Stories
Feb. 27, 2024
Growing a legacy: Leading the way in soybean breeding
Over the past several decades, the soybean breeding program at Mizzou, which is part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ (CAFNR) Division of Plant Science and Technology, has emerged as a leader in the field. “The breeding programs at MU both here in Columbia and at the Fisher Delta Research Center are really known as the leaders in conventional and herbicide resistant cultivar development as well as understanding the genetic architecture of seed composition traits, soybean cyst nematode resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance among others” said Andrew Scaboo, assistant professor and soybean breeder in the Division of…
Feb. 27, 2024
CAFNR soybean breeding team publishes groundbreaking discovery in fight against the crop’s biggest pest threat
Soybean cyst nematodes are small, parasitic worms that live within the soil and attack nearby plants, and they are a particular problem for soybean farmers in Missouri and across the nation. There has mostly been only one genetic mechanism used to fight these pests for the last four decades, but a Mizzou soybean breeder’s team have unlocked a key to creating a soybean plant that holds the power of increased resistance within its DNA. “Soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) are the number one pest in soybeans,” said Andrew Scaboo, assistant professor in the Division of Plant Science and Technology and co-leader…
Feb. 26, 2024
Interdisciplinary research team uses AI to create revolutionary food safety technology
Imagine being at the grocery store, picking up a package of strawberries, then giving them a quick scan that will immediately tell you exactly the types and quantities of pesticide residues that are on the fruit before you buy them and bring them home to your family. This may sound like something out of a futuristic science fiction film, but a team of interdisciplinary researchers at the University of Missouri have used the power of artificial intelligence to make the technology that would enable this scene a reality. The team, which is led by Mengshi Lin, professor of food science,…
Feb. 26, 2024
John Tummons received the 2023 Leadership Development Award from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
On Jan. 20, the Missouri Cattlemen's Association recognized John Tummons as the 2023 Leadership Development Award recipient at the 56th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention.
Feb. 26, 2024
Mizzou MANRRS seeks to create an inclusive space for all
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) is a growing organization within CAFNR working to connect students with broad opportunities in the agriculture and natural resources industries.
Feb. 26, 2024
Mizzou dairy cattle experience connects generations
Recent animal sciences graduate Sarah Estes and her mother, Amy Jo, both found love for animal sciences at Mizzou.
Feb. 22, 2024
Plant Sciences student Demi White selected as MizzouForward Undergraduate Research Training Grant Recipient
White, a junior majoring in plant sciences with a minor in microbiology, will be conducting an independent research project under the mentorship of Soyon Park.
Feb. 22, 2024
Michelle Niemeyer Named Driver to Distinction
CAFNR Vice Chancellor and Dean Christopher Daubert surprised Michelle Niemeyer, executive assistant, with a CAFNR Driver to Distinction award in honor of her exceptional work in CAFNR Advancement. She received a trophy from Daubert during the CAFNR faculty and staff meeting Feb. 20, 2024.
Feb. 21, 2024
DASS professor recognized by Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors
Dairy Hall of Honors recognized Scott Brown, associate extension professor in the Division of Applied Social Sciences, with the Meritorious Service Award on Jan. 26. This award recognizes and honors those individuals, usually in dairy related fields, who have rendered outstanding support and service to the Missouri dairy industry but who would not qualify for any other Foundation award. The meritorious service award was established in 1989.
Feb. 21, 2024
Postdoctoral fellow spotlight: Q&A with Ranjita Sinha
What is your research focus? My research is focused on understanding the physiological and molecular responses of plants to different combinations of abiotic stresses. While growing in field, crops are frequently challenged with various stresses, simultaneously or sequentially, negatively impacting overall yield and farmer’s earnings. I have been studying the impact of stresses that are predominantly present in fields, such as salt, heat, soil pollutants, high-light, drought, and their different combinations on crops such as rice, maize, soybean, and model plants like Arabidopsis thaliana. I am working to decipher the molecular responses of plants to stress combinations. Combinations of different…