DALLAS — Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists have discovered a ribonucleic acid, or RNA, that can increase the thale cress plant’s resistance to stress from drought and salt. The discovery could help illuminate a new pathway to engineering drought- and salt-tolerant plants, including food crops, said Dr. Liming Xiong, AgriLife Research associate professor, Dallas. The […]
OVERTON – Statewide tomato trials revealed a fertilization program can help plants reach their production potential, in some locations over 30 pounds of fruit per plant, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist. Dr. Joe Masabni, an AgriLife Extension small-acreage horticulturist in Overton, has concluded his 2017 tomato trial investigating grafted versus non-grafted plants […]
DALLAS – Dr. Ambika Chandra, lead scientist of the turfgrass breeding program at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Dallas, has been reelected to a new three-year term representing Texas A&M AgriLife Research on the Texas A&M University System Council of Principal Investigators, or CPI. The CPI serves as an interface between researchers […]
OVERTON – Patti Cates, of Hughes Springs, planted her pink flag among the fiery red and orange Zahara Double Fire blooms. The flag signified the flower as one of her favorites among more than 500 ornamental varieties on display June 29 at the 24th annual Northeast Texas Horticultural Field Day. Cates and her husband Tony […]
COLLEGE STATION – Disease problems for vegetable producers and gardeners are popping up around the state, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Conditions have been good for vegetable production around much of the state following mild spring conditions and ample rains, but the weather is also setting the stage for plant […]
DALLAS – A state tax-free holiday on “water-efficient products” from May 27-29 includes all plants, trees and grasses for non-commercial shoppers, according to the Texas Comptroller’s Office. Texas A&M AgriLife Research horticulturists urge residents to be vigilant in selecting plant life that conserves water resources. “We know a good number of plant species out there […]
OVERTON – Aquaponic systems are gaining interest around the state as producers and scientists work out the kinks in the relatively new production method and create best practices to spur future successes. Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture, the science of raising fish, and hydroponics, the science of growing plants without soil, according to a […]
OVERTON – Rows of vivid red poinsettias inside Greenhouse No. 4 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton are as eye-catching as a flashing stop light. Dr. Brent Pemberton, AgriLife Research ornamental horticulturist in Overton, began a trial of more than 30 varieties of the popular holiday flower associated with Christmas […]
SAN ANTONIO — More than 100 people attended the Backyard Basics Expo held recently at the Oppenheimer Academic Center at San Antonio College. The expo, presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, emphasizes self-reliance and the production, preparation and preservation of homemade and homegrown foods. “People are more interested in and concerned about where […]
SAN ANTONIO — Recent 4-H summer programs in Bexar County helped minority and at-risk students gain life skills and expand their horizons as they began a new school year this fall, said Dr. Melinda Garcia, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program specialist in Bexar County. “This summer we offered a variety of summer programming, […]
