COLLEGE STATION — This year’s statewide winter drought means a country drive to see spring wildflowers will be disappointing. But a spectacular showing of wildflowers in perpetual bloom have sprung up on the information highway instead. Wildflowers In Bloom is a new pictorial resource that not only produces bigger-than-life photos of the state’s most loved…
COLLEGE STATION — A name search is under way for a special carrot developed by Dr. Leonard Pike, director of the Texas A&M University Vegetable Improvement Center. Consider that this carrot is higher in beta carotene than the normal carrots, and it’s sweeter. But most importantly, this carrot is — Texas A&M maroon. Pike has…
AVIGNON, France — Texas and French officials today discussed partnering in Texas A&M University’s Vegetable Improvement Center, where produce is bred to fight diseases. The discussion occurred at a joint seminar between Texas A&M and France’s National Institute of Agricultural Research in Avignon. The seminar was initiated by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Rick Perry, who gave…
COLLEGE STATION — Teaching children how to garden can help them blossom into more wholesome adults. But before they get dirt on their hands, a few strokes on a computer keyboard might produce some fun and useful hints from horticulturists around the world. kinderGARDEN (cq) is a new home page on the World Wide Web…
COLLEGE STATION — Researchers have found genetic evidence linking the world’s most important cereal grains — rice, corn and sorghum — to a common ancestor that grew 65 million years ago. The discovery that a common set of genes are largely responsible for the large seeds and high yields of modern cereal grains could unlock…
COLLEGE STATION — Watermelon growers are within spittin’ distance of switching to a seedless version that’s sure to boost U. S. consumption, even through the fall and winter months. Several varieties of seedless watermelons already on the market are increasing in popularity because, researchers say, they’re smaller and better fit today’s consumer needs. “Imagine someone…
YOAKUM — Fungus in soils can cause peanut diseases that trim as much as $40 million off the Texas crop, but growers now have a new tool to fight the common ailments. “Field studies with Moncut at two to four pounds per acre reduced Southern blight disease pressure up to 83 percent when compared to…
COLLEGE STATION — When it comes to disarming disease causing agents in the body, potatoes pack a punch more powerful than many other vegetables. New research has found that while vegetables such as bell pepper, onions and carrots remain valuable dietary sources of disease-preventing antioxidants, potatoes rank near the top of that category. “We were…
COLLEGE STATION — Dr. Sam D. Cotner has been named head of the horticulture department at Texas A&M University. Cotner formerly was associate head and Extension program leader in the department. Throughout his career, Cotner, a native of Edinburg, has focused on vegetable production, working with both commercial and home growers. He has authored numerous…
WESLACO — Salsa and picante makers will vie for the hot title of World Champion at the second biennial championship taste-off here May 31-June 2. The contest, which supports pepper breeding and educational efforts of Dr. Ben Villalon at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, will be held in conjunction with the 10th Texas Pepper Foundation…
