Mohsen Mesgaran will receive the 2026 Award of Excellence in Agricultural Research Innovation-Mid Career from AgInnovation-West for tools that advance early detection of high‑risk invasive species and pests.
Virtual fencing for cattle can lower costs for ranchers, improve the health of land and resilience to wildfire, plus benefit animals' health, according to researchers including rangeland expert Leslie Roche of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
Scientist Shuxiao "Susan" Zhang, in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, studied pistachio hulls at the anatomical and cellular levels, and found genetic links explaining hull split -- a costly problem for California growers.
Researchers at the UC Dry Bean Field Day shared progress on developing bean varieties with higher yields, larger seeds, and better drought, heat, and disease tolerance, using tools such as drones and robotics to accelerate breeding and field testing.
Scientists statewide are testing varieties of large-seeded and baby limas, both bush and vine types, for qualities that are great for consumers and for growers facing a range of conditions. Research updates were presented at the 2025 UC Dry Bean Field Day.
Graduate student Aileen Salas, in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, will use her $3,000 grant from the Miller Plant Science Award to research ways to boost yield and fight pests in almond orchards.
International connections including Dan Kliebenstein's lab at the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences have led to more than a decade of ongoing collaboration. One result: A breakthrough in understanding how orange trees could fend off -- and perhaps even cure -- the insect-borne bacterium that causes citrus greening and threatens to wipe out the industry.
Scientists Pershang Hosseini and Matt Fatino discuss their research for controlling the parasitic plant Orobanche, commonly called broomrape. Strategies include drawing down the bank of seeds in the soil, adding herbicide to irrigation water and timing transplants going into infested fields.
Kenneth W. Tate, a professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences and a UC Cooperative Extension specialist, died unexpectedly on June 5, 2025, at the age 58. He is remembered for his leadership in rangeland science and management and for his mentorship of students and other researchers.
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.
