OSU Food Research May Payoff

Some work done by food scientists with Oklahoma State University might have a payoff in food safety. The News On 6's Emory Bryan reports crop science is all about best practices, from selecting seed, to planting to harvesting in such a way to avoid contamination.

Some of that important work is going on in Bixby.

Dr. Lynn Brandenberger doesn't mind doing the grunt work on this plot of cowpeas. It's part of his research into improving the species.

"The neat thing about cowpeas is that they grow well when it's hot," said Dr. Brandenberger.

The cowpeas are one crop on a 120 acre research station in Bixby. There's also zucchini squash and basil and much more, grown by Oklahoma State University.

"We also do production work with wheat and soybeans and this year, we're also raising watermelons for production for the station," said Dr. Rodney Farris. 

The research station in Bixby is one of 17 run by Oklahoma State. Researchers plant and monitor the crops. They can find which varieties work best in Oklahoma's weather, whether it's too dry or too wet.

"It really does give these different treatments we're looking at a real test to see how they're going to perform in the real world," said Dr. Brandenberger.

The research done in Bixby by Oklahoma State isn't just for farmers looking for ways to grow a better wheat crop.  Eventually the science developed there will show up in the grocery store.

Tomatoes are one example, a test to find the best variety among several could one day lead to a better tomato for home gardeners.

"Primarily on weight, they weigh the tomatoes and also the number of tomatoes," said Dr. Farris.

Oklahoma State research plots are worked by graduate students and PhD's, all working to improve food science in ways that helps farmers and consumers.

The focus of the research in Bixby is shifting to do more with urban gardeners. To that end, the research station is having an open house next Thursday. The scientists will be on hand to answer questions about what they do and what regular people can do to improve their garden crops.

It's next Thursday at 6 p.m. at 137th and Mingo in Bixby.