Invasive Species and Pollinator Health research unit scientists have established a reproducing population of shoot tip-galling flies as a biocontrol for Cape-ivy, one of the top ten worst invasive weeds in California. Testing was performed to ensure this fly would not harm wild native or crop plants in California. More

Read about WRRC's efforts to develop guayule, a desert shrub native to the southwestern US and northern Mexico, as a viable source of non-allergenic domestic latex. Bioproducts Research Unit scientists are improving guayule's latex production and partnering with industry for field evaluation of test plants.

Scientists in the Healthy Processed Foods research unit tested freeze-dried berry powders for their stabilizing properties in frozen dairy desserts. They found that strawberries were best at improving stability and texture. More

A simple, portable test that can detect the deadliest mushroom poisons in minutes has been developed by scientists in the Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention research unit and their colleagues. More

Crop Improvement and Genetics research unit scientists have streamlined the process to insert multiple genes into a crop plant, and developed a reliable method that will make it easier to breed a variety of crops, such as potatoes, rice and citrus, with vastly improved traits.

Product example: Lilac Limes

Scientists in the Produce Safety and Microbiology and Crop Improvement and Protection (Salinas, CA) research units have documented a link between downy mildew disease lesions and colonization of E. coli O157:H7 on lettuce leaf surfaces. More

WRRC received its second ACS National Historic Chemical Landmark on August 29, 2013. Photo: Ron Buttery, shown here adjusting a gas chromatography apparatus, was the first to identify the compound primarily responsible for the flavor of aromatic rice. More

Inspired by the USDA's People's Garden Initiative, the Agricultural Research Service (WRRC and PGEC) and Forest Service in Albany, CA, maintain an educational community outreach garden, with help from Ocean View Elementary School students. Click image to visit our garden's homepage.

Thanks to research by plant physiologist Merle Weaver at WRRC, tomorrow's tomatoes may have less water and more solids. The fiber-rich concentrate becomes the starting point for most of the other tomato-based foods at your market. Learn more about how USDA supports cutting edge science and innovation.