Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention research unit scientists have found that witch hazel extracts can promote growth of probiotic bacteria, although they are known inhibitors of pathogenic bacteria. More

Scientists in the Produce Safety and Microbiology and Crop Improvement and Protection (Salinas, CA) research units have begun to unravel details that may underly a pattern of fall E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks linked to bagged romaine lettuce. More

Invasive Species and Pollinator Health research unit scientists at Davis, CA have found four nutritional compounds that improve honey bee microbiome diversity and health. These nutrients naturally occur in nectar and pollen of various flowers favored by bees. 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

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

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.