Welcome

The ARS Wes Watkins Agricultural Research Laboratory is operated jointly with the Oklahoma State University's Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and known collectively as the Lane Research Center. The Center was established at Lane, Oklahoma, in response to the need for new and improved agricultural enterprises in the South Central Region of the U. S.  Phase I of the complex was dedicated in 1985, and the final Phase was completed in 1993. The facilities currently accommodate 5 ARS and 3 OSU scientists and 30 support personnel with state-of-the-art laboratories and greenhouses and sufficient field plots to conduct the research. Multidisciplinary programs of research and extension focus on development of alternative production systems that are sustainable in the region. Our integrated approach to solving problems encompasses organic and low input production systems.  The ARS research efforts include 1) determining how production systems affect yield and quality of crops; 2)  determining the physiological and genetic bases of postharvest quality and phytonutrient content of crops; 3) developing alternative pest management systems for vegetable crops in the Southern Plains; and 4) and the integration of non-vegetable crops into sustainable production systems with high-value, vegetable, specialty crops. The facility is recognized nationally and internationally as a Center of Excellence for research on watermelon and cantaloupe, and other high value horticultural crops.

USDA, ARS, WWARL P.O. Box 159 Hwy 3 West Lane, Oklahoma 74555

Phone: 580-889-7395 Fax: 580-889-5783