UC Davis research shows low- and moderate-severity wildfires can reduce future fire intensity for up to 20 years. Using satellite data, scientists found past fires help manage fuel loads, offering insights for forest resilience and wildfire mitigation.
UC Davis received a $500K grant to breed drought-tolerant and disease-resistant carrots using wild genetics. Researchers aim to reduce fungicide use and secure crop yields, ensuring a stable carrot supply for growers and consumers.
Leslie Roche has received the Outstanding New Academic Award from University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources. Roche is an associate professor of Cooperative Extension, based in the Department of Plant Sciences. Her research looks at the agricultural, environmental and social aspects of ranching and livestock production.
Researchers have developed best practices for handling walnuts to maintain quality and prevent rancidity. Their award-winning recommendations include timely harvesting, cold storage, and using a color guide to match nuts to the best markets.
UC Davis' Feed the Future Innovation Lab showcased low-cost postharvest technologies to young African leaders. Simple solutions like solar dryers and CoolBot cold rooms can reduce food waste, boost farmer incomes, and improve food security globally.
UC Davis agronomist Bruce Linquist was named a 2024 Soil Science Society of America Fellow for his leadership in sustainable rice farming. His research on reducing tillage and water use helps farmers cut costs while improving soil health.
The 2024 Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture Annual Meeting in Guatemala focused on building climate resilience for small farmers. Experts shared research, innovations, and strategies for scaling sustainable horticulture practices.
Problems faced by agriculture amid climate change are closely intertwined with non-ag issues. Solutions often have downsides. We have to embrace the complexity, talk to each other, innovate, use technology and be flexible to find solutions that feed us without causing harm to people and while improving and protecting the environment.
Alfalfa expert Charlie Brummer says it's time to "think about redesigning the alfalfa plant from first principles," after 40 years of frustrated efforts to increase yield. He made the remarks at a recent meeting of the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. Students also presented their research, including trials to grow the crop with less water.
Four students connected to the UC Davis Department of Plant Science have received grants from the Milton D. and Mary M. Miller Plant Science Award, which supports learners interested in careers with Cooperative Extension. The 2024 awardees are Maya Shydlowski, Erika Escalona, Sam Dudley and Ben Baldi. All four students said they are eager to share what they are learning with people in the field who need solutions for everyday problems.
