Latest Sunflower Stories

By Ed StoddardJOHANNESBURG -- South African farmers have their eye on wild birds but not because of avian flu.They are watching birds because of their behavior can give early hints on the size and health of South Africa's major food crops -- important information in a region where periodic droughts leave millions of people hungry.In the case of this season's sunflower crop, the staggered nature of planting has been highlighted by the antics of pigeons, which flock in vast numbers to feed on...

FARGO, N.D. -- Sunflower farmers say a German study looking into possible links between the plant and AIDS medicine may grab headlines, but they believe it's too early to increase production of the crop.Scientists at the University of Bonn say a substance used by sunflowers to fight off a plant disease could be used in new drugs to prevent HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, from reproducing.The German researchers have patented their method and are looking for private partners to manufacture the...