Scientists have discovered a gene in rye that enables wheat to resist toxins in aluminum often found in acid soils. This breakthrough has the potential to increase wheat yields worldwide, particularly in regions where millions of acres are currently unsuitable for cultivation due to acidic soil conditions.
Kanza is a cold-tolerant pecan variety that can be harvested as early as Sept. 10 in southern Texas and late September in Kansas. It has natural resistance to diseases such as scab and leaf phylloxera, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have developed new corn germplasm lines that resist two key nematode pests, Meloidogyne incognita and M. arenaria. These resistant plants can help farmers reduce yield losses of up to 30% in southern US states, with little or no treatment required.
A possible solution is lactic acid bacteria, called LAB by researchers, which produce natural acids that prevent Listeria from getting a foothold in foods. The extra margin of safety is that the same conditions that promote the growth of bad bacteria also cause LAB to thrive.
The USDA has developed Z-Trim, a low-cost agricultural byproduct-based fat substitute with a smooth mouth feel. It can supply important texture qualities in foods like cheese products and baked goods, reducing calories by up to 700 per day.
The US Department of Agriculture has introduced Mediterranean mites to control field bindweed, a perennial weed that infests millions of acres of wheat, corn and other crops in the Pacific Northwest. The mites feed on bindweed leaves, causing galls to form, which weaken the weed and make it more susceptible to herbicides.
A new diagnostic test uses purified proteins to detect Neospora caninum, a parasite causing cattle abortions. The test has been developed by the US Department of Agriculture and is expected to be commercially available within two to three years.