The inaugural Global Food Systems Research Day, held Oct. 24 at UC Davis, underscored the role of scientists in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences in the effort to build sustainable agricultural and distribution systems providing nutritious and affordable food to people all over the world.
Construction officially began on the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Center for Agricultural Innovation with a groundbreaking event on May 29, celebrating the future $64.4 million facility at the University of California, Davis.
UC Davis’ Charlie Brummer urges a shift from single-crop to multi-crop farming to boost sustainability, reduce costs, and slow climate change. A full-system approach, including policy reform, is key to supporting the transition.
UC Davis has named Mitchell Feldmann as assistant professor and future lead of its renowned Strawberry Breeding Program. Feldmann will use genetics and advanced technology to speed the development of resilient, flavorful varieties.
The nonprofit organization Pacific Horticulture has released a new video describing research to develop irrigation recommendations for landscape plants, the science behind the process, and early ideas for mindful gardeners and landscapers.
Isha Poudel, a UC Davis master's student in international agricultural development, has received an American Association of University Women fellowship. Her research focuses on gender equity and disaster resiliency in food systems.
UC Davis' Strawberry Breeding Center received $6.2 million to enhance strawberry crop resilience against diseases and pests. The four-year project will focus on genetic research, gene editing, and breeding to ensure sustainable production.
The SCOPE project at UC Davis, led by students, is developing new crop varieties for organic farmers, including improved peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and flowers. Their work focuses on better taste, disease resistance, and yield.
UC Davis researchers, led by Steve Fennimore, are studying robots that reduce hand-weeding costs and use steam to combat soil pathogens, improving lettuce yields and reducing chemical herbicide use in the process.
Gail Taylor advocates for vertical farming as a solution to urban food security and drought, emphasizing its role in enhancing, not replacing, outdoor agriculture. Her research focuses on making greens like watercress more nutritious for mechanical harvesting.
