Author: admin

Sep 23, 2010

Work continues on managing the weed Palmer amaranth

In hopes of learning more about the genetic adaptation that has allowed a so-called monster weed to resist herbicides, Dr. Jim Burton is studying the weed's genome. Learning more about Palmer amaranth's resistance could lead to the creation of crops that can adapt to other hardships, including drought, and could ultimately help farmers better deal with resistant weeds. 

Sep 9, 2010

Grad student’s grafting research creates an ideal tomato plant

Growing up alongside the plants in his parents’ greenhouse business, Cary Rivard knew exactly what he wanted to study in college. Plant pathology was a no-brainer for Rivard, but it wasn’t until an internship at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems and a serendipitous pairing with plant pathology professor Dr. Frank Louws that cemented his interest in vegetable production and led to a ground-breaking research project. 

Sep 2, 2010

College Profile: Rob Dunn

For Dr. Rob Dunn, the world remains a captivating place full of surprises. “Mystery,” the N.C. State University biologist likes to say, “still lurks around ordinary corners.” Exploring those corners through research and writing is perhaps what Dunn does best. An assistant professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dunn is by training an ant scientist who investigates, as he puts it, “small, strange and sometimes obscure interactions in the living world — but interactions that matter in some bigger way.” 

Aug 26, 2010

Growing New Farmers

Though North Carolina is among the nation’s largest agricultural states, it is rapidly losing farms and farmers. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, between 1999 and 2006, the state lost 10,000 farms and close to 500,000 acres of farmland. The losses are even greater among African-American farmers. In response to such statistics, N.C. Cooperative Extension initiatives and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ education programs are helping to ease new and young farmers into agriculture. 

Aug 20, 2010

Sibling Excellence

When the two-day International Poultry Scientific Forum held its Student Award of Excellence competition, two graduate students from N.C. State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences were among the competitors making oral and poster presentations of their research. In fact, while one of the students was making her poultry science research presentation, in a nearby session the other student simultaneously was presenting her food science research to a team of judges. 

Aug 19, 2010

North Carolina 4-H names four “Partners in Excellence”

Four organizations were recently named 2010 North Carolina 4-H Partners in Excellence: Carolina Farm Credit, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, NC SPIN and the North Carolina State Grange. “The spirit… 

Aug 17, 2010

Well-Being Experts

In addition to our work related to health, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences also has varied research and extension programs designed to improve people’s well-being in North Carolina… 

Aug 17, 2010

Preparation of Health Leaders Experts

When it comes to the future of health care in North Carolina, nothing matters more than preparing the people who will lead the way. CALS’ efforts touch people even before… 

Aug 17, 2010

Plants for Health Experts

Plants can serve as a source not only of nutrients but also of compounds that protect and enhance human health. These so-called secondary compounds — phytochemicals that aren’t directly involved… 

Aug 17, 2010

Hunger, Obesity and Nutrition Education Experts

North Carolina Cooperative Extension is the go-to source for educational programs helping people make good choices about nutrition and physical activity. Our extension educators reach all ages, from preschoolers to…