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Plant Sciences Pathways

N.C. PSI News

Group of scientists at a round table, with one holding up a computer tablet.

Mar 5, 2026

Plant Scientists, Sensor Experts Connect to Grow Plant Breeding Solutions

An N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative workshop focuses on using advanced sensing technologies to break plant breeding bottlenecks. 
Man with robotiic device in a field of plants

Mar 4, 2026

N.C. PSI Applies AI to Address Key Ag Challenges

Five research projects demonstrate the breadth and impact of N.C. PSI research to solve top agricultural challenges. 
Student points toward a computer as another student faces the computer

Mar 2, 2026

Student Grows Ag Research Acumen and Power Skills Through the N.C. PSI

N.C. PSI programs help lay a foundation for success for an NC State master’s student exploring AI-powered tools to inform the creation of more resilient crops. 
Woman seated at desk with plate of vegetables and fruits, two vases of flowers and IR-4 publications

Feb 23, 2026

Lina Quesada-Ocampo Named Executive Director of the IR-4 Project

The IR-4 Project’s new leader brings over 15 years of experience in applied pest management research and Extension work to her new role. 
An open building space with people at desks and a whiteboard

Feb 11, 2026

N.C. PSI Welcomes Quant-Agro to Innovation Hub

The company joins 18 other businesses sparking new partnerships and ideas among industry representatives and NC State researchers and students. 
2026 AI in Agriculture Conference | March 31-April 2

Feb 11, 2026

NC State to Host National Conference on AI in Agriculture

Taking place March 31 to April 2, the conference is an opportunity to connect, collaborate and shape the future of AI-enabled agriculture. 
Two people in a farm field, one monitoring a small chamber

Feb 9, 2026

Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer Can Cut Emissions, But Soil Type Matters

Recent research from NC State sheds light on the economic and environmental effects of adding inhibitors to synthetic fertilizers. Corn yields didn’t change much, but emissions of ammonia and, in some cases, nitrous oxide, were lower. 
Man carrying armloads of freshly harvested hemp

Feb 4, 2026

N.C. PSI Affiliates Win NCDA&CS Funding to Enhance N.C. Agriculture

Project goals range from developing an AI-powered system to rapidly screen fungicides for emerging plant diseases to securing plant-based alternatives to graphite for lithium ion batteries. 
Man stands beside corn plant in a greenhouse

Feb 2, 2026

Seed2Grow Spotlight: Elysia Creative Biology’s Eli Hornstein

Branching beyond his biotech company’s early focus on methane emission reductions, CALS alumnus Eli Hornstein is developing a range of feed-based solutions for animal agriculture. 
Three students look at plants on a table

Feb 2, 2026

Plant Sciences Pathways

The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative provides mentorship to pre-college and undergraduate students for innovative STEM careers.