Watercolor rendering of the new U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, Arizona.  Click the image to see a larger version. Better, nature-based control of insects that damage cotton is one goal of researchers in Maricopa. Above, a helpful big-eyed bug prepares to dine on tiny but pesky silverleaf whiteflies. (More) In an open-top chamber with enriched CO2, scientists assess fruit production on an orange tree. (More)

New U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, Arizona

By Laura McGinnis
April 24, 2006

MARICOPA, Ariz., Apr. 24—A new U.S. Department of Agriculture research facility was dedicated here today, beginning a new era of research for scientists who are developing environmentally friendly agricultural practices for arid climates.

The U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center (USALARC) boasts a state-of-the-art data communications system and top-of-the-line analytical and research equipment. The $27 million facility covers 100,000 square feet and will support 26 permanent researchers, two visiting scientists, several postdoctoral scientists and about 80 support personnel. USALARC is part of USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

"Scientists will focus on understanding the complex relationships between cropping systems, water management and the environment," said ARS Administrator Edward B. Knipling. "The resulting knowledge will provide a foundation for efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture in arid climates."

The new facility combines in one consolidated, multidisciplinary research center the U.S. Water Conservation Research Laboratory and Western Cotton Research Laboratory—two ARS research facilities formerly located in Phoenix. Researchers at the U.S. Water Conservation Laboratory developed improved methods for crop irrigation. Scientists at the ARS Western Cotton Research Laboratory developed integrated management techniques to improve cotton production and control pests like the whitefly and the pink bollworm.

At USALARC the researchers will be organized into three units: Water Management and Conservation, Pest Management and Biocontrol, and Plant Physiology and Genetics. The center is under the direction of Thomas Henneberry, former research leader of the Western Cotton Research Laboratory.

Knipling, Representatives Jim Kolbe and Ed Pastor, ARS Area Director Dwayne Buxton, University of Arizona Experiment Station Director Colin Kaltenbach, and Maricopa's Mayor Kelly Anderson are expected to speak at the ceremony.

ARS is USDA's chief scientific research agency.