Information and identification software 1

Information and identification software There is a growing interest in cover crops for their multi-purpose role in weed suppression, water conservation, and pest and disease control which contribute to overall soil productivity. Cover crops - A review and database published by the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) looks at the functions that cover crops perform and their role within specific farming systems. There are details of 88 species; the 61 most important species are in the 'covercrops' database, which uses the software package d-Base and is supplied on disk with accompanying manual. To be able to select the potentially most useful species for different situations, the database can be searched by a number of keywords, including purpose, altitudinal and rainfall limits, water, drought, pH, and frost tolerance. Sources of seed and rhizobial inoculant are also given. Bacteriological identification Bacterial diseases of crops and other plants cause very significant losses in tropical and sub-tropical environments. Identification of bacteria requires a wide range of growing media, test ingredients and information on bacteriological characteristics. Lack of these resources and information means many plant pathologists are unable to make informed diagnoses of bacterial diseases. NRI has just published Bacteriological Identification System for Resource-Poor Plant Pathology Laboratories (BACTID). The system provides a means of identification which is sufficient for a reliable diagnosis of a problem. The publication and its accompanying software provide full details of the necessary media and reagents plus instructions on how to conduct the tests. The BACTID software can also be used in conjunction with the NRI Plant-Clinic Training System to give added value. NRI Press Office The University of Greenwich Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime Kent ME4 4TB UKCover crops - A review and database Bacteriological Identification System for Resource-Poor Plant Pathology Laboratories (BACTID) NRI Press Office The University of Greenwich Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime Kent ME4 4TB U