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Ripe for the Picking

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Man standing in a farm field holds up red plastic pails full of fresh strawberries

Jun 30, 2026

NC State Fights an Emerging Strawberry Threat

N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative affiliates, NC State Extension specialists and other researchers are working on multiple fronts in the fight against a new disease taking a big bite out of North Carolina’s strawberry producers’ livelihoods. 
rows of potted azalea bushes for sale

Jun 19, 2026

Azalea Sale Seeds Decades of Undergraduate Horticulture Research

The Gardeners of Wake County’s annual azalea sale funds NC State undergraduate research, supporting future breakthroughs in agricultural and horticultural science. 
Nine of the 2026 Award for Excellence winners pose for a picture with Chancellor Kevin Howell (front row, center). They are (front row, left to right): Aleem Mohammed, Jill Blitstein, Taylor Ofori and Jerry Moody; (back row, left to right) Nikki Price, Matt Ball, Hunter Griffis, Ethan Pardue and Issac Lewis.

Jun 15, 2026

NC State Announces 2026 Award for Excellence Winners

The Award for Excellence is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon nonfaculty employees at NC State. 
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. 
Josué Alarcón Mendoza, a precision horticulture graduate researcher in horticultural science, showcases the tomato harvest from his research plots in Clinton, NC.

Jun 2, 2026

Exploring Cost-Effective Fumigation Methods for Small Growers

Graduate student Josué Alarcón Mendoza’s research in precision horticulture aims to make soil fumigation more accessible for small and medium fruit growers. 
a group of students posing for camera

May 26, 2026

2026 California Spring Trials: Expanding Industry Perspectives Through Experiential Learning

NC State horticulture students gained real-world industry practice and exposure to innovation during the 2026 California Spring Trials, connecting classroom knowledge with leading plant breeders and companies. 
Jing Zhang with smartphone in a blueberry field

May 14, 2026

From Unexpected Beginnings to the Future of Digital Agriculture

N.C. PSI faculty affiliate Jing Zhang breaks new ground using high-tech tools to gather and analyze data better and faster for improved plant breeding and crop production. 
Mary Archer next to NC State's "The Egg" sculpture

May 13, 2026

Mary Archer Joins NC State’s Horticultural Science Faculty

NC State alumna Mary Archer joins the Department of Horticultural Sciences as an assistant professor, bringing expertise in landscape design and a passion for student mentorship. 
two wolf statues made of copper weaved metal standing on a brick patio surrounded by trees

May 13, 2026

2026 William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors Announced

Ten professors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have been named William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors, which recognizes outstanding scholars, leaders, teachers and mentors. 
Jing Zhang in blueberry field

May 11, 2026

Ripe for the Picking

Jing Zhang, a horticultural science professor and N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative faculty affiliate, is working with blueberry growers to develop a more precise way to determine the best time to harvest, using computer vision and AI.