Plant Science and Technology
Dec. 2, 2024
Dalton Ludwick
Dec. 2, 2024
David (Dave) Kang
The Kang Laboratory has a broad interest in the mechanisms that underlie animal-microbiome interactions, with a primary goal of applying this knowledge to control insect pests. We employ a suite of molecular, genetic, ecological, and computational approaches to study how microbes influence the performance of the insect host. Further, we are interested in how the environment interacts with insect genomes to influence their physiological processes and phenotypes. This thinking extends to consideration of how the host serves as an environment for associated microbes. We explore how complex microbial communities and insect hosts influence each other, what factors mediate these…
Nov. 20, 2024
Cheers to learning
In Katherine Hagely’s Grapes and Wines of the World class, students explore agriculture, history, geography and culture through rosé-colored glasses.
Nov. 12, 2024
Celebrating our distinguished alumni: CAFNR Column Awards 2024
From left to right: David Larsen, Jonathan Dyer, Blake Hurst, Joel Spencer and Julian Lenis. Not pictured: Kendra Kattelmann. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources honored six recipients with the 2024 CAFNR Column Award for Distinguished Alumni. This is the only award specifically for alumni presented by the college – the highest honor bestowed by the College in celebration of outstanding alumni. The awardee class includes one graduate from each of CAFNR’s six divisions, reflecting the six historic columns at the University of Missouri. View the event photo album. School of Natural ResourcesDavid LarsenB.S. Forestry ’78, M.S.
Nov. 5, 2024
Muhammad Rasel Parvej
Rasel Parvej is the Director of the MU Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory and the Soil Health Assessment Center (SHAC), as well as an Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist in Soil Testing and Interpretation within the Division of Plant Science and Technology and the School of Natural Resources. He has been serving as an Associate Editor for both the Soil Science Society of America Journal and Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management since 2020. Parvej is also a certified crop advisor and has been elected vice-chair of the National Research Support Project (NRSP-11) at NIMSS in 2024.
Oct. 23, 2024
Plant Science and Technology and Biochemistry researchers harness DOE technology to further biofuels, basic science
Researchers at the University of Missouri have been studying plants to help farmers improve food production since the inception of the university itself, but as plants become pathways to filling other public needs — like biofuels — it opens doors to researchers who want to gain more insight into the ways that plants operate. “All major advancements start with basic science,” said Jaime Barros-Rios, assistant professor of plant science and technology. Jaime Barros-Rios Barros-Rios is one of two CAFNR researchers currently working under innovative grants with the U.S. Department of Energy that allow them access to DOE equipment and laboratories…
Oct. 23, 2024
George Oganda
Oct. 15, 2024
Celebrate historic milestone, learn more about fascinating world of insects
The Enns Entomological Museum, part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri, is opening its doors (and cabinets of fascinating specimens) to the local community in celebration of its 150th anniversary.
Oct. 10, 2024
Kevin Allred
Oct. 10, 2024
CAFNR graduate student receives sustainable agriculture grant
Leah Gastonguay, Ph.D. student in Plant, Insect and Microbial Sciences (emphasis in Entomology), along with her advisor, Debbie Finke, professor of Plant Science and Technology, was awarded $19,792 for the project, "Companion Planting to Optimize Beneficial Insect Ecosystem Services in Pepper Cropping Systems."