Cash crops like corn, soybean, wheat, rice, and cotton are responsible for most of the food and fiber consumed by humans and animals around the globe1. These annual crops and others are […]
What are cover crops?
The future of plant disease management
Just like human beings, plants get sick. Microorganisms such as fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses and nematodes (tiny worm like organisms) can infect their plant hosts, with deadly consequences. This might not be […]
Does it really matter when growers irrigate their crops?
Yes it does! Various crops are sensitive to water stress at different growth stages. The rule of thumb is that reproduction is sensitive to low moisture. The amount of moisture available at […]
What are the factors that determine seed germination?
When you buy your packet of squash seeds each spring, you plant them in the ground, and expect plants to sprout! It seems like an easy process, but there’s a lot of […]
Do crops have different metabolisms – like people?
Are you friends with a person who can eat anything they want and still not gain weight? Part of that could be in how their body metabolizes the food they eat. Of […]
Why do we need to keep breeding new crop varieties?
Global warming and changes in the amount – and location – of water, are key factors in the need to continue crop breeding programs. In addition, there are many diseases that affect […]
Why do some farm fields look messy after harvest?
That’s the stubble – basically scalped stalks – and other scraps left in the field. The farmer has left this stubble on the field intentionally…but it’s not always possible to do. Let’s […]
How do breeders know which part of the DNA corresponds to the trait they are breeding for?
You most likely know that all living things have DNA. This ladder-like, complex, molecule found in each cell carries the genetic information to control growth and functioning of that organism. DNA is […]
Fun facts about cranberries for Thanksgiving!
Cranberries are an essential part of many a Thanksgiving meal in the U.S. and Canada. The annual family debate is about the best way to eat the beautiful, red fruit. Whether you […]
How do they make those crazy designs on Major League Baseball outfields?
As you tune into the World Series, you may see some interesting designs in the baseball outfield. Or, perhaps you have seen the dark and light pattern of turfgrass on football fields […]