Georgia tobacco farmers could lose millions of dollars next year from a cut in the amount of tobacco they're allowed to grow, says a University of Georgia expert. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Dec. 15 that the flue-cured tobacco quota for 1999 will be cut by almost 18 percent. The impact for Georgia farmers is clear. "The difference in what we sold in 1998 and what we could sell in '99 could amount to a potential $28.5 million loss," said UGA scientist J. Michael Moore.

Microwaved eggs can burst with flavor. Or just explode. It's your choice. "Eggs can be microwaved with good results. But they need close attention," said Elizabeth Andress.

The new 'Kiowa' blackberry may be just the fruit for people who love blackberries but hate having to pick so many to make a cobbler, said a University of Georgia expert.

For centuries, sweethearts have stolen kisses under the green branches and white berries of holiday mistletoe. Few of them know the plant is actually a type of parasite that draws part of its lifeblood from its tree host. Mistletoe is actually an epiphyte," said Jerry Walker.

A tree's life is hard. It must stand against wind, hail and ice. A multitude of pests wait to consume it. To live decades, maybe even centuries, the tree must be tough. To protect itself, a tree will wrap itself, inside and out, in protective clothing. It has to. When environmental problems or pests come to damage it, the tree must stay still and take whatever comes.

The cut greenery in your holiday decorations will dry out sooner or later, of course. "But certain types of greenery stay fresh longer than others," said Dave Moorhead.

Each year more than 40 million Americans buy Christmas trees. Before the new year, most of those family memories are chipped into mulch or discarded. Why not make your memories last a lifetime by buying and then planting a living Christmas tree? "Christmas trees decorate our homes at the holidays. But we can use them to decorate our landscapes, beautify our parks or dress up our school yards year-round," said Walter Reeves.

The bright red of poinsettias is a traditional part of the holiday season. But poinsettia flowers are actually yellow. Remembering that can help you pick the best poinsettias to buy, says a University of Georgia expert. The bracts of a poinsettia are often mistaken for the flowers. "The flowers aren't the color," said Ron Oetting.

The bright red and deep green colors of poinsettias have become a traditional part of the holiday season. But what if red and green don't suit your fancy? No problem. Poinsettia breeders have now given shoppers many more choices than just red.