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PSI Profile: Ross Sozzani, Platform Director for Plant Improvement

D'Lyn Ford

Margaret Bloomquist in front of clouds and mountains

Mar 14, 2025

Margaret Bloomquist: Rebuilding Together After Helene

Margaret Bloomquist, a research scholar with the NC Alternative Crops and Organics Program, has helped organize workdays to assist growers of new, woodland, and organic crops in western North Carolina as they recover from damage caused by Hurricane Helene. 
Research center buildings in Mills River

Sep 18, 2024

USDA Funds NC State Specialty Crop, Organic Research

Learn more about new U.S. Department of Agriculture funding for NC State research on nursery crop automation, Christmas tree genetics, carbon storage in soil, and organic farming research priorities. 
Benjamin Peeler handwaters the 18th green at Pinehurst No. 2

Jun 7, 2024

Birdie’s-Eye View

As an intern at the famed Pinehurst No. 2, Benjamin Peeler, a student with NC State’s Agricultural Institute, had a hands-on introduction to the work of getting a golf course ready to host the 2024 U.S. Open. 
small white bulb shaped flowers on a blueberry plant

Apr 2, 2024

5 Wildlife-Friendly Native Shrubs To Plant

A landscape with native shrubs makes it possible for wildlife to float like a butterfly, sting like a bee and feast like a bird. 
Craig Yencho and Mercy Kitavi work with sweet potato samples in a lab in Nairobi, Kenya.

Dec 12, 2023

A Patented Winner

The National Academy of Inventors named NC State University’s Craig Yencho a 2023 fellow for his contributions to improved sweetpotato and potato breeding and genetics, with an impact reaching from North Carolina to Sub-Saharan Africa. 
Fall leaves and a berry

Oct 30, 2023

5 Native Trees To Plant for Backyard Wildlife Habitat

Fall is the perfect time to add a new native tree to your yard. Your animal neighbors will thank you by visiting often.  Native plants provide essential food and habitat… 
Red flowers

Jul 26, 2023

3 Reasons To Add Native Plants to Your Landscape

If you’re interested in creating a pollinator garden, songbird spot or peaceful place in your home landscape, native plants have some built-in benefits. An NC State expert has tips on getting started. 

May 18, 2021

Preserving Sweetpotato Exports

A research team is exploring ways to protect the quality of sweetpotatoes shipped to Europe, following changes in regulations. 

Feb 8, 2021

PSI Profile: Ross Sozzani, Platform Director for Plant Improvement

The plant improvement platform director for the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative shares her vision: collaboration, innovative crop technologies and students ready for the workforce.