Garnished on top of a freshly baked hamburger bun or deeply nestled within a crunchy granola bar, tiny sesame seed seldom gets enough of our attention. But it’s captured the interest of […]
Sesame cultivation: expansion versus temperature stress
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What is the quinoa seed and germplasm collection like?
You may never have heard of quinoa before 2013. That’s when the United Nations ran a campaign to promote awareness of this cereal crop. Now, many people enjoy a bowl of cooked […]
Why mix varieties of wheat in a field?
You’ve probably heard of the value of diversification in your financial portfolio. Having more than one type of financial investment reduces risk of losing all your money. My research involves lowering risks […]
Tomato production 101: Distinctions beyond the “fruit or vegetable” debate
The American public has long debated whether the tomato is a vegetable or a fruit. This results in an uneasy truce: botanically, it’s considered a fruit, but practically, it’s lumped in with […]
Where does pyrethrum come from?
If you’re a gardener, you may have heard of the common trick to plant chrysanthemums around your garden to deter pests. Marigolds work, too. This is because the flowers naturally are high […]
What is some current research in growing strawberries?
Peak strawberry season depends on what region of the U.S. you live in. In Louisiana, strawberry harvest begins in April. In the upper Midwest it’s July. But no matter where you live, […]
Why is it important to increase genetic diversity in crops, especially in soybean?
Most of us have a favorite variety of apple. ‘HoneyCrisp’ is my new favorite because, as the name implies, the taste is super sweet, and the bite is crunchy. For apple pies, […]
How does wind erosion affect farming in Washington state?
Farming is reliant on soil to produce food. The main long-term threat to the soil is erosion by wind and water. Wind erosion is a soil health thief. In both sandy and […]
How are vineyards in California following sustainable practices?
Sustainable wine production uses practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable. Grape growers and vintners, the people who make wine, follow sustainable practices throughout California to grow and make […]
How a new malting barley variety for California came to be
Beer made from barley grains has been consumed since ancient Egyptian times. Modern day growers plant what is profitable – and grains for malting barley command higher prices than animal feed grains. […]