Category: G

GAI: Abbreviation for green area index. Monitoring GAI helps in managing crop growth and maximizing photosynthetic efficiency, leading to better yields.

gibberellin: A plant hormone that stimulates growth and seed germination. Using gibberellins can enhance crop growth and yield, benefiting farmers by improving productivity.

Guernsey: Guernsey is a breed of dairy cattle with a fawn coat and distinct patches of white. Raising Guernsey cattle provides high-quality milk, supporting dairy production and farm profitability.

gram: A gram is a metric measure of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram. Precise measurement of inputs and outputs improves farm management and product quality.

German Red Pied: A breed of cattle from northwest Germany. Mainly raised for meat, the animals are red and white in color. Raising German Red Pied cattle can provide high-quality beef and adapt well to various farming conditions.

grazing food chain: A grazing food chain involves vegetation being eaten by animals, digested, and returned to the soil as dung, which is then taken up again by plants. Understanding this cycle helps farmers maintain soil fertility and sustainable ecosystems.

Gallus: The Latin name for the domestic chicken. Knowledge of Gallus is essential for poultry farmers in breeding and managing chickens effectively.

gooseberry: A gooseberry is a soft fruit, usually green, from a small prickly bush. Growing gooseberries adds diversity to farm produce, meeting market demands for fresh and processed fruits.

glucose: A simple sugar found in some fruit. Understanding glucose levels in crops can help manage their nutritional value and marketability.

gene: A unit of DNA on a chromosome which governs the synthesis of one protein and may combine with other genes to determine a particular characteristic. Understanding genetics helps in selective breeding for desirable traits in crops and livestock.

genetic code: The information carried by an organism’s DNA which determines the synthesis of proteins by cells and which is passed on when the cell divides. Also called genetic information. Understanding the genetic code is essential for genetic engineering and breeding programs.

game birds: Wild birds which are classified as game and can be shot only during certain seasons. The most important in the UK are pheasant, partridge, and grouse. Managing game birds can provide additional income through hunting leases.

Galician blond: A breed of cattle from northern Spain, used for multiple purposes including milk, meat, and draught. Farmers benefit from its versatility and adaptability to different farming needs.

gastrointestinal tract: Same as alimentary canal. Knowing the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract is essential for diagnosing and treating digestive disorders in animals.

Gossypium: Gossypium is the Latin name for cotton. Understanding cotton cultivation and processing helps farmers produce high-quality fiber, meeting textile industry standards and increasing farm income.

grain reserves: Grain reserves are the amount of cereal grain held in store by a country above its annual requirements. Managing grain reserves ensures food security and stabilizes market prices, benefiting farmers and consumers.

genome: The set of all the genes in an individual. The set of genes which are inherited from one parent. Knowledge of the genome helps in identifying and selecting desirable traits for breeding programs, improving crop and livestock quality.

groundwater: Water that is stored beneath the Earth’s surface in soil or rock formations. Managing groundwater resources is important for sustainable agriculture and water supply.

global distillation: The movement of persistent organic pollutants from warm tropical and subtropical regions to cooler higher latitudes via evaporation and condensation. Understanding global distillation helps farmers recognize and mitigate the impact of pollutants on their crops and environment.

genotype: The genetic constitution of an organism. Phenotype. An individual organism. Understanding genotype helps farmers predict the traits of offspring and select the best individuals for breeding.

grunt: A grunt is a sound made by a pig. Understanding animal behavior, such as grunting, helps farmers monitor livestock health and well-being.

gypsum: Gypsum is a soft white or colorless mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulfate, used in cement, plaster, and fertilizers. Using gypsum improves soil structure and supports sustainable crop production.

game: Animals that are hunted and killed for sport or food or both. Game, such as pheasants and partridges, is an important asset on some farms, and letting land for sport shooting is a source of high income.

greening: Greening is the process of planting trees and vegetation or increasing awareness of environmental issues. Adopting greening practices improves farm sustainability, enhances biodiversity, and supports environmental conservation.

greenhouse mealy bug: A greenhouse mealy bug is a horticultural pest that spoils the appearance of glasshouse crops, particularly orchids. Managing mealy bugs ensures healthy crops and maintains aesthetic quality, enhancing marketability.

gamete: A sex cell. Understanding gametes is crucial for animal breeding and improving livestock genetics.

grain lifters: Grain lifters are attachments to the cutter bar of a combine harvester that lift stems of beaten-down crops. Using grain lifters ensures efficient harvesting, minimizing crop loss and improving yield.

greenhouse: A greenhouse is a structure made of glass inside which plants are grown. Using greenhouses allows farmers to extend growing seasons, protect plants from adverse weather, and increase crop yields.

grind: To grind means to reduce a substance to fine particles by crushing or to move or work noisily with difficulty. Grinding feed or grain ensures proper animal nutrition and efficient use of farm resources.

guinea fowl: A guinea fowl is a table bird found wild in savanna regions of Africa, now raised for its meat. Raising guinea fowl provides high-quality meat and supports farm diversification.

geld: To castrate an animal, especially a horse. Castrating livestock can manage breeding and behavior, improving farm safety and productivity.

gang: A group of workers working together, e.g., a gang of sheep shearers. Effective management of work gangs can increase efficiency and productivity during peak labor times.

granule: A granule is a small artificially made particle. Granules are easier to handle and distribute than powder, making them ideal for fertilizers and pesticides.

grazing: Grazing is the action of animals feeding on growing grass, legumes, or other plants. Proper grazing management maintains pasture health and supports efficient livestock production.

genetic material: The parts of a cell that carry information that can be inherited, e.g., DNA, genes, or chromosomes. Knowledge of genetic material is essential for breeding programs and genetic research, helping farmers produce superior crops and livestock.

gangrenous mastitis: A form of mastitis disease affecting cattle. It may begin as staphylococcal mastitis. The udder becomes blue and cold. Early detection and treatment of gangrenous mastitis can save affected cattle and prevent the spread of infection.

guano: Guano is a mass of accumulated bird droppings, found especially on small islands, used as organic fertilizer. Using guano improves soil fertility, supporting sustainable crop production.

Groningen Whiteheaded: Groningen Whiteheaded is a dual-purpose breed of cattle developed in the Netherlands, with a black body and white head. Raising dual-purpose breeds provides both milk and meat, enhancing farm efficiency and income.

genera: Plural of genus. Identifying genera is important for classification and breeding programs in agriculture.

gourd: A gourd is the fruit of a trailing or climbing plant, cultivated for ornamental purposes or as utensils. Growing gourds diversifies farm products, providing additional income sources.

grain drill: A grain drill is a machine used for sowing cereals in rows. Employing grain drills ensures uniform crop planting, leading to better yields and efficient use of farm resources.

gestation period: The period from conception to birth when a female mammal has live young in her womb. Knowledge of the gestation period is crucial for managing breeding programs and ensuring the health of pregnant livestock.

Gloucester Old Spot: A breed of pig from the Southwest of England, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Gloucester. It is large, with clearly defined black spots on a white coat, and is now a rare breed. Raising Gloucester Old Spot pigs can provide high-quality meat and contribute to the conservation of heritage breeds.

goose: A goose is a large heavy bird, raised for meat, especially for Christmas. Understanding the economic value and market demands for geese can help farmers diversify their production and increase profitability.

green currencies: Green currencies, or green rates, are fixed exchange rates for currencies used for agricultural payments in the EU. Understanding green currencies helps farmers navigate international markets and optimize financial transactions.

groundnut cake: Groundnut cake is the residue left after oil extraction from groundnuts, a valuable protein concentrate for livestock. Using groundnut cake in animal feed improves nutrition and farm productivity.

gene: A unit of DNA on a chromosome which governs the synthesis of one protein and may combine with other genes to determine a particular characteristic. Understanding genetics helps in selective breeding for desirable traits in crops and livestock.

gadfly: A fly that bites cattle, such as the horsefly or bot fly, most common from late May onwards and causing considerable trouble to cattle. Awareness and management of gadflies can help reduce cattle stress and potential injuries, leading to better overall herd health and productivity.

growing point: A growing point is a point on the stem of a plant where growth occurs, often at the tip of the stem or branch. Understanding growing points helps farmers optimize pruning and plant management for better yields.

gleying: A set of properties of soil which indicate poor drainage and lack of oxygen. The signs are a blue-grey color, rusty patches, and standing surface water. Identifying gleying helps farmers address drainage issues and improve soil health.