Two triennial events, the 11th Symposium of the International Society of Root Research (ISRR11) and the ninth International Symposium on Root Development (Rooting2021), offered the root research community a closer look at projects from around the globe. In 2021, more than 700 participants from 52 countries had the opportunity to virtually attend both events as a joint venture. The two…
Division of Plant Sciences ⋅ Page 1
A Different Perspective
CAFNR researchers use UAV imagery and artificial intelligence to improve soybean breeding
High yield potential is often the top trait crop breeders look at, as higher yielding crops can lead to more money in a producer’s pocket. Researchers in the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) conduct a variety of trait-related trials through various breeding programs. The Precision and Automated Agriculture Lab (PAAL) in the CAFNR Division…
Following in His Footsteps
Caio Canella Vieira is working with Pengyin Chen, who has served as a source of inspiration for Canella Vieira
As an undergraduate student studying soybean breeding at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, Caio Canella Vieira came across the name Pengyin Chen quite often during his studies. Chen became a major source of inspiration for Canella Vieira – and someone who he referenced throughout his undergraduate work. Little did Canella Vieira know that he would soon be working…
An Interdisciplinary Connection
Tessa Jennings has made the most of her undergraduate research opportunities
Tessa Jennings found a passion for plant sciences as a high school FFA student participating in career development events. That passion has continued to grow as a student at the University of Missouri – especially after being selected as a member of the Freshman Research in Plants (FRIPS) Program in 2018. For the past two years, Jennings, a junior majoring…
Q&A With Alex Munoz
Munoz is the student support specialist in the Division of Plant Sciences
What are your job duties/job responsibilities in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources? I’m the student support specialist for the Division of Plant Sciences where I am the main point of contact for prospective students who are interested in our programs. I work to help with Division of Plant Sciences’ recruitment and outreach efforts as well as help…
An Extraordinary Honor
Three IPG researchers earn Extraordinary Professor distinction from University of the Western Cape, South Africa
For more than 30 years, the University of Missouri System and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Cape Town, South Africa, have been collaborating through the University of Missouri South African Education Program (UMSAEP). The focus of the partnership is to advance mutual understanding between the institutions’ faculties and foster cooperative research, teaching and service projects – and…
An Educational Experience
Robert Sites earns inaugural MU Study Abroad Teaching Excellence Award for Thailand Study Abroad program
For 14 straight years, Robert Sites has led University of Missouri students to Thailand for an educational study abroad experience focused on biodiversity and conservation. The 3-week program, which takes place over winter break, coincides with Thailand’s dry season – the best time of the year to be in the country for biodiversity and conservation projects. When Sites, a professor…
Q&A With Christa Smith
Smith is the executive assistant in the Division of Plant Sciences
What are your job duties/job responsibilities in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources? I am the executive assistant to the division director in the Division Plant Sciences. I support Bruce Barrett with his calendar, travel, meeting minutes and work with faculty and MyVita, which is a faculty activity reporting system. I’m the liaison for all academics in plant…
Incorporating Problem-Solving into Landscape Design
CAFNR student wins Award of Merit
Tucked away in the CAFNR Courtyard between the Ag Building and Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building is a garden that’s celebrating its 40th anniversary this April. Students in the advanced landscape design course were challenged to revitalize the MU Woodland and Floral Garden in honor of the celebration. Zachary Ignotz is a senior studying plant sciences from Troy, Missouri. As a…
Studying Soybeans
Two NIFA grants will help Henry Nguyen tackle issues related to soybeans
A Curators’ Distinguished Professor in the Division of Plant Sciences, Henry Nguyen’s longstanding research focus is related to abiotic stress tolerance and disease resistance in plants, primarily soybeans. Two United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grants, totaling almost $900,000, will allow Nguyen to build on those focus areas. The grants will help Nguyen…