Plant Science and Technology

July 30, 2025

Researchers identify key survival strategy for soybeans during heat and drought

María Ángeles Peláez-Vico, Ron Mittler and Ranjita Sinha It’s a hot, dry summer afternoon, and the skies offer no relief for a field of soybeans. But within those green leaves, these plants are quietly fighting back. Researchers at the University of Missouri recently discovered that soybeans have a natural defense strategy — called differential transpiration — that helps protect the plant’s reproductive tissues (flowers and seed pods) during extreme weather conditions. Think of it as nature’s version of targeted air conditioning. Ron Mittler “Soybeans keep their stomata — tiny pores used for plant breathing and cooling by evaporation — open…
Students pose with flowers.

July 24, 2025

Mizzou Student Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers Win Awards at AIFD National Symposium

The MU Student American Institute of Floral Designers (SAIFD) Chapter placed 2nd in the nation in the student competition during the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium in Palm Springs, July 12-15.
Historic columns in sunlight

July 23, 2025

2025 C-DRIG recipients announced

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Office of Research offers the CAFNR Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (C-DRIG) of up to $2,000 to support or partially support dissertation research projects proposed by doctoral students in the College. Eligible students will have completed their coursework and have advanced to candidacy or will advance to candidacy within six months of the C-DRIG awards. Proposals are evaluated by the CAFNR Research Council, an advisory body that advises CAFNR Office of Research and is made up of representatives from each Division in the College. This year, six awardees were granted $2,000 each. The…
Two adults hold two children in a tractor cab.

July 14, 2025

Back to the Farm – Q&A with Drake and Kaylee Minear

Drake Minear (B.S. Agricultural Systems Management '18) and his wife Kaylee (Michael) Minear (B.S. Elementary Education '18) graduated from Mizzou and returned to the farm.
Agriculture Building

July 9, 2025

2025 CAFNR Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (C-DRIG) winners announced

The CAFNR Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (C-DRIG) are offered through the CAFNR Office of Research. The C-DRIG grant supports up to $2,000 or partially support dissertation research projects proposed by doctoral students in the College.
A group of students pose with a plaque.

July 9, 2025

Mizzou Torq’N Tigers find success at the International 1/4 Scale Tractor Design Competition

Torq’N Tigers had two teams competing in the ASABE International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition this summer.
Erin Sparks

June 24, 2025

Erin Sparks

Sparks holds a joint appointment with the University of Missouri and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. She is passionate about interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex challenges. Her background training includes a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, a Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology and postdoctoral work in Plant Molecular Biology. Educational background Ph.D., Vanderbilt University…
Alex Mangialardi

May 28, 2025

Alex Mangialardi

Educational background Ph.D., Agronomy-Weed Science, Mississippi State University…
Gary Stacey smiling

May 15, 2025

PST faculty member honored by American Society of Plant Biologists

Gary Stacey receives prestigious Stephen Hales Prize from American Society of Plant Biologists.
Tony Anderson in front of a wall of photos take on Three Story Coffee direct trade trips.

May 15, 2025

Plant sciences alum charts unique and global career path as owner of Three Story Coffee

Tony Anderson (B.S. Plant Sciences ’96) turned his love for plants into a love for direct trade on his journey to becoming owner of Three Story Coffee in Jefferson City, Missouri.