College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

News

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  MSU, Tribal Nations, others partnering on hemp variety trials

  Published on September 16, 2020
  Seeking to identify genetics, management practices to support Michigan farmers

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  MSU-led national cucurbit project reupped for $7.1 million

  Published on September 8, 2020
  The Cucurbit Coordinated Agricultural Project has been awarded $7.1 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative.

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  Michigan State University researchers lead $5.2 million grant to investigate management strategies for fire blight

  Published on September 3, 2020
  George Sundin and Nikki Rothwell will lead a USDA-funded project examining fire blight, a disease that can kill apple and pear trees.

• MSU hosts soybean virtual field day

  Published on August 17, 2020
  Michigan State University Extension and MSU AgBioResearch hosted a virtual soybean field day Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 8 to 10 a.m.

• MSU hosts cover crops virtual field day

  Published on August 13, 2020
  Michigan State University Extension and MSU AgBioResearch hosted a cover crops virtual field day Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020.

• Michigan State University hosts dry bean and sugar beet virtual field day

  Published on August 4, 2020
  Online webinar updated growers and agribusiness industry on current research and outreach

• MSU scientist recognized for outstanding work in soil physics

  Published on July 21, 2020
  Sasha Kravchenko, a professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, has received the Don and Betty Kirkham Soil Physics Award from the Soil Science Society of America.

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  MSU researcher receives $454,000 grant to evaluate forest resilience, recovery from wildfires

  Published on July 6, 2020
  MSU fire ecologist Jessica Miesel is leading a team that received a $454,000 grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to explore the ability of forests to be resilient and recover from forest fires.

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  Pests without borders: Building and investing in a network to assure plant health

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Ray Hammerschmidt, professor & faculty coordinator of MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics, works to build a national network to detect, diagnose and respond to plant health emergencies.

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  Tracking the spread of invaders that creep, crawl and destroy

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Howard Russell, an insect and arthropod diagnostician with MSU Diagnostic Services, identifies pests and solutions to assure plant health for Michigan growers and home owners.

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  Vigilance against the invisible: building molecular tools to identify pathogens

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Monique Sakalids, assistant professor in the Forestry and Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences departments at MSU, builds molecular tools to help identify exotic and native pathogens that have the potential to cause plant health emergencies.

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  Breeding fast cooking beans as a healthy food option

  Published on July 1, 2020
  MSU Researcher Karen Cichy studies the genetic selection of dry bean seed traits related to consumer acceptance and nutritional quality

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  Master bean breeder readies for retirement

  Published on July 1, 2020
  James Kelly has led the bean breeding and genetics program at MSU for four decades

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  Healthy soil for healthy potatoes

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Noah Rosenzweig, assistant professor in the Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences works to reduce disease and enhance soil health for sustainable potato production.

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  Managing disease for better growth, storage and processing of sugar beets and potatoes

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Jaime Willbur, assistant professor in the Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, analyzes the impact of pathogens to prolong the health of key Michigan crops.

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  Monitoring and managing cucumber downy mildew

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Mary Hausbeck, University Distinguished Professor and Extension Specialist in the Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, develops biosurveillance tools to combat an aggressive cucumber pathogen.

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  Unlocking the potential of the plant microbiome

  Published on July 1, 2020
  MSU microbial ecologist Ashley Shade is seeking to learn more about how microbes positively affect plant health and adapt to environmental pressures.

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  Combating corn tar spot

  Published on July 1, 2020
  MSU field crops pathologist Martin Chilvers examines management strategies, impacts for emerging plant disease

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  Examining plant genetics with an eye on the future

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Addie Thompson is a maize researcher with the Plant Resilience Institute working to predict the way plants interact with their environment

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  Promoting sustainability of farming systems using digital technology

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Precision agriculture expert Bruno Basso studies the sustainability of row crop production and delivers data to agricultural producers using innovative technologies.

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  Improving soil health key to productivity, sustainability for African farmers

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Sieg Snapp and Regis Chikowo, researchers in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, are helping farmers improve soil health and sustainability.

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  Identifying plant health threats and solutions at the epicenter of collaboration

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Jan Byrne, plant pathology diagnostician with MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Services, identifies potential plant health issues for growers and home owners.

• Giving back to growers

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Linda Hanson earned her master’s at Michigan State University. Now, she’s helping the growers who helped her as a student.

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  Studying what makes plants sick gives insight into animal and human health

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Sheng-Yang He is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and an MSU University Distinguished Professor

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  Combating disease for Michigan’s wheat industry

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Eric Olson is a member of the Wheat Breeding and Genetics Program at MSU developing wheat varieties

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  Ensuring access to quality seed, equitable gender practices

  Published on July 1, 2020
  MSU researcher Krista Isaacs is examining the access smallholder farmers have to quality seed and whether these needs are factored into variety development.

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  Detecting emerging pesticide resistance in grapes

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Timothy Miles, assistant professor and Extension specialist in Michigan State University’s (MSU) Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, researches the most effective management strategies for grape diseases.

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  Supporting soybean production with new resistant varieties

  Published on July 1, 2020
  Michigan State University Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Professor Dechun Wang is focused on soybean research

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  Understanding plant immunity to improve human health

  Published on July 1, 2020
  MSU Foundation Professor Brad Day studies the mechanisms by which plants fend off pathogens

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  MSU researchers to develop management tool for Chesapeake Bay watershed

  Published on May 28, 2020
  With a $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, two MSU researchers will develop a multi-objective optimization tool to help agencies make management decisions for the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

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  MSU announces new Center for PFAS Research

  Published on May 20, 2020
  The Center for PFAS Research brings together faculty from across Michigan State University to study the health and environmental issues around PFAS chemicals.

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  You Belong Here Champion Award winners announced

  Published on May 1, 2020
  The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) announces first-time You Belong Here Champion Awards

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  MSU researcher receives grant to continue studying pathogen resistance in plants

  Published on April 24, 2020
  Examining responses to environmental threats and public outreach

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  MSU water scientist chairing international task force examining wastewater for community infection of novel coronavirus

  Published on April 8, 2020
  Joan Rose, the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research at MSU, is leading the International Water Association Covid-19 Task Force's efforts to enhance water supply safety.

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  Plant and soil service labs open during COVID-19 shutdowns

  Published on March 30, 2020
  MSU’s Plant & Pest Diagnostics and Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory remain open during “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.

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  MSU receives USDA grant for potato breeding and genetics program

  Published on February 26, 2020
  MSU has received $700,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to invest in its potato breeding and genetics program.

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  AFRE professor and PSM alum receives CANR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

  Published on February 25, 2020
  Dave Weatherspoon to receive 2020 CANR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award at ANR Week.

• PSM alum receives CANR Outstanding Alumnus Award

  Published on February 25, 2020
  Dirk Drost to receive 2020 CANR Outstanding Alumnus Award at ANR Week.

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  Decarbonizing your ride for a more stable climate

  Published on February 24, 2020
  Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center measures the climate benefits of cellulosic biofuels for the first time

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  Discovering ways to build hardier, healthier plants

  Published on February 3, 2020
  The MSU Plant Resilience Institute is working to understand how plants cope with growing pressures from a changing climate.

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  Picking up crop pace to meet demand for Michigan craft beverages

  Published on February 3, 2020
  More locally grown grapes and hops support for Michigan's growing craft beverage industries.

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  Taking new varieties from the lab to the field

  Published on February 3, 2020
  The time-intensive process of crop variety development relies heavily on partnerships with MSU Technologies.

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  Project GREEEN advancing Michigan plant agriculture for 20 years

  Published on February 1, 2020
  For more than two decades, Project GREEEN has been working with the plant agriculture industry to address both short- and long-term issues.

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  Inaugural group of three global scholars named in CANR international initiative

  Published on January 7, 2020
  The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has announced the first cohort of three global scholars through an initiative that began last year.

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  Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology (PBGB) symposium held - Dec 12-13th, 2019

  Published on January 2, 2020
  The annual Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology (PBGB) symposium was held - December 12-13th, 2019. It was well attended and organized by Michigan State University (MSU) graduate students .....

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  New report says six MSU AgBioResearch scientists among most highly cited

  Published on December 3, 2019
  Six Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists have been recognized in the Highly Cited Researchers List, an annual compilation of the global leaders in scientific influence by Clarivate Analytics.

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  Michigan State University partners to create limited-edition purple potato chips

  Published on November 25, 2019
  The limited-edition purple potato chips from Great Lakes Potato Chip Co. are made from the Blackberry potato, the newest variety developed by Michigan State University's Potato Breeding and Genetics program.

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  Reducing agricultural risks with new technologies

  Published on October 14, 2019
  From using smartphone apps to soil testing and seed placement, growers aim to increase efficiency of their operations.

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  Deploying precision agriculture in developing countries provides opportunities, challenges

  Published on September 30, 2019
  MSU researchers are working with developing countries to bring innovative technologies and improve agricultural production and sustainability.

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  Undergraduate Denny Alt talks about why he chose to study crop and soil sciences

  Published on September 30, 2019
  Growing up on a farm in Michigan is what first interested Denny Alt in growing crops. His academic studies through the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences will support his plans in agribusiness.

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  Pouyan Nejadhashemi named MSU Foundation Professor

  Published on September 16, 2019
  Pouyan Nejadhashemi is a professor in the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences who studies water and its distribution, movement and quality in a variety of environments.

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  MSU researchers part of $2.7 million project funded by Department of Energy

  Published on September 10, 2019
  Two MSU researchers are part of a $2.7 million U.S. Department of Energy project studying sorghum, which is of interest as a biofuel. Researchers want to pinpoint genes that contribute to plant health and yield.

• Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology visit the commercial Corteva corn breeding program.

  Published on August 27, 2019
  PBGB Program Students traveled to Ithaca, MI to learn about corn breeding.

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  Michigan family farm embracing precision agriculture for past two decades

  Published on August 26, 2019
  MSU researcher lends insight as more and more farms worldwide adopt precision practices.

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  MSU alum connects current students with PGA Tour golf course preparation experience

  Published on August 22, 2019
  MSU students help prepare the golf course for the PGA FedEx Cup Championship in partnership with the agronomy team at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

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  MSU student uses drone technology to support family farm, MSU soybean research

  Published on August 12, 2019
  Ashley Kuhlman takes drone photos to support farming and research. Following graduation, she plans to start a precision agriculture consultancy business.

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  Postdoctoral researchers in MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences awarded USDA NIFA fellowships

  Published on July 23, 2019
  Two postdoctoral researchers in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences have received fellowships from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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  It’s all in the pores: New paper points to soil pore structure as key to carbon storage

  Published on July 22, 2019
  Kravchenko, Robertson co-author article on soil carbon for Nature Communications

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  Enviroweather stations detect low level inversions to help reduce pesticide drift

  Published on July 18, 2019
  Before you spray, check out the Temperature Inversion Tool on MSU Enviroweather.

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  MSU names new chairperson for Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

  Published on July 16, 2019
  Brian Horgan has been named chairperson for the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, effective September 2019.

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  Forage research field day scheduled for July 31

  Published on July 12, 2019
  Join us for a day of learning on a variety of trending forage topics.

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  MSU Freshman represents Michigan at the Grassfed Exchange

  Published on May 27, 2019
  One lucky freshman, Parker Holmes, Ag. Industries major, had the opportunity to attend the Grass-fed Exchange- all expenses paid- this past April in Santa Rosa, California.

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  CANR names new leader of international programs

  Published on May 20, 2019
  Karim Maredia has been named a senior global scholar and the director of agriculture and natural resources international programs in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

• First annual Plant Science Spring Formal Dance.

  Published on May 1, 2019
  “The MPS atrium was transformed on April 13th for the first annual Plant Science Spring Formal.

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  CANR recognizes faculty and academic promotions

  Published on April 19, 2019
  The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources annually recognizes faculty and academic promotions.

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  MSU uses NSF grant to increase awareness of STEM careers among Lansing high school students

  Published on March 11, 2019
  As part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, Michigan State University is working directly with students in several Lansing School District high schools to raise awareness of STEM disciplines and university opportunities, including scholarships.

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  MSU researchers want to know why wheat allergies are on the rise, develop new control methods

  Published on March 3, 2019
  Two MSU researchers are creating a model that measures the allergenicity of various wheat varieties. They hope to validate the model and eventually use it as a pre-clinical testing tool to develop non-allergenic wheat products.

• Agriculture and Natural Resources Week begins March 1

  Published on February 21, 2019
  Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Week will kick off March 1 at Michigan State University. ANR Week has served as a platform for enterprising new developments in agriculture and natural resources in Michigan since 1914.

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  Eunice Foster: A trailblazer at MSU, in the Lansing community

  Published on February 11, 2019
  Eunice Foster was the first woman and remains the only African-American to earn tenure in Michigan State University's Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.

• Michigan State University to host SASES Annual Meeting

  Published on February 1, 2019
  Michigan State University Agronomy Club won national bid to hold SASES Annual Conference.

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  MSU, GVSU join forces to address water challenges

  Published on January 29, 2019
  Michigan State University has formalized a partnership with the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute of Grand Valley State University to work together on water-related issues.

• PSM Department Chair Search

  Published on January 18, 2019
  Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources invites applications for Chairperson of the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.

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  From India to MSU – researcher has dedicated his life to agriculture

  Published on January 1, 2019
  Maninderpal Singh, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is studying current and emerging issues in cropping systems to help Michigan farmers improve farm profitability, sustainability and climate resiliency.

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  Two Crop and Soil Sciences Undergraduate Students Awarded STEM-FEE Scholarships

  Published on December 10, 2018
  Undergraduate Students Brianna Wiemer and Matt Uebbing awarded STEM-FEE scholarships.

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  Timothy Miles brings small fruit and hop pathology lab, research expertise to MSU

  Published on November 29, 2018
  Michigan State University recently welcomed small fruit and hop pathologist Timothy Miles as a faculty member and Extension specialist.

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  Plant Pathology Alumni - Dr. Roger Neil Beachy Ph.D. recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

  Published on November 12, 2018
  Dr. Roger Neil Beachy Ph.D. was recognized with the Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award.

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  Providing undergrads opportunity to sample graduate life

  Published on October 1, 2018
  Michigan State University was awarded a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to continue its involvement with the NSF’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program.

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  Resistance: Yesterday, today & tomorrow

  Published on August 15, 2018
  Resistance is not a new phenomenon, nor is it a direct result of the introduction of genetically modified organisms, according to Michigan State University researchers.

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  Growing new soybeans for Uganda

  Published on August 15, 2018
  GMOs could offer new opportunities to smallholder farmers.

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  GMOs 101: Getting down to basics

  Published on August 15, 2018
  MSU researchers offer a primer on the basics of GMO foods, breaking down an often difficult and controversial subject.

• MSU’s Shade Receives NSF Award to Research Rare Soil Microorganisms

  Published on June 11, 2018
  Ashley Shade has received an $800,000 National Science Foundation grant, jointly awarded by NSF’s Population and Community Ecology and Ecosystems Studies Clusters in the Division of Environmental Biology.

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  John Boyse, Nancy Creed given Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award

  Published on May 10, 2018
  Two staffers from CANR were recognized as distinguished staff members for their contributions to Michigan State University.

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  New MSU research to explore the basis of immunity

  Published on April 30, 2018
  A new research project by Michigan State University scientists will probe the mechanisms that drive disease and immunity at the cellular level, work which stands to revolutionize our understanding of why plants and animals, including humans, get sick.

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  Farmers, environment, and carbon markets to profit from more precise fertilizer management

  Published on April 25, 2018
  Michigan State University scientists together with scientists at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico have been researching the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on greenhouse gases.

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  Promoting agricultural innovation: US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue visits MSU to meet faculty, students

  Published on April 3, 2018
  As the inaugural destination of his third “Back to Our Roots” tour around the country, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue visited Michigan State University Tuesday, April 3.

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  MSU research build new tools to combat plant disease

  Published on February 26, 2018
  A new research project will empower growers to make better decisions by giving them cutting-edge tools to diagnose and track the spread of crop diseases on their farms.

• Contributing to clean energy needs through cellulosic biofuels

  Published on February 22, 2018
  Researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center are investigating the possibilities of sustainable biofuels, which are hoped to be a step toward cleaner energy, especially for transportation.

• Understanding, preventing transport of plant pathogens in water

  Published on February 22, 2018
  Researchers Mary Hausbeck and Wei Zhang are developing water-recycling technologies that filter out pathogens in greenhouse systems.

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  Weed Science Society of America names Sprague 2018 Outstanding Extension Award winner

  Published on February 15, 2018
  The Weed Science Society of America has honored Michigan State University professor and MSU Extension specialist Christy Sprague with the 2018 Outstanding Extension Award for her science, programming and service to growers.

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  The Year of Global Africa: Building on a Legacy of Partnership

  Published on January 11, 2018
  Michigan State University's work in Africa extends back to the 1960s, formalized when then-MSU president John Hannah made it a priority to expand the university's global reach. This year, MSU celebrates the evolution of this storied partnership.

• PSM welcomes new potato and sugarbeet pathologist

  Published on January 4, 2018
  Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences is excited to welcome a new faculty member for this upcoming spring! Jaime Willbur will be joining us on March 1, 2018 as a new extension and faculty member, studying specifically potato and sugarbeet pathology.

• Ray Hammerschmidt called on to testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry

  Published on December 15, 2017
  Dr. Ray Hammerschmidt was called upon to testify before the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. The hearing was titled Safeguarding American Agriculture in a Globalized World.

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  How plants 'muscle up' as they prep for the cold

  Published on December 7, 2017
  Plants, like humans, do not like very hot or cold weather. Temperature extremes are a major factor that determines where plants grow and that can limit agricultural production.

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  Onions hold key to plant disease management for Cambodian scholar

  Published on November 21, 2017
  Tho Kim Eang, a scholar with the BHEARD program, wants to become one of the experts who manage Cambodia’s plant diseases, thereby increasing food security and reducing poverty in his home country.

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  MSU soil scientist honored with prestigious Jackson Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy Award.

  Published on November 13, 2017
  Hui Li, an associate professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is the 2017 recipient of the award.

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  Research breakthrough could cleanse soil, sediment and water pollution

  Published on October 5, 2017
  New research from Michigan State University has shown for the first time that activated carbon can help eliminate the health risks associated with soils, sediments and surface water polluted by highly toxic dioxins.

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  Breeding better wheat

  Published on October 1, 2017
  Michigan State University's wheat breeding and genetics program is helping to develop the best new varieties of wheat.

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  Controlling soybean diseases with lab, field tools

  Published on October 1, 2017
  Michigan State University's researcher, Martin Chilver's searches for ways to combat diseases that threaten soybeans.

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  MSU researchers to explore symbiosis and co-evolution of fungi, plants and bacteria

  Published on September 28, 2017
  A new research project led by Michigan State University scientists will explore the diversity, evolution and ecological functions of a fungi lineage critical to the success of terrestrial plant life worldwide, including agricultural crops.

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  A new frontier: MSU researchers examining technology through the lens of food safety

  Published on July 31, 2017
  As technology in the food industry expands rapidly, MSU researchers want to ensure its safety.

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