ISU entomologists are rearing and releasing beetles that feed on purple loosestrife. About 70,000 beetles were released in 1997. No velvet transition for Czechs. The Velvet Revolution aptly described the Czech Republic's smooth political transition from communism to democracy. But the rapid transition to capitalism has been anything but smooth on Czech families.
Plant hunters bring back variety.
Since 1954 a group of horticulturists has searched the world for landscape plants that can thrive in the Midwest. Last year the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station at ISU sent nearly 600 pieces of plant germplasm to 35 institutions for evaluation. The work has led to the introduction of new kinds of forsythia, barberry, privet and other plants. Helping banana growers a bunch. ISU is exploring a potentially fruitful opportunity for the Corn Belt to help the Banana Belt.