COLLEGE STATION Successful partnerships between research scientists and the produce industry for improved fruits and vegetables will be showcased during an open house of the Texas A&M University Vegetable Improvement Center April 29.
The open house will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the center, 1500 Research Parkway, Suite 120, Centeq Research Plaza, Texas A&M University Research Park, College Station.
Scientists will be present to visit with the public about new varieties of fruits and vegetables developed through the center, breeding produce for improved health and nutrition, school gardens, the latest produce research findings and new commercial growing practices, as well as answer other questions, according to Dr. Leonard Pike, VIC director and professor of horticulture.
Exhibitors representing growers, seed companies, health-related groups, produce associations and research centers also will be present.
Pike noted that the 6-year-old center has had numerous accomplishments including the development of the Texas Early White onion, “BetaSweet” carrot, several other carrot and onion breeding lines, new technology for cloning onions and sweet potatoes.
The center also has recently added fruit and citrus to its research scope, Pike said.
Open house sponsors include Fresh Commodity Sales Inc., Lone Star 5-A-Day Program, Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Texas Seed Trade Association, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Texas Department of Agriculture.
For more information, contact Pike at (979) 845-4521 or E-mail, vicmail@tamu.edu.
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