History

Research specialist Maria Jenderek and plant science professor Arthur Olney show plant tissue samples to be used in developing a new hybrid species of hibiscus. The project aims to benefit California's floriculture industry. (37K)

Research specialist Maria Jenderek examines test tube samples of hibiscus plantlets generated through micropropogation techniques (98K)

Close-up of plantlet in test tube (35K)

 

Special projects engineer Ed Norum examines a turf bubbler irrigation system at the CIT test plot. The experimental bubblers, spaced at five-foot intervals, emit water which spreads out and soaks the ground around each bubbler. (60K)

 

A close-up view of a turf bubbler. (95K)

 

Another phase of turf bubbler research involves coverage testing on turf that is sloped in three separate plots, with grades ranging from one-half to two percent. (98K)

Student research technician Hercules Gonsalves checks water level in catchments during a sprinkler test. The catchments are spaced out from a rotating impact sprinkler which is run for a period of time. Measurements from each catchment reveal the coverage pattern of the sprinkler. (54K)

With his hand reflecting the light of a laser beam, student research technician Hercules Gonsalves shows how a water drop is measured by the laser. The length of time the beam is "broken" indicates the size of the drop. The system is used for measuring drop size and sprinkler efficiency. (64K)

CIT student technicians prepare a grid that will be used to graph distribution patterns of grapevine roots under and around subsurface drip lines. The work was part of a study of viticulture and irrigation practices. (77K)

 

A closer look at the grid referred to in the above photo reveals the sections where roots will be counted. Data will enable growers to learn more about how subsurface systems affect root development. (99K)

Special projects engineer Ed Norum monitors water level for manifolds and pumping units used to test the durability of micro-jets. The testing involved circulating aluminum oxide grits in the water and measuring the wear on the micro-jets. (55K)

A close-up view of the micro-jets shows the plastic bottles deflecting the water spray back into the circulatory system. Following hours of spray with the particulates running through the system, spray patterns of each micro-jet are evaluated, and the individual jets are dismantled and examined to determine wear. (37K)

Student research technician Dave Wineman fastens a prototype microsprayer onto a grapevine post in an experimental vineyard on the California State University, Fresno Farm. The above-vine microsprayers were used to help prevent buds from freezing during early spring frosts. (49K)

CIT staff technician Daniel Reyes oversees installation of subsurface drip lines on a turf plot at California State University, Fresno. The lines were installed approximately eight inches deep using a custom-built unit mounted on the back of a tractor. (54K)

CIT agronomy consultant Morton Rothberg shows a clump of elephant grass (Pennisetum) in a trial plot on Fresno State's university farm. (59K)

A close-up view of elephant grass stalk and leaves. Purpose of the elephant grass study is to determine the plant's viability as a crop for cattle forage and feed in the San Joaquin Valley. It is grown extensively in South America and Africa. (43K)