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Breeding Possibilities for Better Crops

News Archive

A group of teachers examine stalks in a cornfield and take notes.

Jul 15, 2026

Planting an Interest in Agricultural Careers Through High School Biology

A new grant-funded project at NC State University will offer fresh ideas that North Carolina high school biology teachers can implement with confidence in the classroom, inspired by field trips to farms, plant nurseries and agricultural labs. 
Headshot of Dr Victor Gomes

Jul 2, 2026

NC State Names Victor Gomes as Extension Corn Agronomist

NC State University has named Victor Gomes as Extension corn agronomist, strengthening support for North Carolina’s corn industry and statewide agricultural community. He begins work with NC State Extension on Aug. 1,… 
The setting sun shines on a field of soybeans.

Jul 1, 2026

NC State (and America) the Beautiful

As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, discover how NC State has contributed to its prosperity, defense, culture and more. 
a woman wearing a crown and a sash that says NC Watermelon Queen hold a slice of watermelon

Jul 1, 2026

NC Watermelon Queen Shares Five Fun Facts About the Summertime Staple

Find out how many servings of watermelon North Carolina farmers provide, the number of common watermelon varieties, the pollination process for seedless watermelons and more with these facts from CALS student and North Carolina Watermelon Queen Lilah Byrum. 
green leaves with reddish brown spots

Jun 19, 2026

Mapping Cotton Bacterial Blight Resistance

A new study by NC State researchers explores the genetic makeup of cotton plants to identify the source of their resistance to cotton bacterial blight, which has reemerged as a threat to cotton production in the U.S. 

Jun 18, 2026

Microbial partners may help plants respond to higher temperatures

New research suggests the microbiome near the surface of a plant’s roots, known as the rhizosphere microbiome, may play a role in helping crops respond to heat stress. When studying adaptation in living things, scientists sometimes analyze the interplay between genetics and environment to influence measurable traits, a phenomenon known as Genotype by Environment interactions… 
a woman uses a pole trimmer to cut a tall plant into a mickey mouse shaped head

Jun 8, 2026

Planting Magic at Disney World

Alumna Neva Grace Brescia, who majored in agroecology and sustainable food systems, has spent the last six months sowing a bit of wonder as a plant science intern at Walt Disney World. 
NC State research flies a drone over dormant warm-season turfgrass research plots.

Jun 3, 2026

Harvesting Data for Agriculture

New technology for better drone-based data collection and analysis is helping turn North Carolina’s agricultural research stations into farms of the future, and an N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative team is intent on delivering even more tech solutions that help farmers put data to work. 
A woman speaks to a group during a workshop in a field.

May 28, 2026

Manure Marketplace in the Making: NC State’s Food Animal Initiative Developing New Tool

A new manure marketplace project at NC State University seeks to make the most of this organic fertilizer by creating a tool to connect livestock and poultry producers with row crop farmers. 
A woman wearing glasses and a lab coat smiling while holding a petri dish.

May 26, 2026

Breeding Possibilities for Better Crops

Driven by a strong work ethic, Caitlin Kestell, a doctoral student in crop science, pursues genome editing and biotechnology to advance crop improvement and inspire young scientists.