Invasive grasses fueled by nitrogen pollution are altering fire patterns in the Mojave Desert, threatening Joshua trees. UC Davis restoration ecologist Justin Valliere says restoration must focus on protecting key areas from frequent wildfires.
UC Davis researchers developed a tool to predict forest survival under drought by linking rainfall to tree growth and carbon reserves. It helps identify when forests hit tipping points and guides climate and conservation efforts.
Doctoral student Susan Zhang is uncovering how pistachio trees resist drought and salinity. Her research, backed by USDA and UC Davis awards, could boost sustainable agriculture while inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Farmers can use a DIY test—requiring scissors and a garlic press—to check nitrogen levels in crops. This simple method helps boost yields and reduce fertilizer costs and pollution linked to nitrogen overuse.
Doctoral student Valentina Roel is testing compost-based fertilizers from food and yard waste as eco-friendly nitrogen alternatives. Early results show similar crop yields to synthetic fertilizers, offering climate and soil benefits.
Doctoral student Marie Klein won best elevator talk at a national bioenergy meeting for her work on drought-tolerant poplars grown for jet fuel—part of a DOE effort to cut fossil fuels and greenhouse gases by 2050.
UC Davis scientists received $2.1M in USDA grants to breed green beans, chile peppers, and alfalfa better suited for heat and drought. The goal: improve quality, boost yield, cut costs, and adapt crops to climate change.
UC Davis’ Joshua Hegarty received an $800K USDA grant to breed triticale with better bread-baking qualities while maintaining high yields and low input needs, aiming to boost food security and value for farmers worldwide.
UC Davis scientists have discovered the PLATZ1 gene in wheat. This gene controls plant height and boosts yield, especially in water-scarce conditions. It also helps produce longer coleoptiles for deeper planting, improving moisture access.
Alessandro Ossola, UC Davis Assistant Professor, received the 2022 New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award for his project on using big data to develop climate models for urban tree crops, aiding climate-resilient food systems.
