ARS Newslink

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
November 22, 2013
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Fungus may offer natural weed control:
A naturally occurring fungus may prove useful in the fight against Palmer amaranth, an aggressive southern weed that can grow at the rate of two inches a day and outcompete corn, cotton, soybean and other crops for resources, potentially reducing their yields. (11/18) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/131118.htm

Tracking feedlot contaminants:
USDA researchers have found that a unique approach to cleaning up feedlot operations-the use of geographic information system (GIS) spatial mapping technologies to track how contaminants flow through the soil-offers its own set of benefits. (11/19) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/131119.htm

Disease-resistant peas developed:
New garden- and dry-pea breeding lines developed by USDA scientists and their collaborators may offer growers added insurance against Aphanomyces root rot, a disease that can cause crop yield losses of 20 to 100 percent. (11/21) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/131121.htm

From spent grain to kitty litter:
Kitty litter that's nearly 100 percent biodegradable can be made by processing spent grains left over from corn ethanol production. USDA scientists have shown that litter made with these grains as the starting material may prove to be more environmentally friendly than popular but nonbiodegradable clay-based litters. (11/22) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/131122.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