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1940-1949
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Photo: "Pan America"e;, first wilt-resistant tomato, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center"Pan America", the first fusarium wilt resistant tomato, is released.

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.
Return to top of pagePhoto: Wilted and wilt-resistant "Pan America" tomato plants, Beltsville Agricultural Research CenterNational 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.
Return to top of pagePhoto: Entomology researcher, 1930s

Scientists play a significant role in World War II:

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.

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

Return to top of pagePhoto: World War II soldiers eating K rations

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.

Return to top of pagePhoto: Commercial insect repellents developed from Beltsville research

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.

An airport is constructed on Beltsville property for military use.

Return to top of pagePhoto: Worker recording data on nutrition at poultry cages, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, 1930sBiological 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.

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.
Return to top of pagePhoto: Greenhouses under construction, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, 1940sThe first of 454 Glenn Dale azalea varieties is released to the public.

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.