A new calculator program helps farmers estimate crop yields and irrigation needs in semi-arid regions. The MultiCalculator CD uses three simple Excel spreadsheets to predict non-irrigated crop yields and estimate irrigation water needs, considering factors such as soil type, precipitation, and crop selection.
Agricultural Research Service scientist Michael Flythe has found that hops can inhibit hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria, a key contributor to ammonia production in cattle. This reduction in ammonia production can lead to improved ruminant nutrition and reduced reliance on expensive high-protein supplements.
A 21-month study found that incoming raw poultry is the primary source of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in commercial chicken cooking plants. The research team tracked sources of contamination, including employees, fresh air, and the surrounding environment, and found that floor drains were consistently positive for the bacteria.
A beneficial microbe called Muscodor albus may help protect fresh grapes from troublesome gray mold. Experiments have shown that M. albus can combat Botrytis cinerea, the organism that causes gray mold.
The US Department of Agriculture's ARS is conducting long-term studies to examine growing camelina as a bioenergy crop. Camelina has high oil content, making it a promising candidate for producing biofuels.
ARS scientists have developed a method to access and ferment almost all plant sugars in wheat straw, boosting ethanol output by 93 gallons per ton. However, they also found that certain bacteria can infect ethanol plants, causing yield decreases of up to 27%.
Researchers have developed self-pollinating almond trees that can produce high-quality nuts without insect pollination. This breakthrough is crucial for almond growers facing rising costs due to honeybee shortages.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Animal Diseases Research Unit have discovered the viral life cycle of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a leading cause of disease in American bison. The virus undergoes several changes inside the animal's body, targeting specific cell types at different stages of its own life cycle.
Researchers have found that spraying low concentrations of a compound known as thidiazuron (TDZ) significantly extends the life of potted plants' leaves and flowers. In tests with greenhouse-grown cyclamen plants, TDZ-treated plants had a longer life than unsprayed plants.
Researchers have identified Asian landrace accessions with high levels of Fusarium head blight resistance and low mycotoxin production. These findings could help avoid future FHB disasters and improve U.S. wheat varieties' defenses against the disease.
A new model suggests that certain forests become net carbon generators when defoliated, a shift that could impact climate change mitigation. The research uses computer simulations to estimate seasonal carbon exchange rates and find that deforestation can lead to a decline in carbon absorption by up to 25%.
A unique St. John's wort collection curated by ARS scientists provides university collaborators with genetically diverse sources of the herb to study its medicinal potential. Researchers are screening the collection for biologically active compounds that may combat viral infections, reduce inflammation, or improve digestive health.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have formulated low-fat cake mixes and frostings using Fantesk, a microdroplet of trans-fat-free cooking oil encapsulated in cornstarch or wheat flour. These innovations produce cakes with better texture and volume while containing up to 50% less fat.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are working to understand the causes of heat stress in cattle and develop management strategies to mitigate its effects. They have identified 11 influential factors contributing to animal susceptibility, including coat color, health history, and temperament.
Agricultural Research Service scientists discover that sugarcane can tolerate standing water for up to two weeks without adverse effects on yield or sugar content. This finding provides relief for growers under strict regulations to reduce phosphorus runoff into the Everglades.
A team of researchers has developed a way to identify genetic markers in grapevines that can be linked with specific traits, such as fruit quality and disease resistance. The technology uses modern sequencing approaches to speed up the traditional breeding process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
A study by the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service found that the air in broiler house attics can be as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than outside, reducing the need for heating fuel. This technology uses ceiling inlets to circulate solar-heated attic air within the chicken houses.
Agricultural Research Service scientists found that plant species diversity and composition are crucial for potential energy yield per acre from biomass harvested from CRP land. The study suggests that CRP lands in the northeastern US with a high proportion of tall native prairie grasses have the potential to produce over 600 gallons o...
A study by US Department of Agriculture researchers found that a tryptophan-enriched diet reduces aggression in young female pigs, making them calmer and easier to manage. The supplement raised blood concentrations of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter, leading to reduced behavioral activity and aggression.
Scientists found that prior herbicide use, rather than irrigation, is crucial to a herbicide's effectiveness and environmental impact. The study revealed that herbicides like atrazine degrade faster in fields with previous applications, leading to reduced weed control and deeper soil penetration.
The US Department of Agriculture has developed a new lentil variety called Essex, which boasts high seed yields and nitrogen-fixing properties. This development is expected to enhance the nutritional value of lentils for consumers while also improving soil fertility for subsequent wheat crops.
Research suggests that maternal signals associated with overweight mothers can permanently alter a child's ability to regulate their weight. Studies found that offspring of overweight dams gained more weight and fat mass when given unlimited high-fat rations, indicating increased susceptibility to obesity.
A study by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service found that vitamin D levels are more important than increasing calcium intake for better bone health. The study suggests that correcting low vitamin D levels is key to improving bone mineral density, especially among women with low vitamin D concentrations.
The US Department of Agriculture's ARS has sent its third seed shipment to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, including a wild Russian strawberry collected from bear territory. The vault aims to store over 500,000 plant accessions for long-term preservation.
A naturally occurring plant hormone, cytokinins, has been found to increase cotton yields during drought conditions. Commercially produced cytokinins stimulate the growth of the main plant stem and branches, promoting cell division and growth.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have discovered how the yellow-fever-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito detects the specific chemical structure of octenol, a compound emitted by mammals. The study shows that mosquitoes tap into the 'handedness' of molecules to detect this compound.
Scientists have found that geraniums can paralyze the Japanese beetle, a pest feeding on ornamentals, soybeans, and other crops. The beetles typically recover within 24 hours after being paralyzed, but often succumb to predators under field conditions.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 40 diverse Echinacea populations to understand the plant's genetic diversity. The study found that the species likely originated in southern refuges on both sides of the Mississippi River and hybridized as they moved northward, leading to blurred genetic distinctions.
Researchers found that oxytetracycline breaks down more quickly in cattle manure than in soil, due to its higher organic material and moisture content. Temperature and moisture levels also play a crucial role in degradation rates.
A new Houston study shows that a kid-friendly weight management program can lead to significant weight loss and improved physical quality of life for children. The 6-month program involved instruction-led sessions on nutrition and behavior-change skills, resulting in better outcomes compared to a self-taught approach.
Researchers have developed five new potato breeding lines resistant to powdery scab and black dot diseases, caused by fungi <i>Spongospora subterranea</i> and <i>Colletotrichum coccodes</i>, respectively. The lines consistently showed fewer disease symptoms than other tested varieties in three years of field trials.
Research by USDA scientists found that cows can efficiently graze pastures with easily accessible leaves, reducing the need for time and land. This approach enables ranchers to better estimate how long to leave cattle in a pasture and how large to make it.
Researchers found that a cocktail of compounds from the beneficial fungus Muscodor albus can effectively control destructive pests in crops like wheat and apples. The fungus' volatile organic compounds killed or repelled up to 100% of certain pest species, offering a biologically based solution for pest management.
A patented formulation of Sericea lespedeza has been developed to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats and sheep, a major economic burden for farmers. The plant's addition to animal feed thwarts the reproductive cycles of nematodes like Haemonchus contortus, reducing the risk of anemia and death.
A new assay developed by USDA researchers can safely and reliably mark termites and other insects over vast acreage, allowing for their movements to be tracked. The method uses egg white, cow milk or soy milk proteins and has been shown to be effective in tracking the desert subterranean termite.
Research by USDA scientists found that oat compounds called avenanthramides decrease inflammatory molecules and inhibit proinflammatory cytokines. This suggests potential health benefits for heart disease prevention beyond lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Researchers have developed new plant varieties to restore vegetation communities on the western rangelands, helping them survive extreme weather conditions. The newly created Hycrest II and Vavilov II cultivars offer improved establishment and resilience against invasive species.
The USDA has completed sequencing the genome of Brachypodium distachyon, a wild grass similar to switchgrass, which will aid in developing more resilient and efficient biofuel crops. The study's findings may lead to improved disease resistance, drought tolerance, and cell wall composition for better ethanol production.
Researchers have developed a barley protein concentrate that can meet the protein needs of trout and other commercially produced fish, potentially replacing fishmeal and soy protein concentrate. The concentrate is produced through an enzymatic method and has been shown to be effective in feeding trials.
The 2008 Organic Production Survey found that US organic farms had higher average sales ($217,675) and production expenses ($171,978) compared to conventional farms. California dominated the market with $1.15 billion in sales, accounting for 36% of nationwide sales.
ARS researchers have inserted individual resistance genes from a wild oat into domestic oat varieties, developing new lines with effective resistance to crown rust. The goal is to create plant lines that will fight off the disease for many years, improving oat yields and food security.
NIFA awarded $24 million in grants to study animal health, reproduction, breeding, genetics, and nutrition. The grants aim to improve the agriculture industry's competitiveness and reduce the use of antibiotics and hormones.
Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service's malting barley laboratory are studying the enzymes produced by barley grains as they germinate. They have found that the balance of these enzymes can impact the malt's flavor and other qualities, leading to improved malting barleys for the future.
Agricultural Research Service scientists developed a DNA marker-assisted breeding method to speed up the development of scab-resistant barley cultivars. This approach increases the efficiency of selection and reduces breeding time, benefiting small-grain breeders in the Northern Plains.
Researchers have found that oat plants with strong crown rust resistance tend to produce higher concentrations of Avns, a type of antioxidant metabolite. The study suggests that oat breeders can select cultivars with enhanced Avn production by taking into account disease pressure during growth.
Agricultural Research Service scientists analyzed over 160 sugarcane samples from 25 countries to identify genetic resistance to deadly orange and brown rusts. The study provides valuable resources for plant breeders and pathologists, supporting international food security.
The Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development (HUFED) Center will provide training and technical assistance for small and mid-sized agricultural producers, aiming to increase access to healthy, affordable foods in low-income areas. The center is designed to promote positive economic activities generated from attracting healthy food ent...
The US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service has released new geospatial data products, including satellite images of agricultural land cover across most of the nation. These cropland data layers can be used to monitor crop rotation patterns, land use changes, and water resources.
Researchers have found a yeast called Pichia anomala that can compete with unwanted mold Aspergillus flavus for nutrients and space, reducing aflatoxin contamination in tree nuts by up to 97%. The versatile yeast may also protect other crops from various microorganisms.
Agricultural Research Service scientist Peggy Tomasula has written a chapter on using dairy ingredients to produce edible films and biodegradable packaging materials. The research focuses on improving the water-vapor barrier properties of dairy proteins, such as casein and whey.