additional Nutritional Value of Milk 15 enzymes have been reported. These enzymes are not of nutritional importance. However, they are important Milk is considered one of nature's nearly perfect foods because some pose problems during the production, because it has the majority of substances essential for storage and processing of the milk. human nutrition. Milk not only nourishes the young but it also can be used to balance diets for humans of all ages. Although some foods have more individual nutrients The body requires water, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, than milk, very few can compare as a source of as many proteins and vitamins for proper growth and nutrients of milk. According to the FDA guidelines one development and milk has all of these components. serving (240ml) wil have 11. , or more of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein, Milk is about 87% water. The water carries all of the riboflavin, nacin, calcium, vitamin D and B12, other major components of milk, though liquid milk has phosphorous and iodine. a very high concentration of food solids compared to From the Farm to the Table other food stuffs. Carbohydrates (4.9%, of milk) are the major source of energy and also help in the body The raw milk produced by the cow is a highly adsorption of calcium and phosphorous. The major perishable product because harmful bacteria grow source of carbohydrates in milk is lactose or milk sugar. rapidly and some enzymes start to decompose the milk Fats comprise about 3.5% of milk and provide energy unless the milk is kept cool and clean. Methods have been and the rich milk taste. Milk fat also provides certain developed to extend the useful shelf life of the whole milk. essential fatty acids the body needs to generate body Virgin Islands and U.S. departments of agriculture have We are proud to be a part of the 12th Annual Agriculture and Food Fair B^ c¶Li^ St- QlrvixAuisj THE ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER SERVING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SINCE 1844 .. and we are proud of our 137years of service to St. Croix LOOK FOR US AT OUR NEW LOCATION - # 1A LA GRANDE PRINCESSE (Near Wadsworth) 11 .- f I KEEP REFRIGERATED Milk for human consumption is classified according t, Non Fat BELOW40°F. set he s anitary quality as ei dard their Grade A (fluid or market farms and thGrade milk processing plant. The dair farm and Or Island Da iries 1965) sets guidelines for the dair Tndustr-! I t he \ IrgA tnat HeIslantds to fomllou ith re eence to milk at tandits p roc _^^^^^^^^^tc^^^ ^ 1 7hm id dtThe IISDA requirements for manufacturii n milk (i.e. reconst ituted milk) are general less strict than tor ( rad /_ _t iy r^i- A milk. The dairy industry\ on St. Croix according to the last *Tl H -E ^P RTthacensus, is generating nearly 65c of all gross agricultural receipts in the Virgin Islands. This industrF is providing the Virgin Islands daith a fresh wholesome product. The Prue DaLily On~ St pofresh milk produced b these dairies is onln meeting about 85%' of total consumption for St. Croix St. Thomas is almost exclusixel using reconstituted milk. RECOMBINED At the dairy farm. the milk is stored in a bulk tank at l iMILK about 40' F. A tanker truck takes the milkr to th MIK W processing plant where a sample is taken and sent to) the PASTEURIZED HOMOGENIZED plant laboratory for fat and bacteria tests. The milk i, held in a storage tank until it can be clarified. pasteurlzcd. TEL. 773-0060 homogenized and bottled. TIhe bottles or cartons ot milk *946 LITER (1 QT are kept in a cold storage room until transported to the retail outlets for sale. Milk is passed through the aboex processes to assure a quality product reaches the consumer. C'larilication uses AsL N TiANs TO centrifugal force to remove all of the hea!x particles trom the unprocessed milk. Pasteurization is a process, b here THR DEPART M ENT luthe milk is heated to a specified temperature for a specified time then cooled for storage and processing OF AGRICULTURE IThis process kills all the microorganisms and en/!rixm that cause spoilage and disease. Homogenization i, a Produced Daily On St. Croix process where the fat particles are broken into smaller From Five Purebred Dairy Herds particles so they wA ill recombine later to float on the milk. ISLAND DAIRIES' FRESH DAIRY PRODUCTS Dairy Products and Terms Fresh Milk 24 Ice Cream Flavors Non Fat Skim Milk Orange Juice There arc a number of dairy products that are made Fresh Whipping Cream Fruit Punch Drink from various components of milk. The\ are sumimnarized Chocolate Milk Orange Drink in the following table. Dair! products can also be Buttermilk classified by the xfav the\ are processed. These cla-sec .4Askfor Island Dairies Products at your local grocery store are: Fluid milk products. cultured products Ir-oen or stop at THE GOLDEN COW in Christiansted. desserts, and manufactured dairs products. . ^^^^^desserts, and manufactured dair products. Processed by Fluid milk products include homogenzied milk. skinm 1ST . tACROIX DAIRY Imilk, creams, and chocolate drinks. Pasteurized. homogenized milk has already been discussed. Halt and Half is at least 10.5(i fat. Creams \arx in fat content from 16-40'' fat. Chocolate drinks are a combination at los #19 Richmond, Christiansted fat milk, cocoa, sugar, stabilizers and possible other ingredients. 12 Cultured products include such items as cultured dessert products are both imported and made locally. buttermilk, sour cream, sour half and half, yogurt and a few other products. This requires the fermenting of Manufactured dairy products include cheese, butter, certain milk products with bacteria. This is not done to nonfat dry milk and dried whole milk. Other products in any large commercial degree in the Virgin Islands, this class are evaporated milk, condensed milk, casein therefore most of these products are imported because we and a variety of modified products and blends. The are not meeting the total fluid milk requirements in the difference between condensed and evaporated milk is Virgin Islands. that both products have less moisture than whole milk but condensed milk has an average of 44% sugar added Frozen desserts produced in large quantities are ice for sweetness. The Virgin Islands produces almost no cream, ice milk, soft serve products, sherbets and other manufactured dairy products. However, we use dried novelty items. These products can be made from whole whole milk and rehydrate it to make fluid milk for fluid milk or from dried milk products. The frozen consumption to supplement our fresh milk supply. Typical Composition percentages of selected dairy products (Adapted from Hugunin, A.G. & N.L. Ewing, 1977 Dairy-based ingredients for food products. Rosemont, IL. Dairy Research, Inc. Ingredients Moisture Protein Fat Fluid whole milk 87.4 3.5 3.5 Fluid skim milk 90.5 3.6 0.1 Condensed milka 27.1 8.1 8.1 Condensed skim milkb 28.4 10.0 0.3 Dried whole milk 2.0 26.4 27.5 Dried buttermilk 2.8 34.3 5.3 Light cream 73.0 2.9 19.3 Light whipping cream 62.9 2.5 30.5 Heavy whipping cream 57.3 2.2 36.8 Butter 16.5 0.6 80.5 Cheddar cheese 37.0 22.0 32.0 Cottage cheese curd 79.0 16.9 0.4 a Plus 44.3% added sugar for sweetness Plus 42.0% added sugar for sweetness Plus salt Compliments of PLOT 82 -C 772 - 0556 ST. PETER'S MINI MART ' ESTATE WHIM, F'STED.,ST.CROIX 5 ESTATE PETERS M A WILL CATER FOR GROUPS CHRISTIANSTED, ST. CROIX Y O U j 'a4'f OPEN TO SERVE YOU RESTAURANT & GUEST HOUSE 7 DAYS A WEEK MAIN DISHES: STEAM SNAPPER, TELEPHONE 773 - 3785 PAELLA, TURTLE STEAK OPEN 10:00 A.M. TILL ..........CLOSED SUNDAYS 13 HARDWARE STORES CENTRALLY LOCATED ON NORTH ROAD WEST OF CHRISTIANSTED AT LA GRANDE PRINCESS 773-0787 WELCOMES THE 1982 AGRICULTURE & FOOD FAIR CHIEF \ ROTARY ORTHO"^\\ aMOWERS LAWN & GARDEN PRODUCTS Merwin True Value Center c and Ortho invites you to visit the Lawn & Garden display Merwin True Value has a complete in our True Value booth. line of Lawn Chief mowers for any size lawn. CHAPIN SPRAYERS SUPREME GARDEN Bv GARDEN SPADE J/ I/EMPER f"9 [ HOSE LAWN RAKE INAPIN C d A,, 14 Agricultural Production On The Last Few Acres Agricultural Production on the Last Few Acres By John A. Bernier, Jr. improved methods and practices of crop production Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture recommended by the extension service. Their offices on St. Thomas/St. John St. Croix and St. Thomas provide a vast amount of information on agricultural production techniques "And he gave it for his opinion, that whoever could developed through many years of experimentation and make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to research. With all of this readily available to farmers, we grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew still find that most of them continue to follow their own before, would deserve better of mankind, and do traditional and outmoded production methods. Thus, if more essential service to his country, than the production from the limited amount of land or, as I whole race of politicians put together." prefer to say, the last few acres in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) is to be.increased, the wide gap that now exists between modern techniques and outmoded traditional practices By substituting improved techniques of production for will have to be bridged. outmoded traditional methods, and with some shift in land use, the U.S. Virgin Islands, particularly St. Erl stee t Thomas and St. John, could have a well-deversified and highly productive agricultural industry. The resulting increases in production would enable the islands to , i f become much less dependent on imported food. Since - only a relatively small area is available for farming l' ' - purposes, the main hope for raising the level of .t agricultural output lies in obtaining higher yields from each acre. This requires widespread utilization of good management practices and a breaking away from some traditions which are non-productive and outmoded. It means the general use of improved varieties, greater and more effective use of fertilizers, application of sprays and dusts to control insects and diseases, and use of various other measures that effectively contribute to high level production. Only a few farmers in the Virgin Islands now follow many of the production practices necessary for high Extremely steep terrain on St. Thomas is now dotted yields that are recommended by the C.V.I. Cooperative with home sites. Extension Service, which is a cooperating agency with the V.1. Department of Agriculture. The farmers who More positive efforts on the part of the Department of plant a crop but do little in addition to make it grow are in Agriculture will have to be made to encourage farmers to the majority. These farmers are planters, not growers. adopt improved production methods and utilize About all they do is put the seeds in the ground and leave improved varieties which result in higher and more the rest to the whims of Mother Nature. profitable yields on our limited acreage. For the most part, the farmers who produce beef cattle, which is by far They use little or no fertilizer, and rarely protect the the major area of agricultural production in the Virgin growing plants from insect damage or diseases by Islands today, stand head and shoulders above all the spraying and dusting. When the harvest is ready, these other farmers in their use of advanced production farmers must accept whatever yield there is. Small, at practices. best, is the reward of being a planter and not a grower. Presently at the Dorothea Station in St. Thomas, With greater yields per acre, less land would be plantings of pineapple and plantain in our seed required for producing the vegetables and fruits that the multiplication program are extremely prolific due to farmer would be able to market. Large numbers of proper maintenance and the controlled use of pesticides farmers could double or even triple their present yields and fertilizers. and returns by employing the right combination of growing practices, which would include proper land What the U.S. Virgin Islands needs is for more of its preparation, use of improved varieties, use of adequate farmers to be growers, good growers who will employ the amounts of fertilizers, control of damage from insects 15 and diseases, and proper soil management to control moisture retention and keep down weeds. Energy efficient motor design reduces Terracing system has been used extensively by St. kilo-watt hour consumption for lower Thomas farmers for decades. operating costs now and continued Finally, there is a big need for more and better home savings in the future. Finally, there is a big need for more and better home H; ^ f~~ww~^.v^^u gardens, and yet much of the land available to / " CORROSION i householders is not used for food production. Much of S B RESISTANT ' L this land is in small plots, but no matter how little the CONSTRUCTION patch may be, it still can be mae to produce some food. Stainless steel construction of pump and The Virgin Island Dept. of Agriculture encourages this motor housing and corrosion resistant use of the last few acres to the maximum. protection against aggressive water conditions for trouble-free performance and long service life. HIGH "THINK" PERFORMANCE Capacities from 4 to 64 gallons-per- hwi minut- 10 sal isfy a w de range ol househoia and commercial requirements . ' . Cm~a~"t'm u ~NEW HOME~' r°s ° tEgiPFOR YOUR NEXT NEW OR USED CAR OR REPLACEMENT Call: 7720384 "Di you know or Stop in at that without a 92 EST. GROVE PL Tradein (Next to the You can sm up to Fire Station) fo 4 to 5% on a AND SAVEBIll Now or Used Car? Mechanical uppll For yo GoVrnnnt Empoym . .. Sub-Base, St. Thomas Peter's Rest, St. CroixThe Rtirmnnt Systm is bo uibbb. 774-5518 773-7055 16 FERTILIZER SEED INSECTICIDE HAND TOOLS _.<-~ ~ POTTING SOIL PLANTABBS - PEAT MOSS SPRAYERS _1"t.,/ 5 ti\ SPHAGNUM MOSS OSMOCOTE *1: \ ~ DECORATIVE BARK ZARNTAINERS PRECISE PLANT FOOD SOLBAN SHADE CLOTH ^/~'~~i ,f 1CLAY AND PLASTIC POTS ..,//^^^^SOLD IN GARDEN CENTERS - HANGING BASKETS ~;f ,..; _/VARIOUS TYPES '/" t//<'~/~. ' !/SEVERAL COLORS DEPARTMENT STORES AND SUPERMARKETS TROPICAL - FERTILIZER CORP, Avenue Fernandez Juncas - Parada 10 Box 5157 - San Juan, P.R. 00906 Telephone 722-0990 WHOLESALE 723-1941 17 For all of you who helped to build this Agriculture and Food Fair from the ground up ... This Congratulation is for you - From DADDIEC GROCERY 6. DELI Estate Diamond (across from Sunny Isle) 773-3687 Open 7 days a week 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Working To Be The Best ... Not The Biggest 18 Wanted: Aquaculturists! Wanted: Aquaculturists! By James Rakocy Aquaculture may help increase the demand for fresh Research Aquaculturist fish in the Virgin Islands, which has been hindered to an C.V.I. Agricultural Experiment Station extent by the problem of ciguatera, a naturally occurring toxin in marine fish. The toxin becomes concentrated as Aquaculture, the art ofculturingaquatic organisms for it passes through the food chain of salt water fish and food, began thousands of years ago in China. Today the reaches harmful levels in a very small percentage of art of aquaculture is becoming a science as aquaculturists predatory fish from certain areas. Research is being from around the world look for efficient-ways of growing conducted by the Biology Department of the College of aquatic animals and plants to help'meet the increasing the Virgin Islands to characterize the ciguatera toxin and demand for food by the world's burgeoning population. devise a simple test to find out if a fish has the toxin before it is eaten. Being stricken by ciguatera is a serious The culture of aquatic food, primarily fish, is an The culture of aquatic food, primarily fish, is an matter and generally requires a trip to the doctor and important supplement to the supply that comes from wild several weeks of recuperation. There is no reliable way of . * ^s, ", p. .. . - - , , several weeks of recuperation. There is no reliable way of stocks. Global fishing statistics reveal that annual determining whether a fish has the toxin at present determining whether a fish has the toxin at present catches, which increased by about 7 percent per year from a p a c and people are cautious about eating locally-caught fish. 1945 to 1970, have levelled off suddenly during the 1970s M ii r i r ir at about 70 million tons. One reason for this is that wild a together. Fish produced through aqualture are beinr altogether. Fish produced through aquaculture are being stocks have been poorly managed and several species are raised in fresh r d re re o a tee beingdeplete. In contrast produraised in freshwater and are free of any toxir. Knowledge being depleted. In contrast, aquaculture production, that these fish are completely safe would certainly that these fish are completely safe would certainly which stood at 6 million tons in 1975, has expanded r w crin which stood at 6 million tons in 1975a has expanded stimulate demand for fresh fish in the Virgin Islands. rapidly during the 1970s and experts estimate that annual production may reach 50 million tons by the year 2000. There are shortages of fish in much of the world that could be alleviated through aquaculture. The United States and the Virgin Islands are good examples of areas that do not possess sufficient stocks of wild fish to meet local demand. The U.S. annually imports about 60% of its total consumption of fish and fish products. In 1977, these imports accounted for a $2 billion trade deficit, which was 28 percent of the total non-petroleum related trade deficit. The situation is similar in the Virgin Islands. In 1979, fish imports to the Virgin Islands amounted to 5.7 million pounds worth $6 million compared to local catches of about 1.3 million pounds. There is little hope of increasing local catches because this fishery is close to its maximum sustainable yield. The potential for 5_e Ufodrui \. reducing these deficits is in aquaculture. In some countries over 40% of the total fish supply is grown by Caged tilapia are fed fish pellets every day to insure a fish farmers, well-balanced nutritious diet which will lead to proper growth. An alternative supply of fish is needed because Other benefits to be derived from aquaculture would nutrition-conscious Americans are eating more fish. In be an increase in employment opportunities and a greater 1978, Americans consumed 13.4 pounds of fish per degree of self-sufficiency in food production, which is person, up from 12.8 pounds the year before and II particularly important in the Virgin Islands. During this pounds in 1964. Further increases in demand are period of economic recession, federal spending cutbacks projected because the superior nutritional qualities of and the ever-present threat of disruption of our oil fish are beifig recognized by more people. Fish is an all- supplies, high priority must be given to the purpose protein food. The flesh contains the 22 amino- encouragement of local food production. acids commonly found in animal protein and an excellent balance of the eight essential to human health. The fat The United States Senate and House of content of fish muscle averages less than 5%, a value that Representatives have recognized the -importance of is lower than almost all other meats. Fish muscle contains aquaculture development and have responded by the little connective tissue, making it easy to digest, and has passage of the National Aquaculture Act, which was high levels of the essential minerals and water soluble signed into law by President Carter on September 26, vitamins. 1980. As national policy for aquaculture, the Act calls for 19 the establishment of a National Aquaculture applicants to become the owners and operators of family Development Plan by April of 1982. The plan will farms. Ownershiploansareusedforthepurchaseofland. identify aquatic species that have significant potential for including water resources, for the development of a culture on a commercial basis and recommend actions successful aquaculture operation. Operating loans are that are necessary to achieve increased yields. Programs made to enable applicants to become operators of family for research and development, technical assistance, farms. This loan is available to finance equipment, brood demonstration, extension education and training will be stock, fingerlings, feed, family living and farm operating included. Aquaculture, as defined by this plan, is not expenses and minor land and water improvements. restricted to food production but includes the production Operator loans are designed to improve the farmer's of industrail materials, pharmaceuticals and energy as standard of living and help him establish a sound well as the use of aquatic resource management as a aquaculture' system. Additional information about means of control and abatement of water pollution. The aquaculture loans can be obtained from Fm H A offices in National Aquaculture Act should encourage extensive the Virgin Islands. aquaculture development, greater domestic production of aquatic food, decreased reliance on foreign imports, To obtain technical assistance for an aquaculture creation of new industries and job opportunities and venture, a farm owner can call upon the Soil other national benefits. Locally, a bill to explore the Conservation Service (SCS). an agency ot the L .S. potential of aquaculture in the Virgin Islands is currently Department of Agriculture. SCS personnel I ill X isit the being considered by the V.I. Senate. farm, and inspect construction as it proceeds. Moreover. the SCS in the Virgin Islands has access to an aquaculture There are a number of programs already in effect that specialist with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural could be utilized to aid aquaculture development in the Resources, who will travel to the Virgin Islandsand offer Virgin Islands. One of these is an aquaculture technical assistance to would-be-aquaculturiss based on loan program sponsored by the Farmers Home experience gained with aquaculture in Puerto Rico. The Administration (FmHA) of the U.S. Department of proposed National Aquacultural Plan calls for the Agriculture. FmHA has several types of loans available establishment of an aquaculture training program or to prospective aquaculturists, but the two most SCS field technicians and the readjustment of workloads important ones are farm ownership loans and operating to increase aquaculture technical assistance. loans. Farm ownership loans are made to eligible The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture aid, r ^^£S ^·~C ^££^££33 &3 8 83£=3£^3£3 C aquaculture development through its freshwater pond program, which has been in operation for man!\ ears. A 1975 inventory lists 225 ponds that there constructed or renovated on St. Croix since 1920. The purpose of this 'fB~~~~~~~~~~ ^ , program has been to provide water storage for lihestock and wildlife, irrigation, ground water recharge. flood ~ <~CENTER PHARMACY ^ prevention and fire protection, but man! of these ponds could be used for fish culture. There is no charge tor this instituted a cost sharing program in 1981 to encourage 7 King Cross Street 8 service. In addition, the Department of Iericulture .ci .~ 2~ [ freshwater fish farming and other t pes of agricultural Downtown Christiansted production. A farmer who marketed more than S1.0i)0 annually was eligible to receive 20 cents for each pound ot Medicl Building*~ y fish he marketed. The continuation of this program in ' "Medical Building Tel. 773-2196 8 8 QARI B IAS Your prescription service center service ;1enter~ iGAS FOR COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL 773 2 AND DOMESTIC USE ; if ;~~~~~20 ** 773-0602 774-0602 20 1982 is dependent on the availability of funds. intensive culture in tanks with adjoining filtration systems. Experiment Station aquaculturists have written _ -.... aaculture oea number of articles in previous Agriculture and Food Fair Bulletins providing general information about tilapia and these culture systems (Freshwater Aquaculture a Possibility for the Virgin Islands, 1978; A Prospectus for Cage Culture of Freshwater Fish in the U.S. Virgin Islands, 1979; Marketing Tilapia in the Virgin Islands, 1980; A New Approach to Backyard Fish __=a fand Tomato Production, 1980; Fish Culture and Hydroponics in the Virgin Islands, 1981.) Recently, the t aa M- c aquaculture research installation was expanded by the to _ (~ L - addition of 30 new cages, 34 pools, 6 recirculating _ r n- = h systems and a field laboratory. The new facilities will no- t - hv greatly increase aquaculture research capabilities. Lw ;3&'=5~~~~iii ~~Information generated through experiments will be used - to develop detailed procedures for tilapia culture that are efficient, practical and profitable. Results of this research A - p will be made available to the public through articles, fact sheets, bulletins, demonstrations, seminars and workshops. As the world's annual catch of wild fish reaches its Aquaculture program utilizes one of many St. Croixurce of ponds. Suspended fish culture cages are seen in ponds. Suspended fish culture cages are seen in limit, aquaculture offers to increase this vital source of background; a new self-feedingdevice has been installed nutrition for many years to come. National and local on cage in foreground. governments stand ready to give an unprecedented level of support for aquaculture development. The challenge Aquaculture is a diverse field consisting of hundreds of now rests with individuals who want the fulfilling, Virgin Islands. .Tenow rests with tdividuals who want the fulfilling, cultivated species and systems of cultivation. Before a viable aquaculture industry can be established in a new profitable and important career of growing aquatic food. viable aquaculture industry can be established in a new area, feasibility studies should be conducted for the species and systems showing the greatest potential for that area. Moreover, culture technology that has proved successful for a species elsewhere will have to be modified to fit a new environment and basic information and WE SUPPORT THE AGRICULTURE MOVEMENT training will have to made available to farmers who do IN not have experience in aquaculture techniques. This THE VIRGIN ISLANDS work is being carried out by the Agricultural Experiment Station of the College of the Virgin Islands. From the beginning of the aquaculture research program at the Experiment Station, tilapia was selected as the fish showing the greatest potential for culture in the Virgin Islands. The culture systems with the most 1S t promise were cage culture in freshwater ponds and 5 COMPANY ST. Tablecloths CHRISTIANSTED Seiko Watches ST. CROIX 00820 Amber SERVING THE FRESHEST AND FINEST. Coral 773-0444 Fine Jewelry 58-a klnc Street Jade ChRlstlansteb, St. CROIX USVI 00820 The store that's a 25 year tradition. (809) 773-0263 £HE COMPAS KROSE 21 TRAVEL WORLD AGENCY -1 6W 48 KING STREET [E='r 9CHRISTIANSTED, ST. CROIX Complete Professional TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS (809)-773-5240 for the best insurance TRADEWINDS protection underthesun LIOUOR 7 2-^ "t n A A A A Large Selection of FINE PERFUME and JEWELRY 77 2-0020 ATTRACTIVE GIFT ITEMS * _ ^ A A^ A^52 A PRINCE ST. Exclusive showing of SEIKO, MOVADO, & OTHER FINE WATCHES 773-0020 U U L U EXCELLENT LIQUOR SELECTION FOR LIFE & HEALTH DIVISION 41 , KING ST. C'STED RELIABLE DELIVERY SERVICE V.I.P.O.BOX"B" 773 70 n I 773-7880 302 KING STREET - FREDERIKSTED - /72-0939 WIe livue a shop at Gentle Wmrids HBeach Resort to-' 41 - KING ST. C'STED ESTATE UPPER LOVE SUNNY ISLE, P.O. BOX 6881 ^UU|^P9~ ~ ST. CROIX, VIRGIN ISLANDS 00820 fdo e Kier7'lc a/ I ( p' zao TELEPHONE MKope kC m emi cal C G qolat' on(809) 772-3550 MANUFACTURERS OF FINE CHEMICALS AND PHARMACEUTICALS 7 Lyn Camille Cosmetics STIRLING3 Hair Care Products PRODUCTSCOMPANY Baby Lotions and Creams Industrial, Commercial and F _ ~Bath Gels Institutional Sanitary Supply Problem Shave Chemicals... A complete line for your cleaning and main- Colognes and Perfumes tenance needs PROTECTIVE COATING MATERIALS Epoxy Paints for industrial and marine use. Concrete Curing Agents Hypalon roofing materials Concrete Patching Materials Epoxy Tile Coat for swimming pools. 22 Forestry Today In The Virgin Islands Forestry Today in the Virgin Islands By Eric 'Larry' Bough plantations. This is free of charge including the technical Director of Forestry advice that accompanies the seedlings, due mostly to V.1. Department of Agriculture a reimbursable program sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service known as Rural Forestry Assistance. This The Forestry Division of the V.I. Department of program includes production, procurement and Agriculture was officially started on July 1, 1967. Prior to distribution of tree seeds and trees; development of this it was known as Road Side Tree Improvement. Later genetically improved tree seeds and planting for it became the V.I. Forestry Program, a title that was reforestation and afforestation; and technical assistance replaced with its present one in 1974. to private forest landowners and managers, vendors, forest operators, wood processors, public agencies and Many residents are not aware as to the purpose of the individuals. Mahogany plantations and woodlots extend Division of Forestry; the majority class us as "tree as far east as Estate Green Cay and west to Ham's Bay. cutters", a title which carries some merit as most of our Almost all of these were planted through our program, public contacts come in the form of tree felling. but there are a few natural stands. Nevertheless, our primary purpose is that of reforestation. In addition to this program, we also have the Urban To accomplish the reforestation phase, the division Forestry Assistance Program whose primary is to operates a nursery where seedling of timber species, improve activities to benefit the lives and environment of predominately hybrid mahogany, are produced on an urban residents and public agencies of the Virgin Islands average of 10 to 15 thousand annually and made through the use and appreciation of trees. To accomplish available to landowners to establish woodlots and this purpose some objectives had to be established, the -I. r ~~P~.~~~. ' ,. ' 'D' The oldest tree plantation in the Virgin Islands is located at Davis Bay. These Honduras mahoganies were planted in 1908 by the Danish government. 23 most important being the following: pulpwood and related by-products) the idea of a forestry program in the Virgin Islands at first sight would seem A. Develop island-wide urban and forestry plans unrealistic. Land values alone would seem to prohibit for all three Virgin Islands including inventory such a program. But the forestry operation in the Virgin of existing roadside urban trees, parks, green Islands is much more than the reforestation of our bushy spaces and particular community needs. hillsides. It is a project which utilizes and develops our natural resource, the land, in a manner that compliments B. Plan the maintenance of existing trees, our tourist industry and enhances our environment. development of tree planting and removal Forestry is an agricultural enterprise that requires a guidelines, development of technical training minimum input of scarce labor to produce an end programs for responsible agencies, individuals product such as furniture, craftwood items, and fence and civic groups in tree planting, care, posts. The expansion of the forest tree planting program maintenance and removal, into a tropical fruit tree program would be a further C. Develop an information and education logicalstep. program for the general public on the benefits of trees, including planting of trees and care for existing trees.. ' , In order to effectively operate any forestry program, i there are two very important controls that must be stressed: fire prevention and control, and insect and disease control. Unlike the forestry operations in most of the United States, our fire protection is administered s through our local fire department under a federally co- F - sponsored program known as Rural Fire Prevention Control. Our insect and disease control program gets assistance from the U.S. Forest Service in the form of research personnel, if, and whenever needed. Besides insect and disease, we do conduct various other types of research, such as adaptability studies and growth rate studies. These research areas are scattered over the island of St. Croix on estates such as Thomas Experimental Forest, Kingshill, Betsy's Jewel, Jealousy, Annaly Bay, Bodkin, and Ham's Bluff. To a forester engaged in commercial forestry on the Fencepost treating plant is in operation today at Estate United States mainland (the production of lumber, Lower Love, St. Croix. Some Background Information on Forestry in the Virgin Islands 1930 Bureau of Efficiency asked Forest Service (FS) for investigation and recommendations and resident forester (W.V. Roberts) carried out a modest program for the next two years. 1940 FS staff men from Puerto Rico initiated occasional surveys and investigations with cooperation of Soil Conservation Service and Agricultural Research Service (ARS). 1953 Virgin Islands Corporation (VICORP) of Interior Department allotted $5,000 for use of FS personnel and . ' ' -* set aside Estate Thomas (147 acres) for forest research. · ,.. . ... ., .w', 1955 First of $30,000 annual grant funds (to VICORP) for administration of the present Virgin Islands Forestry Program (VIFP). Forester Axel L. Frederiksen measures girth of Pacific R.F. HaussmanandJ.E. Lefebreassignedfull-time Mahogany at Estate Thomas, St. Croix in 1968. as Forester-in-Charge and Forestry Aide, plus five to ten 24 crewmen. 1957 R.W. Nobles replaced Haussman. 1959 J.E. Munoz assigned as Forestry Aide. 1963 FS purchased Estate Thomas from VICORP and established the Estate Thomas Experimental Forest. With the Compliments of the Manager 1965 Program financing transferred to FS from VICORP. 1966 Axel L. Frederiksen transferred from horticulture in ARS to Forest Service to replace Nobles who C transferred to Puerto Rico. Scotiabank THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA 1967 CFM and CM-4 Agreements completed with the THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI). Commissioner of Agriculture (Hodge) was designated Territorial G Christi d . Goldenrock, Christiansted, St. Croix Forester, and responsibility for forestry programs was assigned to his assistant (Shulterbrandt). Eric "Larry" Bough appointed horticulturist by GVI as GVI became full partner of FS in sponsoring the VI Forestry Program. 1973 Juan Nunoz replaced Nobles who transferred to P.O. Box 773 Telephone 773-2350 Atlanta. 1974 Bough became director of the Division of Forestry and coordinator of US Forest Service activities in the Virgin Islands. 1976 A.L. Frederiksen retired from U.S. Forest Service. Maintenance responsibilities for U.S. Forest Service program transferred to V.I. Forestry Program under V.I. Department of Agriculture. Present U.S. Forest Service contributes funding and assistance through Atlanta and Puerto Rico to V.I. Forestry Program. FINEST, MOST COMPLETE LEATHER SHOP ON ST. CROIX. LEATHER BAGS, BELTS & WALLETS AT FREEPORT PRICES Tree planting along the Glynn Road took place in 1978 IT'S NANCEES FOR HANDMADE SANDALS as part of the Urban Forestry Program. Shown are director of forestry Larry Bough (left) and Tom Steele. 25 island scene For more than 15 years St.Thomas Dairies has been supplying the Virgin Islands with locally-made, always-fresh dairy products, juices and drinks from tropical fruits. Fine quality foods produced in the islands for our island neighbors. We're part of the scene... 26 Some Interesting Tropical Vegetables Some Interesting Tropical Vegetables By A.A. Navarro, Vegetable Specialist C.V.I. Agriculture Experiment Station and O. Henry, C.V.I. Cooperative Extension Service 4 There are a number of tasty tropical vegetables that s-o gardeners in the Virgin Islands could be growing to augment their dinner table menus. Many of these crops hold an important place in the diets of people in tropical regions around the world. They are as delicious and nourishing as those vegetables that we commonly use here in our area. These crops, being inherently tropical, are well adapted to the rigors of a tropical environment. . Most of these crops are highly resistant to the destructive pests and diseases so numerous in the tropics. These crops are also so easy to grow that even with very little care they manage to produce considerable yields. Some of these plants, aside from being sources of delicious and nourishing vegetables, also provide other very important uses. LOOFAH (LUFFA) Of these less known, important and interesting _ I vegetables of the tropics, the one at the top of our list is the loofah gourd also known as Chinese okra, Chinese loofah, vegetable sponge or dishcloth gourd. The loofah belongs to the squash family. Like all the species under this family, loofah has a viney growth habit. The gourds are produced by two species, Luffa acutangularis (ridged " gourd) and Luffa cylindrica (smooth gourd). Xk - Edible luffa ready for harvesting is displayed by CVI Picked young or before the fibers toughen up, loofah experiment station assistant Bob Yearwood. When gourds can be made into various culinary delights. They allowed to age further, luffa makes a good bath sponge. are excellent in salads, stews, and soups, and for making into delicious stuffed luffah and other delectable recipes Virgi n Isl ands. There is a good market for loofah ponge (See recipe section) in the continental United States and in other countries. The tropical climate of the Virgin Islands is well-suited The leaves and the flowers of the loofah plant are used for loofah production. Trial plantings of loofah at the also as vegetables. In Malaya, the young leaves are Agricultural Experiment Station have shown that loofah popular vegetables. In China, the flowers are prepared performs very well under our soil and climate conditions. into appetizing recipes. Left to mature on the vines the fibers toughen up and the loofah gourds become a source HORSERADISH of excellent bath sponges or perfect pot scrubbers, particularly for non-stick pans. Loofah sponges are also The horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera) also known as made into pot holders, doormats, gloves, sandals and for malunggay and as moringa is another very useful plant of stuffing mattresses and cushions. The method of growing the tropics. Almost all parts of the plant can be used as loofah is to start from seeds, and as soon as the plant cooked human food. The leaves and the pods or fruits are starts growing it is trained to climb a support or trellis. the parts most popularly used as vegetables. The young Some gardeners let the plant run on the ground, but for pods when cooked taste like asparagus. Among the green increased production of high quality fruits and leafy vegetables, the leaves of the horseradish tree are convenience in harvesting, it is better to grow loofah with exceptionally rich in sulfur-containing amino acids. The some kind of support. Usually three months after soft roots. of the tree are a good substitute for the true planting the first green fruits can be harvested and used as horseradish. a vegetable. For sponge production, the loofah is left to dry on the vines until the color of the fruits has changed This plant is a perennial, growing into a small tree of up from green to tan or brown. to about 25 feet. Being a perennial, the tree can provide a 27 Al Some tropical vegetables easily available in the Virgin Islands are (clockwise top left) bush okra, horseradish (moringa) pods, horseradish leaves, and flowers of squash. supply of nourishing and delicious vegetables throughout vegetables to make satisfying salads. Sauteed either b\ the year. The plant is very easy to grow and needs only itself or with other vegetables. Pak-Choi is turned into a minimum care. It is highly resistant to pests and diseases. delicious dish and is also excellent for making soups and Termites are the only pests that have been observed to various kinds of stews. (See recipe section) bother the plant. The plant can be propagated either by seeds or by stem cuttings. Planted along property borders or fence lines, the trees serve as excellent windbreakers and lixe fence posts. PAK-CHOI An excellent substitute for cabbage in the tropics is a leafy vegetable popularly known as Pak-Choi, also called Pechay or Petsai. It belongs to the same family as the cabbage. Among botanists, Pak-Choi is known as Brassica rapa var pckinensis. Cabbage is a high-risk crop in the tropics since it attracts many destructive insects. Pak-Choi, on the other hand. is seldom bothered by insects or diseases and is also heat and drought resistant. It is a perfect crop for the Virgin Islands. Pak-Choi is a short-season crop. Usually ready for harvest 6-8 weeks after planting, it is a heavy-yielding crop which produces a rosette of green leaves with white succulent stalks. Except for the roots, all parts of the plant are edible and can be served as delicious vegetables. Pak-Choi is a perfect crop for the Virgin Islands as it is Blanched or raw, Pak-Choi can be mixed with other resistant to heat, drought, insects and diseases. 28 BODIE BEANS cooler temperatures, but vegetable gardeners in the tropics will not miss the true spinach very much because For gardeners in the tropics who have a special there are a number of excellent substitutes. One of these is fondness for beans, it should be welcome information to what is commonly known as malabar, ceylon, or up-the- know that there are a number of bean species well- island spinach. Scientifically, it is known as Basella alba. adapted to the tropics. One of the most important is what is popularly known as Bodie beans (Vigna sesquedalis). Malabar spinach is a perennial climbing vine. If it is They are an excellent substitute for the French snap well-cared for, the plant can be maintained almost beans, the only kind of green beans most of us are indefinitely; otherwise it would start dying after two accustomed to, but French beans are quite difficult to years. The upper portion of the stems and the leaves can grow. Most available commercial varieties of French be utilized as substitutes for all the uses of the true beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are sensitive to high spinach. Not only does Malabar spinach substitute for temperatures prevailing during most part of the year in the true spinach but it is also a good substitute for lettuce our area. Bodie beans on the other hand, are beans of the in making salads. The plant bears fleshly fruits that are tropics. They can be grown successfully in our islands any purplish black in color. The juice of the fruit can be used time of the year, are heat-tolerant and better able to as a dye. withstand long periods of drought. They are heavy yielders, producing pods 10-12 inches long. Picked at the Malabar spinach can be propagated either by seeds or right stage of maturity, Bodie beans will substitute for stem cuttings which root very readily. A month after any uses of snap beans. planting, the first harvest can be made. The plant is adapted to a variety of soils and has been observed to be almost totally free of diseases and insect pests. BUSH OKRA Bush okra is one of a number of plants whose food French:~-='TT'~~ value and culinary properties are unknown to many people in the islands. Here in St. Croix, bush okra grows wild all over cultivated and uncultivated fields and road sides. It is treated as an ordinary troublesome weed. In COMPLIMENTS OF There is None Better... Pole Bodie beans are a delicious substitute for northern 1-- Distributed by French stringbeans and grow to a yard in length! L RASMUSSEN ENTERPRISES Inc. Bodie beans either are of the bush type or have a NTRPRSESnc. climbing growth habit. The bush type is an improved Christiansted variety developed by researchers at the University of the Philippines. Many gardeners prefer the bush type because it does not need to be staked or supported, an operation expensive in both time and materials. However, some gardeners prefer to grow the pole types LUNCH & DINNER SERVED for their unusually long pods which in some varieties RCH A R RE measure more than a yard in length. ASNABLE The young leaves and vines at the tip of the Bodie bean OSKARS Bar and Restaurant plant known as bean tips are a popular vegetable in many Owner and Manager places in the Pacific. Bean tips can be prepared for the Oskar BUttler table in many different ways. (See recipe section). +a La Grand Princess MALABAR SPINACH star Route oPo86 Christiansted st.Croix North shore Rd. The true spinach (Spinaeia oleracea) is not a crop of us ViSin Islands 0o02o Tel. 809 773 +o6o the tropics. This vegetable only grows well in areas with 29 Africa. India, and many other places in the Pacific the SOME SUGGESTED RECIPES edible qualities of the bush okra (Corchorus olitorius), also known as Jute mallow or saluyot, are widely known. Some even believe that bush okra has invigorating or Stuffed Pak-Choi tonic properties. Wash Pak-Choi leases and remove hard stem and spoiled The parts used as vegetables are the shoot tips and the parts. Use only tender green leases and soft stems, Save leaves. the protein content, particularly of the older large, whole Pak-Choi leaves or use cabbage leases tor leaves. is desirably high. They are always eaten cooked. rolling. The leases and the shoot tips need only little cooking for they soften rapidly. They are excellent substitutes for Start by blanching large Pak-Choi or cabbage leases almost all the uses of okra. They can be used to make until flexible enough for rolling. Remove from pot and appetizing vegetable stews and soups. lay flat on clean counter or foil. Bush okra is an easy plant to grow. It is adapted to a Next, assemble: wide variety of soils and is very drought tolerant, a cup chopped onion characteristic so suitable for cultivation in the islands. c r ½ cup chopped red s\eet pepper The plants are only grown from seeds. Four weeks after I tsp. cooking oil I tsp. cooking oil planting, one can start picking the leaves and tips to be tbsp. margarine cooked into a delicious dish. cups shredded Pak-Choi I tsp. parslied salt The importance of bush okra does not only lie in being 1/ cup grated cheddar cheese a source of delicious vegetable. Bush okra is grown on a 14 cup American cheese commercial scale in many tropical regions around the /2 cup mozarella cheese world for its fibers, and among other things, provides the 3 tbsp. cream mushroom soup (canned or world with what is popularly knows as Jute fibers which freshly made) are used for making ropes, twines, and bags. 3 tbsp. cooked rice Saute: Chopped onion and sweet pepper in cooking oil and margarine until tender but not brown. Add : 31/ cup shredded Pak-Choi. saute until limp. Add: '2 tsp. parslied salt. Remove from fire and cool slightly. Add Cheese and rice. Toss together until JCOM PrLllIM EN TS evenly mixed. Cool completely. Place one heaping tablespoon of mixture on each OF blanched leave (cabbage or Pak-Choi). Roll over top edge of leaf, tuck in sides and continue rolling oxer top edge. Secure last fold with tooth pick. Continue process until mixture is used up. Set rolls in glass casserole dish. Combine /2 cup cream of mushroom soup with ' cup of _____J ______ _ _ ~ water. Pour over rolls in dish and cover with foil or I^ GA^^~S)A | TELEPHONE 733 - 2685 V.I. INDUSTRIAL GASES& SUPPIES IDEAL WATER 300 PETER'S REST, CHRISTIANSTED _ DISTILLED, WELL, AND RAIN WATER ST. CROIX, 00820 Telephone: 773-0233 P.O. BOX 2606, CHRISTIANSTED ST. CROIX ', U.S.V.I. 00820 30 casserole cover and cook in oven 400°F for one hour. Add squash, (or loofah), stir into ingredients and cook When finished, rolls should be partly covered with juice until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Soy Sauce adds a /estN to be served with rolls. flavor to this vegetable, and all other vegetables. Bodie Beans with Pork and Guava Juice* Bodie Beans with Onions I cup water 4 cups snapped bodies beans I cup fresh pork without skin, cut in cubes large onion 2 cloves garlic, crushed tsp. cooking oil 1/4 cup chopped onionI tbsp. margarine 2-3 tbsp. soy sauceI tbsp. sov sauce /2 cup snap Bodie beans H2 cup watel 2-3 cups (firmly packed) Bodie beans tender I tsp. parslied garlic salt tips and young leaves Dash sugar 8-10 medium guavas Dash parmesan cheese In medium size pot, cook cubed pork in /2 cup water until all the liquid evaporates and brown slightly. Add Saute: Chopped onion in cooking oil and crushed garlic and cook until brown. Remove and margarine until tender but not brown. discard garlic. Add chopped onion. Cook until tender but Add Snapped beans and saute a minute not brown. Add snap beans and whole guavas. Cover or two longer. and cook gently for about 5-8 minutes or until guavas are Add / cup water and parslied garlic salt. slightly tender. Remove guavas. Add tips and leaves cover and steam another two or three Cover and continue cooking. Crush guavas with spoon or minutes. potato masher. Add 1/2 cup water, agitating slightly to Add Balance of ingredients. Cover lightly extract flavor. Strain juice from pulp. Discard pulp. Add and steam to desired degree of done- guava juice and soy sauce to beans and tips, cover andness. If water cooks out before beans continue to cook until done. Serve with white rice. are done, add a little more to complete process. Very little water should be * If'guava is not available Beans and tips can he prepared left after beans are done. according to recipe, omitting guava juice. LOOFAH CCC* 'O O F AA ^0O tO t '*1 116 lltln D 1 «*0t GH Os nt CXA coY u n di 2 cups diced tender squash or loofah (peel if old) I tbsp. onion (minced)i I tbsp. olive oil I tbsp. parsley I tsp. garlic (minced) ¼/s tsp. black pepper 1/ tsp. salt Dash soy sauce Wash and slice squash (loofah) into thin slices, measure 2 cups and set aside. In a medium size skillet combine the other 6 ingredients and saute on medium heat 5 minutes. BOOTSMA'S BAKKERIJ INC. Quality is our only advertisement k VITRACO PARK I^ U.S. Virgin Islands. Work: 774--2624 Ge fixZ3 31 KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! congir atulations from Coral Air San Juan Tortola St.Thomas FOR RESER VA TONS CALL: Nevis ST. CROIX (809) 778-3320 . Croli ST. THOMAS (809) 774-7386 SAN JUAN (809) 791-0676 or Your Travel .4gent 32 Saving Energy In Agriculture Saving Energy in Agriculture By Frank R. Prince conservation measures for both industry and the small Director, V.I. Energy Office energy consumers. The U.S. Virgin Islands, like the rest of the United During the past several months the Energ! Office States, has experienced hardships as a result of oil began addressing energy conservation methods for shortages and energy prices. Scientists estimate that farmers. VIEO's Energy Extension Serxice, (VIEO- unless Americans become more conscientious about EES). in cooperation with the Department of conserving natural resources we may find ourselves Agriculture, has already sponsored two seminars on St. without domestic oil within 25 years and without natural Croix and St. Thomas, dealing with energy conservation gas even sooner. and self-sufficiency tor farmers. iood attendance at these meetings and the interested response from The energy problems of the Territory could become participants has proved the timeliness of the subject more severe in the near future. Currently, residents pay 2- matter. VIEO-EES has additional seminars and a wind 3 times the national average for electricity and import irrigation demonstration project scheduled tor 19X2. nearly 100 percent of our energy supplies since we have no energy resources such as oil, coal, natural gas. or There are sc\eral possible Nways to reduce dependence uranium. Meanwhile, the average leel of income here is here on electricity produced hbx fossil fuels. Alternate or 651( of the mainland average. Net the cost of living is. renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power approximately 30(< higher. People in the Virgin Islands re abe eneg srces sh as solr and ind could significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil. can't afford the luxury of ignoring a problem which is Climate conditions in the Vigi Islands oer spal Climate conditions in the Virgin Islands oiler special cutting into their actual incomes and standard of liv ing so drastically. opportunities tor the high! effective use of alternate drastically. energy technologies: low cloud coxer, almost dailx T sunshine, intense sun rays. natural lighting. and Where Does The Energy Go? persistent tradewinds. Alternate energy! measures x which could be explored in the Virgin Islands include gasohol. methane from wastes and the possible significance ol biomass (including sugar cane.) Energy management systems need to be developed for local farms to lessen the a/ -_. .- ^ ^^" / _~ - T\\operational costs which make farming so expensive. / I^S^B1 " / Vt' 5^ b \~\ \'VIEO-EES is presently implementing sex ral / / l-^ -1"~~"° .agriculture projects for the benefit of the community: -- / . _',, a) Anemometer Loan Program - Fhe Energ, Office is ,Esrtcicoso 3o*01% = =1 ' loaning out two wind measurement devices, one on St. r&^IO'_O_ ; Dx>Ti2 Thomas St. John. and on St. Croix. to pci ple who arce interested in finding out whether a particular site has potential for wind energy use. -'his program is pro ing to 4 -,'.":!f '^*s~:'~fW be e\ ry popular and the a nemomctcrs a-re n constant use. /\ -'/ .r ' GI~ \ _ ~o' /~Indixiduals ho borrow an instrument are being gixen -\ *SS~l{ -A \ it /^ /literature to guide them in their inxestigations. In return, ~\ a1!t-_m ^ \ \ / ^gj^^~ ythe! are asked to provide VIEO with copies of the data \^ ..^~a\ ^^1^^~ ^theN collect. b) Farmer's Program - This EES Program is aimed at allexiatimn the high operational costs of farm machincr (Information provided by the U.S. Department of i t igh operational costs arm achi Agriculture refers to survey done on U.S. mainland) in thc .1. Clinic s are being planned ior interested farmers, teaching them to dexclop practical maintenance No one in the Virgin Islands should be exempt from schedules as well as h ow to sa e money! through optimum learning energy conservation techniques. Although, local fuel efficiency techniques. energy problems won't disappear overnight, with persistence and patience energy self-sufficiency could be c) Wind Energy Irrigation Test Site - In cooperation achieved. The V.I. Energy Office has been educating the with the V.I. Department of Agriculture. the 'IEO-EES public for the past two years in regards to energy Program is setting up a wind energy irrigation 33 demonstration program. Farmers will be able to see for themselves how the wind can replace expensive xind driven electric pumps. Also, EES personnel will ha\e an information package available soon that includes details about zoning laws, prices, financing, and other issues that a farmer should study before deciding whether he can use BEST WISHES wind energy irrigation to benefit his business. BEST WISHES FOR Our energy future is, to a great extent, in our hands. '~F -'~OR ~and we must act now. In addition to all the available A SUCCESSFUL programs, we need farmer input, planning and intennlt% of desire. Although farming the territory can he difficult. there are ways to make it a successful venture. The EES staff will be making onsite farm sitss during 1982 to AGRICULTURE & FOOD FAIR make recommendations on energy saying technique, to interested residents. Anyone interested in finding out more about the EES projects is welcome to call the VIEO Hotline Information number at 772-0063 or visit the Energy l.ibrar\ either at its St. Croix location (47A Mars Hill. Frederilsted) or H ES| R* *|^B^H^ |the St. Thomas location (40 Subbase. Charlotte Amalie. |H E SS-^^3^3 |: Copies of the Follow-l!p Reports from the three EES Agriculture Seminars already held are available upon req guest. HESS OIL WE'RE BETTER 1^ )3 r EQUIPPED than ever... 4s . ETO BRING YOU THE BEST ~V ~~1I/0RGINT ~ | M IN OFFICE SUPPLIES! Across from Richmond Post Office ISLANDS N-3) CORPORATION HATS, HAND BAGS & HAIR COMBS High Fashion Glamour MRWIG Corner: KING CROSS & QUEEN STREETS CHRISTIANSTED, ST. CROIX -Telephone: 773 1390 34 The Use Of Tropical Fruit Trees In The Home Landscape The Use of Tropical Fruit Trees in the Home Landscape By Clinton George information including growth habit, ultimate expected Horticulturist, Cooperative Extension Service dimensions and preferred method of propagation are discussed. The use of vegetatively propagated plants, (by A well landscaped home is a credit to the owner and his cutting. air layering, grafting, etc.) is advantageous family, his neighbors and to the community as well. because seedlings often times vary greatly in fruit quality Virgin Islanders, like everyone else, enjoy seeing their and growth habit. The ultimate tree and fruit size will home with striking shade trees, well pruned shrubs, and vary depending upon cultivars, location, soil type, delightful flowers. One can attest to this by simply driving management practices, pest control and other throughout the islands and observing some of the most environmental factors. For information on cultural beautiful landscape imaginable. operations and available plant sources please contact C.V.I. Cooperative Extension Service on St. Croix, St. Today, with the increasing cost of land and the Thomas or St. John inflationary effect on food prices in the Virgin Islands, home owners must utilize landscape wisely. One way in which Virgin Islanders can benefit is by including dual- purpose plantings in their home plan - trees that may be used both as ornamentals and for fruit production. The aesthetic value of trees and shrubs that produce edible fruits has long been recognized. Coconut and seagrape, in particular, are often used in some areas strictly as ornamentals. These fruit trees, as well as numerous others, could make a valuable contribution to the diet and nutritional well-being of the home owner. Imagine the enjoyment of seeing the beauty of the trees and their fruit, the joy of harvest, and the pleasure of eating tasty fresh fruits or using them in various home recipes. The list of fruit trees selected below represents a partial list and could be augmented according to the likes and taste of the individual. For each species, specific Medium sized grafted mango is planted at a distance from house so that fruit does not fall on roof. The following are some fruits that can be included in the Virgin Islands home landscape plantings: AVOCADO (Persea americana Miller) Tree useful for shade and for "framing" a structure, canopy ranges from low, dense and symmetrical ("Fairchild", "Waldin") to upright and asymmetrical ("Lula"). Limbs easily broken by strong winds and heavy crops. Tree demands perfect drainage. Compact cultivars can attain a height and spread of 16 ft x 25 ft. Method of propagation is grafting. BANANA (Musa spp.) Fast growing herbaceous plant of palm-like habit, useful for imparting a "tropical" aspect to planting. Bananas need a constant supply of water and a rich soil to do well. Many cultivars are grown in the Virgin Islands including "Cavendish" (dwarf & giant), Horse banana and bacuba (silk fig). The Dwarf Dwarf Malayan coconut sets off the attractiveness of Cavendish reaches a height and spread of approximately this house and provides fruit which is easily accessible. 8 ft. for the individual plant; a clump may be 13 ft. or 35 more in spread. The Giant Cavendish and Horse banana height and spread of about 13 ft., tall cultivars 26 ft. grow to a height of about 9-12 ft. with a spread of about 10 ft. The Horse banana has the added advantage of its CHERRY, West Indian; Acerola (Malpighia glabra L.) tolerance to drought and requiring less attention. Large branched shrub or a small tree if pruned to form a Method of propagation is by division. central trunk. It varies in shape from a low spreading habit to a more upright and open habit. Useful for hedges with a moderate degree of pruning or as single, standing even on calcareous soils. The small, attractive flowers range in color from pale pink to rose. The bright. waxy red fruit is also attractive and has an incredibly high amount of vitamin 'C'. Preferred methods of propagation are air layers and cuttings. Ultimate dimensions are approximately 16 ft. by 13 ft. CITRUS Species; Many citrus fruit trees are of considerable ornamental value. However, the grapefruit and limes are much more adapted to Virgin Islands conditions. GRAPEFRUITS (Citrus paridisi Macf.) One of the This dwarf grafted Julie mango in Catherine's Rest has largest citrus trees in deep soils often time reaching a an attractive bushy appearance. height and spread of about 45 x 35 ft. Two groups are known: The white ('Duncan', 'Marsh') and the pigmented CAIMITO; Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito L.) ('Thompson','Ruby Red') cultivars. Preferred method of Strikingly handsome, ornamental tree which reaches a height of 45 ft. given favorable conditions. Vegetatively propagated plants are somewhat smaller. Growth is LM E, Tahiti (C. latifolia Tanaka) Tree is small, to 20 ft. graceful, and no pruning appears to be necessary. Leaves in height and 23 ft. in spread, with round canopy hanging are oval, shiny dark green above and coppery gold, silky close to the ground. Easily pruned to shape. Methods of and heavily hairy beneath. There are two types of propagation are air layering, budding, and cuttings. caimito, distinguished by the color of the ripe fruit. The purple fruit has slightly more flavor, and the green is LIME, West Indian (C. Aurantifolia Swingle) Highly sweeter. Methods of propagation are grafting, cutting prized for home plantings because of its brisk-flavored and layering. fruit. This tree is of somewhat disorderly growth unless shaped by pruning. Methods of propagation are seed, air CARAMBOLA (Averrhoa carambola L.) Small, slow layering, and budding. Attains a height and spread of growing evergreen, with round symmetrical canopy. about 20 ft. Light to dark green compound foliage and yellow or cream-colored fruit with five prominent longitudinal COCONUT (Cocos nucifera L.) This tree has long been ribs, star shaped in cross section. Fruit matures recognized for its fruit and ornamental value. Young throughout the year. Some cultivars need cross palms contribute to the landscape picture from a young pollination to fruit well. "Golden Star" fruits well in age if adequate attention is paid to fertilizing and isolation. Preferred propagation methods are grafting watering especially during dry periods. The 'Malayan and air layering. Dwarf cultivars are expected to reach a Dward' is actually a semi-dwarf which grows more slowly 36 than other cultivars and reaches a height and spread of grown in the Virgin Islands. The mesple tree is slow about 40 ft. and 20 ft. respectively. There are three growing with dark green leases and a dense spreading 'Malayan' Dwarf forms - green, yellow and golden, canopy. It withstands drought well and makes few recognized by the bright color of the petiole and the fruit. cultural demands. Large fruited cultivars such as These palms can be successfully grown on a wide range of 'Prolific' and 'Russell' are good for home plantings. soil types providing they are well-drained. Propagation is Method of propagation is grafting. Tree readily attains a entirely from seed. height and spread of 36 by 30 ft., and older ones may become much larger. GUAVA, Common (Psidium guajava L.) This drought resistant tree, with training, makes a small shade tree of NATAL PLUM: Carissa (Carissa Macrocarpa A. DC.) attractive proportions. The smooth, reddish - brown This plant is used extensively as an ornamental shrub for bark peels off in large flakes to reveal a smooth, gray foundation, specimen, and hedge planting. When planted inner bark. The fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin'C' as a hedge it forms an almost impenetrable barrier. that can be eaten fresh or made into preserves, jelly or Shrubby and dense in habit of growth, the plant does not jam. Methods of propagation are air layering, grafting develop a tree shape, even though a height of 15 ft. may be and cuttings. The tree reaches a height and spread of attained. The white fragrant flowers are in evidence about 25 x 30 ft. several months of the year. The dark red fruits are eaten fresh, in salads, and as a sauce. Both the flower and fruit GUAVA, Strawberry or Cattley (Psidium cattleianum make a refreshing contrast with its glossy green leaves. Sab.) Superbly attractive shrub or small tree with glossy Cultivars such as 'Fancy' grows moderately upright, green leaves and distinctive peeling bark in various while 'Alles' is low and spreading. Propagation methods shades of brown. Two cultivars of this species bear light are seeds, air layering and cuttings. yellow and red fruit, respectively. Plants may attain a height and spread of about 16 ft. x 13 ft., and are best left PLUM (Spondias purpurea L.) A small tree seldom natural in screen plants or planted singly as mini-trees, in exceeding 25 ft. in height usually spreading in habit, with which case they may bejudiciously pruned to shape them. smooth bark and rather graceful foliage. Two distinct Method of propagation is seeds which come true to type. cultivars of this species bear yellow and red fruit, respectively. The yellow plum is more commonly planted MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) This popular fruit makes and is a larger tree with larger leaflets. Preferred method a desirable ornamental and deserves a place in every of propagation is cuttings. Large woody branches may be home yard. Several heavy producing cultivars have been set directly in a desired location to grow. brought into the Virgin Islands including the smaller compact ones such as 'Julie' and larger ones such as 'Tommy Atkins'. Preferred method of propagation is grafting. Compact cultivars may attain a height and spread of 20 x 25 ft., and larger ones easily reach 30 x 35 ft. The adaptable seagrape can serve as a handsome border or hedge. iP;i_::'";"··l~a~· Sapodil SEAGRAPE (Cocoloba uvifera L.) This distinctive and attractive tree is most popular for seashore plantings due to its high degree of salt tolerance. It varies from a low shrub along coastal areas to a spreading tree up to 35 ft. high in more favorable growing conditions. The large, Mesple sapodillaa) can attain a height of 36 feet and rounded leaves are closely spaced along the branches. should not be planted too near the house. The dense should c anopy when full grown provides refreshing share dense. Fruit is produced only on female trees but a male tree must be present for pollination. The fruit is utilized to MESPLE; Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota (L) Royen) One make jelly or eaten fresh. Methods of propagation are of the most handsome of all broad leaved evergreen trees seeds and cuttings. 37 · m,~~~~ '~ ,. f IkVL, - J : e_! ''L' 3 .-8t wQ f .. 38 Chemical Fertilizers Are Expensive - Use Them Efficiently Chemical Fertilizers are Expensive - Use Them Efficiently By Christopher Ramcharan matter as occur in some parts of the V.I., small and Associate Horticulturist frequent applications of tcrtili/er are more effective than C.V.I. Agricultural Experiment Station one or two heavy doses. This practice is particularly essential during the wet months of the near in the V.I. Cost of chemical fertilizers forms a major part of the X hen greater losses ot fertilizer. particularly nitrogen and cost of production for the average farmer. However, potassium can occur by leaching. because of poor cultural and storage practices and lack of knowledge of some of the basics about (chemical) How much fertilizer to use? This is a question most fertilizers, the farmer often great reduces the often asked by farmers since they wish to get optium effectiveness of the fertilizer he uses and does not receive yields with the minimum amount of fertilizer. Esen with the full value for the money he invests. the same crop fertilizer recommendations can vary widely from place to place. Soil and plant analyses arc The amount of fertilizerapplied. timingand placement two basic tools that the researcher must use in order to can all affect fertilizer efficiency. In areas such as the determine the best fertilizer composition and rate for a Virgin Islands, soil factors ha\e a great influence on particular crop. These can be extended to the farmer in fertilizer practices Soil texture, organic matter. pH. terms he can understand. Where fertilizer is applied by moisture, salinity and nutrient content influence the type, hand it is difficult to uniformly apply less than 400 amounts and efficiency of the chemical fertilizers used. kgs, Ha rate particularly for row crops. For this method Plant factors affecting fertilizer efficiency include the therefore low analyses fertilizers are more effective. With crop type, rooting system, disease and insect damage, machine application low application rates (200 kilograms plant population, weeds and tissue composition. Under per hectare) of high analysis fertilizer can be made very the hot, humid tropical conditions that exist locally, effectively. improper storage conditions most often account for the greatest losses of fertilizers. Placement of fertilizer is another aspect of fertilizer application that is critical to the farmer. Above soil APPLICATION placement is often easier and quicker than soil incorporation of fertilizers, but the former method can In applying fertilizer, important points that must be lead to inefficiency. Heavy rains can wash away most of considered are method and time of application, the considered are method and time of application, the the fertilizer and in high pH soils (above 6.5) under high quantity, and the placement of the fertilizer, sunlight most of the nitrogen in ammoniacal fertilizers Where fertilizer is applied by hand great care must be can be lost by volatilization. Surface application is taken to insure that there is a uniform application therefore advisable only for pastures and certain tree particularly with row crops where there is often a crops where it is impractical to cover the fertilizer with tendency to over apply fertilizer at the beginning and sol under apply at the end of the row. Hand application Soil incorporation olf ertili/cr is therefore advisable in works well where the fertilizer is to be surface applied and otncorprattil r phosphorous Ms t most cases but is essential for phosphorous. Most particularly where the applicator has a certain amount oft oss s phosphate fertilizers are slowly soluble and move slowly skill. Greater uniformity and faster application can bely soluble ad m e obtained with m e sr , bt te ae oy in the soil so that then roust be placed close to the roots of obtained with machine spreaders, but these are only feasible for large areas,. d r- btheeaeothe plant. \ern often beneath the planted seed. Where feasible for large areas. machines are not used for fertilizing, fertilizers can be Fertilizers must be applied in time so as to be of hand applied and then very -elcctively hoed or disked maximum benefit to the actively growing plant. Very into the soil. Ammoniacal fertilizers should be cO\ered by often farmers delay fertilization too long after at least 4 cms. (approximately I1/, inches) of soil. germination of the crop so hindering early rapid growth and allowing for unfavorable weed competition. Fast SOIL FACTORS growing, short term crops such as corn, tomatoes and beans need nutrients early and rapidly so that all or most Light textured soils are most subject to leaching of of the required fertilizer should be applied at time of nutrients than heavier soils so that it is more efficient to planting. For slower growing fruit and tree crops apply several smaller doses of fertilizers in the former soil fertilizers are applied at varying stages in any one year of types than large single applications. the plant's growth. Organic matter helps to hold most nutrients in the soil In areas of heavy rainfall and soils of low organic in a form that is easily available to the plant roots. Soils 39 low in organic matter will therefore require more High soluble salts in the soil is a chemical factor that can fertilizer for optimum crop production. Incorporation of cause an unbalanced condition and deter roots from organic matter not only improves soil structure but will effectively absorbing applied fertilizer. Soil pH and also increase fertilizer efficiency. soluble salts are always given in the routine soil test so that the farmer can be made aware of these soil High pH soils as occur in many parts of the V.I. can conditions and take the appropriate measures. lead to high losses of nitrogen by volatilization from common ammonium fertilizers such as urea and PLANT FACTORS ammonium sulphate if these are placed on the soil surface. In addition many nutrients, particularly the Fertilizer rates, composition and methods of minor elements are tied up and non-available to plants in application will vary from crop to crop. Short grossing such soils. Such minor nutrient deficiencies must be crops such as tomatoes and onions will require most of identified and corrected before the proper absorption of their fertilizer at an early stage and onlx rapidly. fertilizers can take place. Fertilizer applications will be spread out oxer a greater period of time for tree and fruit crops. Knowing the Soil compaction is another factor that can cause fertilizer requirements o a particular crop ili certainly reduced fertilizer absorption and plant growth. This can el te frmer use is fertile r efficient a . easily occur with the repeated use of heavy farm machinery particularly when the soil is wet. A healthy root system is essential for good absorption of nutrients. A farmer can be literally pouring his Optimum soil moisture isalso important for the proper fertilizer down the drain when the roots of his plants are absorption of nutrients from applied fertilizers. When damaged by pests, bad drainage, or soil restrictions. He soil moisture is deficient applied fertilizer is of little use to must be able to detect and correct these deficiencies the plant. In these circumstances irrigation can improve before getting the full benefit from his fertilizers. the efficiency of fertilizer. On the other extreme flooding and/or poor drainage of the soil can cause oxygen Very often a farmer will apply extra fertilizer to insect starvation of the roots and reduce their ability to absorb infested or diseased plants in the hope that thex x ill nutrients. recover. The foliage of the plant is needed for the xital ruzan k.ur n Aged for years in charred oak casks 40 processes of food manufacture and the roots serve as the bags upon one another creates excessive weight which system of absorption for all soluble inorganic nutrients. compresses the fertilizer in the lowest bags into cakes or When the foliage or roots are damaged or reduced by hard blocks so reducing its effectiveness. Fertilizer bags pests the growth of the plant and the efficient utilization older than one year also become old and caked and of applied nutrients are adversely affected. Nematodes should be used before this time. are a common pest affecting the roots and their effective absorptive capacity of many crops in the Virgin Islands. Where fertilizers are to be stored temporarily in the Control of nematodes will give healthier roots which can field they should always be covered with a waterproof then more efficiently utilize applied fertilizers. trial plastic shee, g re that te a ae material or plastic sheet, making sure that the bags are Weeds in a farmer's crop can compete severely not only never resting directly on the bare ground. It is important for space, light and water but also vital nutrients. Early at all times to keep moisture out of stored fertilizers, if and good weed control will ensure that the fertilizer the are not to be damaged and their effectiveness intended for the food crop will not be all or partially reduced. absorbed by invading weeds. STORAGE (809) 773-7178 Storage of fertilizers especially under tropical A T H E-~.IS E W I N G C E N T E R conditions can be a major factor in the loss of their effectiveness. Whenever fertilizers are bought in large amounts that are not used immediately proper storage is Your extremely critical. ONE-STOP A fertilizer shed or storeroom should be completely for all sewing needs. waterproof. Whenever fertilizer bags are stacked they should preferably be placed upon wooden pallets to allow P.O. BOX 30 KINGSHILL * ST CROIX for adequate air circulation. Stacking of more than 10 U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 00820 POSTERS I_ __ __ _ ' * BUMPER STRIPS C fstcroix SIGNS *.j(~ DECALS COMPLIMENTS i4?'j IlK TEXTILES I T-SHIRTS o screen -______ CECERAMICS GLASS 128 PORT TERMINAL CHRISTIANSTED PLASTICS C D.IT O 7734553 U 1GE RI CONSTRUCTION SPECIAL SERVICE _CO. Ticks, Fleas, ,'~Y control of insects Termites, rodents & termites Weevils Residential - Industrial Annual % ;Commercial - Agricultural For M ic FREE ESTIMATE Silver Flsh 3 1 r1 HOLIDAY HOMES . OF ST. JOHN, INsC. REALTOR' U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS ST. JOHN INSURANCE AGENCY Cruzan Environmental REAJ ESTATE GENERAL AGENTS Services. Inc. ~REALD ESTATE P.O. BOX 40, CRUZ BAY (809) 776-6776 ST. JOHN, US. VIRGIN ISLANDS 00830 Compliments of GARBAGE CONTAINER SERVICES- SEPTIC TANK NATIONAL BAKERY CLEANING - PORTABLE TOILET RENTALS #56 King Street SEWER LINE CLEANING SERVICES Frederiksted, St. Croix "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Double Your Garbage Back" where 772-1038 P.o. Box ,,s, "BEING FRESH IS OUR BUSINESS" Kingshi-l Sta. Bakers of the finest Breads, Cakes & Pastries Hours: Mon. - Sat. 6 A.M. - 8 P.M. 772-0534 Est. Lower Love Tel. 772-3409 .".'" For All Your Travel Needs Ay7« T f u ^J TraTnbyg Tur Travel, Inc Royal Strand Building Christiansted, St. Croix AUL o^ "MAJ"OR CREDIT U.S. Virgin Islands 00820 CARDS HONORED (809) 773-3434 FOR RISERVATIONS CALL ST. CROIX 773-4377 AIRPORT -772-1365 * ANCHOR INN (C'sted) 773-4377 TELEPHONE: ST. THOMAS 774-1468 o09) 773-3955 AIRPORT 774-1468 / 774-4616 FREE WORLDWID4E RESERVATION SERVICE. -AVS FeatulreS NIQ We -- t -- y -h GM carsd W try harder. "Styles for Elegant Ladies" SUNNY ISLE SHOPPING CENTER STAR ROUTE 00864, ST. CROIX U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 00820 42 WRRA 1290 on your dial Emanating from Frederiksted, St. Croix, Radio1290 AM is your com- munity oriented station - on the scene when it's happening! Transmitting 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset WRRA is your bi-lingual station with News, Public Service, Music and Features in both English and Spanish. Celebrating our 5th Anniversary of service to the people of the Virgin Islands as well as Vieques, Culebra and Eastern Puerto Rico. and Joining in congratulating the 12th Annual Agricultural and Food Fair of the Virgin Islands - We're with you again, as we are every year. THE LITTLE BIG STATION IN THE WEST Y The Fun-Lovin' Force ' Enrique J. Rodriguez Shelley Dewese Station Manager Operations Manager PROGRAM ANNOUNCERS 'Junior' Williams Al Clarke Sales Roger Henderson Office Clerk Wendy Murray Frank de Jesus Pat Mahoney 43 COMPLIMENTS OF |TEXACO|~ JOHN A. BERNIER, JR. TEXACO CARIBBEAN, INC. BOX 1458 FREDERIKSTED ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I. 00840 TELEPHONE 772 - 0845 772 - 0104 VIRGIN ISLANDS SENIEPOL ASSOCIATION of ST. CROIX BOX 969, CHRISTIANSTED, ST. CROIX U..S. VIRGIN ISLANDS PHONE (809) 773-1508 A PERFORMANCE BREED FROM THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS The Senepol Breed is Noted for Being: Polled Fertile Good Foragers Maternal Heat Tolerant Good Meat Production Adaptable Early Maturing Good Milk Production A l interested producers with Senepol Cattle are strongly encouraged to become members and register their cattle with the Senepol Association. 44 The Frangipani Worm - Take It Or Leave It? The Frangipani Worm - Take It or Leave It? By Walter 1. Knausenberger and R. Dean Cosper metal-containing fungicide, such as mancozeb (e.g. C.V.I. Cooperative Extension Service Dithane M-45), zineb or maneb. Trees infected by this fungus seem to be free of frangipani worms. Almost every year, many Virgin Islanders discover enormous yellow-banded black caterpillars feeding, The frangipani worm, known scientifically as often in large masses, on their frangipani trees. (Plumeria Pseudosphinx tetrio, belongs to the family Sphingidae, rubra and P. alba). And every few years, outbreaks of which includes the tomato, cassava, and papaya these "frangipani worms" are so extensive as to cause hornworms. As adult moths, these hornworms are widespread concern. This was the case in 1981 on St. known as "hawk moths", or "sphinx moths". Frangipani Croix and in 1978 on St. Thomas. Usually, these occur hornworms feed almost exclusively on leaves of between May and September. In as little as 10 to 14 days, Plumeria, and grow to a voracious 5-6 inches in length. a tree may be completely stripped of leaves (but 20-30 The worms sport a red head, bright yellow bands on'a days is more usual). The sweet-scented flowers generally velvet black body, and a black whip-like protection (the are not eaten by the worms. Rarely will a given location "horn") on an orangish rear end (Fig. 1). This "horn", have a serious infestation two years in a row, but every which may be whipped back and forth, perhaps appears year there is at least a small outbreak somewhere on these to some people to be a large stinging! device, but is islands. However, as we will explain below, you need not completely harmless. As a visual display and-frightening normally be too concerned for the health of your device, it probably helps ward off predators such as birds. frangipani trees, because even if the worms eat all the leaves, the trees most likely will survive well. Similarly, the "worms" themselves are no threat to human health in any way, because they can neither sting nor bite significantly, and their droppings are not poisonous. The discussion that follows will give some background about one of the largest and most striking caterpillars to be found anywhere, and about its host. Surprisingly, almost nothing seems to be written on this insect, either in scientific or popular literature. Frangipani worms and trees (about 50 species) are native to the Caribbean region. The tree is now a e widespread and popular ornamental throughout the tropics, but the worm apparently causes outbreaks only in its native region. The many-hued flowers of various frangipanis introduced on Pacific Islands quickly were adopted for making flower necklaces leiss). Besides their beautiful flowers -- a source of the red jasmine perfume, Fig. 1. Spectacular frangipani "worm" is actually a the trees' unique open-branched appearance, their caterpillar which can grow up to six inches in length. drought-tolerance, general hardiness, and ease of maintenance explain their popularity. Another The life cycle begins with the large (5-inch wing-span) contributing factor is ease of propagation--stem cuttings dull-grey moth that lays the egg. This hawk moth is a will take root if merely placed on the ground. strong and rapid night flier which spends its days resting on the bark of trees. The color of the moth is a The only significant frangipani pests here, for all camouflage, and allows it to rest unnoticed by birds practical purposes, are the frangipani worm, an armored which otherwise might find this stage of the insect scale insect called the "greedy scale" (because it infests so appetizing. The eggs are whitish to cream-colored many different hosts!), and a yellowish-orange rust (darkening when about to hatch), cylindrical to spherical, fungus (Coleosporium plumeriae). This rust infects the about 1/8th of an inch in diameter, and are deposited in undersides of the leaves, forming powdery circular small clusters of 5-25 eggs (Fig. 2). Hatchling worms are pustules which may coalesce and become extensive about 1/4 inch long. This tiny caterpillar will moult five enough to cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop times and increase 20 times in length and probably 400 prematurely. However, if the condition is encountered times in weight. A few days after it reaches full size (3-4 soon enough, it can be controlled readily by applying a weeks), the worm drops off the tree to change into the 45 j~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ pupal stage in the soil, where it will transform into the So, without an adequate number of natural enemies to adult moth. keep the frangipani worms in check, the worms defoliate entire trees rapidly under ideal weather conditions. The only natural enemies we have observed personally to date (other than a famished dog eating them off the ground under a frangipani tree!), are very tiny parasitic wasps emerging from the eggs (Fig. 3). These wasps are being identified by specialists at the U.S. National Museum. Quite possibly, the egg parasites play a significant role in the regulation of the frangipani worm population during non-outbreak years. The other most likely factor involved in the control of the worms is wet weather--the wetter the soil stays for a prolonged period, the more the insects will succumb either to drowning or disease related to wetness. Fig. 2. Egg cluster of frangipani worm shown on frangipani leaf (greatly enlarged). Most of the caterpillars will enter shaded soil near or under the frangipani. but some will migrate quite a distance from the source. The pupa is 2-3 inches long, dark brown glossy, with a bluntly rounded head end and a pointed tail end which the insect can move in corkscrew fashion to burrow into the soil. This is the stage least likely to be seen. The pupal stage lasts approximately three weeks before the moth emerges, if it is still early in the season (May-August). Thereafter, more and more pupae apparently enter. into a form of dormancy (or hibernation) in the soil, until the next spring rains begin, when the moths will emerge to begin the cycle again. PROTECTED BY MOTHER NATURE Fig. 3. Tiny parasitic moth emerges from caterpillar egg. Frangipanis contain a milky thick sap which flows profusely when a leaf is broken off or when the stem is WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM? MAYBE NOTHING. cut. The word frangipani is adapted from one of the meanings of the French "frangipan", referring to a form Control is readily achieved by hand-picking from small of evaporated or coagulated milk (described, among trees. On large trees a fruit hook or wrapped stick might other places, in a mid-nineteenth century medical be used to knock the worms to the ground, where they dictionary). In some people, the sap can cause skin rashes may be collected and destroyed by drowning in a bucket not unlike those of poison ivy, mango or monkey puzzle. of soapy water, and' then burying in your compost. For The sap therefore should be washed off promptly if it gets truly heavy or large-area infestations, especially if the on the skin or in the eyes. abundant droppings accumulate on walkways and other living space, insecticidal intervention may be justified. This same sap strictly limits the number of insects that An excellent material, and one absolutely harmless to can feed on frangipani. It is either toxic or unpalatable to human, animals or most other insects, is a bacterial most any animal other than the frangipani worm, which preparation such as Dipel or Thuricide. This material has evolved a tolerance of the sap. The toxic chemical causes a disease which infects only the caterpillar stage of element is incorporated into the caterpillar's tissues. The certain moths and butterflies that feed on the treated leaf worm's conspicuous colors therefore are an surfaces--in this case only the frangipani worm. The announcement to potential predators that it is distasteful. bacterium paralyzes the gut of the worms so they will Predators soon learn to associate the bright colors and starve to death in only a few days. Feeding stops within 24 conspicuous pattern of the frangipani worm with an to 48 hours after treated leaves are eaten. unpleasant taste to be avoided. This phenomenon is known as "warning coloration", or aposematism. Even though the frangipani worms may defoliate a tree According to the theory of natural selection it is because entirely, this defoliation will not kill the tree. New leaves such characteristics ensure an increased chance of will develop readily, but these should be protected, survival-that they become established. because the frangipani, like any Qther tree, does not have 46 unlimited reserves. Repeated defoliation in the same season, or over several seasons in succession. may Sh- a wrr weaken a tree to the point that it may not survive theJ - "C normal period of dormancy during the dry season in the V.I.. where most frangipani trees lose their leaves naturally anyway. But this is unlikely to happen to the, &Lon extent that treatment would be required to save the tree. So it is really a matter of personal preference whether to destroy the worms or to allow them to remain. The most icsw you would normally lose is the leaves affected, but you s srcroix would gain the opportunity to experience a dynamic but u.vionis ms: o& benign phenomenon of nature, and to observe one of the uL 7, 7674 larger jewels of the Caribbean insect world. Either way you choose, there is an aesthetic benefit. E=gs A FIRST IN ST. CROIX . .. FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE AND INVESTMENT NEEDS ... Insurance Agents and Risk Managmennt Consultents ST.CROIX ST. THOMAS CHRISTIANSTED CHARLOTTE AMALI REXL [lSTATl 1 CONTENTMENT ROAD ( I J 8 CROWN BAY, SUB-BASE 14 (SENATE BUILDING) - (CUSTOM CARPET BUILDING) MSt lied 1949 Sleper Insurnc., Inc. Box 3772, Chrlst.lnsted, St. Crol. USVI 00820 54 King Street ~~~~~~~773- ~7270 774-5672 3 ~ ~ Christiansted, St Croix 773-7270 r~4-"ae t REALTF ' Phone: 809-773-0595 AUTO PARTS, BATTERIES, TIRES Accessories and Hardware CARIBBEAN TIRES INC. TIRES, AUTO PARTS, and ACCESSORIES Hannah's Rest Bassin Triangle 772-0155 773-2050 or 773-7501 MAX AUTO PARTS C&W HARDWARE Claremore Complex, St. Thomas Hannah's Rest 774-1620 772-1620 47 Sunny Isle Shopping Center AND MERCHANT'S ASSOCIATION Salute the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture on the occasion of the 1982 AGRICULTURE AND FOOD FAIR BASKIN ROBBIN'S ICE CREAM ANCHOR INSURANCE WOOLWORTHS WATERING HOLE COCKTAIL LOUNGE UNIQUE SHOP (Ladies) BENJAMIN SECURITY TOWN & COUNTRY KINNEY'S SHOE STORE LERNERS GENTLEMEN'S IDEAL TOUCH BEAUTY SALON V.I. 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OF SOIL CONSERVATION BENEFICIAL FINANCE ROKER'S TRAVEL BUSINESS WORLD EL PATIO FLOWER SHOP NEW YORK SHOES OFFICE OF DELEGATE TO CONGRESS 48 Role Of The Compost Pile In Intensive Gardening Role of the Compost Pile in Intensive Gardening By Jose Torres * good results by planting cucumbers or tomatoes on this mound on the outer perimeter of the pile and tying the The moment intensive gardening is mentioned the vines or stems to the chicken wire previously mentioned. mind recalls intensive cultivation as if this is implied. Both practices combined are best suited for a limited A good bit of the juices from the pile seep out and operation-a small garden plot. For the purpose of our anything planted around the sides takes a free ride. The discussion we may define a small garden plot as an area of pile should always be kept moist, but not