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Modesta Abugu: Improving Sweetpotato Flavor for Nutrition Security

Department of Horticultural Science

A bouquet of flowers makes the perfect Valentine's Day gift!

Feb 8, 2023

A Petal for Your Thoughts?

Put a meaningful twist on the Valentine’s Day flowers you pick out for those you love this year by choosing a bouquet that’s both beautiful and symbolic. 
a couple taking a selfie with a greenhouse in the back

Feb 7, 2023

A “Berry” Sweet CALS Love Story

From meeting at NC State, to traveling the world, to rebuilding a family farm, CALS alumni Austin and Christina Wrenn do almost everything together, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Jan 24, 2023

The Sweet Secrets of Apple Physiology

Annie Vogel, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Horticultural Science, studies how apples respond to different environmental factors and diseases. 
pink poinsettias in a greenhouse

Dec 14, 2022

‘Tis the Season for Poinsettias

This time of year, tabletops, lobbies and front doors are adorned with the rich red velvety leaves of the unofficial Christmas flower: the poinsettia. This episode of Farms, Food and You discusses the poinsettia's surprising history and its colorful future. 
A close photo of a red poinsettia in a greenhouse

Dec 12, 2022

Christmas Begins in July for CALS Poinsettia Researcher

Brian Jackson, a professor in the Department of Horticultural Science, grew nearly a thousand poinsettias this year to study soilless production. Now, he’s using the plants to spread holiday cheer across campus. 
graduate students playing bingo

Nov 28, 2022

Bonding Through Bingo

Graduate student associations in the departments of Crop and Soil Sciences and Horticultural Science provide small group events for students seeking friendship, networking and connection. 
The Sweet-APPS team sitting at a table

Nov 22, 2022

Sweet-APPS Yielding Sweet Success

From deploying innovative sensors to creating productive relationships with stakeholders, the Sweetpotato Analytics for Produce Provenance and Scanning project has had a rewarding first two years. 
A dog and its trainers looking for truffles outside

Nov 16, 2022

This Truffle’s No Trifle

Man's best friend helps unearth a potentially lucrative crop in western North Carolina. NC State Extension's Katie Learn talks about these rare delicacies and what Extension is doing to help truffle growers. 
two bushels of apples in an orchard

Oct 18, 2022

Your Guide to North Carolina Apples

Apple picking season is here, and there’s no better time to pick fresh apples than during National Apple Month. Mike Parker, a tree fruit specialist with NC State Extension, gives an inside look at our state’s booming apple industry. 
Modesta Abugu in a sweetpotato field

Oct 14, 2022

Modesta Abugu: Improving Sweetpotato Flavor for Nutrition Security

Ph.D. student Modesta Abugu is researching flavor compounds in sweetpotatoes with a goal of increasing consumption and improving global nutrition security.