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

News

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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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  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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  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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  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.

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  Joseph Vargas receives Distinguished Faculty Award

  Published on February 21, 2019
  Professor Joe Vargas receives the Distinguished Faculty Award at ANR Week 2019.

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  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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  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.

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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.

• 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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  Post-bloom fungicide choices in blueberries

  Published on June 6, 2017
  Controlling different diseases calls for a change in fungicide choice.

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  Restless Soul Leads to Lifelong Work in Water

  Published on April 10, 2017
  Joan Rose is accomplished. And she improves lives every day for people she doesn’t even know. But her story isn’t finished.

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  Meet a Faculty Member: Dr. Kim Cassida

  Published on March 22, 2017
  Dr. Kim Cassida Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences assistant professor and Forage Extension Specialist.

• A long-term investment: Breeding better wheat for a stronger industry

  Published on February 14, 2017
  Ensuring that Michigan farmers have the best tools to meet emerging challenges and continue to produce at record-setting levels lies at the heart of the wheat breeding and genetics program, led by MSU AgBioResearch plant breeder Eric Olson.

• Meet a Faculty Member: Dr. Mary Hausbeck

  Published on February 1, 2017
  Dr. Mary Hausbeck's is a MSU distinguished professor and associate chairperson of the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences. Her research team is currently working to prevent and control downy mildew in cucumbers in Michigan.

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  MSU nets $1M NSF grant to recruit, prepare students for STEM careers

  Published on January 19, 2017
  Thousands of jobs in the STEM fields of food, energy and the environment are going unfilled in the U.S. today.

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  Giving TUEsday campaign to raise funds for CANR Student Club Grants

  Published on November 29, 2016
  Did participation in a student club enhance your MSU experience? This year's #GivingTUEsday campaign in the college is to raise $5,000 to support Student Club Grants through the CANR Alumni Association.

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  Sustainability minor students gain real-world perspectives

  Published on November 16, 2016
  Students in the sustainable agriculture and food systems minor (SAFS) through the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences gain real-world perspective in agriculture in a diverse classroom.

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  Meet a Staff Member: Mackenzie Graham

  Published on November 15, 2016
  Mackenzie Graham is the new graduate secretary for the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.

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  Meet a Faculty Member: Susan Gruber

  Published on September 7, 2016
  As MSU adopts a new scheduling system for the coming academic year, Susan Gruber, the new undergraduate advisor for the agronomy and turfgrass students, encourages students to make academic advising appointments a priority.

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  Student Profile: Q&A with Timothy Leblanc

  Published on July 27, 2016
  Q&A with Timothy Leblanc, Freshman, Turfgrass Management & Golf, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Internship: Meadowbrook Country Club; Northville, MI

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  Fertilizer use could reduce climate benefit of cellulosic biofuels

  Published on June 3, 2016
  The use of nitrogen fertilizer on switchgrass crops can produce a sharp increase in emissions of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas up to 300 times more harmful than carbon dioxide and a significant driver of global climate change.

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  Plant, Soil and Microbial Science research to help feed burgeoning world population

  Published on May 2, 2016
  Brad Day, associate professor and department chair for research in MSU's Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, was interviewed recently by President Lou Anna K. Simon and Athletic Director Mark Hollis on MSU Today.

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  MSU professor awarded Stockholm Water Prize from United Nations

  Published on May 2, 2016
  Dr. Joan Rose was awarded the 2016 Stockholm Water Prize at the United Nation's World Water Day. She was honored for her contributions to global public health, including her research on human health in water.

• International Year of Pulses 2016

  Published on April 7, 2016
  The United Nations is encouraging everyone to include pulses in their diet as a primary source of protein and other essential nutrients.

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  MSU water scientist awarded world's top water prize

  Published on March 23, 2016
  Michigan State University professor Joan Rose is the 2016 recipient of the Stockholm Water Prize, announced today at the United Nation's World Water Day celebration in Geneva.

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  Dr. Joe Vargas selected for Michigan Golf Hall of Fame

  Published on February 22, 2016
  Dr. Joe Vargas was selected to be inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame.

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  PSM professor's bean research has impact across world

  Published on February 11, 2016
  In the early morning, in a farm building surrounded by fields full of snow, James Kelly prepares to test the latest research models with his colleagues.

• Dry bean variety trials report released

  Published on February 8, 2016
  The MSU Dry Bean Breeding and Genetics Program has released the 2015 Dry bean variety trials report.

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  MSU researcher to study how fresh produce absorbs harmful chemicals from soil, water

  Published on February 5, 2016
  MSU AgBioResearch scientist Hui Li has been awarded a $475,000 grant from USDA to study the mechanisms by which fresh vegetables absorb pharmaceuticals and personal care products from soil and water.

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  George Sundin named Beal Outstanding Faculty Award winner

  Published on February 5, 2016
  Each year, William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award winners are honored for a comprehensive and sustained record of scholarly excellence in research and/or creative activities, instruction and outreach.

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  Hendrick recommended as Dean of College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU

  Published on January 25, 2016
  Hendrick is an MSU alumnus who currently serves as interim dean for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Science at Ohio State University.

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  MSU to host its first Agriculture Innovations: Focus on Soils in August

  Published on January 8, 2016
  Michigan State University (MSU) will host its first Agriculture Innovations: Focus on Soils on Aug. 24, 2016, at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

• MSU Academy for Global Engagement names 10 fellows for 2016

  Published on December 1, 2015
  Ten MSU faculty from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering have been tapped for the 2016 cohort of the Academy for Global Engagement Fellowship Program.

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  MSU to lead $5.8M USAID grant to improve potato production

  Published on October 26, 2015
  The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded Michigan State a $5.8 million cooperative agreement to improve potato production in Bangladesh and Indonesia.

• Global Challenges

  Published on October 26, 2015
  With global population projections of 9 billion by the year 2050, humanity faces several challenges: climate change, food water insecurity and environmental damage.

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  Study shows crop rotation has positive impact on soil microbes and long-term land sustainability

  Published on June 15, 2015
  A study authored by Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences assistant professor Lisa Tiemann is the first of its kind to show that crop rotations can increase the functions performed by soil microbes.

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  Staff Members honored with outstanding team award

  Published on May 12, 2015
  Ten Staff members from the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences awarded the outstanding team award from the College of Agriculture and Education.

• Nearly $90,000 of scholarships awarded to Plant, Soil and Microbial Science Students.

  Published on May 4, 2015
  During the recent 2015 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Honors Banquet, nearly $90,000 in scholarships were awarded to students in undergraduate studies programs in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.

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  PSM Faculty member elected to National Academy of Sciences

  Published on April 30, 2015
  Sheng-Yang He, a MSU Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, was selected as part of the 2015 class. He earned the honor for his seminal contributions to the understanding of plant-pathogen interactions.

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  Flagstick turf grass expected to improve golf courses, reduce environmental impacts and save money

  Published on April 29, 2015
  A 20-year search for a turfgrass resistant to the most common disease afflicting golf courses in Michigan and throughout the northeastern United States has finished on an upswing.

• Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

  Published on January 26, 2015
  Various funding opportunities exist for graduate student funding, which include fellowships and support awards. For more details see funding opportunities. Deadline for applications for these opportunities is February 20, 2015.

• MSU Academy for Global Engagement names ten new fellows

  Published on November 19, 2014
  Ten early-to-mid career tenure track faculty have been selected to develop and enhance their international research portfolios.

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  Graduate student Victoria Ackroyd creates the winning artistic pumpkin carving.

  Published on November 4, 2014
  For the fourth year running, our weed science team had a pumpkin carving contest to celebrate Halloween. Pumpkins were displayed on Oct. 31 in the Plant and Soil Sciences Building, where anyone was allowed to vote for their favorite.

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  Dr. Sasha Kavchenko selected to be Fellow of Soil Science Society of America

  Published on October 24, 2014
  Dr. Sasha Kravchenko, was recently nominated and subsequently selected to be a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America. Congratulations Sasha! Click link above to read more.

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  Faculty Voice: James Kelly

  Published on October 15, 2014
  James Kelly is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He is an expert in dry bean breeding and genetics.

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  Alumna Gerardine Mukeshemana to provide keynote speech at the World Food Conf.

  Published on October 3, 2014
  Dr. Geradine Mukeshemana, doctoral graduate of the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, who studied under Dr. James Kelly, will give a Borlaug Dialog speech at the 2014 World Food Conference, which is held in Des Moines, Iowa.

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  MSU researcher named American Phytopathological Society fellow

  Published on August 26, 2014
  MSU AgBioResearch scientist Mary Hausbeck has been named a fellow of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), the nation's premier society of innovative plant pathology research.

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  MSU Graduate Appointed Minister of Agriculture in Rwanda

  Published on July 30, 2014
  Geradine Mukeshimana, a former graduate student at MSU, was just appointed the Minister of Agriculture and Anatase Murekezi, a collaborating partner with MSU for decades was just named the Prime Minister.

• MSU fruit tree and landscape courses open for off-campus fall enrollment

  Published on July 15, 2014
  The Michigan State University (MSU) Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) has been conducting practical plant, animal and technology certificate courses on its East Lansing campus for more than 100 years.

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  MSU professor recognized with achievement award in Greece

  Published on July 7, 2014
  Long-time Michigan State University (MSU) professor James D. Kelly received the Legume Innovation Lab's Meritorious Achievement Award last month.

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  Dale Mutch awarded Sustainable Agriculture Hero Award

  Published on July 2, 2014
  Dale Mutch has been selected by the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) to be a 2014 NCR-SARE Hero.

• Greenhouse gas emissions offsets issued in first agricultural offsets transaction

  Published on June 21, 2014
  The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) announced the first agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions offsets transaction based on validation and verification methodology developed by EPRI and Michigan State University (MSU).

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  Faculty Voice James Kelly

  Published on April 25, 2014
  James Kelly is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He is an expert in dry bean breeding and genetics.

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  PSM graduate student presents award to Sen. Stabenow & earns 2014 Future Leaders in Science Award

  Published on March 27, 2014
  On March 27, Christine Sprunger, a Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Student traveled to Washington D.C. with 50 other Agronomy, Crop and Soil Science scientists to take part in Congressional Visit Day.

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