Soybean yields have remained about the same for 30 years mainly because of dry spells in the growing season. A gene-transfer system designed by ARS scientists could result in garlic and onion plants with new desirable traits for home and commercial gardens. Using a gene gun, the researchers transferred bacterial genes into garlic, the first step toward introducing beneficial traits such as virus resistance. Commonly grown garlic varieties are highly susceptible to onion yellow dwarf virus. Scientists have come up with techniques for introducing foreign genes into many crops, but this is the first system that shows promise for garlic and onions.
High yields depend on having the healthiest, most effective pollinators possible.
But while sunflower pollen is a favorite of the hardworking domestic honey bee, the scientists found that it doesn't provide enough protein to keep the insects healthy. Tests showed canola pollen is higher in protein than pollen from sunflower and sesame. Results from monitoring 125 honey bees in indoor cages showed that bees fed canola pollen lived 48 to 65 percent longer than those fed sesame or sunflower pollens. Researchers chose these crops because their planted acreages are increasing. The seeds can survive even when they contain large ice crystals.