Small‐seeded species are an integral component of many natural systems. However, small‐seeded species are often omitted from restoration projects due to limited flow through seeders, low broadcast distance, and inconsistent seeding rates. To address these problems, we developed a novel technique within a rotary coater that allows for the conglomeration of small, low‐purity seeds using a combination of clay, compost, water, and a polymer binder. We used Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), which has a seed size of approximately 1 mm or less, as a model species to evaluate the technology. We demonstrated improved flowability of conglomerates over untreated (control) seeds through measurements of the Hausner ratio (8% decrease), the angle of repose (21% decrease), and delivery through a broadcast seeder. Seeding rates of conglomerated seed were more consistent than control seed over rugged terrain. Conglomerates were also broadcast 2.2 times further than control seed, which may mitigate the overall cost of implementing this technology. Laboratory trials demonstrated that the final germination of conglomerated seed averaged 15% higher than control seed. Field trials at two sites demonstrated that seedling emergence was similar for control and conglomerated seed. With no deleterious effects observed from the conglomeration treatment, additional research is merited for using conglomerates as a platform to apply various additives, such as fungicides, plant growth hormones, fertilizers, and biologicals. The potential outcomes of these strategies may have a significant impact on future seeding attempts by improving seed delivery and increasing overall seeding success.

The adequacy of future sugar availabilities for United States consumption requirements since the 1960 embargo on Cuban sugar is a matter of continuing concern. This article gives estimates of the long‐run effects of this embargo on the world and the United States sugar economies as well as of the efficiency of current United States long‐run sugar supply policy. Long‐run supply and demand functions were estimated and a general equilibrium competitive model was constructed. Comparison of the results of this competitive model with projected results of the present United States sugar supply program demonstrates the potential economic inefficiencies of the program.

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Obtaining accurate plant population estimates has been integral in listing, recovery, and delisting species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 and for monitoring vegetation in response to livestock grazing. Obtaining accurate population estimates remains a daunting and labor-intensive task. Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs or drones) may provide an effective alternative to ground surveys for rare and endangered plants. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of sUASs (DJI Phantom 4 Pro) for surveying the Wright fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus wrightiae), a small (1–8 cm diameter) endangered species endemic to grazinglands in the southwest desert of Utah, USA. We assessed sUAS-based remotely sensed imagery to detect and count individual cacti compared to ground surveys and estimated optimal altitudes (10 m, 15 m, or 20 m) for collecting imagery. Our results demonstrated that low altitude flights provided the best detection rates (p < 0.001) and counts (p < 0.001) compared to 15 m and 20 m. We suggest that sUASs can effectively locate cactus within grazingland areas, but should be coupled with ground surveys for higher accuracy and reliability. We also acknowledge that these technologies may have limitations in effectively detecting small, low-growing individual plants such as the small and obscure fishhook cactus species.

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