Farmers and land managers can now determine—right in the field—whether their soils contain too much salt or sodium, thanks to a new commercial test kit based on ARS research. Standard salinity and sodicity tests performed by a laboratory require collection and shipment of soil samples. Getting the results may take up to 2 months at a cost of $50 per sample. The new test relies on electrode measurements rather than chemical analysis and gives results in 5 minutes for about $3 per sample. The kit also includes easy-to-use computer software and a manual to help users take steps to improve their soil quality. Approximately 30 percent of irrigated land in the United States and 50 percent worldwide is affected by salt. Soil salinity increases as irrigation or drainage waters evaporate and leave salts behind. Sodic soils are those with too much sodium relative to their calcium and magnesium content. Both conditions hinder plant growth and reduce crop yields. The test was developed under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between ARS and the Hach Company in Loveland, CO.
U.S. Salinity Laboratory, Riverside, CA
James Rhoades, (909) 369-4867, jrhoades@ussl.ars.usda.gov

Guardian, a new peach tree rootstock, has begun helping growers battle the leading cause of peach tree death in the Southeast. Peach tree short life (PTSL) costs growers about $10 million annually. It strikes in the spring, usually when the trees are three to seven years old. ARS and Clemson University scientists codeveloped Guardian, which proved its value during its first field tests from 1989 to 1996 in South Carolina and Georgia. Scientists planted trees on Guardian rootstock and compared them to trees grown on two commonly used commercial rootstocks, Lovell and Nemaguard. Lovell has tolerance to PTSL; Nemaguard resists root-knot nematodes. Guardian has a unique combination of resistance to both problems. By 1996, no Guardian trees were lost to PTSL in test orchards in South Carolina, and only 20 percent were lost in Georgia. By contrast, 97 percent of the Lovell trees in South Carolina died, and 40 percent died in Georgia. For Nemaguard, 95 percent of South Carolina's trees and 80 percent of Georgia's succumbed to the disease. ARS and Clemson University have jointly applied for a plant variety protection certificate on Guardian rootstock, which is available only through licensed nurseries.
Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory, Byron, GA
Thomas G. Beckman, (912) 956-6436, a03tbeckman@attmail.com.

Charleston Greenpack southernpea is a new, high-yielding, pinkeye-type southern pea developed for the frozen food industry. Unlike conventional pinkeye peas, Charleston Greenpack is the first pinkeye-type variety developed that has green cotyledons or first leaves, so dried peas have a persistent green color. ARS scientists developed the new variety under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Western Seed Multiplication, Inc., of Oglethorpe, GA. The new pea plants grow low and bushy, producing pods in 62 to 69 days. Each pod, about 6½ inches long, holds 14 peas—more than the two leading southernpea varieties. In the southeastern U.S., Charleston Greenpack can be planted in spring, mid-season or fall. Dry peas are light olive in color, have a smooth seed coat and are small: 100 weigh about 1/2 ounce. Blanching in boiling water restores the dry peas to a near-fresh green color. The new pea also proved highly resistant to blackeye cowpea mosaic virus, one of the biggest threats to pea crops. In 1996, Charleston Greenpack performed well in farm trials in Georgia and Florida conducted by Western Seed. Western Seed has an exclusive license to market the new cultivar. Its attractive appearance when frozen has caught the eye of frozen food processors and created a substantial demand for seed. The new pea is suitable for use by home gardeners. Limited quantities of seed should be available to them by spring of 2000.
U.S. Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC
Richard L. Fery, (843) 556-0840, rfery@awod.com

Cooperative Research and Development Agreements

...With Sterling International Inc., of Veradale, WA, to develop the best delivery system for a new insect attractant. ARS developed the lure, the first to work on German yellowjackets, golden paper wasps, European hornets and several other species. Commercial traps could be available in a year. Yellowjackets and wasps can be dangerous to workers and others in fruit orchards during picking season; as well as around parks, residential yards and other areas. The stings can cause a potentially dangerous allergic reaction in some people. The new lure could provide a means of monitoring and controlling the insects. It uses acetic acid and isobutanol, which combine to create an odor desirable to many species of yellowjackets, at least three species of paper wasp and a hornet. Five of the 17 U.S. yellowjacket species are considered significant pests. (PATENT APPLICATION 09/041,056)
Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory, Wapato, WA
Peter J. Landolt, (509) 454-6551, landolt@yarl.gov

...With ATO-DLO, a Dutch institution in Wageningen, The Netherlands, to develop ways to make commercial products with high-grade protein gels. ARS scientists produced these gels from chrome shavings that are waste products of cattle hide tanning. Using alkaline protease, a common laundry detergent enzyme, the ARS researchers produced a protein gelatin that can be used in making adhesives, industrial films for packaging, and encapsulating agents for industrial and agricultural chemicals. The high-grade protein is equal—and in some cases superior—to commercially produced gelatins. Tanners get only 50 pounds of leather from 100 pounds of cattle hides, leaving 50 pounds of waste. They tan hides into leather with nontoxic chromium-III sulfate, then shave the bottom sides of the hides to give them a uniform thickness. As a result, each year about 60,000 metric tons of chrome shavings end up as waste bound for landfills. Scientists also purified the chromium left over after the proteins were removed and reused it as an agent in the tanning process. The quality of the leather they produced is comparable to commercially tanned leather. The scientists have also found a way to recycle the enzyme used to extract the proteins. A modified version of the process, for which ARS holds two patents, is being used in a tannery in the Czech Republic. (PATENT 5,094,946 and 5, 271,912)
Eastern Regional Research Center, Wyndmoor, PA
William N. Marmer, (215) 233-6585, wmarmer@arserrc.gov;
Maryann M. Taylor, (215) 233-6435, mtaylor@arserrc.gov;
Eleanor M. Brown, (215) 233-6481, ebrown@arserrc.gov

...With Engelhard Corp. of Iselin, NJ, to develop and commercialize new technology that reduces the chemicals needed to control plant pests and diseases. In the new process, researchers spray specially sized and shaped microscopic mineral particles on plants to form a protective film. The coated plants require less pesticide and may have improved health and better fruit quality. Over time, particle film technology may also improve soil condition. The technology has been tested against several insects, mites and fungal diseases. It works on tree fruit crops and has potential on vegetable and field crops. Engelhard has filed four patents, including foreign patent rights, with ARS as co-owner. Prototype films are made by modifying kaolin, a naturally occurring mineral that is generally regarded as safe (GRAS). Approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an indirect food additive, kaolin doesn't harm earthworms or beneficial insects and doesn't affect crop pollination. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved applications for registration of three prototype products. Products should be commercially available in 1999 in parts of the United States for use on apples and pears and will be cost-competitive with conventionally used chemicals.
Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, WV
D. Michael Glenn/Gary J. Puterka, (304) 725-3451, mglenn@afrs.ars.usda.gov, gputerka@afrs.ars.usda.gov

...With Artlo Industries, Inc., Perris, CA, to develop, test and commercialize lightweight concrete products made with a surprising ingredient—wheat starch. ARS scientists will provide samples of the wheat-based aggregate to make the concrete and will also help develop specifications for commercial products. Artlo Industries will determine whether the concrete is suitable for making exterior panels for high-rise office buildings and other precast concrete products for businesses and homes, including planters, fountains, tables and benches. The company will also test formulations for strength and durability and determine the most cost-effective ways to use the aggregate. The 35 artisans and others employed at Artlo Industries design and manufacture precast concrete products for large construction corporations, as well as architectural, design and engineering firms. (PATENT 5,595,595)
Western Regional Research Center, Albany, CA
Gregory M. Glenn, (510) 559-5677, gmg@pw.usda.gov

...With CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, to publish information on genetically transforming insect species of agricultural and medical importance. Several authorities in the field of insect transformation will contribute to the book, which will provide the latest ideas and methodologies in this field. Genetic modification of insects is accomplished by moving or introducing new genes into the chromosomes. The publication will present existing and potential methods for various types of insect transformation so other scientists can understand potentials and pitfalls relevant to insect species they're studying. ARS scientists contributing to this publication have successfully transformed the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitat), an economically important worldwide pest that feeds on many fruits and vegetables. The fly is a quarantine pest on the U.S. mainland. The ultimate goal of ARS' research is to create transgenic strains for genetic-sexing and male sterilization for sterile release programs and monitoring.
Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL
Alfred M. Handler, (352) 374-5793, handler@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu.

Patents

A new bait developed by ARS scientists to lure Mexican fruit flies will soon be available to growers. Improved baits and traps give action agencies new tools to detect fruit fly invasions sooner and prevent the pests from spreading. Mexican fruit flies, important quarantine pests of citrus and many other crops, are strongly attracted to the new synthetic lure. It resembles the pests' natural protein food source and has three chemical components: ammonium acetate, putrescine and methyl butanol. In several years of field trials in Guatemala, ARS scientists compared sticky cylindrical traps baited with the new lure versus glass McPhail traps baited with liquid protein currently used to detect fruit flies. The new lure caught almost twice as many insects as the standard lure. It also was more effective at capturing both males and females. And compared to the sticky trap, McPhail traps are fragile and cumbersome. Female Mexican fruit flies lay eggs in at least 36 different fruits. In the U.S., the pests could potentially cost $1.4 billion a year in export losses, crop yield reductions and treatment expenses. The flies periodically cross the Mexican border to infest U.S. fruit orchards, most often in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. (PATENT APPLICATION 09/156,625)
Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL
Robert R. Heath/Nancy D. Epsky, (352) 374-5735/5761, bheath@gainesville.usda.ufl.edu/
nepsky@gainesville.usda.ufl.edu

ARS plant breeders are a step closer to achieving a longtime dream—producing corn that maintains its high yields and desirable traits with each generation. Today's hybrid corn only retains its hybrid vigor and genetic traits for one generation. This means farmers must buy and plant new hybrid seed each year. The scientists' goal: to transform corn from sexual reproduction that requires pollination to an asexual form of reproduction called "apomixis." Apomixis would enable corn plants to produce seed that are exact copies or clones of the parent seed. The ARS scientists are using classical and molecular breeding to transfer the gene for apomixis from eastern gamagrass (a self-pollinating relative of corn) to corn. In earlier research, a team of ARS, Russian and Moldovan scientists successfully transferred a segment of an eastern gamagrass chromosome, carrying the apomixis genes, to an intact chromosome of maize. The resultant crop looks, grows and tastes like corn. The team has now obtained the first patent on apomictic corn. In its attempt to isolate genes controlling apomixis, the team has amassed an extensive genomic library of more than 215,000 clones (or segments of genetic material called DNA) from both corn and eastern gamagrass. The library covers more than 94 percent of both the corn and gamagrass genomes. The researchers say there's a high probability of success for isolating the apomictic genes. Once the scientists have isolated and confirmed these genes, they will seek another patent on the gene or genes responsible for this trait in corn. Then seed companies will be able to license these genes and insert them into any line of corn, wheat, sorghum and rice. The achievement would profoundly change the future of agriculture by significantly reducing the high cost of producing hybrids as well as the expense of land use, personnel and equipment. (PATENT 5,710,367)
Southern Plains Range Research Station, Woodward, OK
Bryan Kindiger, (405) 256-7449, bkindiger@ag.gov

From ARS laboratory "kitchens" comes a new, low-cost way to make sweet potato patties and fries with improved gelling texture and more flavor. The research could add value to the nation's $213 million sweet potato crop. It might also spell some future competition with Mom's candied sweet potatoes. Food companies have tried using sweet potatoes to make savory snacks of patties and fries. But some consumers found the snacks gummy, possibly because of the starch holding them together. A taste panel found that the new formula yields products with a taste more like that of fresh-baked sweet potatoes. A taste panel also evaluated three puree methods the industry uses for preparing sweet potato products. The panel picked slicing and slow-cooking the sweet potatoes before making puree as preferable to using either flash-cooked or raw sweet potatoes. With the new formula, companies could use sweet potatoes that have high taste qualities but normally would be discarded due to less than perfect shape or size. (Patent application pending)
Food Science Research Laboratory, Raleigh, NC
William M. Walter, Jr., (919) 515-2979, wmwalter@ncsu.edu