Professional News

College of Ag Professors Quoted in New York Times

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2014) ― Two University of Kentucky faculty members from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment were quoted in articles in the New York Times this week.

Subba Reddy Palli, a professor in the Department of Entomology, was quoted prominently in the Jan. 27 story about the use of genetics in efforts to exterminate certain pests without harming beneficial insects.  In the article "Genetic Weapon Against Insects Raises Hope and Fear in Farming," Palli explains RNA interference, a technique whereby a gene is targeted in a particular insect species.

Palli, who is studying RNA interference, explained how this technique differs from chemical pesticides. “If you use a neuro-poison, it kills everything. But this one is very target-specific.”

To read the full article, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/28/business/energy-environment/genetic-weapon-against-insects-raises-hope-and-fear-in-farming.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0.

Alison Davis, associate extension professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and director of the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky was quoted in another New York Times story Monday, Jan. 27.  The story compared President Obama's recent "Promise Zone" initiative to the old enterprise zone programs of previous presidential administrations.

The article, "Job Aid Zones Face a New Test in Coal Country," examines the effect such programs have had and will have in Eastern Kentucky, where a new "Promise Zone" has been designated to fight poverty and a slumping economy with such efforts as worker retraining, business investment and antidrug policies.

Davis commented on the potential of attracting large businesses with tax breaks and helping local residents start their own new businesses.

“The idea is to build a diversified economy based on the talents of the local people as they are now,” Davis said.

To read the entire article, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/28/business/job-aid-zones-face-a-new-test-in-coal-country.html?ref=annielowrey&_r=1.