Lettuce could become source of insulin
Millions of Americans who suffer from insulin-dependent diabetes might eventually be able to treat the disease by consuming capsules of insulin produced by genetically modified lettuce. Researchers at Univ. of Central Fla., who have produced genetically engineered tobacco plants with the insulin gene, are now looking to transfer the technology to lettuce. Lettuce was chosen because it is inexpensive to grow and avoids the negative stigma associated with tobacco. Although the insulin would be produced in lettuce, the chemical would be administered to humans in capsule form because the dosage must be carefully controlled.

 Deer prefer some plants over others
A Maryland cut flower grower has learned deer can be as picky as humans when it comes to which plants they prefer to eat. With hydrangeas, 'Endless Summer' and 'Limelight' are the varieties of choice rather than 'PeeGee.' Deer at the same location also fed on Hydrangea arborescens, Eryngium 'Blue Glitter' and Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red.' Other deer delectables include ornamental cabbage and kale and lilies. When it comes to pansies, yellow- and white-flowered plants are eaten before other colors.

Florida battles bromeliad weevil
Researchers at Univ. of Fla.'s Institute of Food and Ag. Sciences are releasing a parasitic fly that kills the Mexican bromeliad weevil. The "evil weevil," as it's been dubbed by IFAS entomologists, has severely impacted Florida's native bromeliads. Many of the state's bromeliads are threatened or endangered. The flies were released at the end of June, and traps were put out mid-August to check on their progress, said Ron Cave, asst. prof. of entomology. The results will show whether the second generation of flies can find and parasitize the weevils. The weevil, native to Mexico and Guatemala, became established in Florida in 1989 when it arrived in Fort Lauderdale, apparently in a shipment of Mexican bromeliads.