ARS Newslink

ARS NEWSLINK:
Web links to stories issued January 21-25, 2013 ___________________________________________

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
January 25, 2013
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The effects of climate change on plants:
Plants can adapt to extreme shifts in water availability, such as drought and flooding, but their ability to withstand these extreme patterns will be tested by future climate change, according to a study by USDA scientists and their cooperators. (1/22) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130122.htm

Treating soils with biosolids:
Treated wastewater solids called biosolids are sometimes used by farmers to boost soil nutrient levels. Now research by a USDA scientist provides new information about how long those plant nutrients remain after biosolids have been applied to the soil. (1/23) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130123.htm

A better way to grow biopesticides:
Biopesticides containing beneficial fungi are often grown on grains or other solids, but USDA scientists have shown a liquid diet can work better. The approach, dubbed "liquid culture fermentation," offers several benefits, including lower material costs and increased yields of certain forms of insect-killing fungi that can serve as biobased alternatives to synthetic pesticides. (1/24) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130124.htm

Fighting back against citrus greening:
USDA scientists are helping citrus growers and juice processors address the threat posed by citrus greening, a disease that is costing the citrus industry millions of dollars each year. Infected citrus trees usually die within five to 10 years. Fruit on infected trees often falls to the ground before harvest, and fruit that remains on trees may become misshapen and sometimes only partially ripen. (1/25) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130125.htm
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ARS News Service, Information Staff, Agricultural Research Service
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Room 1-2251, Beltsville MD 20705-5128 NewsService@ars.usda.gov | www.ars.usda.gov/news Phone (301) 504-1636 | fax (301) 504-1486