A University of Florida researcher, Dennis Gray, is using what he terms “precision breeding” to develop disease-resistant grapes. Powdery mildew and black rot are torment of grape growers, but Gray has successfully bred three varieties that resist these diseases. Thompson Seedless, Seyval Blanc and Syrah are three out of only 35 varieties of grapes that are grown on 66 percent … Read More
Texas A and M Hosts “Year of Soils” Event
Texas A&M University is hosting the Global Soil Security Symposium on their campus this week. The event is scheduled as part of the United Nations Food and the Agriculture Organization’s Global Soil Partnership as they declare 2015 the International Year of Soils. “This is an opportunity to recognize the importance of soil science in our current global challenges of human health, … Read More
NRGene Maps Maize Genome in Just 34 Hours
An Israeli company specializing in big data genomic analysis has mapped the maize W22’s genome in just 34 hours. NRGene‘s speed and accuracy contributed to the entire mapping process being done exceptionally cost effectively. “NRGene’s expertise in both plant genomics and IT allows us to create tools that deliver practical, useful results for scientists,” said Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO, NRGene. … Read More
Purdue Prof on Overlap System for Weed Control
Resistant weeds, the appropriate use of herbicides and integrated weed management strategies are highlighted topics in the new white paper, “Overlapping Residual Herbicides” by Purdue University Associate Professor of Weed Science Bryan Young, pictured here talking weed control strategies at the 2014 Commodity Classic. “The practice of applying two effective residual herbicide sites of action in combination or the concept … Read More
USDA to Strengthen 1890 Land-Grant Universities
More than $18 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is being made available to 19 historically black land-grant colleges and universities. This news release says the money will go to strengthen the research, teaching and extension capabilities at the schools. “This support for the 1890 land-grant universities is an example of the Obama Administration and Secretary … Read More
Hick Chick Chat with PrecisionHawk
Not all that long ago I had the chance to visit with the folks from PrecisionHawk. They have had some growth in their technology and partnership with Intel Capital. They are working more with universities to manage and collect data and of course the farmer as far as education and learning what they can do with unmanned aircraft to help … Read More
Poster Winners at ASTA CSS
Three students were awarded prizes sponsored by Dow AgroSciences for their winning poster presentations at the ASTA CSS 2014 and Seed Expo last week in Chicago. First place was awarded to Adam Gaspar from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who is pictured here explaining his presentation to one of the judges. Second place went to Lillian Brzostowski, a student at the … Read More
Mizzou and ADM Tackle Feeding and Fueling the World
The University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and its College of Engineering have teamed up with Archer Daniels Midland Company to open a new research center focusing on biofuels and food production. The ADM Center for Agricultural Development was designed to give students more of a hands on approach in learning the latest theories of biofuel … Read More
Researchers Look to Take Precision Ag to Next Level
Computerized sensors, automatic sprayers, and even one day, driverless, GPS-guided tractors might seem pretty realistic in the world of precision agriculture. But a researcher in Texas is looking to take the technology to the next level. In this article from Texas A&M, Dr. Alex Thomasson, an agricultural engineer for the school, says he wants to develop sensors and computer hardware … Read More
Data Management Challenge
Paul Mask, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System assistant director for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources and an Auburn University professor of agronomy and soils, says the promise of precision farming is using technology to gain a clear and comprehensive picture of one’s farming operations to secure the highest measure of farm efficiency and profitability by reducing input usage, insulating against … Read More