The African Plant Breeding Academy, hosted by UC Davis, kicked off its spring session in Nairobi with 40 scientists from 22 African nations. The program, focusing on crop improvement, aims to combat malnutrition and boost food security.
UC Davis researchers discovered genes in strawberries resistant to Fusarium wilt, a deadly soilborne disease. This breakthrough will protect crops, offering future cultivars with the resistance gene and helping safeguard California’s strawberry industry.
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 study led by UC Davis researchers shows that genetic diversity within a single species can significantly impact the survival of entire food webs. This finding has important implications for agriculture, biodiversity, and climate change adaptation.
A UC Davis study found that watercress grown in indoor vertical farms has the highest yield and phytonutrient content, surpassing traditional outdoor crops. The indoor conditions, enhanced by blue light, boost its anti-cancer benefits.
UC Davis researchers identified a gene variant, WAPO1, in wheat that can increase grain yield by allowing more grains to grow in each spike. This could improve food production, lower prices, and help meet global demand.
UC Davis leads a $15 million, five-year project to accelerate wheat breeding in response to climate change. The project involves 41 institutions and focuses on new traits for wheat, improving breeding methods, and training the next generation of plant breeders.
A UC Davis-led team has received a $6.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation to develop GEMINI, a tool using AI and 3D modeling to accelerate breeding for legumes and sorghum, enhancing climate adaptation and crop yields.
A UC Davis study found that while breeding and management helped maintain rice yields despite climate change, they weren't enough to boost production to meet growing global demand. Increased investment in breeding and soil management is crucial.
