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 […]
What is the quinoa seed and germplasm collection like?
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 […]
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 […]
Why are seeds of different sizes and shapes?
Seeds come in different sizes and shapes across plant species. They range from dust-sized seeds in orchids to double coconut Lodoicea (yes, coconuts are seeds!). Depending on geographical location and the prevailing […]
The incredible, edible seed
Think about all the animals at the zoo. Even though the elephant looks drastically different from the eagle, they each share common functions for survival. Including humans, all animals (with few exceptions) […]
How does the USDA help make global seed trade safer?
Whether you garden, farm, research plants, or develop new plant varieties, healthy seeds are critical to your success. Seeds are also big business. In 2018, global seed exports were worth more than […]
Protecting seeds: The what, why, and how of seed treatments
For millennia, people have understood the need to protect seeds. They are precious packets of life that bring us food. As early as 2000 BC, there are records of people soaking seeds […]