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CAFNR Research Digest
CAFNR Office of Research Newsletter // March 6, 2025 // 7(6)
Feature Story
Fritschi named AAAS Fellow in recognition of contributions to field of crop physiology (click to read)
Fritschi named AAAS Fellow in recognition of contributions to field of crop physiology »

The C. Alice Donaldson Professor in the Division of Plant Science and Technology was one of four fellows from Mizzou this spring.

Felix Fritschi, the C. Alice Donaldson Professor in CAFNR’s Division of Plant Science and Technology and interim director of the Missouri Soybean Center, is among four University of Missouri researchers recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as 2024 Fellows for their distinguished efforts in advancing various fields of science.

These researchers push the boundaries of science to drive breakthroughs that transform lives. Their relentless curiosity fuels discoveries that shape the future of Missouri and beyond.

“I am incredibly proud of Dr. Fritschi in receiving this fitting honor and humbled to work alongside scientists of this caliber right here in CAFNR,” said Shibu Jose, CAFNR associate dean for research. “Dr. Fritschi has an outstanding reputation among his peers worldwide, and his work is driving innovation making crops more resistant to abiotic stress, particularly the combined effect of drought and heat stress. This is a prime example of impactful research that helps feed the world.”

AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science. Founded in 1848, the nonprofit fulfills its mission to advance science and service society through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education and public engagement.

Research Highlights
Child care gaps cost Missouri $869 million annually, MU Extension research finds (click to read)
Child care gaps cost Missouri $869 million annually, MU Extension research finds »

In a recent MU Extension Exceed Missouri Economy Indicators brief, researchers explored child care availability and affordability across the Show-Me State.

FAPRI releases baseline food and agricultural outlook report (click to read)
FAPRI releases baseline food and agricultural outlook report »

The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute baseline report indicates complex picture of farm finance in 2025.

MU Patent portfolio grows (click to read)
MU Patent portfolio grows »

In calendar year 2024, Mizzou received 23 U.S. patents, and new products hit the market.

CAFNR faculty filed 21 patent applications and received 7 patents last year including CAFNR researchers at the Center for Agroforestry who developed the UMCA® PQK chestnut tree, as part of Mizzou’s efforts to commercialize its innovations.

Show-Me Research Week (click to read)
Show-Me Research Week »

Show-Me Research Week is April 14-18.

Join the MU office of Research, Innovation and Impact in celebrating student research at this week-long event featuring more than 400 student research and creative projects.

IPG Symposium registration now open

The Annual MU Interdisciplinary Plant Group Symposium is set for May 20-23 at Bond Life Sciences Center, and registration is now open.

The symposium will bring together leading experts in root biology from around the world and provide a forum for interactions among prominent scholars, postdoctoral fellows and graduate and undergraduate students. It will cover a broad range of topics, including root development and growth, root function in water and nutrient uptake, responses to abiotic and biotic stress and root-microbe interactions. Research presented will span spatial and temporal scales and will encompass studies based on model, crop and native species. The symposium will enable close interactions among all participants to foster the generation of new ideas and collaborations that will ultimately contribute to more sustainable crop production and enhance ecosystem services.

For a listing of confirmed speakers or to register, visit the IPG website.

Research Roars

CAFNR faculty members have received the following recent grants (listed by Principal Investigator):

Julian Binfield, Teagasc MOU 2025-2029, Teagasc, 4/1/25-3/31/29, $280,000

Andre Froes de Borja Reis, Quantifying Nitrogen Credits from Soybean Y2, Mississippi State University (North Central Soybean Research Program), 1/1/25-11/30/25, $20,000

In the News

What’s behind the billion-dollar business of March Madness?
Futurity

Plan for drought with the right forage
Morning Ag Clips

University of Missouri Professor Highlights the Vast Business of March Madness
MissouriNet

Economist discusses USDA’s grain sorghum adjustments
Brownfield Ag News

Early control needed for poison Hemlock
Morning Ag Clips

Four University of Missouri Faculty Honored as 2024 AAAS Fellows
Morning Ag Clips

Researchers make game-changing discovery that could protect the global food supply from collapse” ‘Robust resistance’
MSN.com

Farms face obstacles to meet labor needs
Missouri Farmer Today

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