Alfalfa offers a drought-resilient, high-protein crop for both livestock and human use. UC Davis researchers are exploring ways to improve yield, protein extraction, and resilience while testing almond shells as a soil amendment to enhance water infiltration.
UC Davis researchers are exploring how byproducts from anaerobic digesters, rich in nitrogen, can serve as fertilizers for wheat and triticale. Early results show promise for forage crops, potentially reducing chemical fertilizer use and costs.
UC Davis researchers are developing wheat and barley varieties to withstand drought, salinity, and climate change. Innovations include dual-purpose wheat, non-allergenic grains, drone monitoring, and water-efficient farming to support growers.
Richard Michelmore, UC Davis molecular biologist and founder of the Genome Center, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his work on plant disease resistance and COVID-19 testing. His research advances crop resilience and genomics.
AI is transforming food systems from plant breeding to nutrition. At UC Davis, researchers use AI to improve crop resilience, optimize processing, and enhance dietary insights, making agriculture more efficient, sustainable, and data-driven.
UC Davis’ Seed Central event on May 9 connects students and postdocs with industry leaders for networking, job opportunities, and research collaboration. A new Talents Corner helps ease connections, while Postdoc Panorama boosts researcher visibility.
Doctoral student Maria Rottersman joins a national fellowship this year that helps early-career scientists pursue their research and develop their careers in food science and agriculture.
Richard Michelmore led the UC Davis Genome Center for 20 years, expanding its influence and spearheading a groundbreaking COVID-19 saliva test. His leadership advanced genomics research, faculty recruitment, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
UC Davis' C.M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center supports global tomato breeding. Picnic Day visitors can get tomato starts and learn about tomato history. The event highlights the crop’s economic impact, genetics, and growing tips.
Storing fresh produce correctly can save you money and time by keeping your tomatoes, grapes, broccoli and other fresh fruits and vegetables in tip-top condition for as long as possible. UC Davis’ Produce Heroes game teaches proper produce storage to reduce food waste and climate impact. Learn fridge vs. countertop tips through a fun, educational cornhole game.
UC Davis weed scientists help identify invasive plants and offer advice at Picnic Day’s “Ask the Weed Doctor” booth. Their research supports agriculture, fire prevention, and ecosystem health statewide.
This year, we are excited for the 2024 UC Davis Plant Sciences Symposium to represent work across the plant sciences with the theme, “Plant diversity from genes to ecosystems.”
Each spring, the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences grows popping corn for its popular Picnic Day shelling exhibit. Visitors collect kernels to take home and pop, learning about popcorn's unique moisture-powered “pop” and the science behind this tasty treat.
UC Davis' Strawberry Breeding Program develops resilient, high-quality varieties for growers worldwide. It has released 12 commercial varieties in nine years, supporting California's $2.7B industry.
A new method using firmness measurements helps growers pick plums at peak ripeness, improving flavor and reducing postharvest damage. UC Davis expert Carlos Crisosto’s research offers guidelines for better fruit quality and consumer satisfaction.
