News
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        Michigan vegetable growers rely on MSU partnership, researchPublished on October 29, 2025 
 MSU research helps advance Michigan's vibrant vegetable industry.
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        Bridging Science and Culture: A Visit from Dr. Miyo YamanePublished on October 17, 2025 
 With colorful traditional chiyogami paper on hand, Dr. Yamane shared scientific insights and also cultural traditions at a recent PSM coffee hour— a perfect end to her visit.
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        MSU AgBioResearch complements university’s One Team, One Health approachPublished on October 15, 2025 
 Michigan State University AgBioResearch partners with MSU colleges to advance research that promotes the interconnectedness of human, plant, animal and environmental health.
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        The story behind the winning images: first in a series featuring winners of the PSM Photo ContestPublished on October 5, 2025 
 These images can be seen in the PSM conference room PSSB 271
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        Resilient roots, sustainable systems: Innovation and collaboration in plant healthPublished on September 26, 2025 
 Visiting scholar brings questions and expertise to PSM
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        MSU Turf: A legacy of world-class grass managementPublished on September 26, 2025 
 MSU, University of Tennessee collaborate with FIFA to provide natural grass pitches for 2026 World Cup
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        MSU research ‘critical’ to Michigan soybean productionPublished on September 24, 2025 
 Soybean growers and industry representatives speak to the positive results from investing in MSU soybean research.
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        Unpacking Alfalfa Toxicity: Paige Baisley breaks new ground in an old problemPublished on September 19, 2025 
 Alfalfa, while widely used as livestock forage, can be allelopathic to its own seedlings; resulting in up to more than 52 percent loss in some fields, as well as significant stand reductions, affecting seedlings within 8 inches of established plants.
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        Mid-Michigan Agronomy Event Brings Together Experts, Growers, and Policy LeadersPublished on September 2, 2025 
 Despite a rainy start, spirits were high at the Saginaw Valley Research Center as nearly 150 participants gathered for a full morning of agronomy-focused insights.
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        The 2025 Joint Annual Meeting of the Northern Nut Growers Association (NNGA) and Chestnut Growers of America Lansing, MIPublished on August 13, 2025 
 Planting seeds for continued collaboration and innovation between MSU and the nut-growing community
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        CANR Alumni Board announces 2025 Alumni Association student scholarship recipientsPublished on August 11, 2025 
 Each year, the CANR Alumni Board awards scholarships a group of exceptional students who demonstrate leadership, excel in the classroom, serve their communities and articulate a clear vision for their future career aspirations.
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        2025 Montcalm County Potato Field DayPublished on August 8, 2025 
 Photos from a day in the sun featuring mid-Michigan potatoes
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        MSU’s Wheat Team Visits UK’s Premier Arable Farming EventPublished on August 1, 2025 
 The team participated as part of the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN), engaging with some of the most innovative wheat growers in the world
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        Core Upgrades Pave Way for Spartan SciencePublished on August 1, 2025 
 Major investments are accelerating research capabilities right here in PSM
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        Exploring the Potential of Open-Pollinated Corn at KBSPublished on July 11, 2025 
 Wrapping up the final season of this colorful project
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        Welcoming Future Scientists: MAP Students Join Addie Thompson’s Lab at MSUPublished on July 11, 2025 
 This July, the Thompson Lab is proud to host three bright high school students—Adrian, Ananya, and Vania—through the Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP).
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        "The Golden Years": Celebrating the impact and legacy of Dr. Lloyd M. TurkPublished on July 2, 2025 
 Dr. Lloyd M. Turk’s contributions to MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources from 1932 to 1967 laid a foundation that continues to influence generations.
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        SAFS goes Exploring: “Farmland: Food, Justice, and Sovereignty”Published on July 2, 2025 
 A Multidimensional Look at Agriculture Through Art at the MSU Broad Art Museum
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        Weeds Tour 2025 comes together with Wheat DayPublished on June 30, 2025 
 In back-to-back events, participants are treated to a full spectrum of PSM crop science
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        PSM Announces Photo Contest Winners!Published on June 27, 2025 
 Overwhelming response to photo contest makes decisions difficult!
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        Leadership transition announced for Project GREEENPublished on June 23, 2025 
 Cornelius Barry will be the next coordinator of Project GREEEN, effective July 1, 2025.
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        MSU-led research team receives $500K grant to combat herbicide-resistant weeds in soybeansPublished on June 16, 2025 
 The grant is funded by the United Soybean Board.
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        A Summer of Discovery: Welcoming REU Students to the PSM Labs at MSUPublished on June 13, 2025 
 Summer on campus means more than field days and quiet streets—it also means a fresh crop of students bringing new energy to our labs, thanks to an amazing group of undergraduate researchers joining us for the season.
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        Lark joining MSU through Agricultural Resiliency Program to address land use challenges facing today’s farmersPublished on June 11, 2025 
 Tyler Lark, an expert in land use change and sustainable agriculture, will become an assistant professor at MSU in August 2025.
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        Congratulations to Spring 2025 Alumni Jackie "Jack" Guevara, who joins PSM: Assistant Professor – TurfgrassPublished on May 29, 2025 
 Recent grad and new faculty reflects on process and goals for the future.
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        IT news of interest to the PSM communityPublished on May 29, 2025 
 Four brief articles to help make your computer usage easier and safer.
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        MSU University Distinguished Professor elected to National Academy of Sciences for work in sustainable agriculturePublished on May 12, 2025 
 Phil Robertson, Ph. D., a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors for a scientist in the U.S.
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        MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension announce 2025 field daysPublished on May 8, 2025 
 The events will take place across Michigan from May through September.
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        A fearless force for goodPublished on May 6, 2025 
 Celebrating the impactful career and legacy of MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Professor Emeritus Dr. Eunice Foster.
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        Updates to MSU greenhouse facility renovations: New headhouse, greenhouses built; capacity at existing greenhouses strengthenedPublished on May 1, 2025 
 The final stage of the project is expected to be complete by November 2026.
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        Alumni Matt Bromley awarded NCSS Scientist of the YearPublished on April 25, 2025 
 The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service 'Soil and Plant Science Division' created the awards in 1999 to recognize scientists involved in the Soil Survey Program.
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        Caputo, Rouached honored with 2025 CANR Established Mid-Career Researcher AwardsPublished on April 22, 2025 
 The CANR is proud to announce Vincenzina Caputo, Ph.D., and Hatem Rouached, Ph.D., as the recipients of the 2025 CANR Established Mid-Career Researcher Awards
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        CANR honors departments, units with CAB badgesPublished on April 22, 2025 
 The CANR and Office of Culture, Access and Belonging OCAB will honor the 2025 Culture, Access and Belonging Badge Award recipients at the CANR Faculty and Staff Awards on May 8
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        PSM students and faculty participate in MSU Science Festival 2025 STEAM EXPO eventPublished on April 13, 2025 
 April 5-6 STEM Building
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        CANR members honored with 2025 MSU All-University AwardsPublished on April 11, 2025 
 This April, MSU honored CANR members — Hui Li, Elizabeth Perry, Jacquelyn Jacobs and Phil Kaatz — at the All-University Awards. Emily Sorroche was honored as a recipient of an Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
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        PSM graduate students join small group of invited guests to present their research at BayerPublished on April 10, 2025 
 Gloria Baker and Wallas Mendes da Silva participated in the annual BIO "the Bring Them In Spring 2025" event
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        Lisa Tiemann hosts students from IndiaPublished on April 3, 2025 
 Two PhD students join us this semester for a sample of the MSU agronomic research experience
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        New farm manager named at MSU Entomology, Plant Pathology Research CentersPublished on April 1, 2025 
 Lance Forsberg has been named farm manager. He has held positions at MSU since 2011.
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        Tim MIles and the Small Fruit and Hop Pathology Lab strengthens Michigan’s $6B grape industryPublished on March 27, 2025 
 Grapes are an important crop in Michigan contributing more than $6.3 billion annually. Grapes are highly susceptible to viruses so it’s important to keep vineyards healthy and productive.
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        MSU researchers publish 25-year study exploring impacts of conservation practices on soil health, carbon contentPublished on March 21, 2025 
 A new study by CANR researchers in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences explores the long-term impact of conservation management practices on soil organic carbon (SOC) content
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        Eastern and Sexton high school students tour PSM with FFA Open House eventPublished on March 21, 2025 
 During the recent PSM Open House, hosted by Erin Bosch Hannah for the FFA convention, Eunice Foster brought seventeen Lansing high school students along for the ride
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        It's can opening time for MSU's Bean Team!Published on March 14, 2025 
 This annual activity involves entire team in a quality review activity that's integral to the continued success of the breeding program
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        Agricultural Resiliency Program funds four new projectsPublished on March 11, 2025 
 The partnership among MSU, the Michigan Plant Coalition, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will fund four new projects at $1.275 million each.
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        Alumni award recipient Veronica Vallejo packs the room in her inaugural HRT/PSM Spring 2025 SeminarPublished on March 2, 2025 
 Veronica Vallejo visited recently, to give the inaugural HRT/PSM Spring 2025 Seminar to a packed room, and to accept the outstanding alumni award from the Dept of Horticulture.
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        Alumni Jake Kilby (MS 2024) reflects on his success at MSUPublished on February 27, 2025 
 Recent grad offers advice to students
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        MSU's Soil Judging Team: Exploring soil science through competition and communityPublished on February 25, 2025 
 The MSU Soil Judging Team offers students the chance to study soil directly in the field while fostering a supportive community where students can engage in friendly competition and explore soil science.
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        Long-term Study Reveals Best Practices for Building Soil Carbon in AgriculturePublished on January 24, 2025 
 Investigators at MSU’s Long-term Ecological Research including Sasha Kravchenko and Jennifer Miesel, site find 25-year differences in soil carbon gain among cover cropped, no-till, and perennial cropping systems.
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        PSM Weed Science Wins Big at Annual MeetingPublished on January 9, 2025 
 Strong showing at the North Central Weed Science Society Annual Meeting
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        Celebrating the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation’s 50 years of impact at MSUPublished on December 18, 2024 
 Since 1974, philanthropic support from the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation has strengthened MSU’s world-renowned turfgrass program.
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        Online master’s program growing globallyPublished on December 17, 2024 
 Asynchronous, online graduate program will allow students to earn a degree in plant breeding from MSU
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        Dr. Valerio Hoyos-Villegas joins PSMPublished on December 13, 2024 
 Welcome Valerio Hoyos-Villegas who joins the PSM faculty to lead the dry bean breeding program.
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        Bonito lab scores the cover of the journal Mycologia with the discovery of new truffle speciesPublished on November 22, 2024 
 New paper in leading journal lead by undergraduate researcher Alassane Sow and co-authors Bryan Rennick and Jud Van Wyk in PSM.
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        CANR hosts discussion panel featuring undergraduate students focused on culture, access and belongingPublished on November 21, 2024 
 CANR Office of Culture, Access & Belonging recently hosted an “Undergraduate Panel” in which several CANR students of various backgrounds and majors offered insights about their experiences in and around MSU.
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        Big wins for PSM at 2024 Tri Societies Meeting San Antonio TexasPublished on November 19, 2024 
 Ian Waldecker's (Sprague/Singh) poster "Optimizing Desiccation Strategies to Minimize Soybean Yield and QualityLosses" finished 1st place in the C3 division of the CSSA competition out of 27 posters.
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        New resource for breeding better soybeansPublished on November 15, 2024 
 New data repository allows plant breeders to see trends in resistance gene efficacy.
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        PSM students and faculty present at World Food Prize 2024 eventPublished on November 7, 2024 
 Thousands attend PSM presentations at Borlaug Dialogue
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        STEAM Expo Weekend to feature plant research at MSUPublished on October 30, 2024 
 Consider joining us to present the best of MSU plant science! Reach our with your ideas TODAY
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        Potato team gears up for new project in RwandaPublished on October 30, 2024 
 The Rwanda Agricultural Biotechnology Program aims to improve the productivity and resilience of three staple crops — cassava, maize, and potato.
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        Research published in Nature opens door for advancements in MSU wheat geneticsPublished on October 29, 2024 
 Eric Olson, an associate professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, was part of a research team studying the origin and evolution of the bread wheat D genome. Findings were recently published in Nature.
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        MSU Soil Judging Places 4th Regionally and Qualifies for the National Contest in 2025Published on October 18, 2024 
 The MSU team, coached by Dr. Barret Wessel and assistant coaches Bernard Frantz, Mason Rutgers, and Chris Baish, qualified for the National Soil Judging Contest in the spring 2025 semester.
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        Jaime Wilbur wins MSU Outstanding Supervisor AwardPublished on October 18, 2024 
 PSM Faculty member selected for award among nearly two dozen nominees university-wide.
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        New director named for MSU Institute of Water ResearchPublished on October 8, 2024 
 Pouyan Nejadhashemi has been named director of the Institute of Water Research effective Oct. 15, 2024.
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        PSM People recognized with awards from National Pest Diagnostics Network for outstanding servicePublished on September 29, 2024 
 MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics Team Rises to critical challenge. Jan Byrne, Laura Miles recognized by National Network for significant effort, creative thinking, and implementation of new protocol
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        MSU scientists awarded two new grants over $1M each to address PFAS impacts on agriculturePublished on September 27, 2024 
 The grants will support a multidisciplinary approach evaluating the impact of PFAS on a Michigan farm.
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        MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources announces search for PSM Department chairPublished on September 20, 2024 
 The Dept is seeking an individual with an outstanding record of achievement, appreciation for the range of disciplines, and dedication to the land grant mission
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        Is it chestnut season in MIchigan? Or trouble with tribbles*Published on September 19, 2024 
 Post-doc researcher Giorgia Bastianelli continues long tradition of chestnut research at MSU
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        Nourish the Future brings k-12 science educators to PSM for 2nd workshopPublished on September 17, 2024 
 PSM’s Addie Thompson and Erin Bosch-Hannah recently hosted 20 teachers from across Michigan as part of the Nourish the Future (NTF) initiative: "Feeding & Fueling the World."
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        Christy Sprague was named “Educator of the Year” by the Mid America CropLife Association (MACA).Published on September 15, 2024 
 Awarded for "demonstrated evidence of significant contributions to American agriculture"
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        CANR announces Dissertation Completion Fellowship deadlinesPublished on September 11, 2024 
 See complete information and links to forms here
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        Potato team lead by David Douches awarded new patentPublished on August 29, 2024 
 How does the MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program bring big science to the local farmer?
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        Empowering futures: MSU CANR students awarded Dean’s Choice AwardPublished on August 27, 2024 
 CANR students Natali Gonzalez and Lavonnes Bolds were recently selected as recipients of the MSUFCU CANR Dean’s Choice Award, a scholarship aiming to address the issue of access in higher education
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        MSU researchers develop low-cost sensors to help farmers irrigate more efficiently, manage diseasesPublished on August 14, 2024 
 Scientists have developed a system called LOCOMOS to monitor irrigation efficiency.
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        2024 MSU wheat variety performance trial results availablePublished on August 7, 2024 
 Growers can use data from these trials when selecting wheat varieties to plant on their farm.
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        MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics names new directorPublished on August 1, 2024 
 Plant diagnostic services continue at MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics under the new direction of Jan Byrne, PhD, following the retirement of Ray Hammerschmidt, PhD.
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        The buzz on the new insect/arthropod diagnostician at MSU Plant and Pest DiagnosticsPublished on July 26, 2024 
 Following the retirement of Howard “Bugman” Russell, Sarah Hughson has begun her role as the new insect/arthropod diagnostician.
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        Getting to the root of science outreach with sugar beetsPublished on July 26, 2024 
 Linda Hanson, Jaime Willbur and graduate students Fayann Iobst and Kirsten Pollok recently participated in Youth Field Day, a hands-on agriculture experience for students in grades 3-12 held annually by Michigan Sugar.
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        Interim Dean Daum shares vision for CANR at Michigan State UniversityPublished on July 17, 2024 
 Matthew Daum, Ph.D., the newly appointed interim dean of CANR at MSU, steps into the role with a wealth of experience and expertise. As he embarks on this new chapter, Dr. Daum shares his perspective on leadership and his vision for CANR's future.
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        Multidisciplinary KBS team produces new conservation toolPublished on July 2, 2024 
 The first-ever Prairie Strip Partial Budget is now available through MSU Extension and MiSTRIPS
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        Announcing Master's Degree Thesis Defense Seminar for Maria Kenneth Lane S. BearsPublished on June 28, 2024 
 Understanding winter wheat and sugarbeet yield, growth, and quality through intensive management
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        Faculty FeaturePublished on June 28, 2024 
 This week we are getting to know Dr. Gian Maria Niccolo “Nico” Benucci, who works as a Data Analyst and Bioinformatician with the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC).
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        2024 MSU Weeds Tour brings students, faculty and agriculture industry stakeholders together in the fieldPublished on June 28, 2024 
 A huge crowd including stakeholders from all sectors including producers, industry and faculty, gathered at MSU Plant Pathology Farm to learn from each other about the latest developments in weed and seed research in the corn and soybean plots.
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        ANNOUNCING DEFENSE SEMINAR: EMILY ROGGENKAMPPublished on June 24, 2024 
 “GENETIC INVESTIGATION OF THE MAIZE PATHOGEN PHYLLACHORA MAYDIS”
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        MSU faculty turn the farm into a classroomPublished on June 21, 2024 
 Science teachers visit MSU to learn STEM principles from PSM educators
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        Announcing Defense Seminar: William BehlingPublished on June 20, 2024 
 Accessing Crop Wild Relatives of Potato with a Focus on Solanum verrucosum and the 1EBN Species in the Tertiary Genepool
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        CANR Alumni Board Spotlight – John SchramskiPublished on June 19, 2024 
 CANR is releasing a series of spotlights on Alumni Board members. John Schramski (Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, '13 B.S., '20 M.S.) is currently an Executive Board member representing Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.
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        How does agriculture fit into the human anitibiotic resistance cycle?Published on June 14, 2024 
 New research explores this global, One Health problem
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        MSU team receives $750K to explore climate change mitigation potential of switchgrassPublished on June 13, 2024 
 The grant is through USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
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        New climate resiliency program aims to assist in ‘challenges our farm hasn’t faced before’Published on June 12, 2024 
 Jeanie Igl, fourth-generation farmer of Hawkins Homestead based in Ingham County, said she hopes the new Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program will provide several years of climate research to combat the emerging issues her farm is experiencing.
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        Exploring the Influential Legacy of Dr. Zhu ZuxiangPublished on June 5, 2024 
 Widely considered the founder of the soil chemistry discipline in China, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences alumnus Dr. Zhu Zuxiang (Chu, Tsu-Siang), Ph.D. (’46, ’48), exemplifies the reach of CANR’s global impact.
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        Can we enhance the climate mitigation potential of switchgrass as a Bioenergy Cropping System?Published on June 5, 2024 
 PSM professors land NIFA funding to explore pathways to greater carbon storage in switchgrass fields
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        MSU potato breeder develops new genetically engineered potatoPublished on June 4, 2024 
 The Kal91.3 potato can be stored in cool temperatures for long periods of time and produce healthier and higher-quality potato chips.
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        What is the Farm Bill 2024 and why should you know about itPublished on June 3, 2024 
 It’s a farm bill year! What does that mean for US? Farm Bill 2024: Act Now to Shape Five Years of Farm and Food Policy
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        MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension to host field days around the state this summerPublished on May 28, 2024 
 Growers and producers will have the chance to participate in field days across Michigan.
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        MSU hires new farm manager for Plant Pathology and Entomology Research CentersPublished on May 20, 2024 
 Jared Andrews will lead daily operations at both MSU AgBioResearch on-campus research centers.
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        Remembering Dr. Joseph VargasPublished on May 13, 2024 
 The CANR Spartan community commemorates the impactful life and enduring legacy of Joseph Vargas
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        Can we grow morel mushrooms for fun and profit?Published on May 13, 2024 
 SARE-funded project proves fruitful despite low yields
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        Funding assistance available for PSM graduate studentsPublished on May 1, 2024 
 Below you will find a complete listing of opportunities for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters
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        New Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program funds four projectsPublished on April 22, 2024 
 Each project will be supported at roughly $1.25 million over three years.
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        Introducing 1st year PhD student Siavash Heshmati, international graduate student, Dr Grace Fleming Seed Science LabPublished on April 7, 2024 
 Sia is turning his lifelong curiosity about seeds into a PhD project
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        PSM grad student Chenxi Li studies the effects of soil amendments on the uptake of heavy metals in carrotsPublished on April 7, 2024 
 Chenxi and team are growing carrots in soil sampled at a Michigan carrot farm to evaluate uptake of metalloids at various growth stages, soil amendment application conditions, and soil moisture levels.
