ARS and University of California-Berkeley scientists are evaluating the potential of a parasitoid wasp to control the fruit fly, spotted wing drosophila.
Pacific West Area
ARS’s Pacific West Area (PWA) delivers innovative research-based solutions to solve problems of importance to U.S. agriculture. Our programs ensure high agricultural productivity, good nutrition, prosperous rural and national economies, and healthy agroecosystems. The Area is composed of 49 research units at 21 locations in 8 states.
Our diverse research portfolio includes ecologically friendly bioproducts, food processing, crop health and productivity, natural resources conservation, rangeland health, crop germplasm preservation, animal health, and human nutrition programs. Our relationships with stakeholders are paramount and ensure that the benefits of our research are realized by American agriculture and associated industries.
In This Section
Predicting High-Risk Areas for Wildfires
Researchers developed a forecast tool to determine which areas have the highest probability of a large rangeland fire.
Targeting Taste Buds, Targeting Grazing
Scientists are taking grazing to a new level by developing sheep that prefer or tolerate the bitter taste of plants.
Turning Wine Waste into Gut Power
Researchers have teamed up with wine growers to determine whether waste from wine grapes can be converted into healthy food components.
Long Term Honey Bee Research Monitoring Network
A long-term honey bee monitoring network helps researchers to better understand colony performance and survivorship over multiple seasons.
New Wheat Alters Insulin Response
Research at the ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center revealed that consuming a new type of wheat may help control blood sugar.
Improved Fall Planting Options
ARS researchers recently developed and released three new pea cultivars that can be grown in the cooler months.