Department researchers are revealing important ways that universities, government agencies and other support organizations can help our food producers develop resilience to environmental challenges and remain profitable.
Research shows ranchers benefit from planning for extreme weather, but climate-smart strategies alone aren’t enough. A new $990K USDA grant will support training, outreach, and resources to help ranchers adapt to drought and climate change.
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.
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.
The Diagnosing Herbicide Symptoms field day at UC Davis trained growers and researchers to identify crop damage causes, from herbicides to water stress. Experts emphasized detective work, careful application, and alternative explanations like pests or soil issues.
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.
Graduate students Erika Escalona and Valentina Roel won top poster awards at the California Plant and Soil Conference, highlighting UC Davis research on soil steaming and nitrogen alternatives in sustainable agriculture.
The Western IPM Center (Integrated Pest Management) received $1M in USDA funding to support sustainable pest control across 14 western states and U.S. territories. It connects researchers and stakeholders to tackle pests, improve food security, and share solutions.
New UC Cooperative Extension specialist Justin Valliere will expand invasion and restoration ecology efforts, focusing on native plant recovery, climate stress, and community engagement—especially involving youth in stewardship.
Jennifer Baumbach used her GSR award to support research on water-wise landscaping, which she now applies in her role leading the Master Gardener Program in Solano and Yolo counties, turning science into practical gardening solutions.
