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Celebrating Over 90 Years of scientific excellence in agricultural sciences and human nutrition

1940

Photo: "Pan America&quote;, first wilt-resistant tomato, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
Return to top of page            Larger image 		"Pan America", the first fusarium wilt resistant tomato, is released.
   
 
  History Exhibit
* Origins
* Pre-1910
* 1910-1919
* 1920-1929
* 1930-1939
* 1940-1949
* 1950-1959
* 1960-1969
* 1970-1979
* 1980-1989
* 1990-1999
 
 
Photo: Wilted and wilt-resistant "Pan America" tomato plants, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
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Glanders, a horse disease caused by bacteria that attacks the mucus membrane in the nostrils and glands of the lower jaw and is transmittable to humans, is eliminated.
National Youth Administration's Youth Resident Project established at Beltsville to give young men practical experience in the mechanical shops and laboratories. These men are housed in buildings 413-425.
Photo: Entomology researcher, 1930s
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Photo: World War II soldiers eating K rations
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Photo: Commercial insect repellents developed from Beltsville research
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Scientists play a significant role in World War II:

A new group of pesticides safer for humans--DEET, DDT, Rotenone, Allethrin--is developed. The aerosol spray application method is also developed. This research helps keep soldiers safe from ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, and fleas and the diseases they can spread.

Mildew- and rot-proof fabrics and bandages are developed.

Improved methods for dehydrating meat for lend.lease and military use are invented.

Developed the use of vermiculite as a soil-less medium for producing fresh produce where suitable soil is unavailable.

The first daily human nutrition guide is published which is used to develop the military K-rations.

2,4-D is developed as a selective herbicide. It remains one of the most effective and safest broad leaf herbicides available and is one of the major components of today's lawn herbicides.

An airport is constructed on Beltsville property for military use.

  Biological Survey Division of USDA transferred in 1940 to the Department of Interior. With this transfer, 2,238 acres are given to the Department of Interior to establish the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge.
Photo: Worker recording data on nutrition at poultry cages, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, 1930s
Return to top of page            Larger image 		Researchers develop poultry diets that cut the amount of feed needed to produce a 2.5 pound broiler from 20 pounds to only 9 pounds.
The first of 454 Glenn Dale azalea varieties is released to the public.
Photo: Greenhouses under construction, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, 1940s
Return to top of page            Larger image 		Additional land acquisition and construction occurs. 1,661 new acres are acquired, resulting in a total of 14,332 acres. Over 20 buildings and greenhouses are constructed.
 
  
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