Ag News Links
More Ag News
- Nebraska Soybean Board Promotes US Beef, Pork in Japan Events
- UNL Agronomy and Horticulture Department 100 years old
- Neb. Game and Parks Commission OKs reorganization
- Several animal births at Nebraska State Fair
- CCC Rates Announced for September
- Pioneer Expanding IMPACT Program
- Turning Up Heat on Corn-Based Plastics
- Poultry Research Findings Reported
- Call Issued for New Pathogen Testing Regulations
- R-CALF CEO Defends Invitation
- Change Possible After November Voting
- USDA Takes Steps to Authorize RR Sugarbeets
- House Committee Hearing on Food Safety Scheduled
- Loans Benefit Electric Consumers
- Rural Development Funds Released
- USDA Announces Next Steps on Sugar Beets
- Temple Grandin Winner Off Screen
- Covert Veal Production Footage Released
- NCBA at Odds With Partnership
- Call Made for Continued Use of Antibiotics
- Organic Price Election Programs Announced
- Vilsack Responds to ERS Reports
- ERS Predicts Higher 2010 Farm Income
- Agriculture Helps Keep Unemployment Rates Low
- Water Management Summit in Gothenburg September 23
- Recipients of Rural Business Enterprise grants announced
- Ethanol Production, Demand Set Highs
Ag News
Saturday Night Treat Could Be Fuel Source
Published Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 04:54 AM
In 2007, growers harvested four billion pounds of watermelon for fresh and cut-fruit markets. Around 800 million pounds--or 20 percent of the total--were left in fields because of external blemishes or deformities. Now, instead of being plowed under, such melons could get an economic - new lease on life - as ethanol.
Nutraceutical compounds such as lycopene and citrulline are thought to promote cardiovascular and other health benefits. Studies indicate that after these compounds are extracted from watermelon ethanol can be fermented from the glucose, fructose and sucrose in waste-stream juices. Making ethanol offers the potential benefits of helping to defray sewage treatment costs and provide watermelon growers with a new market for their crop.
© 2010 The Nebraska Rural Radio Association. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- Information:
- Weather
- |
- Markets
- |
- Tours
- |
- Promotions
- |
- Events
- |
- Funeral Notices
- |
- Photos
- © 2008 Rural Radio Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.