The ARS South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory and the Oklahoma State University's Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center, known collectively as the Lane Research Center, are operated jointly by ARS, Southern Plains Area and OSU, Division of Agriculture. The Center was established at Lane, Oklahoma in response to the need for new and improved agricultural enterprises in the South Central Region of the U. S.  Phase I of the complex was dedicated in 1985, and the final Phase was completed in 1993. The facilities currently accommodate 6 ARS and 5 OSU scientists and 30 support personnel with state-of-the-art laboratories and greenhouses and sufficient field plots to conduct the research. Multidisciplinary programs of research and extension focus on the development of alternative types that are sustainable in the region. Our integrated approach to solving problems also encompasses organic production systems.   ARS research efforts at Lane include 1) production systems affecting yield and quality of crops; 2)  physiological and genetic basis of postharvest quality and phytonutrient content of crops; 3) alternative pest management systems for vegetable crops in the Southern Plains; and 4) more recently the integration of biofuel crops into sustainable production systems with high-value, vegetable, specialty crops. The facility is recognized nationally and internationally as a Center of Excellence for research on watermelon and cantaloupe, and other high value horticultural crops.