Purdue News
Purdue News
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August 16, 2004 Purdue soybean CD offered at discount price to producersWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Soybean producers can get their hands on an interactive diagnostic tool developed by Purdue University at a discounted price, thanks to the Indiana Soybean Board (ISB). The ISB will cover $10 of the regular $25 price for the compact disc, "Soybean Growth, Development and Diagnostics," for its checkoff contributors. "This CD delivers more dynamic and interactive content than possible through the Internet," said Lee Schweitzer, professor of agronomy at Purdue and the CD's lead developer. The CD is a decision-making tool that covers 104 ways soybeans can be damaged, including insects, nematodes, herbicide damage and diseases. It includes color photos, 360-degree plant views, video and audio. Users also can take a quiz in a specific category to test their overall knowledge and identify unknown problems and symptoms. "The ISB decided to subsidize the price of the CD because we think it is a beneficial tool for soybean growers," said Jon Whiteman, ISB business and finance manager. "It's also a great opportunity for soybean growers to learn more about the growing season, diseases and insects." The CD is unlike other previously available soybean CDs or soybean management tools, Schweitzer said. All the information is on one CD, which eliminates having to refer to several resources to diagnose a problem. He said the CD also is easy to use. "One of the most beneficial aspects is the interaction the CD provides so that you can view what a disease looks like at a particular stage of plant development," Whiteman said. The CD was developed by Purdue faculty from the agronomy, entomology and botany and plant pathology departments. Pioneer Hi-Bred International and Monsanto also provided support and information. The CD was created for crop producers, crop specialists, educators and students. Alternatively, the ISB subsidy could be used toward $10 off the regular $75 purchase price of the complete Purdue Crop Management CD Series. The four CD series includes "Soybean Growth, Development and Diagnostics," "Corn Growth, Development and Diagnostics: Germination to Knee High," "Corn Growth Development and Diagnostics: Knee High to Maturity" and "Broadleaf Weed Seedling Identification." For additional information or to order the CD, log onto https://www.agry.purdue.edu/soybeancd/index.htm or call Purdue's toll-free Extension hotline at (888) 398-4636 (EXT-INFO). The CD-ROM requires a Pentium-based PC or compatible computer with 128 MB of RAM and any current Windows operating system. Writer: Molly Brock, (765) 496-2761, brockml@purdue.edu Source: Lee Schweitzer, (765) 494-4789, lschweitzer@purdue.edu Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu Related Web site:
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