Stories From 2020
Student Spotlight: Andrew Howell
The most impactful experience for me so far was conducting research in New Zealand. At the beginning of my Ph.D. program three years ago, I was offered an opportunity to collaborate with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). I spent 6 months conducting research on a novel aquatic herbicide which was in the labeling process here in the US at the time.
Science Confirms Coronavirus not Transmitted by Food
While Chinese authorities are requiring additional tests on frozen meat and poultry for traces of the virus that causes COVID-19, this scientific review by NC State CALS researchers and the American Frozen Food Institute finds that SARS-CoV-2 cannot be spread by foodborne routes.
Syngenta Donates One-of-a-Kind Laboratory Equipment to N.C. PSI
Long-time NC State corporate partner Syngenta, a global agriculture company, donated four plant growth chambers with unique capabilities and a specialized weighing system for water-use research to NC State’s Plant Sciences Initiative. The Plant Sciences Building is scheduled to open in early 2022.
What a Changing Climate May Mean for Crop Pests
Agricultural systems in most parts of the world are the result of generations of trial and error (and, over the last 100 or so years, agricultural research) that, ultimately, reduce that risk as much as possible. In other words, agriculture depends on the local predictability of environmental conditions. Climate change reduces that predictability.
Lasting Impacts: Closing Ceremony for International Journal Publication Course
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina and North Carolina State University came together to participate in a virtual closing ceremony for a course NC State Faculty, Dr. Hannah Burrack, and Dr. Steven Hall designed to guide the publication process of articles on aquaculture in international scientific journals
Thinking Big: Interview with Borlaug Fellow Fatma Gül Maraş Vanlioğlu
Fatma Gül Maraş Vanlioğlu sat down for a short interview with CALS International Programs during her three month Borlaug Fellowship at NC State.
The Economic Impact of Microwave Processing: From Greene County to Kenya
Josip Simunovic has a passion for improving the world. One food product at a time. His microwave processing technology to turn ugly produce into long-lasting puree has had a major economic impact on communities from eastern North Carolina to Kenya.
Delivery of Personal Protection Equipment for Agricultural Workers
With support from North Carolina Cooperative Extension, a statewide partnership will deliver 900,000+ masks and infection control supplies to protect health and safety of farmers and agriculture workers.
‘Map’ of Sweetpotato Genome to Improve Breeding Efforts
NC State scientists recently published a scientific paper that mapped the genetic locations of economically important traits in sweetpotatoes such as higher yield and disease resistance. Through collaborative work between NC State and the International Potato Center (CIP), they have improved sweetpotato breeding efforts.
Pork, Pandemics and Politics: U.S. Agricultural Trade with China
This issue of the NC Economist explores the impact of recent events on the nuanced agricultural trade partnership between the United States and China. Buffeted by the coronavirus pandemic and political disagreements, what can farmers expect of exports to China in the challenging year ahead?