Between the increasing severity of drought in California and state restrictions on the use of groundwater, growers in the Central Valley need options that offer income potential. The recent Small Grains/Alfalfa Field Day, hosted by the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, presented research on growing cereal crops with minimal water.
Without such options, growers are projected to fallow hundreds of thousands of acres on previously irrigated land in the Central Valley. The university’s Small Grains Breeding Program is working to meet that need.
A recent discovery getting attention in scientific circles points toward a new pathway for growing larger grains, beans and other edible seeds. In addition, the research -- which is getting a boost from Kent Bradford in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences – shows the impact of the department’s international collaborations.
A new variety of wheat without some of the glutens that cause allergic reactions, such as celiac disease, has been developed by scientists in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
The first in a new series of videos has been posted to help educate the coming generation of workers and managers in California's vegetable industry. The project is led by Jeff Mitchell, of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
Dr. Donald J. Durzan was chair of the former UC Davis Department of Pomology from 1981 to 1985. He is remembered for groundbreaking research in conifer biochemistry and his contributions to the forestry industry, as well as to advances in fruit and nut crops.
First-of-its-kind research on the impact of California's resurgent population of protected gray wolves shows rising predation and costs to cattle ranchers. It underscores the need to move “toward some kind of coexistence,” rangelands specialist Ken Tate says.
Walnut trees don't need water early in the season. UC Davis scientists are field-testing a new method that lets the trees tell farmers when to start irrigation, saving time, money and a precious resource.
Geneticist and Professor Emeritus Carlos F. Quirós Raffo died Feb. 3 of lung cancer. A celebration of life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in Chula Vista, Calif. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father and friend.
The Horticulture Innovation Lab will end operations in April 2025. Scientists boosted fruit and vegetable sectors in Africa, Asia and Central America, training thousands of farmers and researchers. Innovations including storage and crop varieties improved food security and family incomes.
Department Chair Dan Potter has given the initial portion of a $125,000 gift to support students researching in the areas of plant diversity, classification and cultural uses. He invites you to participate through the UC Davis Give Day Challenge, open now.