UC Davis researchers are exploring how byproducts from anaerobic digesters, rich in nitrogen, can serve as fertilizers for wheat and triticale. Early results show promise for forage crops, potentially reducing chemical fertilizer use and costs.
UC Davis researchers are developing wheat and barley varieties to withstand drought, salinity, and climate change. Innovations include dual-purpose wheat, non-allergenic grains, drone monitoring, and water-efficient farming to support growers.
Each spring, the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences grows popping corn for its popular Picnic Day shelling exhibit. Visitors collect kernels to take home and pop, learning about popcorn's unique moisture-powered “pop” and the science behind this tasty treat.
Xiaofei Zhang started this month as an assistant professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, specializing in molecular genetics and breeding of small grains crops. His top priority, he said, will be developing wheat varieties that are highly productive for forage and that also have high grain yield and good quality.
UC Davis alumnus Gurdev Khush won a $250K VinFuture Prize for co-developing disease-resistant rice strains now widely grown in Asia. His work has boosted global food security and cut pesticide use in tropical rice farming.
No-till annual wheat can boost soil carbon and maintain yields better than tilled wheat or perennial Kernza in California’s climate, according to new UC Davis research led by Mark Lundy. Study highlights benefits of conservation tillage.
An international team, including Cameron Pittelkow, developed a strategy for reducing nitrogen fertilizer use in China’s rice production. Their plan would cut pollution, boost efficiency, and sustain food security while addressing environmental harm.
UC Davis researchers discovered that duplicating certain genes in wheat can stimulate deeper root growth, helping plants access water in drought conditions. This breakthrough could lead to higher yields and better drought resistance in wheat.
UC Davis researchers developed a crop rotation calculator to help California rice farmers manage drought and water scarcity. The tool offers projections on the economic impacts of rotating to less water-intensive crops, aiding growers in making informed decisions.
Researchers at UC Davis are studying genes that control how quickly wheat leaves shift between sun and shade to improve photosynthesis. Faster-shifting leaves could boost carbon intake and increase wheat yields, potentially feeding more people.
