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5 Fun Facts About Poinsettias

Amanda Kerr

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. 
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. 
leafy vegetables growing in mounded beds on a row crop farm

Apr 21, 2026

NC Farmers Face Spring Drought Conditions

Emmanuel Torres Quezada, assistant professor of horticultural science and an Extension vegetable specialist, discusses how North Carolina farmers can navigate the ongoing drought across the state to maintain crop yields. 
teenage student looking through microscope, looking at a plant specimen

Mar 10, 2026

Plant Sciences Outreach Day Broadens Horizons for High School Students

North Carolina high school students gathered at NC State University in February to gain hands-on experience with plant sciences and get inspired for their futures. 
a man wearing a red quarter zip sweater sits in front of computers and high tech equipment

Nov 10, 2025

Lommel Named Interim Head of Horticultural Science

Steve Lommel, a long-time leader with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will serve as interim head of the Department of Horticultural Science effective Jan. 2, 2026. 
a group of people tending to a field of lettuce

Oct 22, 2025

Get Growing with the Agroecology Education Farm

From beets and potatoes to muscadine grapes and Swiss chard, students get hands-on experience growing a variety of crops at the Agroecology Education Farm. The public is invited to visit the farm for its annual Harvest Fest on Oct. 25. 
four women standing outside wearing red t-shirts that say NC State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Oct 6, 2025

CALS Marks Second Year of Record Enrollment

With steady growth and strong retention, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is celebrating record student enrollment for the second year in a row. Meet three of the newest members of the CALS Pack. 
graphic of a red road leading through a door to the NC State belltower

Aug 15, 2025

Opening Doors

A new universitywide initiative called Wolfpack Connect will provide a guaranteed pathway for North Carolina community college students to transfer to NC State, making a CALS degree accessible to more students. 
greenhouse full of flowers

Jul 11, 2025

NC Green Industry Grows Economic Impact

With an economic impact of $15.8 billion, North Carolina’s green industry is thriving, according to a new report by NC State researchers. 
pink poinsettias in a greenhouse

Dec 16, 2024

5 Fun Facts About Poinsettias

Discover how poinsettias went from being a native shrub of Mexico and Guatemala to America’s favorite Christmas plant with these facts from CALS professor and national poinsettia expert John Dole.