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.
Louise Ferguson and fellow editors published The Fig: Botany, Production and Uses, a comprehensive book on fig cultivation, history, and market growth. It covers everything from fig varieties to postharvest techniques, boosting sector growth.
Jorge Dubcovsky of UC Davis was awarded the Frank N. Meyer Medal for his pioneering work on wheat genetics, including the development of germplasm and wheat varieties that improve yield, nutrition, and climate resilience.
Isha Poudel, a UC Davis master's student in international agricultural development, has received an American Association of University Women fellowship. Her research focuses on gender equity and disaster resiliency in food systems.
E. Charles Brummer, UC Davis professor and Plant Breeding Center director, was honored by the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference for his groundbreaking research and leadership in alfalfa breeding, genetics, and genomics over 30 years.
UC Davis scientists, including Alessandro Ossola, are studying urban trees to predict which species will thrive amid climate change. Their research aims to help cities plan for the future, ensuring trees can continue to provide shade and cooling as conditions worsen.
Plant pathologist Paul G. Smith was honored posthumously at the 2022 International Pepper Conference for pioneering pepper genetics. His work on disease resistance and pepper breeding continues to shape global crop science today.
Plant sciences scholarship funds are now available for three incoming undergraduate students from California high schools and four more undergrads transferring in from the state’s community colleges. MSP scholars will receive interdisciplinary training, have opportunities to network with their peers and industry professionals, and participate in professional meetings.
Maeli Melotto and her UC Davis team are studying lettuce genetics to develop strains more resistant to E. coli. They work to reduce foodborne illness, lower farming costs, and save public health expenses.
Giulia Marino, UC Davis' new Presidential Chair for Tree Nut Genetics, is developing resilient pistachio varieties to help farmers cope with warmer winters, water shortages, and rising costs, enhancing the state's $5-billion industry.
