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N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative

Two people in a lab with electronic devices

Dec 3, 2024

Researchers Pit Lasers Against Sweetpotato Pest

With vinegar flies increasingly impacting sweetpotato storage, N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative researchers are exploring a novel management strategy with lasers to combat the pests. 

Steve Lommel in a university laboratory

Nov 21, 2024

Lommel Honored for Land-Grant Research Leadership

Steven Lommel, director of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, was recently honored for his leadership at the regional and national levels. 

Cooper howling wolf sculpture near greenery and benches

Sep 10, 2024

New Training Program Tackles AI and Plant Science Challenges

The new GRAD-AID for Ag program will give graduate students the chance to drive innovation in artificial intelligence technologies at the intersection of basic and applied plant sciences. 

Group of people posing in front of a farm stand

Aug 7, 2024

Engaging Youth in Agriculture, Both Near and Far

Liz Driscoll, a youth development specialist with College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, recently traveled to Kenya with a team from CALS to explore partnerships to support agriculture in the east African nation. 

Eli Hornstein in science lab in front of a computer.

Jul 15, 2024

From Conservationist to Ag Biotech Entrepreneur

CALS alumnus Eli Hornstein is using biotechnology to produce plants that farmers can feed to cattle to reduce their methane production. 

a man stands next to two computer screens

Mar 13, 2024

Planting the Future

With support from the Trolinder graduate student endowment, Weilong He hopes to use machine learning to help breeders more efficiently assess the health of plants and troubleshoot problems for farmers. 

Woman standing at a farm field.

Mar 6, 2024

Strengthening Connections

Extension Agent Mikayla Berryhill helps ensure farmers have access to new technology and a hand in its development through the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative's Extension Agent Network. 

Eli Hornstein in science lab in front of a computer.

Feb 7, 2024

Starting Strong

The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative’s Startup Program provides expertise and resources to help emerging companies bring problem-solving agricultural technologies and services to the marketplace. 

Man leaning against a fence post, with grain bins in the background.

Oct 26, 2023

Robots, Researchers and Resilient Agriculture

Chris Reberg-Horton was recently named the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation/W.K. Kellogg Distinguished Professor in Sustainable Community-Based Food Systems. 

Farmworkers pulling up sweetpotatoes in a field

Aug 29, 2023

The Hands That Feed Us

Alejandro Gutierrez-Li leads the Agricultural Labor Extension Program, a novel and unique effort to address labor issues in North Carolina and the Southeast.