Agriculture and plant science. (Divisional Reports).

The division of Agriculture and Plant Science had eleven oral and eight poster papers. Graduate and undergraduate paper competition was the central part of the presentations to promote student participation. Nine papers were presented by the students. The contest consisted separate poster and oral sessions, which was evaluated by a panel of judges. Cash and certificates were awarded to the first, second and third place winners. Ms Maritza Abril of University of Southern Mississippi won first place in graduate poster competition. Ms. Courtney Young and Ms Umeka Griffin of Jackson State University won first and second places respectively in the undergraduate poster competition. Mr. Edward Foan and Mr. Hernan Cobo of Mississippi State University won first place in the graduate oral competition. They tied for first place. Mr. Jeremy Russell of Mississippi State University, Mr. Greg Anazia of University of Mississippi, and Ms Shanise Brown of Mississippi Valley State University won first, second and third places r espectively in the undergraduate oral competition.

Dr. George T. Bates, professor of animal science and associate research director, Dr. Om P. Vadhwa, professor of agronomy, Dr. Patrick Igbokwe, professor of horticulture (all from Alcorn State University), and Dr. Linda Andrews, research professor of food technology, Mississippi State University, served as judges.

Piggly Wiggly, RiverHills Bank, State Bank and Trust Company (all in Port Gibson), and Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Association of Mississippi State University were the sponsors of cash awards and they donated $575 for the winners.

Divisional business meeting was held following the award presentation. Dr. Juan Silva, professor of food technology, Mississippi State University, was elected Chairman and Dr. Om Vadhwa, Professor of Agronomy, Alcorn State University, was elected Vice Chairman.