UC Davis researchers found that walnut tree disease resistance and growth vigor are linked to cell wall formation. This insight could speed up the breeding of resilient rootstocks, protecting California’s $1.1B walnut industry from climate and disease threats.
Vincent D’Antonio, longtime UC Davis staff research associate in vegetable crops, passed away at 74. He supported celery and Brassica breeding for 30 years and is remembered for his dedication, kindness, and love of sports.
Pioneering plant geneticist Raymond C. Valentine, co-founder of Calgene and advocate for molecular farming, died March 9 at 86. His work transformed agriculture and led to the first genetically engineered food crops.
Imtiyaz Khanday, an assistant professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, is co-leading an international team that has propagated a commercial hybrid rice strain as a clone through seeds with 95 percent efficiency. The method that led to this breakthrough could lower the cost of hybrid rice seed, making high-yielding, disease-resistant rice strains available to low-income farmers worldwide.
For the sixth year in a row, Department of Plant Sciences faculty Eduardo Blumwald has been named a Highly Cited Researcher by an international database of scientific journals. Blumwald, a plant biologist, is among 10 UC Davis researchers to receive the distinction for 2022.
UC Davis researchers, led by Eduardo Blumwald, discovered a way to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use in cereal crops like rice by enhancing natural nitrogen fixation. This could save farmers billions and reduce environmental harm.
UC Davis researchers Grey Monroe and Daniela Quiroz have received a $50,000 STAIR grant to develop a tool for studying DNA repair processes. Their research aims to create faster, more efficient ways to decode histone signals, potentially advancing health and agriculture.
UC Davis researchers, led by Allen Van Deynze and Charlie Brummer, are developing spinach varieties resistant to downy mildew, with improved nitrogen efficiency and reduced cadmium uptake. Trials with over 1,700 genetic lines aim for faster, healthier growth.
Richard Michelmore and his UC Davis lab are working to breed lettuce resistant to diseases like downy mildew, Fusarium, and corky root. They are exploring genetic bases for resistance and providing breeding lines to seed companies.
A UC Davis-led project on poplar trees aims to create sustainable jet fuel using plant-based materials. The research focuses on genetic traits, artificial intelligence, and biofuel production to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.
