Tag Archives: ARS

Researchers Use Corn Grit Instead of Herbicides to Blast Weeds

Agricultural researchers have found a new way to blast weeds without using pesticides. The Propelled Abrasive Grit Management (PAGMan) system — designed by USDA Agronomist Frank Forcella along with university researchers — is a tractor-mounted system that uses compressed air … Continue reading

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Research Could Limit Amount of Insecticide Cotton Growers Use

Cotton farmers may be able to limit insecticide use to control bugs that destroy the crop. USDA researchers found that the size and age of western tarnished plant bugs are factors on whether cotton should be sprayed. Generally, farmers use … Continue reading

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A Vaccine That Chicks Can Eat

Chicken producers may soon have an alternative way to vaccinate newborn chicks. USDA scientists have developed a gelatin-filled bead that hold low doses of the vaccine and can be fed to the chicks. Traditionally, farmers use a conveyor belt and … Continue reading

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Scientist Find Secret to Improving Taste of Tomatoes

Researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service may have discovered ways for tomatoes to keep their fresh-from-the-garden taste. Scientist found that sugar and acid are the key characteristics in tomato varieties that determine the overall flavor. Although the amount of … Continue reading

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Researchers Look to Pig Vaccines to Prevent Costly Diseases

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Some Nuts May Have Less Calories Than Originally Thought

There’s more good news about almonds and pistachios. Using an improved method for estimating calories, USDA researchers found that there are fewer calories in the nuts than previously thought. The new method, which is expected to work well with other … Continue reading

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Experimental Gel Coating May Protect Homes from Wildfires

A temporary gel coating could save thousands of homes from being destroyed by wildfires. Created by USDA scientists, the experimental gel is made of bentonite clay, corn starch and water, and offers better, more affordable protection than other fire-retardant gels. … Continue reading

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Study: Irrigating Portion of Cotton Field Could Maximize Yield

As drought continues to grip portions of the country, researchers from Texas Tech University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service are determining whether producers can maximize cotton yield by watering only a portion of their field. Results showed that watering … Continue reading

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Scientists Turn Beets into Plastic

Food containers may soon be made out of beet pulp. Scientist with the Agricultural Research Service have developed a biodegradable thermoplastic — a plastic that becomes soft once heated — using sugar beet pulp, which is leftover residue from sugar … Continue reading

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Researchers Find Way to Control Stable Flies

USDA Scientists have found a way to control stable flies that cost the U.S. cattle industry billions of dollars each year. By using a single application of cyromazine — which interferes with molting and proper development of an insect’s external … Continue reading

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