Plant Science and Technology
March 20, 2025
Q&A with Ivair Valmorbida
Ivair Valmorbida is an assistant professor in entomology for forage and field crops.
March 7, 2025
MU Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center to host second Digital Agriculture Symposium
2024 DAREC Symposium participants discuss a poster presentation. The University of Missouri’s Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center (DAREC) is hosting its second Digital Agriculture Symposium, “Empowering Agriculture Using AI and Digital Agriculture Technology” in April. “The landscape of agriculture is changing rapidly as digital technology advances,” said Jianfeng Zhou, associate professor of Agricultural Systems Technology in MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. “We are delighted to be able to share these advances and some of our research in that space and help Missouri’s agricultural producers make informed decisions about incorporating these new technologies into their farming practices.”…
March 7, 2025
Strengthening Missouri agriculture through partnership
Soybeans ready for harvest at the Farm for Soy Innovation. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) share a steadfast commitment to research and innovation that drives the future of soybean farming in Missouri. Their long-standing partnership focuses on sustainability, agronomic advancements, developing the next generation of plant scientists and increasing the efficiency and profitability of soybean production. “Our partnership with CAFNR has been beneficial in driving research, innovation and sustainability efforts that impact Missouri’s soybean growers.” said Missouri Soybean Association CEO and Executive Director…
Feb. 13, 2025
Boosting a plant’s protective forces
Sonawane’s discovery unlocks the door to a wide variety of future opportunities for genetically modified plants and biocontrol agents that ultimately strengthen crops’ protection against pests and pathogens. Photos by Abbie Lankitus. Plants produce special molecules that act like natural pesticides to help defend themselves against pests. Unfortunately, they don’t make enough of these molecules, leaving plants vulnerable to pests such as the Colorado potato beetle, which can result in damaged crops and economic losses for farmers. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri may have found a solution. In a recent study, scientists discovered that a scaffold protein —…
Feb. 11, 2025
CAFNR researchers develop new genetic defense against costly soybean pest
Soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) cost American farmers an estimated $2 billion in yield losses each year. Since the pest’s discovery in 1954, plant scientists have worked to combat its destructive impact. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri are on the verge of a breakthrough in SCN resistance technology. “We are at the point now where we have a gene identified that we believe contains a new resistance to SCN, and, hopefully, this will lead to a new breakthrough,” said Sushil Chhapekar, post-doctoral fellow in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Division of Plant Science and Technology. Sushil…
Feb. 5, 2025
Plant Sciences and Technology faculty member recognized for early career contributions by Universities Council on Water Resources
Gurbir Singh, assistant professor and state Extension specialist in soil science, agroecology and landscape management, was recently named as the recipient of the 2025 Early Career Award for Extension, Outreach and Engagement by the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR). Gurbir Singh The UCOWR Early Career Award for Extension, Outreach, Engagement recognizes outstanding early contributions through extension, outreach and engagement activities related to water. Awardees have a significant record of accomplishment in these areas and show promise of continued professional growth and recognition. Singh will be recognized at an awards luncheon during the UCOWR annual conference in June.
Jan. 31, 2025
CAFNR plant scientist’s curiosity sparks global collaboration for sustainable fashion
A spark of curiosity about sustainable materials has taken Jaime Barros-Rios, a Mizzou plant scientist, far beyond his usual work with model plants, soybeans, and corn. Today, he’s collaborating with a marine biologist and a New York City fashion innovator on a project that could revolutionize working conditions and sustainability in the global textile industry. Barros-Rios’s journey began at Scialog, a unique interdisciplinary conference organized by the Research Corporation for Science and Advancement. The conference name — a combination of “science” and “dialog” — reflects its mission: bringing together scientists from different fields to foster collaboration on innovative solutions. Jaime…
Dec. 6, 2024
Plant Science and Technology professor named American Society of Agronomy 2024 Fellow
Fellow is the highest recognition bestowed by the American Society of Agronomy.
Dec. 6, 2024
Plant Science and Technology faculty member receives International Engagement Award -Outstanding Faculty Contribution
David Mendoza-Cozatl, associate professor in the MU Division of Plant Science and Technology, was named recipient of a 2024 MU International Engagement Award by MU International Programs. The MU International Engagement Awards recognize the outstanding work carried out by faculty, staff and students to internationalize the University of Missouri. The awards recognize meaningful and sustained commitments to international work, whether directly on campus or brought back to the campus from an engagement abroad. In order to demonstrate their effect upon internationalizing the campus, nominees must clearly indicate the concrete impact made upon scholarship, students or MU programs by their international work. Mendoza-Cozatl is a…
Dec. 2, 2024
MU scholar breathes new life into wheat breeding program
With wheat planting on the rise, visiting scholar Jafar Tanin is revitalizing Mizzou’s wheat breeding efforts for Missouri growers.