@USDA_ARS

USDA’s principal in-house research agency committed to leading America toward a better future through #agriculture. #ARSAgLab #ScientificDiscoveries

 United States
ars.usda.gov
Joined September 2009
  • Tweets9.8K
  • Following1.7K
  • Followers47.1K
5.4KMedia
ARS scientists in Bushland, TX, and their industry partners are developing sensors and automated irrigation control systems. Learn how their efforts can increase savings and efficiency, while improving crop yields for American farmers. scientificdiscoveries.ars.us… #ScientificDiscoveries
A wireless infrared thermometer identifies corn water stress and guides irrigation. (Photo by Steve Evett).

ALT A wireless infrared thermometer identifies corn water stress and guides irrigation. (Photo by Steve Evett).

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ARS collaborators in Shepherdstown, WV, are working with the U.S. aquaculture industry to convert fish waste into compost that is nontoxic to plants. Learn how converting waste solids into compost products can provide American farmers with additional revenue, reduce fish waste, and protect our water resources. aglab.ars.usda.gov/fuel-your… #ARSAgLab
Dr. Abhinav Choudhury, an environmental research engineer and ARS collaborator at the Freshwater Institute, is part of the research team working to compost aquaculture sludge at full scale.

ALT Dr. Abhinav Choudhury, an environmental research engineer and ARS collaborator at the Freshwater Institute, is part of the research team working to compost aquaculture sludge at full scale.

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ARS scientists and engineers in Lubbock, TX; Stoneville, MS; and Las Cruces, NM, are delivering innovative technologies to the cotton industry. Their work is reducing contamination and minimizing cotton fiber waste. This research also enables U.S. cotton producers to maintain clean, high-quality, and profitable products. scientificdiscoveries.ars.us…
The plastic imaging, detection, and ejection system (PIDES) installed on a cotton gin stand. (Photo by John Wanjura).

ALT The plastic imaging, detection, and ejection system (PIDES) installed on a cotton gin stand. (Photo by John Wanjura).

A cotton gin stand with a visual inspection single-node (VISN) camera. (Photo by John Wanjura).

ALT A cotton gin stand with a visual inspection single-node (VISN) camera. (Photo by John Wanjura).

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ARS scientists in Sidney, MT, are working with a biocontrol agent in the form of a tiny swimming weevil. This bug helps combat the wide-spreading, invasive flowering rush plant. As researchers develop natural methods to control flowering rush, they are protecting the U.S. aquaculture industry from this costly and damaging aquatic species. scientificdiscoveries.ars.us…
A swimming weevil. (Photo by Natalie West, ARS research ecologist).

ALT A swimming weevil. (Photo by Natalie West, ARS research ecologist).

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In #ScientificDiscoveries, ARS scientists and their university partners are collaborating to combat a fungus called Aspergillus flavus. The fungus is especially damaging to corn crops in the southern United States, causing millions in economic losses if kept unchecked. See how the researchers are helping American farmers control the spread of the fungus. sd-prod.ars.usda.gov/explore… #ScientificDiscoveries
An ear of corn contaminated by Aspergillus flavus. (Photo by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, ORISE Fellow at the Food and Feed Research Unit, ARS).

ALT An ear of corn contaminated by Aspergillus flavus. (Photo by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, ORISE Fellow at the Food and Feed Research Unit, ARS).

Spraying ground limestone over unplanted fields like this one in Greenville, TX, has resulted in better yields. (Photo by Dr. Ronnie Schnell, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension).

ALT Spraying ground limestone over unplanted fields like this one in Greenville, TX, has resulted in better yields. (Photo by Dr. Ronnie Schnell, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension).

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ARS researchers are using hyperspectral imaging technology to determine (at harvest) the apples that are at risk of developing sunscald. Sunscald is a condition where heat and light from the sun damages the outer layer of a fruit. By identifying and removing the sun scalded apples, U.S. apple producers can better market their fruit. This also protects against food loss. scientificdiscoveries.ars.us… #nationalapplemonth
Red arrows show Granny Smith apples at risk for sunscalding at harvest (left); exposed to hyperspectral imaging at harvest (center), and after 6 months in cold storage.

ALT Red arrows show Granny Smith apples at risk for sunscalding at harvest (left); exposed to hyperspectral imaging at harvest (center), and after 6 months in cold storage.

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In today’s podcast, we “peel” back the story behind America’s favorite comfort food—the potato—and the science that keeps your fries crispy and red-skinned mashed potatoes creamy and delicious! aglab.ars.usda.gov/sights-an… #NewVarieties
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It's #nationalapplemonth. 🍎 Check out this robotic apple picker developed by ARS and university collaborators to streamline harvest time for U.S. farmers.
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ARS researchers and their partners are exploring new ways to bolster the resistance of grain crops like rice, wheat, and barley to fungal diseases. According to the scientists, resistance works best when a plant’s immune system can quickly recognize its fungal attacker. Thanks to “molecular mimicry”—an evolutionary adaptation—ARS scientists are working to harness sturdier crop varieties that can fend off fungal attacks. scientificdiscoveries.ars.us…
Dry organic pearl barley seed in a bowl with other brown cereal and grain seeds. (Getty Images).

ALT Dry organic pearl barley seed in a bowl with other brown cereal and grain seeds. (Getty Images).

Wheat grains after a successful harvest. (Getty Images).

ALT Wheat grains after a successful harvest. (Getty Images).

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It’s #NationalSeafoodMonth! Did you know that Aquaculture, also known as fish farming, is a booming global industry? Hear how ARS is working to bring more locally sourced seafood like salmon, oysters, and trout to U.S. consumers. siysc.transistor.fm/episodes…
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Protecting America’s future! USDA is investing $180 million to launch the Seed Sovereignty Initiative, which will significantly boost the genetic sequencing and characterization of major crops grown in the U.S. The Agricultural Research Service’s National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) supports 22 seed banks across the country and houses more than 600,000 accessions representing over 16,000 different crop species. The Seed Sovereignty Initiative will enable NPGS researchers to sequence more plant seed varieties using the latest super intelligence technologies. Crop breeders can use these accessions to deliver American farmers robust plant varieties that are weather tolerant, high yielding, and pest and disease resistant. usda.gov/about-usda/general-… #seedsovereignty, #npgs, #usda_ars
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ARS and @WSUPullman celebrated the opening of the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, WA. This new research facility will house state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and research infrastructure designed to accelerate the discoveries and innovations that U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers need to thrive. content.govdelivery.com/acco…
Scenes from the opening of the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Melvin Abreu).

ALT Scenes from the opening of the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Melvin Abreu).

Scenes from the opening of the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Melvin Abreu).

ALT Scenes from the opening of the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Melvin Abreu).

Scenes from the opening of the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Melvin Abreu).

ALT Scenes from the opening of the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Melvin Abreu).

Scenes from the opening of the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, WA. (Photo courtesy of Washington State University).

ALT Scenes from the opening of the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, WA. (Photo courtesy of Washington State University).

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In #ScientificDiscoveries, learn how ARS researchers have created new chemical attractants to detect, monitor, trap, or control the cotton seed bug (CSB). This pest is an emerging threat to cotton, okra, hibiscus, and other host crops in the mallow family. As you can see in this video, trap adhesives do not keep the cotton seed bug from escaping. This cotton seed bug easily walks across a trap adhesive meant to capture it. scientificdiscoveries.ars.us…
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Who knew you could eat oats on the go? ARS researchers partnered with private industry to develop Pop Oats, a roasted oat snack with bold-yet-sweet and savory flavors. For more information about this healthy and innovative snack: scientificdiscoveries.ars.us…
Pop Oats. (Photo provided by Pop Oats LLC).

ALT Pop Oats. (Photo provided by Pop Oats LLC).

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While beans are a superfood, packed with nutrients and iron—and gluten-free, Americans eat fewer beans than most other countries. In today’s podcast, hear from @USDA_ARS researchers who are studying ways to make beans more attractive to consumers. Also meet a new bean variety, USDA Fortuna, a versatile bean with exceptional drought tolerance, short cooking time, and minerals like iron and zinc. These beans are also more resistant to pests and diseases—making them a viable crop for U.S. farmers! aglab.ars.usda.gov/sights-an… #NewVarieties
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Learn about advancements in agriculture as ARS researchers harness the power of Super Intelligence (SI) to combat pests in grain production. By analyzing data and predicting pest behavior, Super Intelligence assists farmers in making better decisions, reducing crop loss, and enhancing production. These innovative technologies are transforming the future of farming! sd-prod.ars.usda.gov/explore…
Rhyzopertha dominica, known as the lesser grain borer, or American wheat weevil, crawls along grain. This pest is a worldwide threat to stored cereal grains. (Getty Images).

ALT Rhyzopertha dominica, known as the lesser grain borer, or American wheat weevil, crawls along grain. This pest is a worldwide threat to stored cereal grains. (Getty Images).

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See how ARS researchers and their university partners are working to solve X-disease, or Little Cherry Disease, which annually costs the sweet cherry industry over $30 million in crop loss. Caused by a bacterium spread by small insects called leafhoppers, researchers are employing innovative technologies to solve for X. Check it out at: scientificdiscoveries.ars.us…
Sweet cherries.

ALT Sweet cherries.

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ARS researchers in Peoria, IL, and Stoneville, MS, are developing a novel way to use crickets to safely consume mycotoxin‑contaminated corn, while converting the crickets into a high‑protein ingredient for animal feed. This approach helps U.S. farmers turn what may have been an economic crop loss into a new high‑value coproduct. The research also helps reduce agricultural waste. aglab.ars.usda.gov/learn-and… #ARSAgLab
Cricket on corn.

ALT Cricket on corn.

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On #nationalsalmonday, hear how ARS researchers are creating an Atlantic salmon strain that is resistant to sea lice. Join us in this special podcast episode, as we take a deep dive into U.S. seafood production. Learn how research facilities across the country are developing new fish farming techniques and new strains of fish. loom.ly/bVknXfM
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